The International - October 2021

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

HALLOWEEN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

BASIC NEEDS ARE A HUMAN RIGHT

DANISH PHARMA & BIOTECH CLUSTER

THE CHANGING FACE OF DK EDUCATION

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

LEARNING TO THRIVE IN DENMARK MEET VANESSA AND HER FAMILY - WIFE, MAMA BEAR AND MOMTREPRENEUR OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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STAND UP AND FIGHT FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T BE HEARD! DID YOU KNOW THAT 17 MILLION PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN THE WORLD WITH CEREBRAL PALSY? THAT IS ONLY ONE, YES, JUST ONE OF THE MANY TYPES OF DISABILITIES IN THE WORLD TODAY! BECOMING A PARENT COMES WITH ALL TYPES OF EMOTIONS, BUT NOTHING PREPARES YOU FOR THE HIGHS AND LOWS YOU WILL ENCOUNTER AS A PARENT OF A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD.

T

MEET THE TEAM

THIS ISSUE OF The International is a personal one for me.

EDITOR & FOUNDER

I have two incredible sons - one has had a rough start in life and has cerebral palsy. He is one of the 17 million affected in the world today. So why am I mentioning this – well, we celebrate World CP Day on the 6th of October.

Raising a child with special needs can add stress to life that most people will not understand. It leaves parents feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and stretched beyond their limit. There are days when feeling helpless is the only thought you have while juggling specialists, pharmacies, physio, equipment needs – and a whole host of other colourful professionals you will meet on this special needs journey. And you do it all for the love of your child. This month, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa, our beautiful feature story, another mama bear to a special needs child. Her story is heart warming as she shares her journey about her family on pages 10-13. Yesterday around Denmark, people stood up in their individual kommunes demanding more help for special needs – there is just not enough being done for this community in Denmark, see our article on page 22. With the local elections in November, this is the perfect time to give this community a voice, and we as internationals have a right to vote too –read the article on page 27 to find out more regarding your rights.

I came to Denmark as an international and basically had to understand and battle the system for my son. It’s been a tough fight, not only due to the language barrier but also I’ve found out that Danes don’t fully understand the system either, so I’m not alone! This was why I made it my mission to provide a special needs article in every issue to help understand the system and how you can make it work for you and your child – regardless if you are an international or a Dane.

These reminders are for our special needs parents out there – remember to breathe and be kind to yourself:

RECOGNIZE YOUR STRENGTH Every day, you manage situations that other parents would think impossible. Take care of yourself. Take the time to recuperate and relax so you can maintain your energy. Think of your energy as a jug of water. If you constantly pour out the water (your energy) and never refill the jug, you will have nothing to give at the end of the day.

Maintaining a healthy mind and spirit is a prerequisite to effective parenting.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL Surround yourself with people who provide the positive energy you need. When facing severe emotional difficulties, consider looking for a support group of parents with special needs children. Well-meaning parents with ‘normal’ developing children may not be able to provide the kind of support you need, or they might find the conversation awkward because they cannot offer practical help.

However, having a dedicated community of parents with similar struggles will make daily life more manageable – and they just ‘get you’.

DON’T LOSE YOU Find time for personal peace and solitude. Connect with others who can relate to your journey. Accept help from friends and family by letting others know what you need – don’t be shy to speak up, and go out and have a little fun now and again.

LISTEN TO YOUR GUT You are your child’s best advocate because you know your

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Lyndsay Jensen - lyndsay@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER Kenneth Macalpine - kenneth@the-intl.com

CONSULTING EDITOR Conrad Egbert

WRITERS TEAM Ophelia Wu; Sarah Redohl; Mariano Davies; Skyler Bentley Hall; Tiny Maerschalk; Monika Pedersen; Narcis Matache; Tarek Abusham; Sara R. Newell; Aina Masood; Susan Jessen Spiele; Michaela Medvedova; Shani Bishop; Natasha Curach; Conrad Molden; Heather Storgaard

COVER PICTURE Hilary Katzen - https://hilarykatzenweddings.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM SoMe Coordinator Gustav Soderstjerna - gustav@the-intl.com

SoMe Ambassadors Neelam Gahlaut; Michaela Medvedova; Aina Masood; Katie Noyed; Oleg Poliszczuk; Amelie Taralle; Ane-Sophie Custura; Terumi Mascarenchild. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get multiple opinions and ask your doctor about the research. Research your child’s condition by reading journals, researching and listening to other parents of special needs children.

Doctors, teachers and therapists are all fantastic resources, but if you don’t feel like you’re being heard or that your child’s needs are not being met, it’s reasonable to get a second opinion.

CELEBRATE THE LITTLE THINGS Celebrate those accomplishments that seem small to others but are huge for your child. Kids develop differently. Some skills they may grasp, and others they may never master. The first step on their own, a word, a sentence, a smile, a hug — whatever that milestone is, share it with those who love you and your child.

PROTECT YOUR INNER PARENT You are a chemist, nurse, doctor, physio, and kommune negotiator. But you are first and foremost a parent. So while everything on your calendar is important, it’s necessary to make room to play, laugh, be silly and enjoy your kids – you’re still a mom. Read, snuggle and engage with them in their world. Take time to appreciate your children and love them as individuals. I always say that his disability does not define Bjørn – and when that cheeky face grins and me, he is my hero, and his disability becomes a secondary thing, I just see him.

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

has; Manon Coolen; Eliana Zabellan; Leslie Noygues; Judit Farkas; Shelly Pandey; Sofia Rigoni; Laura Luzinska; Shivangi Singh; Ritika Jain; Rosa Ingstrup; Pavlos Tsiakoumis

DISTRIBUTION The International is available at a range of businesses, institutions, embassies, cafés and public libraries across Denmark

SALES sales@the-intl.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS For corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: lyndsay@the-intl.com The International is published 12 times a year.

This issue was published on 4 October, 2021.

Notice: The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publishers. Published by and © 2021 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181

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THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK EXPLORE LITERARY EXPERIENCES WITH ODENSE'S SMALLEST LIBRARIES Danish parks in the summer are buzzing with life, and Munke Mose and Skovsøen, two of the largest parks in Odense, are no exception.

offer non-academic literature ranging from novels and children's books to cooking books.

But for those who want to catch some rays in the company of good literature, something else popped up in the parks at the beginning of summer - Little Libraries, tiny wooden houses filled with books anyone can take out and read for free.

"The main idea behind the Little Libraries is to share literary experiences: if I read a good book, I would like to give another person the same opportunity to have this experience.

This is also environmentally friendly you can pass your books on," explains Maria Orup Kristensen, the librarian who covers the Little Library project at the Odense Library.

But while it was the library that set up the two tiny bibliothecas, the books inside the house-shaped cabinets were not old library books. Instead, they came from private donations. As a result, the small shelves

“The main idea behind the Little Libraries is to share literary experiences: if I read a good book, I would like to give another person the same opportunity to have this experience.”

The wannabe-readers are encouraged to take out one book at a time and take another after they are finished with their previous literary adventure. Those who wish to donate books can place one or two of them at a time inside the cabinet - depending on how full its shelves are.

While people are encouraged to donate books from their own collections, they are allowed to take a book from the box without returning the favour. "We, of course, hope that if they take one, they will also leave one, but they don't have to," smiles Maria.

In September, the book box in Munke Mose had to be taken down for repairs. But see if you can still catch at least one Little Library before the initiative is gone for the year! THE-INTL

FIRST NIS INTERNATIONAL DAY IN 2 YEARS!

The children of North Zealand International School (NIS) recently took another step toward becoming global citizens. This year's focus at international day was the United Nation's sustainability goal to protect ecosystems and halt land degradation and biodiversity loss. As the children, parents and teachers gathered for international day, you could feel the joy and excitement in the air. Families were delighted to be back together again and having fun as a school. With a flag parade, games and entertainment, there was a real focus on what matters to the learners, parents and teachers at NIS. Each country table had activities and games to explain what individual countries are

MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

SHANI BISHOP

NIS raise over 5000 DKK for an African turtle conservation charity on the first international day in 2 years.

Save your wallet and the planet

doing to increase biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of forests. NIS teachers had designed activities that really strengthened the children's understanding of the issue. The Dutch table, as always, was a spectacle to behold.

“As the children, parents and teachers gathered for international day, you could feel the joy and excitement in the air.”

The Netherlands is the top agri-food exporter in Europe but suffers from low biodiversity like most of Europe. So the Dutch sought to ask the visitors to choose between food and biodiversity and then explain the consequences of their choice. Many other activities included pony rides, crafting, bike checks, cricket, and a flash mob!

Mariska Völkers, Chair of the NIS

SHANI BISHOP is a Brit with extensive international marketing experience including brand management and international marketing for UK universities. She currently provides marketing advice for international education.

Parents Association, said, "International day at NIS is all about connecting with friends new and old and connecting through culture and food. This year's international day achieved this and more. After two years, it was fantastic to welcome all the new families and see old friends. Everyone could see what a close-knit community we are. We counted over 1000 people, so it was our biggest one yet!" THE-INTL

MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ comes from Slovakia and moved to Denmark 3 years ago to study for her Master's degree. Living in Odense she says it's the perfect city for her because it's not too large to be intimidating, but still exciting!

When something breaks, and we can't fix it, we often just throw the item out and buy a replacement - and fuel the culture of waste in the process.

In Odense and several other cities in Denmark - you can get help from the friendly neighbourhood volunteers at Repair Café Odense (RCO), a not-for-profit organisation with a goal of a positive environmental, social, and economic impact.

Founded in 2016 as the first Repair Café in Denmark, RCO was started by Keshav Parajuly, an environmental engineer researching electronic waste. With his assistants, they analysed the waste from the municipality and found that almost 20% of discarded electronics still worked. To actively combat this situation outside of academia, Keshav organised the first RCO event in 2017.

“People can simply walk in with their broken objects - nowadays, it is mostly electronics, but it can also be clothes or bikes.”

RCO is open on the last Sunday of every month on Byens Ø in the Odense Harbour. People can simply walk in with their broken objects - nowadays, it is mostly electronics, but it can also be clothes or bikes. Volunteers try to fix them or provide the necessary tools to those who have the skills.

Right now, RCO has about 10 to 15 volunteers. They don't need any specific skills, just the will to learn from others.

"Many just came here to fix their bikes.

We have some very skilled volunteers who taught them how - and the people stayed as new volunteers," says Alain Kovacs, RCO foreman.

Besides volunteering, donations – you can also donate tools. RCO built up their impressive tools supply from donations, personal collections from volunteers, or grants they applied for over the years. If the volunteers cannot fix an object, they still save working parts that can be reused.

The team is currently looking for volunteers. "It's important to connect your beliefs and actions. It takes a bit more commitment to sacrifice your Sunday without financial reward. But I would encourage people to connect what they think about the future - and what they are doing now to try to make it better," concludes Dylan Cawthorne, RCO board member. THE-INTL

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ALL EVENTS IN OCTOBER

AALBORG

COPENHAGEN

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ZEALAND

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Even though Denmark is returning to normal, we still encourage you to follow the government's guidelines and stay safe. For up to date information on these guidelines and the latest news, follow www.coronasmitte.dk

9 OCTOBER

12 OCTOBER

CAMPFIRE HYGGE

ASTRONOMY ON TAP: OBSERVING IN SPACE

VISIT DENMARK - VIKINGPÆL BO HERBST

Campfire and hygge around the campfire. Join us on toasting bread and other foods on the fire, and generally having a hygge time.

Astronomy on Tap is a (FREE) series of events to make the latest research in astronomy and space accessible to the public, with fun talks given in simple ENGLISH, quiz, and plenty of time for mingling between our speakers and guests.

October was meant to be when the James Webb Space Telescope launches, so we decided it was about time to talk about some space telescopes!

Prof. Gabriel Brammer (KU): Likes to think about how galaxies form and has looked at many galaxies with the Hubble Space Telescope!

Dr Desiree Ferreira (DTU): is a senior scientist looking at the universe in the x-ray and has recently been working on the Athena x-ray space telescope!

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COPENHAGEN

FUNEN

VISIT DENMARK - G0168178 1 (TRUKKET)

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Schedule: 18:30: Doors open to the STARDUST Room 19:00: Prof. Gabriel Brammer - Visible light and Hubble 19:30: Quiz and break 20:00: Dr Desiree Ferreira - X-ray light and Athena Quiz! Join the halftime quiz for a chance to win some drinks vouchers.

10 OCTOBER

Corona information: Seat reservations are no longer required, like previous events. We will be maintaining hygiene with hand sanitisers. We ask that if you are ill or showing symptoms of covid to reconsider your attendance.

CUBAN SALSA DROP-IN CLASSES JUTLAND

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Join our famous drop-in classes every Sunday!

We will be offering drop-in classes at Idrætsfabrikken.

So dance, have fun, meet new awesome people and make a change!

Some practical stuff: Idrætsfabrikken does not permit outdoor shoes in the dance studio, so please bring dance shoes/indoor shoes/ socks.

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VISIT DENMARK - VARNÆS HOVED - CLAUS VISBY

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MARIBO CRAFT DAYS FB PAGE

MARIBO

12-17 OCTOBER MARIBO CRAFT DAYS A week filled with craft and cosiness!

Maribo Craft Days is a six-day paradise for craft enthusiasts. In the cosy historical settings of Maribo, you can walk past the shops in the town and experience an assortment of skilled craftspeople.

A chance to meet a variety of people who work with their hands and who love sustainability.

It's free entry to the festival, but at some events, it is necessary to book in advance because of the space, and at some of the events, we charge an entrance fee.

As visitors at the festival, you receive a bracelet where you can get a discount in several shops and restaurants in the town.

A focus on learning

What to expect: - Exhibitions, workshops, lectures and discussions - Needlework, craftsmanship and sustainability - Sensory experiences where you can look, listen, try and discuss - A variety of craft people - Unique craft adventures in the cosy historical town of Maribo So, come join us for six days, where we pay tribute to craft for the community's future!

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MARIBOCRAFTDAYS/

Early Years setting (3-5 year olds) Primary School (5-11 year olds) Secondary School (11-16 year olds) High School (16-18 year olds)

www.nis-ngg.dk Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16

MARIBO CRAFT DAYS FB PAGE

DK, 2970 Hørsholm

Small classes · Support and guidance from dedicated teachers · Sports College · Music Academy · An international learning environment

Cambridge International School

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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AALBORG

COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

PICK

UP SPOT

!

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GLYPTOTEK FB PAGE

GRAB A FREE PR COPY OF INTED THE PAPER AT ESCAPE ST ART UDIO

14 OCTOBER

15 OCTOBER

15 OCTOBER

COME TOGETHER

CULTURE NIGHT

Come Together featuring Red Bull Basement.

Are you a student? Are you interested in entrepreneurship? Do you want to drive positive change in the world?

Venture Cup, SEA and Red Bull Basement can help YOU bring your idea to life.

Nocturnal Magic at the Glyptotek Inspired by the special exhibition, Bes. Demon God – Protector of Egypt, the Glyptotek, has the pleasure of inviting you to a 'demon dance' in the museum's Central Hall.

The evening will kick off with stories for adults and children about the magical little deity Bes and dancing to divine music played through glowing headphones.

Later in the evening, you can indulge in the magic of the night as the DJ, Berrin Bas, plays a stimulating live set.

Then, enjoy a sensory happening in the Central Hall, where the ancient sculptures will be bathed in brightly coloured light as you pop on a set of headphones and listen to music from the MENA region, Bes's homeland.

Throughout the evening, there will be introductions to the Bes. Demon God – Protector of Egypt and Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen exhibitions, and the museum's café Picnic will be serving dinner and other scrumptious goodies.

"SUPERHEROES & COCKTAILS" - DRAWING EXHIBITION

Join us: On 14 October, LifeBoard, a student startup focusing on creating safe beaches, will stop by CREATE at AAU in Aalborg to share their best advice on getting started on your own entrepreneurial adventure!

Learn more: You will also hear more about Red Bull Basement, Venture Cup's cross-university initiative. So come together, and listen to how SEA can help you get started on your project right here on campus.

Join me for the opening of my next exhibition, "Superheros & Cocktails".

I made a series of drawings inspired by the characters we love, next to customised drinks that reflect each superhero by Kester Thomas.

Happening on Friday, 15 October from 18:00 at Kester Thomas.

I'll be live drawing, so come and enjoy the evening with me.

See you there!

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KESTER THOMAS

For everyone: The event is open for everyone whether you "just" have an interest in entrepreneurship, want to work on an idea, are be part of a startup and want a cool video pitch. Come along for an evening in the name of innovation and creativity, and we'll make sure there are ice-cold Red Bull, food, and a DJ to set the mood.

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KULTURNATTEN 2021

GLYPTOTEK FB PAGE

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1KHKSLNHS

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COPENHAGEN

ONLINE

PICK

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COPENHAGEN

!

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SOCIAL BREW FB PAGE

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EVERY SUNDAY

19 OCTOBER

20 OCTOBER

JAZZ EVERY SUNDAY AT SOCIAL BREW

#WORLDBALLETDAY 2021

FRENCH WINE & FOOD TASTING

Join the world's top ballet companies for the biggest-ever global celebration of dance. #WorldBalletDay returns for its 8th year, bringing together a host of the world's leading companies for a packed day of dance.

During the day, rehearsals, discussions and classes will be streamed for free across six continents, offering unique behind-the-scenes glimpses of ballet's biggest stars and upcoming performers.

Copenhagen's most chilled Sunday afternoon can be found in Vesterport (across from the station). So come unwind and enjoy some fantastic live music and a delicious brunch/lunch coupled with some of the best coffee in the city. The Swing Jam Band plays traditional jazz and swing from the 1920s through the 1950s. The group comprises jazz musicians from the local community with horns, guitar, banjo and drums. The best place to be in the city every Sunday!

Join us for an evening with some fantastic French wine, paired with a three-course French dinner.

We will offer four wines from different regions in France, with some information so you may learn a little too.

The price is 400 DKK and can be paid via MobilePay to 563150 in advance. Please message Melo to reserve a spot.

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ADVERTISEMENT

A value-driven community that welcomes students ages 4-16.

Rygaards has a strong reputation of a rich educational experience with a nurturing atmosphere where students learn to think for themselves, find their own voice, and engage with the world with confidence and curiosity.

• High academic standards • Christian ethos • Beautiful campus, located in Hellerup • Global community • NEASC accreditation • Cambridge Assessment International Education Bernstorffsvej 54, 2900 Hellerup +45 39 62 10 53

Learn more at rygaards.com

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20 OCTOBER

COPENHAGEN

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AARHUS

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ONLINE

27 OCTOBER

31 OCTOBER

FREE YOUTUBE LIVE DRAWING AARHUS INTERNATIONAL CLASS - "TRICK OR TREAT" & EXCHANGE STUDENTS HALLOWEEN PARTY! Join here: https://youtu.be/qwZIC-EoHjY Learn to draw virtually with Karin on YouTube.

Subscribe to our youtube channel to be notified when we go live! https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtistsPaletteDurham You can draw along with us on the day and time of the event, and there is always a replay so you can keep up!

You will need an HB pencil, eraser, smudger or q tip, 4B pencil (optional), coloured pencils, paper towel/kleenex.

We hope you can join us or draw along with us later.

HALLOWEEN Come dressed up as anyone you like - except your usual self. This will be the biggest, scariest, and most fun party Downtown has ever hosted.

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.COPENHAGENDOWNTOWN. COM/BAR/EVENTS/HALLOWEEN-PARTY-2021

It's going to be bloody and sexy!

Come to the biggest Exchange & International Students Halloween Party in AARHUS! The naughtiest, bloodiest, and sexiest party of the year has finally arrived in Aarhus!

To purchase tickets: - Round 1: 25 DKK (SOLD OUT!) - Round 2: 35 DKK (Last tickets selling now!)

- Round 3: 75 DKK - Round 4: 95 DKK

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/JKA91RUP

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CPH DOWN TOWN

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INTERESTED

IN GETTING THE LATEST ISSUE AT YOUR SCHOOL? If you would like a subscription ask your school or institution to send us an email by following the QR code

HOW EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CAN HELP: By purchasing a subscription to support your international staff, students and parents Using the copies as a conversation tool between Danish and international students and staff

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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THRIVING TOGETHER IN ORGANISED CHAOS

FLYING. LANDING. BUILDING A NEST. SPREADING HER WINGS. WITH EVERY NEW CHALLENGE, VANESSA PETERSEN HAS ALWAYS FORGED A UNIQUE PATH IN EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.

PHOTOGRAPHS VANESSA PETERSEN

AT FIRST GLANCE, there is something surprising about Vanessa Petersen. As an owner and the creative force behind her jewellery brand, Style Freed, she wears much less jewellery than expected.

But then again, it would be a pity to associate Vanessa only with her work and art albeit beautiful and unique.

She's also a mom. Self-proclaimed organised chaos.

And a bit of a rolling stone that, for the time being, set her roots in the most unexpected of places - Denmark.

A DANISH JINX "I moved from Boston to Florida for the weather. So as you can imagine, I would not move from Florida to Denmark," laughs the United States native Vanessa. But her job as an international flight attendant often took her to the weather-wise not-so-enticing Scandinavia.

Vanessa was encouraged by her friends to find a cute tour guide in every city she flew to. Bad news - she did not manage that. Good news - in Copenhagen, where she had frequent layovers, she met her now-husband, and the rest is history. Or maybe a jinx that came true. "I met a Danish guy in New York before. I said I would never step foot in Copenhagen again - and now I live here."

Copenhagen always reminded Vanessa of her native Boston. She got to know the city well during the 2½ years she and her partner dated long-distance. "But we were in a lucky situation because I was travelling here for work a lot, would have layovers

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

there, and then I had a lot of flight benefits so I could hop on a flight whenever I was off work." She eventually started her move to Copenhagen - in increments, to slowly dip her feet into living in Denmark.

This process shifted into a higher gear when she got pregnant. "I wanted my partner to be a part of the journey." He owned a business in Denmark, and Vanessa was already on maternity leave. So without ever fully experiencing the Danish winter, the self-proclaimed weather-motivated Vanessa started to settle in Denmark.

THE EXPAT GLASS CEILING Luckily, she found the moving process - and the pregnancy - easier than expected.

Thanks to her husband, who knew his way around the system, she got a temporary CPR number without many challenges. During the family reunification process, she was even granted a visa to visit the United States a couple of times. "Plus, my pregnancy journey here was absolutely amazing. Even my lupus went dormant while I was expecting," says Vanessa.

Her biggest struggle ended up being the usual suspect - the Danish language. In a way, Vanessa considers herself spoiled. "Thank God that Danes are practically bilingual from a young age because Danish is not easy." But getting more proficient in Danish is on her to-do list as she does not want to be known as 'that American mom' among other parents. "I do ask in Danish if it is okay to speak English. I learned the important phrases to ease others into speaking English. I'm smart about it," laughs Vanessa.

But she's afraid she could get stuck under the expat glass ceiling - fully adopting the

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Danish culture and contributing to society, but still being labelled as an expat. "Denmark is a small country, and it's not known for being a melting pot. Outside of Copenhagen, it's still something new. So even if you have adopted the country, it might not have adopted you."

STROLLER SHOCK While trying her best to integrate, she can't embrace one part of the Danish culture - leaving babies in strollers unattended. Seeing this was one of her first cultural shocks. "I come from the land of amber alerts. I had to wait by that stroller until somebody collected the kid. My husband said: 'Who would take the child?' It's just one of the differences in culture. I allowed the school to do it, but I still have not left my son alone."

Vanessa has taken the lead in raising their son - understandably, as she comes from a big family. "We were always the next generation's babysitters. I changed diapers from when I was a kid myself. My husband?

Our son is the first child he has held in his life," she laughs.

The distribution of languages is equal. Her husband speaks Danish, and she speaks English to their son Motley. Figuring out which language he understands more is challenging, as Motley is Autistic and non-verbal.

Having a child with special needs means that his parents are "winging it" every day. "We agreed the most important thing is for Motley to be happy. No matter what, we don't want to put unnecessary pressure on him."

Vanessa appreciates every milestone the four-year-old Motley hits. "He is way better with nonverbal communication. For example, if he is thirsty or hungry, he will physically take your hand and lead you." Before, Motley just had a shriek-like sound, and his parents played charades to see what he meant. "But patience and attaching meaning to his sounds and things has been beneficial."

But Vanessa still calls their daily life organised chaos. For example, Motley has difficulty sleeping at night, so she is up too and answers work messages at four in the morning.

But it also comes with a lot of learning. "It's given me a lot more patience, and I have learned how to prioritise things. He comes first, his happiness, development. Sometimes, I may be wiring metal, and he takes my hand. Even if I know it will ruin the piece, I immediately allow him to lead me. He is trying to tell me something, and I need to see what it means."

Motley's communication journey affected Vanessa's, too. "I thought my Danish skills would be evolving with my son's. But if he starts speaking Danish, you better believe I will be in a language school the very next day."

She hopes that Motley will start speaking but is not adamant that it will happen. "He very well could not develop speech." Instead, Vanessa simply expects him to develop some type of concrete communication, whether it is sign language, picture communication, or speech. "Of course, speaking is the best outcome. I still haven't heard the word mama. But I can't put all my eggs in that basket - I need to be able to handle it if he doesn't speak."

STRUGGLING WITH THE SYSTEM Motley was developing like other children for the first eight months and even tried to say dada and far. "But he had a physical reaction to his third set of vaccinations where he lost his hearing for a month. And then, he wasn't saying far and dada anymore. So when I was googling, autism came up in a lot of the search results."

But when Vanessa tried to get an early diagnosis and help, she hit a wall of doctors saying that is too early and the fact that he comes from two languages might be a factor.

Navigating the system, especially as a foreigner, was not easy. "There could be resources, but I wasn't educated about them. Plus, the system does not seem to be ready for children that young. There probably are the best resources after the age of three."

But Motley was only 15 months old, and Vanessa refused to wait be-

"NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM, ESPECIALLY AS A FOREIGNER, WAS NOT EASY. THERE COULD BE RESOURCES, BUT I WASN'T EDUCATED ABOUT THEM. PLUS, THE SYSTEM DOES NOT SEEM TO BE READY FOR CHILDREN THAT YOUNG. THERE PROBABLY ARE THE BEST RESOURCES AFTER THE AGE OF THREE."

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

CENEDRA MICHELLE DAVIDSON @SUNNI_RAE_ART

ORGANISED CHAOS - BUT WITH LOVE

13

cause she knew something was not right. So she took her experience from abroad and privately searched for headstart alternatives she knew were a possibility. "Thankfully, I found the right doctor. So Motley got a very early diagnosis compared to Danish practice. But that was because I pushed and pushed."

Vanessa believes there should be an expedited option for cases like her son's. "Autism, for example, can be drastically changed with early therapy. There should be a quicker process time - not like the status quo where you need to make an appointment for an appointment about an appointment."

BREAKING STEREOTYPES As Motley got older, their experience with the system improved. Right now, he is in preschool. His education track will depend on the next couple of years. "If he does develop language, we don't know if that means everything else will fall into place, for example, if his social awareness develops."

Vanessa does wonder about the future possibilities of education and employment, though. Unlike in the States, she does not see people with developmental needs working in mainstream places. "I was taken aback. Where are these people? Are they not allowed to work?"

She has already experienced what the stereotypes about children with autism can feel like - it's just bad behaviour, bad parenting, he's just playing you… "But autism is a big spectrum. Motley is very comfortable in different environments. He doesn't have a lot of sensitivities that people can see. And because they cannot see that, they think it's a behaviour thing. But do you need to see autism to believe it?"

Vanessa would like to break down the stereotypes that it is difficult to work with kids with autism and are non-

verbal. Motley was recently booked for a photo shoot, and his mom is sure they could capture some good photos. "I want people to know that the kids can focus. Their processing issues aren't equated to misbehaving. I want to make sure Motley can live a full life even after I'm gone.

I want him to thrive."

FREESTYLING But she is thriving as well. While advocating for her son and helping him develop is challenging, it is not all-consuming. "As a mom, I am supposed to say motherhood changed me. But it didn't. It just amplified the person I was already. I am still networking with friends, I am an entrepreneur, I am creative. I do all these things. I just have a baby now."

"A LOT OF EXPATS TAKE JOBS THEY NORMALLY WOULDN'T EVEN LOOK AT BACK HOME. BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO BE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT DEVOLVED ME AS A PERSON. AND IF I COULDN'T FIND A JOB THAT'S PERFECT FOR ME, I WAS GOING TO CREATE IT." When Vanessa found her first job in Denmark, she was grateful - but it did not turn out as described. "A lot of expats take jobs they normally wouldn't even look at back home. But I didn't want to be in an environment that devolved me as a person. And if I couldn't find a job that's perfect for me, I was going to create it."

And that's precisely what she did. Her entrepreneurial fire manifested in her own hand-made jewellery brand, Style Freed, which she founded in 2020 with the help of

her husband, also a business owner, who she calls her "cheat sheet".

The brand's name is a play on freestyle, and most of her pieces are commissioned privately. "You have the freedom to choose who you are. Essentially, I wanted to create pieces of jewellery that had meaning or energy but were still simple," explains Vanessa.

She comes from a very creative family, but she has not expressed it until now. Still, she chose an unusual outlet. "I chose jewellery because I don't wear jewellery. So I wanted to make something that would make me want to wear it."

But the success of her brand showed that others want to wear it, too. So every Monday, she posts pictures of people wearing her pieces. That's the best motivation for her. "My jewellery has travelled more than I have in the last year and a half. It was just recently in Tanzania. That's crazy."

The uniqueness is a big part of the appeal of her brand.

But it comes with its struggles - for example, finding the ideal materials in Denmark or the EU. "I want the materials I work with to have meaning as well."

FREEING VANESSA While having her own business comes with a lot of challenges, it also freed her.

It let her out from the American Dream cycle where she would get a formal education and have to find a job to pay what she owed for it.

It helped her better accommodate her life with Motley and start the workday whenever she could.

And it allowed her to be her best, creative, thriving self. THE-INTL For more information on Autism, contact: https://www. centerforautisme.dk/

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

14

COUNTRYSIDE LIVING BALANCING LIFE BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES, BLENDED CULTURES AND LIFE IN RURAL JUTLAND.

PHOTOGRAPHS VISIT DJURSLAND

TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD

H

HAVING VISITED DENMARK as a teenager, my real connection to the country started when I met a Dane in my native Scotland. Before sitting down to write, I was reflecting on the places I’ve called home.

I’ve never been a city person, and, looking back, I treasure the experiences of different forms of rural life.

“To me, a quiet peninsula only an hour from Aarhus is the perfect location.”

- Heather Storgaard

HOME OR HAME, HEIM OR HJEM As a child, I lived in the Swiss village of Bellach, situated on the edge of a forest and part-way between Basel and Bern.

More recently, my husband and I lived in Marquartstein, an alpine town on the German Austrian border, less than an hour from Munich or Salzburg. Currently, home is both Scotland and eastern Jutland, with our time split between the two.

My husband comes from Helgenæs, a peninsula close to the Mols Bjerge national park and half an hour from the beautiful holiday town of Ebeltoft. I am looking forward to writing about life in a traditional Danish farmhouse overlooking the Kattegat sea. The seasons feel particularly important here; I recently made over twenty jars of jam for the winter and an enormous Datschi (Southern German plum cake), and October is apple picking month…

The farm is down an unpaved lane, accessible from a hamlet called Esby. Many Danes consider it very remote, thanks to the country’s small size and generally low commuting times. To me, a quiet peninsula only an hour from Aarhus is the perfect location, and I hope you will enjoy reading about it.

HEATHER STORGAARD WRITER

Most internationals in Denmark talk about their first impressions upon landing at Copenhagen Airport and experiencing the Danish capital. My extensive experiences of Denmark, however, are all shaped by rural Jutland. As a teenager, on holiday

on the most northernly German island of Sylt (also known as Sild in Danish, lit. Herring), I took a boat trip over to Rømø to stomp around in the Danish-German mud of the Wadden Sea, known locally as a Wattwanderung (mud-flat hike). Northernmost Germany and Southern-most Jutland are similar in landscape and language, so my arrival to Denmark didn’t mean much more than muddy feet.

My second first impression, if I can call it that, was meeting my now-husband. I was studying in Edinburgh and welcoming new students to their accommodation. Officially this started at 09:00, but I was there early so that I would have time to drink plenty of coffee before the chaotic day could start. However, as I went to get my first coffee, I was told that the first arrival was already there, two hours early. So my coffee was abandoned, and I now like to say that I was the first Scot my Dane met up-

VISIT DJURSLAND

VISIT DJURSLAND

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

on moving over the North Sea, both of us having arrived typically Germanic-ly early.

from Northern Scotland, grew up in Switzerland, and lived

CULTURE Spending time in Denmark and Scotland has given me a growing interest in cultures and the things that link and divide us. This led me to return to university in a Culture and Heritage programme at Scotland’s University of the Highlands and Islands.

The classes are all remote, so it doesn’t matter where I am in the world. The degree itself is aptly based on Orkney, a chain of islands Denmark gave to Scotland upon a Danish princess marrying a Scottish King.

Apart from studies, I’m also working in translation and photography. I hope I can use my writing in The International to share the unique culture of the Jutlandic countryside and how internationals can feel a part of that and contribute to it. THE-INTL

VISIT DJURSLAND

Heather Storgaard comes

VISIT DJURSLAND

in England and Germany. She met her Danish and soon-tobe British husband back in 2017, and they now split their time between Central Scotland and Helgenæs, a peninsula in rural Eastern Jutland.

Languages and cultural studies are a big passion, leading Heather to pursue a degree in Culture and Heritage and a career in photography and translation. @heatherstorgaard

15

FOOD ART

HALLOWEEN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES THESE CUPCAKES ARE PERFECT FOR KIDS WHEN PAIRED WITH FUN DECORATIONS AND FOR ADULTS WHEN PRESENTED WITH A SIMPLE SWIRL OF CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM AND AN OPTIONAL DUSTING OF GRATED CHOCOLATE. PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT: NATASHA LIVIERO / ISTOCK

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES (MAKES 24 CUPCAKES)

INGREDIENTS: 260g cake flour 400g granulated sugar 90g cocoa powder 5ml baking powder 5ml baking soda 5ml salt 2 extra large eggs 250ml full cream milk 125ml canola oil 10ml vanilla extract 250ml hot strong coffee (I use espresso) METHOD: #1 Set oven to 1800C. #2 Prepare muffin tins with cupcake paper cups. #3 Sift together the cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. #4 Place sifted ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with a flat beater. #5 Add the wet ingredients, excluding the coffee, and beat until well combined. #6 Add the hot coffee and mix for another minute. #7 With a spatula, wipe down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all the ingredients are

properly blended. #8 Pour the liquid batter evenly into the paper cups until 2/3 full. Do not overfill. #9 Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until a skewer/toothpick inserted into the middle of the

cupcakes comes out clean. #10 Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tins for a few minutes before removing and placing them

onto a cooling rack. Handle carefully as the cupcakes will be very soft.

NOTE: These cupcakes are super soft and moist and best eaten a day after baking. They will last up to five days stored in a cool, airtight container.

METHOD: #1 On medium speed, with a flat beater, mix the butter for five minutes. #2 Sift the icing sugar, cocoa and salt. #3 On a low speed, add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Add enough milk to

achieve your desired consistency. #4 Add the vanilla and mix until well combined. #5 Place buttercream into a piping bag with a nozzle of your choice and pipe swirls onto the cupcakes.

NOTE: This recipe makes enough buttercream for 16 cupcakes. If you like your cupcakes with a generous serving of buttercream or would like to ice more cupcakes, double the recipe.

STARS METHOD: #1 Prepare three different sized star cookie cutters. Roll out purple and green gum paste

approximately 2mm thick. Use purple gum paste for the largest and second-largest stars and green

for the smallest stars. #2 With the largest and second largest cookie cutters, cut out the number of star decorations

desired, bearing in mind that each star has a front and a back i.e. two stars are stuck together to

make one star. #3 Use the smallest cookie cutter to cut out a single star per largest star. #4 To assemble the two larger-sized stars, take a star and dampen it slightly. Lay a toothpick from the

centre through the lowest point. (See pic 1 below) #5 Take another star and gently position it over the base star and press gently to adhere. You can

brush the stars with edible silver dust at this point. (See pic 2 below) #6 Take the smallest stars, dampen the backs slightly and carefully position in the centre of the largest

stars. (See pic 3 below) #7 Set aside for at least 24 hours.

NOTE: Break up the preparation of the cupcakes by making the gum paste figures a few weeks in advance (they will simply harden with time) and the cupcakes with buttercream frosting a day in advance. Position the decorative figures just before serving.

FOLLOW OUR WEBSITE LINK TO CHECK OUT NATASHA'S SPIDER AND WITCH HAT DECORATION TUTORIAL!: HTTPS://WWW.THE-INTL.COM/POST/HALLOWEEN-CHOCOLATE-CUPCAKES

1

2

3

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING INGREDIENTS: 125g Soft butter, cubed 350g Icing sugar 90g Cocoa powder Pinch of salt 100ml full cream milk (approximately) 10ml vanilla extract

NATASHA LIVIERO - PASTRY CHEF Natasha is a recently qualified pastry chef who is South African by birth and Croatian by blood. She spent many years working for a wellness publication but did an about-turn at the beginning of 2020 when she joined a culinary school to fulfil a lifelong dream to study patisserie.

She’s passionate about European pa-tisserie and loves spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes (while quibbling with her feline friends), and is always on the hunt for interesting new cookbooks.

natashaliviero

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

16

BUILDING BRIDGES

IN DENMARK LIFE CAN THROW YOU MANY CURVE BALLS - ONE OF THEM BEING SOCIAL LIFE IN DENMARK. CONRAD TAKES A COMEDIC LOOK AT BUILDING A BRO (BRIDGE) AND FINDING YOUR FOREVER DANISH VENNER (FRIENDS).

PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK

TEXT CONRAD MOLDEN

D

“My friendship group is increasingly like the Olympics opening ceremony if Central Jutland Region hosted it during the pandemic.”

- Conrad Molden

VISIT DENMARK - NICLAS JESSEN

DANES. THEY'RE EVERYWHERE. These beautiful, mysterious people, sitting in groups and speaking Danish. Choosing to speak Danish. Actually wanting to speak Danish.

I have a joke that a friend of mine not only studies advanced Mathematics but that he does it in Danish. Making it extra tricky.

To me, it is like doing a Rubik's Cube… in a mirror. Adding another layer of difficulty to an already impossible task.

I have been in Aarhus since 2012 and still can't come to terms with the native passion for this language.

And that's the biggest chasm to making new friends: their terrifying fluency in Danish. And, on the other side of that Grand Canyon: our total inability to learn it.

Nine years ago, my friendship group in Aarhus better resembled the opening ceremony at the Olympics than anything representative of Denmark. On my Master's degree, we had students from all over: Uganda, Nepal, Germany, Estonia, Russia, the USA… And so those mysterious, beautiful Danes stayed in the background. Just beautiful decoration to our multinational enclave. They were the Italy to our Vatican, the Spain to our San Marino (football club).

We didn't want to impose. We didn't want people to have to speak English because of us. But we struggled like butterfingers with the Danish Rubik's Cube. And they knew it! Danes switching to English because all we know is: tak, tusind tak and rejsekort.

In early 2013 I started performing at a comedy club in my new city and was thrust from my microstate bubble into the mysterious groups. Suddenly I was surrounded by Danish comedians, listening to their strange language and discovering some hard truths: nearly all Danes speak English, many want to, but some absolutely do not.

I performed in my native tongue for audiences who had come to see stand up på Dansk. Many loved it, but I could not shake the feeling that some did not.

The British Empire, Americanisation and a few other things mean that people like me can force locals to listen to comedy in a second language, but it does not feel right.

With help from the esteemed Jacob Taarnhøj, we established English Stand Up Comedy Aarhus, a weekly free stand up comedy open mic in the heart of the city. This was not to be a Gibraltar but a regular event to tap the English-speaking community. It is where those comfortable enough to listen to English can come down and see two hours of free stand up from a whole host of nationals. And we found that many of those were Danes.

And it made me friends. Lifelong friends. Friends who want-

ed to make friendships in English. I built bridges and introduced myself to a whole host of colourful and wonderful characters. My friendship group is increasingly like the Olympics opening ceremony if Central Jutland Region hosted it during the pandemic.

I found my place within the English-speaking-Dane community and managed to suck in a fair few internationals for the ride.

And now, nine years later, I'm even beginning to snakke some Dansk myself. Lovely beautiful Danish people are not so mysterious anymore. They are fellow comedians, friends of comedians, friends of friends, a friend of a friend who is selling a bike, and, oh! Guy who actually used to own that bike! Hey man, nice to see you! Damn, Aarhus is a small place!

It can be tough to step outside your lovely Vatican bubble. However, building bridges with the Danes that are happy to snake Engelsk is definitely a positive first step. THE-INTL

CONRAD MOLDEN WRITER & COMEDIAN Conrad is a 30+ father of two, performing in the Danish stand up scene. He got his big break with a national tour of his one-man show 'Danglish', which is streaming (along with its sequel) on the subscription service TV2 or his website. He is an amateur anthropologist, living amongst the Danes and reporting back to his international friends. He has ambitions to lær the dansk but after nine years thinks nodding and grumbling might be a more realistic survival tactic. His comedy is aimed at anyone seeking comfort, support or relief in this strange land. @ConradMolden.dk @conradmolden @ConradMoldenComedy @conradmolden

VISIT DENMARK - RICHARD CLARK

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

VISIT DENMARK - RICHARD CLARK

17

where can i find a copy?

Don't miss picking up the latest issue at these public pick-up points around Denmark.

 PUBLIC PICK-UP POINTS ON ZEALAND SOCIAL BREW INTERNATIONAL HOUSE COPENHAGEN ART ESCAPE STUDIOS AMERICAN PIE ZOKU COPENHAGEN THE ENGLISH CORNER CAFE LOLLAND NEWCOMER SERVICE

VESTER FARIMAGSGADE 3 - COPENHAGEN GYLDENLØVESGADE 11 - COPENHAGEN BLEGDAMSVEJ 68 - COPENHAGEN SKINDERGADE 25 - COPENHAGEN AMAGERFÆLLEDVEJ 108 - COPENHAGEN TEATERGADE 22, NÆSTVED TORVET 3 - MARIBO

PUBLIC PICK-UP POINT ON FUNEN CAFÉ L’ILE

DALUMVEJ 3 - ODENSE SV

PUBLIC PICK-UP POINTS IN JUTLAND DOKK1 LIBRARY INTERNATIONAL HOUSE NORTH DENMARK ESBJERG NEWCOMER SERVICE VEJLE NEWCOMER SERVICE HERNING NEWCOMER SERVICE BILLUND NEWCOME SERVICE IKAST-BRANDE NEWCOMER SERVICE SØNDERBORG NEWCOMER SERVICE

HACK KAMPMANNS PLADS 2 - AARHUS RANTZAUSGADE 4 - AALBORG TORVEGADE 23 - ESBJERG SKOLEGADE 1 - VEJLE TORVET 5 - HERNING KLØVERMARKEN 35 - BILLUND RÅDHUSSTRÆDET 6 - IKAST RÅDHUSTORVET 10 - SØNDERBORG

You can also read or download the latest issue online: the-intl.com

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

18

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS PHOTOGRAPHS NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT SHANI BISHOP, NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

S

STUDENTS FORTUNATE ENOUGH to

join North Zealand International School High School for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and Pre-IB in August 2022 will find a world of opportunity. Students will undertake a world-class programme and be able to enjoy the benefits of a gymnasium/high school experience.

SMALL CLASSES, BIG INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE… As only a few students will be admitted to the Pre-IB and IB DP, the class sizes will be small. The small classes mean our students benefit from individual attention and feedback, ensuring they can enhance their performance. In addition, new students will find a friendly international community that welcome newcomers and a place where they can receive plenty of support and guidance to achieve their goals.

NIS IB Diploma teachers have been selected from the international school and the Danish gymnasium to give students the best start. These dedicated and highly qualified specialist teachers are from all over the world, so the experience will be truly international. In addition, students will meet learners from all over the world in the classroom, further enriching their experience.

IB DP, PRE-IB, STX AND HF ALL TOGETHER = GREAT SOCIAL LIFE The NIS IB DP and Pre-IB are part of the NIS High School/NGG Gymnasium, so while the classes are small, the opportunities are not!

Students from IB DP, Pre-IB, HF and STX all mix together, so there’s an active social life where friendships are forged for life. In addition, Danish and international students study alongside each other and both gain from the experience.

A trip together at the beginning of the academic year, parties throughout the year and tutor-led ice breaker activities all help cement those bonds.

OUR IB DP From August 2022, students will join the NIS High school/ NGG Gymnasium for a fantastic IB DP experience. Our students will learn to manage their own learning, develop critical thinking skills, enhance their cultural awareness and gain access to the world’s top universities.

OUR PRE-IB The Pre-IB is a one-year programme taught in English, which prepares students for the IB DP. Danish students and International students are welcome onto the Pre-IB. Danish students choose this programme to make sure their English is ready for the IB DP. International students choose the Pre IB to ready themselves for the IB DP.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY… “The best part of NIS is the teachers; they are very qualified and are very good at teaching.” - Joep Willense, The Netherlands “Learning in an international school means you understand people from different backgrounds, you get a better outlook and it prepares you for the future and for work where you meet lots of different people with different backgrounds. It improves your social skills.”

- Nikolaj McCormick, Denmark/UK

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

“The benefits of studying for the IB DP at NIS are openness, small classes, and more oneon-one.” - Lars Petter Theodor Hjelmstrom, Denmark

STX Students choosing the STX route can design their own course of study. This flexible programme allows students to combine arts, sciences, maths, humanities, and languages in different combinations. The Sports College and Music Academy can also be added into the mix.

HF HF is a 2 year alternative to the public high school, and now students can enter directly from 9th grade. NGG offers a range of subjects and levels to suit all tastes.

SPORTS, MUSIC AND MORE The NGG Gymnasium plays host to two added extras that any NIS High school /Gymnasium student can access. The Sports College offers students a professional training environment, a supportive study environment, study guidance, homework help, and collaboration with Team Denmark. Sports include Football, Basketball, Handball, Skiing, Golf, Dance and Fitness, Strength & Adventure.

THE MUSIC ACADEMY NGG Music Academy offers students who are passionate about music the chance to develop their musical abilities further. There are weekly lessons in voice training, singing, choir and ensemble. In addition, you can follow the vocal or instrument line. THE-INTL

19

THE CHANGING FACE OF

DANISH EDUCATION PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

After Denmark’s parliament passed the Act on Municipal International Schools in 2015, the law allowing municipalities to establish their own public international schools sat on the books unused for six years. Columnist Sarah Redohl investigates.

T THIS FALL

Lolland International School

in Maribo opened its doors. Although it

are saying, ‘If it can succeed there, why

the international school was a key moti-

can’t it succeed here?’”

vating factor for them,” he said.

may be Denmark’s first public interna-

Currently, Mulhern is engaging with

According to Mulhern, there is a third

tional school, it’s unlikely to be the coun-

municipalities in every region of Den-

category to consider when a municipality

try’s last. In its inaugural year, the school

mark. He estimates three to five munici-

decides whether or not to invest in a pub-

enrolled twice as many students as antici-

palities will establish public international

lic international school: Danish families.

pated and captured much attention from

schools of their own in the next five years.

“When the law was written, a lot of munic-

other municipalities across Denmark.

Globally Local is also working with Den-

ipalities weren’t sure they’d have enough

“There’s a misconception that expats

mark’s Min-

internationals to justify the cost,” Mulh-

can afford to send two or three children

istry of Edu-

ern said. “They weren’t thinking about the

to private school, but a lot of times that’s

cation on the

Danish families that could benefit.”

not the case,” said Thomas Mulhern, ad-

possibility of a

In fact, that mindset may be integral

ministrative director of Globally Local,

broader strat-

to expanding the model throughout Den-

the Copenhagen-based consulting firm

egy for public

mark. Maher has experienced the poli-

that assisted in the establishment of Lol-

international

tics of establishing a public international

land International School. Public interna-

schools.

school firsthand. Although the town coun-

Sarah is a journalist, writ-

tional schools, which are free to students,

cil in Lolland voted in favour of the school,

er, and filmmaker from the

would remove that barrier for interna-

Maher said he could see it being a point of

American Midwest. Although

political debate.

she holds a journalism de-

tional families and help attract and re-

“THERE’S A MISCONCEPTION

tain the international talent that is vital

THAT EXPATS CAN AFFORD TO

“There is the question of whether or not

to Denmark’s economic growth, he said.

SEND TWO OR THREE CHILDREN

this takes focus from Danish schools,” Ma-

“During the past decade, international labour has been a key factor in the con-

TO P R I VAT E S C H O O L , BU T A

her said. “That political discussion needs to happen, though, to understand the ben-

stant improvement of the Danish labour

LOT OF TIMES THAT’S NOT THE

efits such a school might bring.” For exam-

market,” said Søren Kjærsgaard Høfler,

CASE.” - THOMAS MULHERN,

ple, Maher added, the improved problem

political consultant in global mobility at Dansk Industri (DI), an organisation

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF

representing approximately 18,500 com-

GLOBALLY LOCAL

panies across Denmark. According to a

solving, critical analysis, communication,

SARAH REDOHL JOURNALIST, WRITER, FILMMAKER

gree from the University of Missouri, she’s been a natural-born storyteller since she could talk. Her work has taken her all over the world, from Amsterdam to Zambia

and openness to new situations that re-

and many places in between.

search shows can result from bilingual

She's travelled to more than

education.

40 countries, living in sever-

“With a bilingual model, we’re promot-

al before settling down in Co-

Municipalities with a large existing in-

ing internationalisation and integration

ternational population are an obvious

at the same time,” Mulhern said. The pub-

penhagen with her partner

“We know how important foreign la-

market for public international schools,

lic international school model may even

bour is for Denmark’s economy, so it’s

Mulhern said, especially if private inter-

impact Danish workplaces in the long

understandable that municipalities have

national schools in the area are full. How-

term. “If you grow up with a diversity of

also seen that attracting internationals

ever, there’s also the possibility of public

languages and cultures as the status quo,

is good business,” Høfler said. “Public in-

international schools attracting foreign

that will carry over into the workforce.”

ternational schools are one way to attract

talent to other parts of the country.

recent report from DI, the number of fulltime foreign employees in Denmark has almost doubled in the past decade.

“I think everything changes once you

Since the establishment of Lolland In-

see that there’s a narrow and a broad fo-

That’s why Globally Local aims to ex-

ternational School, Principal Dominic

cus to this question,” Mulhern said. “The

pand the public international school mod-

Maher has fielded calls from prospec-

narrow version looks at expats and for-

el throughout Denmark. “One municipal-

tive parents abroad and across Denmark.

eign workers, but the broad focus could

ity had to be the first to take that step,”

“We’ve seen four or five families move to

change the entire education sector in Den-

Mulhern said. “Now other municipalities

Lolland from other parts of Denmark, and

mark.” THE-INTL

and retain foreign labour.”

and their two (well-travelled) cats. Prior to moving to Europe, Sarah worked in a variety of newsrooms, from print to radio, and taught multimedia journalism at her alma mater. @sarahredohl @sarahredohl @sarahredohl

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

20

BACK IN THE GOOD OL' UK… EXPATS OFTEN SAY THAT REPATRIATION TO YOUR HOME COUNTRY IS THE HARDEST PART OF THE ADVENTURE. SHANI BISHOP SHARES HER REPAT JOURNEY WITH US. PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT SHANI BISHOP

T

THE FIRST THING you

notice as you approach by plane is how green the country is. England is called the 'green and pleasant land', and it certainly is. Trees line most boundaries and many of the streets. The sheer number of trees is staggering. I'd also forgotten how upset people get if trees are cut down. I have already had one conversation about cutting down a neighbour's trees with a friend - I expect more! The other thing which struck us all was the light. The light in Denmark is crisp and clear.

The light in the UK is mellow and soft.

QUARANTINE We had to quarantine for ten days and spent 4000 DKK on tests for all of us to take on days 2 and 7. The government track and trace service rang us daily (although it didn't seem to matter if some days when we didn't answer). They were ringing to make sure we were quarantined in the place we had declared on our form at the airport. But, of course, we didn't have covid, so everything was fine.

One surprising aspect of covid management in the UK has been ordering free lateral flow tests for everyday use. This means before we visit the grandparents, I can check we are all ok from the comfort of our home.

The other system I thought was sound was scanning into restaurants. If you had had contact with someone who had covid, you'd be notified afterwards. Luckily we were never pinged.

THE FIRST WEEK BACK The first week felt like a honeymoon. We were so pleased to be back in our house and enjoying the garden. But, after that, reality kicked in as the enormity of unpacking became apparent. Balancing unpacking, working while seeing family and enjoying the summer has been a challenge, and it's taken much longer than we expected.

In addition, there seemed to be lots of minor problems which take ages to sort out.

MEMORIES OF HOW IT USED TO BE… When you have lived outside your home country for so long, your memory of how things are done is as it used to be. Recently I found myself sitting on a train with

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paper tickets; I think I was the only one. Everyone else was showing their phones to the inspector. The inspector didn't even have a clipper anymore! I had assumed it hadn't changed and so had diligently printed my tickets.

When we first moved to Denmark, we were impressed with how everything was done electronically. The UK is the same now, which I didn't expect.

THE QUIET Denmark is a quiet country. Returning to a country where people talk a lot and are eager to banter is strange at first. We have been surprised when strangers talk on trains, when workmen who come to our house want to chat, and when people say hello in the street. The internet guy told us how he got stuck in Barbados with his family during the first lockdown. It's been really lovely to hear all these stories. We have learnt how some people have felt very anxious while others have loved the

"RETURNING TO A COUNTRY WHERE PEOPLE TALK A LOT AND ARE EAGER TO BANTER IS STRANGE AT FIRST." lockdowns and furloughed. I do enjoy these everyday interactions with people.

Family members seem to think the UK has got chattier during their lifetime, which I think is interesting.

THE CHANGES Some things have obviously changed. Bank notes are now all plastic, eggs are brown rather than white, and of course, we drive on the other side of the road! I still catch myself going to the wrong side of the car and waiting on empty roads for the green man to cross the road, so maybe some behaviours might be here to stay. THE-INTL

21

LOCALS TURN TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS WE INVESTIGATE AN EMERGING TREND AMONG DANISH PARENTS SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO INTERNATIONAL OR BILINGUAL SCHOOLS.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN

D

DENMARK HAS A robust educational system from nursery to university level, as education is valued and accessible. Denmark has an impressive range of primary school options for a small country with ‘folkeskole’, bilingual and international, and special schools for students with diverse needs. Most children attend a regular Danish primary school (folkeskole).

INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS

There are international schools whose entire curriculum is taught in English, but bilingual schools have an international and Danish curriculum to learn both languages.

There are many well-known international schools all over Denmark. Some of these include Copenhagen International School (CIS), Institut Sankt Joseph, and Rygaards in the capital. Similar schools are located in Northern Zealand, like North Zealand International School.

Over in Jutland, there are many thriving schools like Ikast Brande International School and many others stretching as far as Aarhus, Aalborg, and Billund. And, of course, not forgetting the island of Fyn. Lolland International School opened its doors this August in Maribo, Lolland. It is a landmark school, as it is the first free international school in Denmark.

Thomas Mulhern, CEO of Globally Locally, who was influential in the Lolland school project commented, that international bilingual schools provide ‘integration and internationalism at the same time.’

WHO CONSIDERS SENDING THEIR CHILD TO AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL? Danes are looking for an alternative option for no reason other than being curious and wanting something different. And it is a ‘gamble’ worth taking, for an international school has a very different dynamic to a regular ‘folkeskole’. There is greater diversity, and this provides students with a global society within a classroom setting, which encourages an appreciation of

MONIKA PEDERSEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR Monika comes from the London area of the UK, where she

"DANES ARE LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN BEING CURIOUS AND WANTING SOMETHING DIFFERENT." different cultures and traditions.

International schools appeal to Danes who have worked abroad and are relocating back to their home country. They wish to sustain the same sort of setting and curriculum for their children.

International schools have students who arrive and leave outside the regular times of an academic year. This continual mobility creates an embracing community, as everyone has experienced being new and wanting to be a part of something, so the welcome into the class is very warm, and absorption into groups is very swift.

This ensures a positive transition.

An international option also allows families who are likely to move abroad again to sustain educational continuity for their children. They will be able to slot into the

next international school with ease.

Families where parents are of different nationalities are also likely to select an international school or bilingual schools, as there is often the desire to maintain links with other internationals. However, there is also the opportunity to maintain their native Danish language while building on their English and third languages. One such parent who was also working for an international engineering company felt an international school gave ‘global insight and knowledge. Since her mother is Portuguese and her father is a traveller, we wish her to know more about the world as such.’

THE FUTURE Denmark has an expanding international population and many international companies. While this is the trend, the desire to have a wide range of options is appealing. This is reflected in the growing number of international and bilingual schools and their long waiting lists! THE-INTL Sources: https://www.lollandinternationalschool.dk/en/academics/bilingual-programme;

worked in the state system and the international school system, as an English teacher of 11-18 students and then a section leader. She has also worked in Germany and now in Denmark. She has an overview of the British, International, and American educational systems and is currently learning about the Danish system. She has been in education for 32 years and continues to enjoy the profession. She has relocated to Copenhagen as she is married to a Dane. She enjoys jogging, waterside walks, and cooking. @monikapedersen @monikapedersen

https://globallylocal.dk/

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BASIC NEEDS ARE A HUMAN RIGHT - NOT A LUXURY IN THIS ISSUE, WE HIGHLIGHT A PREVALENT ACCESS PROBLEM IN DENMARK, SHOWING HOW PERSISTENCE, DEDICATION, AND AWARENESS CAN PROVIDE SOLUTIONS.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SARA R. NEWELL / NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS

W

WHILE DENMARK HAS a reputation for having one of the world’s most well-functioning welfare systems, this is far from always the case for people with disabilities. When it comes to being an inclusive society, Denmark still has a long way to go to improve the inclusion of people with disabilities, who account for a whopping 20-30% of the country’s population, making them the largest minority group in Denmark.

Infrastructure that supports accessibility for the disabled, such as access ramps and wheelchair elevators, can be found in many public and private places. On a positive note, Denmark is home to the Sølund music festival, the world’s largest festival dedicated to people with disabilities.

The current Danish government introduced a national reform programme in 2018, intending to increase inclusivity for people with disabilities in workplaces and access to education. This effort is part of the government’s 10 Goals for Social Mobility, outlined in the programme.

These goals are monitored in the annual Social Policy Report, although it is ambiguous if these initiatives have resulted in tangible and measurable positive changes.

According to the disability index of the Danish Institute for Human Rights, conditions for people with disabilities in Denmark are deteriorating in 9 out of 10 critical areas identified in the index, with only a slight improvement in the area of “employment”. Recently, an appeal was made to international bodies such as the UN, European Council, and Amnesty International by the grassroots movement En Million Stemmer (One Million Voices). In the appeal, the movement highlights what is described as ongoing and persistent discrimination by the Danish state against people with disabilities. This was especially highlighted by the Danish Parliament’s recent decision not to incorporate the UN Disability Convention into Danish law.

However, before delving into the more deep-seated problems prevalent across the country, ensuring people with disabilities right to accessibility is vital. One such example is the need for, and right to, wheelchair accessible lavatories. While the existence of accessible lavatories dedicated to people with disabilities cannot be de-

nied, the question remains if they are up to the standards and needs of their intended users. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

According to Ross Hovey and James Stuart-Smith, cofounders and board trustees of Changing Places International, this is not the case. The standard wheelchairaccessible toilets, prevalent across the entire continent, are designed under the assumption that disabled people possess upper body strength and are perfectly capable of tending to their own needs alone, without the need for external help - something which in many cases is simply not true.

Changing Places International is an organisation dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to appropriate and acceptable toilet facilities regardless of their particular needs. Changing Places International provides specific standards for the toilets they design, and their goal is for these standards to be consistent for everyone regardless of location. Ross explains that the organisation fully understands that the context is not the same in all countries or locations and that sometimes they will have to fight “on a case by case basis”. The standards Changing Places International use ensure that there is specialised equipment present and plenty of space for the person using the lavatory and the caregivers.

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS is originally from Greece, but has been living in Denmark for a few years. With a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Denmark, along with considerable work and volunteering experience in several areas, he has always had a passion for creative writing. He now lives in Esbjerg and enjoys physical activities, especially in nature, exploring new places, and discovering new cultures and ideas.

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When the co-founders reflect back on the beginning of the movement, they say that the biggest difficulty was convincing people to take the initiative seriously and understanding that accessible toilets are a necessity and not a luxury.

“It does not matter whether the facility is used or not - it matters if it is available,” says James. This grassroots movement is now attempting to bring its ideas to the rest of the world. They hope to succeed in this endeavour with the help of like-minded organisations and movements.

One can only hope that movements like Changing Places International and One Million Voices succeed in making their voices heard across Denmark and beyond! THE-INTL If you’d like to follow either organisation: En Million Stemmer Changing Places International

"THE STANDARD WHEELCHAIR-ACCESSIBLE TOILETS, PREVALENT ACROSS THE ENTIRE CONTINENT, ARE DESIGNED UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT DISABLED PEOPLE POSSESS UPPER BODY STRENGTH A N D A R E P E R F EC T LY C A PA B L E O F T E N D I N G TO THEIR OWN NEEDS ALONE, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR EXTERNAL HELP - SOMETHING WHICH IN MANY CASES IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE."

SARA R. NEWELL is from Canada, went to high-school in Costa Rica, and has worked and studied in Iceland and Denmark. She is a disability rights activist and has a master's degree in Technological Business Development and Biomedical Engineering from Aarhus University. Sara has lived in Denmark since 2003, and lives with her husband and daughter. She hopes to contribute and share insights with others who have children with disabilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararose-newell-b1904726 / https://m.facebook.com/groups/bakopomdepaarorende

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EXPAT DEPRESSION BEHIND THE BRAVE CURTAIN OF LIVING AN INTERNATIONAL LIFE.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT AINA MASOOD

A

AS WE APPROACH World Mental Health Day on October 10th, I can’t resist the urge to talk about the mental health of internationals in Denmark. Moving to a new country is exciting and adventurous, but not everyone leaves home for similar reasons.

The Expat community can, roughly, be divided into two groups.

One group contains internationals who had no choice but to leave their country to flee from conflict or danger. The other group comprises internationals who leave their country with high hopes and dream-filled eyes for a better quality of life. Unfortunately, both these groups are at a high risk of developing a mental health disorder.

Research suggests that internationals are twice as likely to suffer from a mental health condition than people who remain in their country of origin. Among the most likely mental health issues, depression and anxiety disorders are most prevalent. It is very common to feel homesick, lonely, and like an outsider in your new environment. We, internationals, receive a lot of praise for being brave and taking the leap, but while embracing and creating a new life sounds outwardly glamorous, it might be a battle on various fronts.

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST

EXPAT DEPRESSION Expat Depression or Expat Blues are characterised by feelings of loneliness and isolation, lack of self-confidence, dejection, despondence, and identity crises. It is more pervasive than feelings of sadness associated with homesickness.

UNDERSTANDING EXPAT DEPRESSION It is hard to recognise signs and symptoms of depression in internationals because of a multitude of reasons. One of them being that the opportunity of moving to another country comes with the pressure of feeling happy and thrilled. We, internationals, are not expected NOT to be happy with our new life, which puts unwanted pressure on our emotional and psychological well-being.

This leads us to ignore any feelings that do not fit the picture of a happy international. When we invalidate our feelings, we end up being inauthentic, and that brings forth guilt.

Expat guilt is another prominent factor associated with expat depression. This might stem from not being true to ourselves and acknowledging our feelings or not living up to the expectations of marvellous international life. When things get rough and tough, most of us feel unable to talk about them with our friends and family back home because we are expected to have it all together and be satisfied with the move. This strengthens expat guilt with increasing expectations and challenges. (I will elaborate on this more in my next article).

Other reasons for expat depression include starting from scratch with our home, neighbourhood, social relationships, friends, language, and even grocery stores. Many of us experi-

"FINDING LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE CAN BE DIFFICULT, BUT IT IS A POSSIBILITY."

ence culture shock, and the language barrier magnifies this effect. If you are an accompanying spouse, the chances of you going through expat depression are high. Changes to job, familiar environment and support system can cause identity confusion and compromises one’s self-worth and confidence.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT IN DENMARK? If you are an international in Denmark going through depression, contact your GP. They can refer you to a mental health professional, and in this way, you can avail an excellent resource without worrying about the cost of therapy. You can also seek help from psychologists and psychotherapists in private practice and offering services in English. Most of them are in Copenhagen, but many offer online sessions post-COVID. If you are going through depression and don’t know where to start seeking professional help, write to me, and I would be more than happy to help.

It is essential that you build a social support network that works for you post-move for your well-being. Finding like-minded people can be difficult, but it is a possibility. Attend workshops and language classes, ask people for coffee meetings, take walking tours, or make friends through social media like Facebook and Instagram. Remember the acronym RAIN - Recognise. Accept.

Investigate. Nurture. THE-INTL

Aina is the founder and CEO of R.A.I.N (Recognise, Accept, Investigate, Nurture), a company that helps universities and organisations take care of their colleagues and employees' mental health. Aina has completed her master's in clinical psychology from Pakistan. She has lived in the USA for 6 months and has been in Denmark for over a year. Passionate about mental health and destigmatising mental health problems, she is working towards helping individuals and organisations be healthier, happier, and more productive. She accomplishes this by working with clients via Skype, conducting workshops/webinars with various organisations, and through research and writing. She is a professional photographer and uses her pictures to reflect on her daily life and shares them on her blog. A psychologist, writer, speaker, mental health advocate, photographer, explorer, volunteer, and a wife, Aina is making her way through the world and narrating the story of her life. https://www.linkedin.com/ in/ainamasood/ https://www.instagram. com/ayena_reflections/

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JUTL AND

MAKING FRIENDS WITH THE DANES AARHUS AND EASTERN JUTLAND IS HOME TO MANY INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS THAT ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF THIS AREA. THIS MONTH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY GIVES THE FLOOR TO ITS VERY OWN CAMILLA HAUGE HANSEN, LIVING AND STUDYING IN AARHUS AND TAKING AN INTERNSHIP WITH ERHVERV AARHUS.

PHOTOGRAPHS CAMILLA HAUGE HANSEN / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

I

IN AUGUST 2021, I started as an intern at the International Community. I have a considerable interest in international relations and cultures. Having people close to me in cross-cultural relationships has given me a more international focus, which played a significant role in choosing this exact internship. A cultural gap I keep noticing is linked to how we build up our lives. For example, we go to school with the same people for at least ten years through the Danish school system, which forms the foundation for our future. This way, Danes build up few but close friendships in these phases of their lives, developing themselves. These will often be the friends we stick with throughout life, making friendships a commitment.

When I was six, I went to ‘folkeskole’, which is a 10-year compulsory school. Here I spent time with the same people through the entire ten years, some of which I had already met in kindergarten. Like most of my classmates, I went to secondary education followed by five years of university. All within the same region of Denmark, with a few detours of travelling to other countries for a shorter period. This means that growing up, the school system made it possible for me to tie close relations with friends and keeping them in my later life. I have always loved the connectivity and closeness of my friendships.

TRAVELLING AND MEETING INTERNATIONALS My family and I have travelled a lot in Europe, but in December 2016, I went travelling for the first time outside Europe, and since then, I have been travelling whenever I have the opportunity to do so. A few years back, my sister, who now

"THROUGH THE DANISH SCHOOL SYSTEM WE GO TO SCHOOL WITH THE SAME PEOPLE FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS, WHICH FORMS THE FOUNDATION FOR OUR FUTURE LIVES." - CAMILLA HAUGE HANSEN

lives in Taiwan, introduced me to some internationals living in Aarhus she had met through being a buddy for exchange students. So, slowly, I joined the buddy system myself and searched for international roommates, allowing me to learn about other cultures and meet people who might have a different mindset. Getting to know more internationals from travelling and the ones I have met living in Denmark has allowed me to look at opportunities from others experiences and perspectives. However, it was not until I started learning more about the international community in Aarhus that I became aware that we, as Danes, often make friends when we are growing up and keep them. Unfortunately, this doesn't leave much room for new relationships. This could be a big reason why it's difficult to befriend a Dane.

BEFRIENDING DANES Finding the cheesiest way to put it, I would describe friendship (and relation-

ships in general) in Denmark like a plant growing slowly and needs to be taken care of and watered regularly. It is not because you are international that it is hard finding new people. It would be the same for a Dane moving to an entirely new city because of the culture. Friendships in Denmark might not be the same as friendship in other countries. Thus, it can be challenging to get Danish friends if trying to do it from the concept of friendship from another country.

I think the best tip is to meet Danes in their environment. That could be finding a Danish roommate, joining a club or association, attend events, or do volunteer work. Another thing to have in mind when wanting to create a relationship with a Dane is patience. As harsh as it might sound, keep asking to join instead of waiting for an invitation. Remember that Danes are like coconuts – hard on the outside and sweet on the inside. Just like opening a coconut, it takes hard work and a long time to get Danish friends. THE-INTL

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF AARHUS We of fe r a w ide ra ng e of events, seminars and online activities that help internationals get settled in Denmark.

Learn more on our website or follow us on: www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.internationalcommu nity.dk @internationalcommunity Aarhus @internationalcommunity aarhus

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COWARDS LIVE LONGER

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskilde Library, and in charge of

That is what I tell myself when I get scared stiff by a horror film or book. But I can't seem to stay away from the stuff, so here are a few titles that will only scare you a little…

the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke nights

ICELANDIC, EERIE AND SAD THE GIRL WHO DIED

BY RAGNAR JONASSON Dealing with her father's tragic suicide, Una accepts a job as a teacher in a tiny isolated village. Unfortunately, the villagers are unfriendly, and she hears a dead girl singing.

Just before Christmas, a death means Una's life is going from bad to worse.

SHARP, FAST AND SUSPENSEFUL

HISTORY, GHOSTS AND LOVE

AFTERLAND

BY LAUREN BEUKES

THE DEEP

BY ALMA KATSU

Twelve-year-old Miles

Annie was a maid on

is one of the last boys

the Titanic and sur-

alive three years after

vived. Four years later,

the pandemic called

she works as a nurse on

Manfall killed nearly

the sister ship The Bri-

every male. His moth-

tannic and sees an un-

er, Cole, will protect

conscious soldier she

him at all costs; from

recognizes as Mark -

her own ruthless sister

who died on Titanic.

and all the others who

Now all her memories

will prey on him.

come back.

GOTHIC, GORE AND SINISTER

and book talks.

MEXICAN GOTHIC

BY SILVIA MORENO-GARCIA A frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for some one to save her from a mysterious doom sends Noemí to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside.

Once there, she finds a house filled with secrets and horror.

DID YOU KNOW? We can finally do a proper Halloween party at Roskilde Library, so come and join us! Just bring a dish for the joint buffet, your own beverages (wine and beer are allowed), and if you feel like dressing up as your favourite horrible thing, please do. You can get your free ticket at: E x p at d i n ne r Ha l lowe e n | Roskilde Bibliotekerne

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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN DENMARK A VALUABLE DIMENSION OF ANY UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE IS ‘LEARNING BY DOING’.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

T

THIS UNIQUE CONCEPT is structured through field trips, internships, or studying abroad. Students not only gain valuable book knowledge but, more importantly, life knowledge. Experiential learning extends far beyond the classroom, and what better place for internationals to study than in Denmark. Take Global AWAKEnings, a first-year curriculum offered in Copenhagen through Wake Forest University (WFU) and the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS).

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

FIRST-YEAR ABROAD Up to twenty candidates travel to Denmark annually to experience their first year as a Global AWAKEning student.

Studying abroad is a core part of WFU’s culture, a university recognised for global commitment. Available in over seventy-five countries, students can broaden their intellectual horizons while studying a unique curriculum. In Copenhagen, first-year students are hosted by Danish families as they attempt to learn the local language (which is undoubtedly a challenge in one year!).

Celebrating Danish traditions is a great way to appreciate the quirky activities that we have all come to cherish. Whether it be hitting the cat out of the barrel at Fastelavn, burning a witch on Sankt Hans Aften, or observing celebratory graduation trucks with students dressed in iconic hats - these traditions may only make sense to the Danes. Still, it sure is fun to join the excitement.

from Wake Forest University and the Danish Institute for Study Abroad.

THE CURRICULUM

LEARNING BY DOING

Most courses are designed to be wide-ranging so students can fulfil Liberal Arts credits as part of WFU’s curriculum. Semester themes include European Humanities and Global Perspectives. Danish language courses are compulsory for the entire year, but elective offerings also include Politics, Communication, Religion, Art, Film, Sociology, Environmental Studies, etc. This partnership allows students to engage in challenging coursework led by professors

A Global AWAKEning participant will have multiple ‘real world’ experiences to explore through faculty-led study tours.

For example, visit a women’s mosque as part of an Islam in the West course; consider a day trip to Dragør to learn about the escape of Danish Jews while studying Danish Language and Culture; travel to Møn and observe the chalk cliff landscapes and quaint little churches as part of Art History. Other options for hands-

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Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son all proud Canadians. Skyler has worked in the education sector for three decades and ❝Students have a unique mix of a traditional WFU experience with a global flair. WFU owns homes in Vienna, Venice, and London where (upperclassmen) students’ study for a semester-long programme. The students who participate in Global AWAKEnings visit these houses as part of their coursework while meeting fellow WFU students. This programme offers a unique approach to studying abroad and beginning the university experience.❞ - Nicole McInteer, Associate Dean of International Admissions, Wake Forest University

found her true passion for supporting students with their educational journey. As the Founder of Bentley Hall Educational Consulting, she advises on career and university options globally. Skyler enjoys spending time with family, ex-

on learning include Masterworks of Nordic Cinema, Sustainable Development or European Politics with expert guest lecturers. ‘Learning by doing’ - what better way to appreciate a year abroad while making meaningful and memorable experiences in the Nordics. THE-INTL Enriching programmes such as Global AWAKEnings promote academic engagement, cultural awareness, analytical skills, and career development. If this experiential learning program has awakened your senses, learn more: global.wfu.edu

ploring new cultures, and embracing the hygge lifestyle in beautiful Denmark. bentleyhall.ca instagram.com/skylerbent leyhall/ facebook.com/skyler.bent leyhall

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LOCAL AND REGIONAL ELECTIONS PART 2: THE REGIONAL COUNCIL PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

T

THE PANDEMIC CAUGHT the world by surprise. Although scientists predicted the possibility and encouraged governments to raise the levels of preparedness, few believed in it. Last year, when everyone was running around trying to cope with the first pandemic wave, the Danish regional governments stood out as an example of organisation. It ensured testing for corona was available at a moments notice, it organised the hospitals so that they could continue as usual while receiving covid-19 patients, and it allowed you to get vaccinated in an orderly fashion.

Unlike the local council, which has its own resources from taxes, the regional council depends on grants from the national level.

This means that most of the money is earmarked towards specific sectors, leaving a small amount to be decided upon by regional councilmen. However, the importance of the regional council lies more in the administration of the healthcare system and less in the division of financial resources.

In 2020, I had the chance to participate in the work of the Regional Council North Denmark for half a year as a regional councilman. I was in the belly of the beast, so to speak. I still remember the rush I felt when the negotiations for the yearly budget started. A small amount of money, many ideas on the table and a "hunger games" style battle between the regional councilmen on who's idea become a reality the following year. I put forward a few ideas – language match between family doctors and patients; international health house where non-Danish speaking doctors can work with non-Danish patients; just to name a few. Unfortunately, my political influence wasn't strong enough to stand a chance in the "hunger games". One idea made it through only because other regional councilmen had personalised medicine on their agendas already. The lesson here is – to become an effective regional council members, having ideas is simply not enough. It would help if you also cultivated your political influence, a process that can be painstakingly slow and hard.

There are 41 regional councilmen for each regional council. A regional councilman is a part-time representative (that does this work next to his job) who specialises (usually) in two areas of regional competence. Among the regional councilmen's, there is one full-time politician and the president (the regional councilman that obtained the most personal votes).

The regional council is mainly responsible for your health (physical or mental), your experience within the healthcare system, and your protection from epidemics and pandemics. Also, it is responsible for your care if you have special needs, your child's education from gymnasium until university, for the regional transport infrastructure (bus, train, etc.),

NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE POLITICIAN Born in 1990 in a village in the north-east of Romania, Narcis for managing the natural resources and nature in general, and for European cooperation.

Denmark is divided into five regions (regioner). You can find the name of your region on your yellow CPR card. At the national level, the interest of the five regional governments is represented by the association Danske Regioner (Danish Regions). The most important task of the organisation is to act as spokesman on behalf of the regions vis-à-vis the national government, the EU, other interest organisations and the media, and to negotiate the annual financial frames of the regions with the national government. THE-INTL

made Aalborg his new home since 2009. Smitten by the Danish model, he decided to get involved in the local community leading to him becoming a strong voice on the topic of usage of the local political rights by the internationals. In 2017, he became the first non-

HOW CAN YOU INFLUENCE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL?  You can speak with your regional representatives – check your region website under the section "Politik" – there you will find their contact information.  You can go to the regional council meetings or watch them online.  You can put a question directly to the Regional Council.

Before a Regional Council meeting, 30 minutes are

Danish citizen to run for regional elections and to represent Denmark in the Council of Europe. He holds or held leadership positions in European Youth Denmark, Europabevægelsen, Socialdemokratiet Nørresundby, DSU Aalborg, and Frit Forum International.

allocated for dialogue with the citizens.  You can participate in a committee meeting and present your

www.facebook.com/Narcis

case for 10 minutes.

George.Matache/

 You can vote and ensure your group (by that, I mean people

https://www.linkedin.com/

that share a similar interest) has a representative in the

in/narcisgmatache/

regional council.

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ARE YOU REALLY LISTENING? ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER - PAY ATTENTION TO THE WHOLE PICTURE; IT’S WHERE YOU’LL FIND THE HIDDEN MESSAGE.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT OPHELIA WU

H

HAVE YOU EVER had a small child throwing a tantrum over something relatively insignificant? The cry, fit, and anger are all ways the small child is trying to ask for help and be understood. The small child has a limited vocabulary and ways to express their emotions, so throwing a tantrum is the only way to draw attention and seek help. The same applies to adults. We engage in so many conversations daily, but how many of these do we get the real message behind?

OPHELIA WU

WHAT IS YOUR LANGUAGE OF LOVE? A couple of years ago, I came across this book on human relationships called ‘The Five Languages of Love’ written by Dr Gary Chapman. The concept explains how everyone expresses love through 5 different ways – physical touch, receiving gifts, spending quality time, words of affirmation and acts of service.

When we don’t understand the differences in ways of expressing one’s feelings, it’s so easy to misunderstand and misinterpret each other. For example, if your love language is through spending quality time together while your partner is through receiving gifts, you’ll be frustrated and won’t feel as loved if your partner is showering you with gifts but never have time for you.

The bigger picture is the misalignment in showing and interpreting love- your partner offers you their love by gifting. Perhaps unaware of what makes you feel cherished is fewer gifts but more quality time together. So if any discussions come up with things like “you never have time for me” or “I can buy you anything you want”, both parties are saying “I love you” in a different language. When both of you really listen to what the other is saying and make an extra effort to understand the needs or requests beneath all the conversations, you will find common ground and maintain the relationship balance. Understanding each individual has a different language of expressing love gives you a whole new perspective. You become more open-minded and empathetic when you communicate with others.

What if you’re in a new country and feeling clueless, or you don’t even speak the same language? If you really want to communicate and listen, language is proba-

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

FASHION CONSULTANT & JOURNALIST L i ke he r hometow n Hong Kong, Ophelia has a diverse background and upbringing.

She moved to Copenhagen in 2019 after 10 years of living in London. Her fashion and journalism career began in 2007 bly not the most significant barrier. Babies and toddlers don’t even know how to speak yet, but we got the idea. Action speaks Louder- pay attention to the whole picture; it’s where you’ll find the hidden message. How is the person’s body gesture - is it open and welcoming, or closed and defensive? What’s the tone? Is it flat and blunt, or soft and engaging? What about the facial expressions? Is there any eye contact? Smiles or frowns? Do they look impatient or calm? There are so many things going on to give you an idea of what’s happening.

TAKE NOTES FROM FUNNY MEMES You always see funny and sarcastic memes on social media or websites about what the sentence really means. I’ve seen a few like “Let’s hang out soon – (meaning it could be five days or five years)”, you laugh, but we’ve all said polite things that we don’t mean the slightest and tried to ask for something beating around the bush nicely and implicitly. That’s precisely what we need to do- really listen to what’s the undertone. If we pay more attention to what people are trying to tell us, we get a lot more information without asking, even saving us from potential troubles. Not to

pry or investigate, but we connect with others quicker and more genuinely if we understand the underlying emotion.

We all want to be heard, not literally; instead, what we have to say, what we need to say, what we need and want and have someone to understand us. It is through active listening we establish a connection and a bond. Active listening is a learned skill that can be trained; everyone can do that as long as you’re open to it and pay attention. Give your full attention to the conversation and open all your senses to pick up hints; you will realise your brain can filter out what’s essential and what’s not in no time. There’s always something you can learn from active listening that hasn’t been said out loud. Even if a person is rambling non-stop, it probably means that person is lonely and has no one to talk to on a meaningful level- they might not even need you to respond but someone to listen to them.

In an international environment where we are unfamiliar, the best way to meet people and understand the culture is by active listening, even if we don’t understand the language. Not sure how to start? Start with ourselves, think of a time when we were a small child, and indirectly ask our parents for an extra treat. THE-INTL

at ELLE Hong Kong magazine, and later on as an online stylist at Net-A-Porter.com in the UK; she has worked with all sorts of creatives, brands and celebrities globally.

She now works on everything fashion and communicationrelated. With her love of travelling and places her work brought her to, people she met from all walks of life inspired her to start her own business M for Minimal: a place to raise the awareness of going back to basics through conscious consumption and mindfulness with a touch of spirituality - something she has been practising since her teenage years. @opheliawu @mforminimal.mfm @opheliawu

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DANISH PHARMA

AND BIOTECH CLUSTER GLOBAL LEADER IN PERCENTAGE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY PATENTS.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

T

THE OFFICIAL STATISTICS speak for themselves and explain why so many biotech companies have chosen Denmark as the leading country in Europe for R&D, where more biotechnology patents have been registered than any other country in this part of the world. As a result, Denmark has the largest commercial drug pipeline and is globally one of the most R&D intensive areas for researcher concentration.

The cleantech and life science sector is vital for Denmark that the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has Special Advisors and Investment Specialists dedicated to this sector with representatives in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Oslo, Munich and London.

Denmark offers attractive business solutions for foreign biotech companies. The Danish biotechnology cluster is a significant world player, especially in enzymes, CNS (Central Nervous System) research, diabetes care and cancer research. In addition, clinical trials are in general approved faster in Denmark than anywhere else, which explains why companies choose Denmark for drug discovery and development.

A long-standing agricultural tradition created a research industry in Denmark more than 150 years ago and since then, research methods have continuously developed, and the biotech industry emerged in the 1970s as a new recombinant DNA technology evolved. With the help of recombinant DNA (also referred to as genetic engineering), proteins can be produced, such as human insulin and other drugs in cells that are grown under controlled conditions. Since the 1970s, biotechnology has created more than 200 new medicines and vaccines, including drugs to treat diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS and autoimmune diseases. Biotechnology is also the cause of hundreds of diagnostic tests.

The Medicon Valley Alliance was formed in 1997 as a natural result of the completion of the bridge between Denmark and Sweden. Medicon Valley is the bi-national life science cluster spanning the island of Zealand in Eastern Denmark and the Skåne-Region of Southern Sweden. It is the crucible of Scandinavian life sciences. Located at the gateway to Denmark and Sweden, it has a vibrant ecosystem and deep talent pool underpinned by worldclass life science universities and research infrastructure. Set in a competitive business environment with the Scandinavian quality of life close at hand, Medicon Valley is an attractive location for both business and people.

MEDICON VALLEY FACTS & FIGURES • Employs 40.000+ people.

• Has 12 universities and 32 hospitals.

• 80+ biotech, 20+ pharma and 100+ medtech companies.

• 7 science parks & 6 incubators.

One of the main reasons for Denmark and Southern Sweden’s stronghold within biotechnology today is the presence of worldclass universities, university hospitals, research centres and private companies of various sizes, all working at the forefront of biotech research, targeting medicine as well as environmentally friendly products and solutions. Furthermore, this research leads to cutting edge development, more than likely due to a Danish educational system that teaches students to work together in an interdisciplinary context, resulting in efficient teamwork and innovative research and products.

Another contributing factor for the Danish position within bi-

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS Mariano has over 40 years global experience as a bus ness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, so far thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running Oxford Business Servicotechnology is a powerful and unique interplay between the Danish universities and industry, domestically and abroad. University students often work with the industry on their master’s degree thesis or PhD. In addition, it is not uncommon to see competitors joining forces to support or establish various university research centres. There is a strong culture of collaboration between universities, hospitals and companies all over Denmark.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) is one of the most significant science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. It is a pan-European project built by at least 17 European countries, with Sweden and Denmark (Medicon Valley) as the host nations. The ESS facility will be built in Lund, whilst the ESS Data Management and Software Centre will be in Copenhagen. The facility design and construction include the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a 4-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 22 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories and a supercomputing data management and software development centre.

Medicon Valley has a rich life science heritage and pioneering spirit that continues to attract many successful companies, who can use this unique science-minded environment to carry out cutting edge development. THE-INTL

es ApS). He is a British citizen, who grew up in Kent, went to boarding school in Sussex and has a British university education. He has been married to a Dane for over 45 years and has held over 150 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016.

He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty. oxford-business.com

"ANOTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTOR FOR THE DANISH POSITION WITHIN BIOTECHNOLOGY IS A POWERFUL AND UNIQUE INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE DANISH UNIVERSITIES AND INDUSTRY, DOMESTICALLY AND ABROAD."

OCTOBER 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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GIARDIA IN YOUR PETS PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

I

IF YOUR DOG or cat develops diarrhoea, you're probably wondering what is going on. If your pet spends time with you outdoors, your veterinarian might suggest testing for Giardia, but what is this odd-sounding infection?

WHAT IS GIARDIA? The simplest explanation: Giardia is an intestinal protozoal organism. Your veterinarian may talk to you about things your pet might have been exposed to, including eating anything abnormal, changing up pet foods, or recent trips. If you've ever experienced giardiasis, your own doctor might have referred to it as "traveller's diarrhoea." Typically pets and people have GI signs - particularly "explosive" and watery diarrhoea.

TAREK ABU SHAM

HOW IS GIARDIA TRANSMITTED?

CEO & FOUNDER OF MYPETERINARIAN

Animals contract giardiasis by ingesting Giardia organisms. Unfortunately, the cyst form of Giardia is what usually infects people and pets, and it's very hardy, especially in moist environments like near a river bed.

For a dog's indiscriminate taste testing, Giardia can easily be picked up. Pets that like to "taste" other animals' stools are definitely at a higher risk for getting exposed to and infected with Giardia. So even if your pet doesn't like to eat or drink outside of their bowls, they could be exposed after playing in contaminated soil.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET GIARDIA? While you should definitely talk to your doctor if your pet gets diagnosed with Giardia, you're not likely to be affected by the same type of Giardia. Still, you should use caution when cleaning up after them to be on the safe side.

The CDC strongly suggests regular disinfecting of household surfaces minimising potential exposure. That's a good practice and can help reduce you or your pet's exposure. Wash their bedding, bowls, and toys regularly.

Wear gloves when participating in outdoor activities that expose you to the soil, such as gardening. Wash your hands well before eating. If you come into contact with contaminated water, the ECDC also points out that you should follow best practices when purifying drinking water.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GIARDIA? In short, diarrhoea, lots of it. For some pets, it can cause intermittent diarrhoea and become more chronic. Some pets may also become nauseated with Giardia infections. In pets with longterm infections, you can see weight loss.

HOW TO TREAT GIARDIA Many things can cause GI signs in pets: eating socks, intestinal

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"IT'S ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE YOUR PET DOESN'T GET REINFECTED OR INFECT ANOTHER ANIMAL." parasites, even stress. The mainstay of diagnosis for Giardia is a faecal exam. Unfortunately, Giardia can be hard to find on microscopic faecal exams, so your vet might also recommend a special test to look for specific antigens in the stool. If your pet is particularly ill, they may also need blood work or abdominal Xrays. For treatment, your veterinarian will likely reach for two medications – dewormer fenbendazole and antibiotic metronidazole. Your pet may start with one or both to increase potential effectiveness over 3-10 days.

Your vet will likely also recommend a bland diet. Highly digestible diets are the other backbone of treatment. If your pet is dehydrated, your vet might also prescribe fluids.

It's essential to ensure your pet doesn't get reinfected or infect another animal. When your pet defecates, pick up and dispose of the stool immediately. Wash the fur if it has faecal matter on it, particularly on the paws or under the tail.

The prognosis for pets with Giardia is pretty good, but discuss follow-up exams with your vet to ensure there aren't any lingering problems. Remember, if you have any questions, contact us so we can ensure your pet gets the care they need, and you can rest easy! THE-INTL

Tarek was born in Amman, Jordan and from an early age has had a love for animals.

He met his spouse in Amman and then soon embarked on an expat lifestyle that took him to Dubai, Prague, and now Copenhagen. Originally a veterinarian, Tarek reinvented himself professionally and decided to launch his own company.

W it h M Y P E T E R I NA R I A N , Tarek has combined his veterinary experience with his entrepreneurial spirit. MyPeterinarian cares for pets in the Copenhagen area, offering pet sitting, walking, veterinary services and more to come soon. www.mypeterinarian.com

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Good advice Good habits There is still a lot you can do to avoid infection

Get vaccinated

Stay at home and get tested if you experience symptoms

Keep your distance

Open windows and doors and ventilate your home regularly

Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitiser

Clean thoroughly and regularly, especially surfaces that are touched by many people

1 July 2021

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