Cphpost relocation spring 2018 web

RELOCATION Spring Guide 2018

Let us

ease your way into Danish life

Learning Danish

will help you to make friends

Why not get out

and about in the Danish countryside?

2018 RELOCATION SPRING GUIDE

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ACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH DANISH LIFE AS PAINLESSLY AS POSSIBLE Now you’ve taken the decision to relocate, welcome to Denmark!

Moving from one country can be quite traumatic but with a bit of advanced planning, the transition can be made a lot easier. This supplement has been compiled with a view to helping you to make the adjustment as smooth as possible.

There are some practical things which have to be considered. Firstly, there are a number of rules and regulations governing registration. Some of these need to be addressed before you arrive, others can wait until you are here. The specific rules applying to you will also depend on your current citizenship status.

Assuming that you have a job you will also need to find a place to live and if you are bringing a spouse and family, you might need childcare, schooling and a job for your spouse.

It is also useful to know a little about Denmark, the Danes and the Danish mentality.

Residence and work permits

If you wish to stay in Denmark for longer than three months you will need a residence permit. If you are a citizen from a country outside the Nordic countries and the EU, you also need a work permit.

There is a fast-track scheme in place to enable certified companies to hire highly-qualified foreign nationals at short notice without having to wait for an application to be processed by the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration. The scheme also offers the foreign national the option of working alternately in and out of Denmark.

Information in English on all this can be found on the ‘New To Denmark’ website at bit.ly/1eVY1AB

Geography and climate

The country of Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula (which is attached to Germany) and a number of islands in the Baltic Sea. The largest

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of these are Zealand on which the capital city Copenhagen is situated, and Funen. The island of Bornholm is located east of the rest of the country. Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges; the Øresund Bridge connects Zealand with Sweden, the Great Belt Bridge connects Funen with Zealand and the Little Belt Bridge connects Jutland with Funen. There are ferries or small aircraft to connect the smaller islands.

Area-wise, Denmark is a relatively small country (43,560 square kilometres) with a population slightly over 5.7 million people. Almost 2 million of them live in the four largest cities – Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg – with Copenhagen having the largest population at 1.3 million.

The average population density is 132 people per square kilometre.

The country has a temperate climate characterised by mild winters, with mean temperatures in January of 1.5°C (34.7°F), and cool summers, with a mean temperature in August of 17.2°C (63.0°F). This does not mean, though, that it cannot get very cold here – on 8 January 1982 a record -31.2°C was recorded in Hørsted in Thy. In contrast, the warmest day recorded was 36.4°C, which was measured in Holstebro on 10 August 1975.

Population and politics

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and Queen Margrethe II has been on the throne since January 1972. The queen has no real political influence but in principle, the Danish Constitution gives her the right to appoint or dismiss ministers. In practice, this is done by the prime minister and the queen nominates the ministers he has chosen.

The electoral system is based on a type of proportional representation rather than first-past-the-post.

Publisher: CPH POST • Editor: Hans Hermansen Journalists: Stephen Gadd • Layout: CPH POST • Info: hans@cphpost.dk, Tel: +45 2420 2411 • Cover photo by Julien Widmer on Unsplash

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2018 RELOCATION SPRING GUIDE

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Since July 2015, the prime minister has been Lars Løkke Rasmussen from the governing Denmark’s Liberal Party (Venstre), who has formed a minority government with the support of the so-called ‘blue bloc’, a coalition comprising The Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), Liberal Alliance and the Conservative People’s Party (Det Konservative Folkeparti). Elections must be held every four years at a minimum.

care places within the state regime and there are also private child-care options, which are heavily state-subsidised.

To be able to vote in Danish parliamentary elections you have to be over 18, have Danish citizenship, have a permanent address in Denmark, and not be subject to any of the legal criteria for losing voting rights. The latter might be due to being severely physically or mentally handicapped.

Danes are also very concious of their high standard of living and are by nature a generous people. The Danish state is a substantial donor country when it comes to supporting organisations working to alleviate humanitarian crises and natural disasters around the world.

The rules are slightly different for EU elections and municipal council elections. For the latter, you have to be over 18, have a permanent address in the municipality and either be a Danish citizen, a citizen of another EU member-state, a citizen of Iceland or Norway, or have lived continuously in the country for the last 3 years before the election date.

Compared to many countries, the Danish population is still relatively homogeneous; out of the ca. 5.7 million people in Denmark, only around 700,000 are immigrants or their descendants.

The Danes themselves

Denmark scores well in international polls on things as diverse as lack of corruption and happiness. It is also considered a safe and secure country to live in. Children often walk or cycle to school alone and crime-rates against persons are low.

There is a high standard of living in Denmark and Danish society is very egalitarian, both economically and also when it comes to sexual equality.

Taxes can seem very high to newcomers but they go towards providing a comprehensive cradle-to-grave welfare state and most people pay their taxes willingly. Among other things, the system is geared to providing child-care right from the start, and there are generous maternity and paternity leave allowances which encourage women to return to the workplace after having children. Local councils are obliged to offer child-

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As a starting point, education and medical treatment is free of charge although there are private clinics and private schools available, should you wish to use them.

The country is 77% Protestant (Lutheran), but in practice, although a high proportion of Danes pay their Church Tax, not may attend church services regularly. However, churches do tend to be full at Christmas and many Danish young people attend Confirmation classes and are Confirmed in church.

Bikes, design and green energy

Culturally, Denmark has traditionally been renowned for architecture and design. Nowadays, it is perhaps equally famous for food, films and sport.

Green living is also very much to the fore. Cycling is extremely popular with people of all ages and social classes, and Copenhagen alone has over 390 km of designated bicycle lanes. In a city like Copenhagen, a bike is often the quickest way of getting around – and there are no parking charges.

Wind energy is a major industry in Denmark and because Denmark embraced this technology early on, they have become a market leader. In 2016, turnover in the Danish wind sector amounted to 118.1 billion Kroner – an increase of 10.8 percent from the year before. Exports rose by 16 percent to 55.6 billion Kroner, accounting for more than 4.1 percent of Denmark’s total exports.

www.cis.dk

Many houses and flats run on district heating and combined heat and power, which is excess heating from industry or incinerated waste.

What makes the Danes tick?

Many non-Danes living in Denmark find the Danes open and welcoming, others call them reserved, so take your pick! One thing that is striking, however, is the number of Danes who speak good English; with the best will in the world, as a foreigner, it is sometimes difficult to be allowed to practice your Danish because the person you are speaking to will automatically reply in English.

Inevitably, perhaps, Danish culture, especially in the winter months, is often centred on the home and home life. It can be difficult for foreigners to be admitted to this world, but once you make friends, you have a friend for life. During the spring and summer months, the slightest hint of sun is guaranteed to bring people outdoors, and beach life, along with sunbathing in parks, is very popular. There are several places in the centre of Copenhagen where swimming is possible in the waterways surrounding the city. Danes are also nature-lovers and the forests and woods of Denmark are popular with walkers. Many city-dwellers own summer houses along the Danish coasts and there are quite a number of them which have been built to be rented out to tourists.

If you are going to be here for any length of time, it is a very good idea to learn Danish. You can get by without – most cinema and television films are shown in their native language with Danish sub-titles – but it will help you to keep up with current events, and may offer you an extra doorway into Danish life.

Sources: bit.ly/2lPICQD ft.dk/folkestyret elections.oim.dk/ bit.ly/1eVY1AB

Before long, you’ll belong Settling into a new country can be challenging – especially for the nonworking spouse. We know, from studies and from experience, that a successful posting depends on the happiness of the entire family – and our school is home to a very active, warm and welcoming community.

Our PTA offers a wide range of opportunities: newcomers network, Spring Fair, Halloween, Yoga, Activities Fair, Wine and Cheese Evening, Dads’ Club and Ladies’ Night Out. Dedicated parents coach our sports teams, run our boy scouts and serve on the school Board.

At CIS the whole family finds a place to grow roots and make friends. So to quote one of our parents: “I came for the job, but we stayed for the school.”

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HEALTHCARE IN DENMARK – EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL Denmark has a comprehensive tax-payer funded public health service Under the Danish healthcare system medical treatment is usually free of charge. However dentistry is regarded as a separate area and you will have to pay some of the cost of dental treatment yourself.

National health insurance card

All permanent residents in Denmark are eligible to use the healthcare system. Almost all examinations and treatments are free although there is a charge for any medicines which may be prescribed. Even these are usually subsidised to some extent.

Permanent residents receive a national health insurance card from their local authority which acts as an identity card and must be shown on visits to doctors, emergency rooms and hospitals. Anyone acutely ill is entitled to free hospital treatment, and this also applies to visitors from other countries.

Interpreter

If you do not speak or understand Danish, the staff can call in an interpreter to assist you. Likewise, if you need an interpreter at an appointment with a doctor, midwife or visiting nurse you should indicate this when you make the appointment. This service is free of charge. Interpreters are neutral and bound by the rules of professional secrecy.

General practitioners

Anyone resident in Denmark is entitled to be registered with a general practitioner (GP). Your own GP will normally be able to find out what is wrong with you and how to treat you, but in some cases, may refer you to a specialist or a hospital. The name, address and telephone number of your GP is written on your national health insurance card.

In order to see a GP, you will have to make an appointment by phone

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or via the internet. Most GP surgeries are open between 8 am and 4 pm on weekdays and one evening a week. Normally, you can phone your GP between 8 am and 9 am. Don’t forget to cancel the appointment if you can’t keep it; you may get a fine if you dont.

If you are dissatisfied with your GP, you can change to another one on payment of a fee of 200 Kroner. If you change GP as a result of moving, that is free of charge.

If you need medication, your GP will prescribe it for you. Prescription medicines can only be bought at pharmacies.

Specialist doctors

If your GP deems it necessary, you may be referred to a specialist. The only specialists for whom no referral is required are eye specialists and ear, nose and throat specialists. You will have to make the appointment with the specialist yourself.

Out-of-hours services

If you become ill outside your own GP’s surgery hours, you can call the out-of-hours service.

In most cases you will have to go to a treatment centre yourself to see an out-of-hours doctor. The out-of-hours service is open from 4 pm to 8 am from Monday to Friday and around the clock on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Emergency Rooms

Located at hospitals, Emergency Rooms are for serious injuries that your own GP cannot treat. At some hospitals you have to phone the emergency room in advance to let them know that you are coming.

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Alarm 112

If you need an ambulance, call the alarm centre at 112, stating your name and explaining what has happened, where and when it happened, and where you are calling from.

Hospitals

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NGG.dk - Phone: +45 45 57 26 16 Email: nggi@ngg.dk Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16 DK, 2970 Hørsholm

Hospital treatment is available on referral from your GP, specialist doctor or out-of-hours doctor. If you are taken ill suddenly, you will of course be admitted to hospital at once. If you need the assistance of an interpreter, the hospital staff will call one for you. Patient counsellors are also available to explain the various types of treatment to you and give you information about the possibility of being treated at another hospital, just as he or she will be able to help you if there is something you don’t understand or if you want to lodge a complaint about something.

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you may be examined several times during the pregnancy by your own GP and a midwife. Ultrasound scanning is also available in hospitals to make sure that all is well with you and the baby and to identify any potential problems as early as possible in your pregnancy. You can bring your husband or some other person along to these examinations.

When you are pregnant, the first examination in your pregnancy will be carried out by your GP, who will create a maternity record that you must bring along to all subsequent appointments. Your GP will notify a midwife of your pregnancy. The midwife will then contact you to make an appointment. Together with your GP you can decide at which hospital you want to give birth to your child. You can also elect to give birth at home with the assistance of a midwife.

Termination

In Denmark all women have the right to opt for termination of the pregnancy at a hospital in the first twelve weeks. In order to obtain a termination, you must contact your GP, who will then refer you to a hospital.

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WHERE WORLDS MEET

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FRIENDS FOR LIFE

2018 RELOCATION SPRING GUIDE

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Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

Preventative screenings

Every three years, all women aged between 23 and 59 are offered screening for cervical cancer. You will be examined by your own GP and must make the appointment yourself. In some areas of Denmark, women between 50 and 69 years of age are offered an X-ray mammography examination every two years.

the age of 18. Your child will receive an invitation to see a dentist when he or she is about two years old. If your child has dental problems before that age, you are welcome to contact one of the local authority’s paediatric dentists. When your child reaches school age, he or she will automatically be given appointments with the school dentist.

Help and care in your own home

Gynaecological examinations

Special services are offered to elderly people who need care and assistance. Elderly people may apply for home help for personal care, cleaning and assistance with shopping. You can also apply for help if you are very ill.

Health visitors

You will receive assistance from a health visitor in your home when your child has been born. In addition to examining your child, the visitor can answer any other related questions you may have. The health visitor follows your child’s development up to the age of 2. It is possible to obtain the assistance of an interpreter during appointments with health visitors.

Elderly people and those who are very ill can also request a district nurse to come to their home to provide care and administer medication. A doctor will assess your needs in this respect. If you have been hospitalised you may need a home help or a nurse to help you when you return to home. Normally, the hospital will contact your local authority to make sure you will be given the help and assistance you need.

Health checks and vaccinating your child

Read more

Health checks at school

The information in the above article is taken from a pamphlet issued by the Health Service. It is also available in Arabic, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Farsi, Somali, Turkish and Urdu.

Gynaecological examinations are primarily carried out by your own GP. You will only be referred to a outside gynaecologist in special cases.

All children can be examined and vaccinated free of charge. The first examination usually takes place when the child is five weeks old. The first vaccinations are usually given at the age of three months. You must make your own appointments with your GP to have your child examined and vaccinated.

When your child starts in school, he or she will receive a preventive examination by a local authority doctor and nurse. Such an examination will usually be performed once in the child’s first year at school and once in his or her last year. If your child encounters problems at school, you can talk to the school psychologist about them.

Paediatric dentist

All children in Denmark are entitled to free dental care until they reach

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For senior refugees and immigrants: Brief information about your rights and opportunities, DaneAge Association (ÆldreSagen). Phone: +45 3396 8686 – aeldresagen.dk

The pamphlet can be obtained from the National Board of Health at sst. dk and from The Danish Cancer Society at cancer.dk Source: sst.dk/en

Photo by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

TAKE ON THE DANISH JOB SCENE – AND WIN!

If you have moved to Denmark and are trying to get a job, here are a few pointers The Danish labour market can seem initially daunting to new arrivals but it helps if you understand how it has evolved and how the different parties interact.

encouraged to contribute with ideas and the atmosphere in the Danish workplace is professional but also casual. This should enable you to balance a career with family life.

Because Denmark has a high proportion of unionised labour it has been possible to develop a system whereby pay and working conditions are typically worked out by means of collective agreements between unions and employers’ organisations (the so-called ‘Danish Model’). Statutory regulation of the labour market is thus kept to a minimum.

Getting started

The ‘flexicurity model’ regulates the market to ensure the most productive, flexible and secure working conditions possible. It combines a flexible labour market with social security for all workers.

If you have an educational qualification from your own country, it helps to have it assessed by the Danish Agency for Higher Eduction (Styrelsen for Videregående Uddannelser). This will provide information to potential employers on the equivalent level of education and may also indicate which Danish program your education is most similar to.

Work-life balance is also considered very important. The Danish working culture is based on collaboration and personal responsibility. Everyone is

To get a job in Denmark you will need to be registered in the Civil Registration System (CPR). You can do this by contacting your local municipality. When you have a CPR number, you will then be able to obtain a tax card.

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Job portals

Applying for a job in Denmark is similar to applying for a job anywhere.

You can either: 1. Respond to a job advert that you find in a newspaper or on the internet; 2. Send unsolicited applications to all the companies that interest you; 3. Register your cv on one or more of the many job databases, who will then contact you once they find potential matches; 4. Establish a professional network and make it known that you are looking for work, which may lead to good contacts and eventually a job.

Business etiquette

The Danish business culture can come as a bit of a shock to people used to more authoritarian and hierarchical working practices. Most Danish companies offer very good working conditions, modern facilities and technical equipment of a high quality. Danish employees are considered motivated and committed, and competence development through courses and education is highly prioritised.

There are a number of online job portals which you can use for job-seeking, as well as several organisations and your local municipality. Amongst these are Jobindex.dk and WorkinDenmark.dk.

Generally speaking, the Danish workplace culture is characterized by being rather informal. In most sectors there is no dress code (although it is wise to check this in advance), and when talking to each other, people don’t use “Sir” and “Ms”, but are on first-name terms with their colleagues, from trainees to managers and superiors. Your colleagues will also use your first name, and people say ‘du’ (the informal ‘you’) when they address each other. However, you might be more formal in mail correspondence.

The municipal job centre also has information on how best to prepare job applications and tips on writing a cv.

The Danish workplace is also characterised by being democratic and equal. The Danes care about equal rights, and this is reflected at work.

The website of the City of Copenhagen under Welcome to Denmark (international.kk.dk) has a wealth of information in English on all aspects of life in Denmark for new arrivals, including several pages on job-seeking.

Employees also enjoy a high degree of freedom and are expected to work independently and to show initiative. The work culture is often open, and your manager may not be checking your work all the time, or giving you new tasks. You are expected to work things out for yourself and work independently, but you can always discuss matters with your colleagues and ask your manager for advice. You will often be given your own areas of responsibility and have a relatively high level of independence at your workplace.

There is also general advice about job-seeking, information on relevant courses on job-seeking, information on salaries, subsidies which might be available, internships and information on education in Denmark.

The website also contains a separate section about starting up your own business, with details on how to do it and what permits etc. you will need to get your dream enterprise off the ground.

Things to note

Sources: workindenmark.dk/Working-in-DK international.kk.dk

1. Teamwork and co-operation are valued qualities in all kinds of businesses; 2. Employees are expected to be motivated and to do their best for the company; 3. The usual full-time working week in Denmark is 37 hours, distributed over 5 days, and working hours are often flexible and generally between 06.00 and 18.00 (except for evening or night work). Your working week could be much longer if you are self-employed or employed in a managerial position; 4. If you are employed, the working hours are fixed through collective wage agreements, but when you are self-employed, there are no fixed rules; 5. In addition to the set public holidays, the minimum holiday entitlement is five weeks per year for a full-time employee. However, this is ‘earned’ at 2.08 days per month and the calculation usually starts on 1 January; 6. There may be work-based social events, such as a summer party or Christmas party and you should involve yourself in these; 7. While not unheard of, relationships at work do not usually carry over into private life. Many firms have a policy of not employing people married to each other. There tends to be a distinction between work and home life; 8. Smoking is not permitted in most work-places and it may not even be possible for you to smoke on the premises at all. If you are a smoker, ask the personnel manager what the rules are.

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GET OUT AND ABOUT AND ENJOY DENMARK’S ‘GREAT OUTDOORS’ Denmark has a lot to offer for anyone interested in nature and water sports

By Mathias Freudenthal While over half of Denmark is comprised of arable land,16 percent consists of forest and heath and 7 percent of wilderness areas such as lakes, bogs and meadows.

And then there is the marvellous Danish coastline. Extending for 7,314 kilometres, it is the 16th longest in the world – outstripping Chile and even India!

So there are plenty of opportunities for newcomers to get the most out of their new country; it is just a matter of your personal preference – and choosing the right clothes.

Rowing

Rowing clubs are always looking for new members and you don’t have to be an experienced oarsman. If you are a newbie, why not try it out at a special free trial session organised by Denmark’s oldest rowing club, Roforeningen KVIK (Strandvænget 53, Cph Ø)? Their website (roforeningen.dk/english) gives details of when the free trials take place. The club also reaches out especially to foreigners by providing a mentoring service to help newcomers settle in.

Surfing

Denmark isn’t the next Hawaii or Australia, but given its weather conditions, big waves aren’t an abnormality along the west coast of Jutland, especially between Klitmøller and Agger, where you’ll find plenty of wouldbe surfers cutting their teeth ahead of heading off to sunnier climes.

Conversely perhaps, the tendency for strong wind but small waves in Danish waters favours windsurfing.

Kitesurfing, in which competitors perform tricks as opposed to racing each other, is another popular surfing pastime. Combining aspects from snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, skateboarding and gymnastics, it one of the ultimate sports for adrenaline junkies.

Sailing

Whether it’s a rowing, sailing or speedboat, a kayak, canoe or pedalo, or even a floating spa, given the proximity of water, you’re never far away from a rental company in this country. But if you want to learn to sail properly, the Royal Danish Yacht Club offers a 16-week sailing course in English starting on April 27 (learn more at kdy.dk). Completing the course will earn you a Danish sailing licence.

Fishing

With its long coastline, and over 5,000 lakes, Denmark has a great selection of places to fish to suit all tastes. Along the seashore, Jutland’s west coast offers the best conditions thanks to its large population of cod, flatfish, and mackerel. From there, sail a cutter to the Yellow Reef – remember your motion sickness pills because it’s going to get rough!

– where most of the country’s biggest fish records have been set. Heading freshwater, but staying in Jutland, the Brede Å, Kongeå, Skjernå and Varde Å streams are all recommended for monster trout and salmon.

Fyn’s seashore is also highly recommended, particularly for trout, while the Øresund is good for trout and cod – especially during the winter.

Staying in Zealand, the freshwater lakes at Furesø and Esrum are famed for their recordbreaking pike and perch, and Isefjorden is another excellent location for trout.

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Spear fishing

Speargun hunters don’t use any scuba gear as they rarely leave the surface, surveying the marine wildlife through their masks with a gun that is rubber or air-powered, or a hand-held spear.

This tends to make the pastime tricky during the summer as most fish seek out deeper waters due to the heat – remember that it’s illegal to spear fish in freshwater areas – so your best bet is trying it out in the spring or the autumn.

In Zealand, Asnæs is recommended for flatfish, while the north coast is good for mullet, flounder and turbot, as is Sejerø Bay, which also provides good conditions for flatfish and dab.

The best place, however, is Jutland, and particularly around Djursland and Hirsholm, which both offer large populations of coal-fish, sea-bass and cod, with the latter also offering superb conditions for mullet. On Funen, Kerteminde and the north shore around Sprogø is excellent for mullet and cod.

Hunting

Despite being protected by hunting laws, the vast majority of animals in Denmark are fair game – provided it’s the right season. The difficulty is finding somewhere to do it; you can’t just go out into the wilderness and start shooting.

You will need to get a Danish hunting licence, so your first step should be to either join a club or befriend a club member. In Zealand, roe deer and birds (especially mallards, greylag geese, pheasants, pigeons) are the most popular prey.

Among the best estates are Bielefeld, Giesegård, Bregentved, Gisselfeldt and Svenstrup gods. But for fallow deer and red deer, head to Jutland.

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Skagen and the northern part of Djursland are home to some of the biggest populations of the highly-coveted red deer.

Hiking

Although Denmark’s countryside isn’t too hilly it’s still beautiful, boasting a huge variety of flora and numerous footpaths to follow. For Copenhageners, their first choice should be Jægersborg Dyrehave where 2,000plus deer inhabit an 11 sq km area full of ancient oak trees.

Lille Vildmose in the eastern part of Jutland between Randers and Aalborg is also exceptional and the only part of the country where you might encounter wild boar, eagles, cranes, beavers, red deer and elk. Also recommended are the islands of Bornholm and Møn, and Mols Bjerge.

Mountain biking

There are plenty of off-road tracks in Denmark offering good exercise, fresh air and an adrenalin-inducing challenge. Be warned, though, that some locations forbid mountain biking because the rough wheels tear the ground up.

While flat Zealand and Fyn have limited possibilities restricted to the odd wood and bog, they still have a number of locations where challenging tracks have been laid out.

Try the Red Track in Hareskoven, Store Dyrehave in Hillerød and Teglstrup Hegn if you’re near the capital; the Blue Track at Himmerlev or Bidstrup skovene in Roskilde elsewhere; Trunderupskoven, Kongebroskoven and Langesøskoven on Funen; and finally Klinteskoven on Møn.

Jutland with its hillier terrain is the best option if you want to test yourself. Try Mols Bjerge, Hasle Bakker, Rold Skov, Fussing Lake and the Hammer Hills.

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I WANT TO BUY A HOUSE IN DENMARK. HOW CAN I DO THAT? If you are thinking of a longer stay in Denmark, you might very well want to buy property here Buying a place to live might make good sense but it can be a complicated process because there are a number of requirements which apply to non-Danish citizens.

How do I find a property?

Unless you have lived in Denmark for more than 5 years, you will need to get permission to buy from the Danish Ministry of Justice (Justitsministeriet). They will issue you with a permit, but this is not just a formality and you will have to prove that you are taking up permanent residence in Denmark. The permit is free of charge and is normally issued within 2 weeks.

Boligsiden is one of the biggest, but all the information is in Danish, although the presentation of the properties is usually good in terms of pictures and hard facts. In any case, most estate agents speak passable English, so you can contact the agent for further information.

However, this does not apply if you are an EU citizen and if the property is going to be your permanent residence.

Another site, BoligPortal, has quite a lot of the information in English (boligportal.dk/en/). Findbolig.nu has a help page where you can download some material in English to enable you to search on the site.

Citizens from countries included in the European Economic Co-operation (EEA) are also exempt from this rule. The EEA countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia and Finland.

It is wise to consult a lawyer in order to clarify your specific options.

Type of property

There are a number of internet property portals where you can find all the properties offered for sale by Danish estate agents.

Do I need a lawyer?

In short: Yes! The Danish property market is highly regulated and the purchasing agreement is an extensive document. Sellers are typically represented by an estate agent and you need a competent advisor as well.

How do I find a good lawyer?

When you are ready to buy, you will have to decide which type of property you wish to buy. There are a number of different options, as listed below:

There are several law firms specialising in foreign buyers. For example, Ret&RĂĽd (ret-raad.dk) have a country-wide chain of law firms that specialise in the buying and selling property and they have offices across the country. Their website also has an English-friendly option.

House (detached or terraced)

What costs should I expect?

Typically, houses are very expensive in the Copenhagen area, and they are often located a little outside the city centre. Broadly speaking, the further away you get from Copenhagen, the cheaper houses become.

Owner-occupied flat

When you buy an owner-occupied flat, you own it once you have paid off the mortgage, and you can take out home equity loans.

Co-operative apartment

Co-operative housing (Andelsboliger) is based on the idea that everyone in the co-operative has bought a small part of the whole association.

Therefore you share the expenses, but you cannot take out loans in your apartment. Co-operative housing used to be cheaper than owner-occupied apartments, but today they can be more expensive.

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In Denmark the estate agent is paid by the seller, while the buyer carries the cost of his/her own advisor, usually a lawyer. The typical fee for a lawyer (including the permit application process) ranges from 10-20,000 kr.

In addition to the lawyer’s fee you must pay a deed tax of 1,660 kr plus 0.6 percent of the purchase price. If you take out a mortgage (which is available for foreigner buyers) you must pay an additional 1,660 DKK plus 1.5 percent of the mortgage value.

Source: bit.ly/2jbtwTe bit.ly/2ja4Ev5

Center for Dansk og Integration

Advertorial

Turbo-Dansk The intensive Danish course

Foreigner in Denmark? How would you like to become fluent in Danish within a year?

If that sounds unattainable then think again; Turbo-Dansk could be the course you’ve been looking for!

Only 30 minutes from the centre of Copenhagen

The Turbo-Dansk course takes place at the premises of the Center for Dansk & Integration in Køge, which is only a 30 minute S-Train ride away from Copenhagen’s town centre.

How does it work?

Turbo-Dansk is an intensive Danish course for both young and adult foreigners that uses a pronunciation -integrated educational approach. Because of its unique structure, it is possible to complete the course and take the public PD3 test within 12 months.

Fast progression – but quality in the driving seat

In order to start the course, you will have to be able to understand and express yourself in English as the first module is taught in English.

The program also requires your full attention, as classes take place 2-3 times per week and time must be set aside for homework and adequate preparation before each class

Flexible schedules and effective classes

From August 2018, evening, day or morning class will be available. In order to enhance the learning experience, the course operates with a maximum of 15 students in each class.

Lessons take place twice or three times a week, giving 8 or 12 lessons weekly.

The teaching staff

All our teachers have a university degree in Danish L2 and all have been approved to teach the Turbo-Dansk L2 teaching method Contact: Center for Dansk & Integration Køge Phone: 24 85 79 53 Turbo@koege.dk www.danskogintegration.dk

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ROSKILDE

Building Character At Skt. Josef ’s International School, we strive to have happy, knowledgeable children skilled with the right character so that each child learns how to learn.

Skt. Josef ’s International School, provides quality international education for children aged 5 to 16 (Year 1 to Year 11).

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+45 4635 2526 2018 RELOCATION

info@ SPRING GUIDE

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THE DANISH BANKING SYSTEM IS EASY AND EFFICIENT One of the things you will need to do in order to get properly settled is to get yourself a bank account in Denmark The Danish banking system is sophisticated and efficient. Nowadays, most transactions take place online with bills usually being paid through automatic debit systems.

Danish law allows any person with a CPR-number to open a basic bank account. This will not include overdraft facilities, credit facilities or a debit card. These have to be agreed with the bank individually.

First things first – Get a CPR-number

EU rules stipulate that you will have to supply the bank with data such as your full name, address, and maybe other information, which has to be verifiable by the presentation of an identity document, preferably with a photo.

For most things in Denmark, you will need a CPR-number (Civil Registration Number).

This is easy to obtain through the website or office of your local kommune (local council).

In order to get one, you have to meet certain criteria: • You have been staying in Denmark for more than 3 months; • If you are an EU citizen, you have a registration certificate (does not apply to Nordic citizens); • If you are a non-EU citizen, you have obtained a residence permit; • You have a place to live.

Opening a bank account

You will need a bank account in order to receive your salary and any payments made to you by the authorities, such as tax refunds etc.

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Easy Account (Nemkonto)

Another thing that everyone in Denmark needs is an Easy Account (Nemkonto) because all payments from public institutions (tax refunds, child subsidies, pensions, student loans, unemployment benefits, housing support or social welfare payments) are transferred directly to this account by default.

The easiest thing to do is to designate your basic bank account as your Easy Account.

However, you can also open a specific separate account for this purpose.

More information is available here: bit.ly/2GK1i0r

NemID is a digital signature which allows you to access both private and public internet services using the same login information. It is also used in conjunction with making transfers via your netbanking system.

Apple has also recently entered the Danish market with Apple Pay. Up until now, this has been restricted to customers with accounts in Jyske Bank and Nordea. A number of retail chains have also indicated that they will accept Apple Pay, such as Circle K, 7-Eleven, Elgiganten and Humac.

The list is expected to grow.

It can be used from any computer and is comprised of two parts: a password, which only you know, and a code card (or electronic key) which you get by post.

The Danish currency (Kroner)

NemID

From May 2018, it should also be possible to use a version of NemID from Android and iOS smartphones or tablets.

You can obtain a code card online, from the citizen service centre (borgersrvice) or through your bank or you can order it here: bit.ly/2qi6flP

Which bank should I choose?

The Danish banking sector still has a significant number of small banks, although the 3 largest banks comprise around 50 percent of the total banking assets. Of these, 5 are considered strategically important for the Danish economy.

The biggest banks in Denmark by total assets are: Danske Bank, Nykredit (mortgage bank), Realkredit Danmark (mortgage bank), Totalkredit (mortgage bank), Nordea and Jyske Bank.

Mortgage banks, which specialise in property financing, are important players in the Danish banking sector.

E-banking and direct debiting to pay bills

All major banks offer e-banking to their customers, most of them also in English. It’s an easy tool to use that allows you to pay bills, transfer money and check your financial assets at home.

In Denmark your bills may come as a giro-bill. It is possible – although with bank charges etc expensive – to pay the giro-bill at the bank and until the end of 2017 at a post office.

However, it is much easier to pay one of these via your e-banking or sign that specific bill up to direct debit service – Betalingsservice. This is smart if the bill is a reoccurring one.

The Danish currency is the Danish Krone (DKK). The current coins are 50 øre, 1 krone, 2 kroner, 5 kroner, 10 kroner and 20 kroner. The banknotes are 50 kroner, 100 kroner, 200 kroner, 500 kroner and 1,000 kroner.

Source: bit.ly/2HlzSer

Denmark’s most effective Danish courses! www.kiss.dk

Banking apps

The electronic payments market in Denmark is undergoing a period of rapid growth. Methods of payment using smartphone apps are becoming much more widespread at the expense of traditional ‘plastic cards’.

As things stand at present, if you are a customer with one of the bigger banks, you can have your account set up to use MobilePay. The system is also fairly widely accepted in shops.

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Ø ÅÆ

LEARN DANISH – AND THEN GO OUT AND MEET THE DANES!

With a wide range of quality language schools available throughout Denmark, learning to speak the language has never been easier You can easily live comfortably in Denmark without ever picking up an English-Danish dictionary. In a city boasting an international community as vibrant as Copenhagen you can get by without any Danish skills whatsoever and learning it can seem a little unnecessary.

However, for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in Danish culture, excel in the job market and make Danish friends, learning the language is a must. It’s also nice to be able to keep up with current affairs by reading a Danish paper or watching the Danish news on tv.

program ends with a state-administered Danish exam, which is a pre-requisite for obtaining permanent residency and Danish citizenship.

Danish 1 A course designed for students with little or no previous schooling and students who have not learned to read and write in their native language, or who have no knowledge of the Latin alphabet.

Language schools

Danish 2 This is designed for students who have a limited educational background from their home country.

The vast majority of language centres admit students on an ongoing basis and offer instruction as day, evening or Saturday courses. The courses are often planned in co-operation with job centres and companies to ensure that students are afforded the necessary time to learn the language.

Danish 3 A program designed for students who, as a minimum, have a medium-length or higher educational background from their home country.

The program consists of five modules and concludes with a final exam which is considered the sixth module, and is required for admission to higher education programs.

There are more than 50 language schools throughout Denmark. At these, adult foreigners are taught Danish from beginner to advanced level.

In addition to classroom instruction, many of the language centres offer the option of learning Danish through on-line courses. On-line courses can be completed with module testing and can be taken individually or in groups. With on-line courses, students can learn Danish when it fits in best with their work, family and school schedules, regardless of time and location.

Go out and use it!

A one-stop shop

When you have started your course, it is important that you go out and speak the language. You can really boost your skills by interacting with the Danes. Don’t be shy, and remember to be patient – not everyone speaks Danish like your language teacher. In real life, people talk too fast, they mumble, use slang and slur their words. Speaking Danish with the natives is definitely a great opportunity to learn the language from the true experts – the people who speak it every day.

The language centres’ core service is teaching Danish to adult foreigners.

Many of the language centres also offer a wide range of other courses, depending on a foreigner’s residential status.

Don’t be afraid of using your Danish language skills – be chatty, make mistakes, laugh when you do, and learn from it. You can also make a deal with yourself and with family and friends to speak only Danish at certain times and situations, for instance, at the weekend or during dinner. You may end up in both funny and awkward situations, but these will only serve to increase your vocabulary. In time, keeping the conversation going will become easier and easier.

A good place to start is The Danish Language Centres (De Danske Sprogcentre). On one easy-to-use website, the DDS brings together all state-approved language schools in Denmark so that prospective students are able to decide which institution will suit them best.

Assessing your skills

Before you start on a course, you will be assessed on your language skills to ensure that the level of tuition provided is commensurate with your ability.

The Danish courses are divided into three programs and each program has six modules, which all conclude with a test. The final module of each

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Some schools also offer language and homework cafes where it is possible to speak Danish with native Danish speakers as well as with other students, and to get help with homework in your native language.

Sources: bit.ly/2ByWwwy bit.ly/2B4CA3q

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RELIGIOUS WORSHIP IN DENMARK The Church of Our Lady - Copenhagen Cathedral

You may be surprised at the variety of different religious groups to be found in Protestant Denmark If you’ve just moved here, a church or other religious group can offer support and friendship to smooth your way.

Statistically speaking Denmark is 90% Protestant (Lutheran) but in practice, although a high proportion of Danes pay their Church Tax, not many go to church regularly. However, churches do tend to be full at Christmas and many Danish young people attend Confirmation classes and are confirmed in church.

Apostelkirken, Saxogade 13, 1662, Copenhagen V is a Lutheran state church where all services are simultaneously translated into English and Farsi. Further information: phone + 45 3331 2304, website: bit.ly/2zTnVLm There are also a few Danish churches that offer services in English during the summer months, but usually they will be in Danish.

However, there are also a number of other religious faiths that have places of worship in the Copenhagen area and who welcome visitors.

St Albans Anglican church

Spectacularly situated down by Langelinie near the Gefion Fountain, St Alban’s is a growing, diverse and inclusive Christian community. The church part of the Diocese in Europe of The Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Services are in English.

Service times: St Alban’s Church, Churchillparken, Langelinie, Copenhagen 1263, Denmark. Sunday: Sung Eucharist 10:30; Wednesday: Holy Communion 10:30.

Further information: http://bit.ly/2jDaFnI

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Copenhagen

The Catholic church in Denmark is comprised of a single diocese based in Copenhagen. In addition, there are 48 parishes in Denmark and the diocese includes two North Atlantic parishes: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Membership ranges anywhere between 100 to a few thousand people.

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Inside the Copenhagen synagogue

The following churches in the Copenhagen area offer mass in English: Sakramentskirken, Nørrebrogade 27, 2200 Copenhagen N. Every Sunday at 18.00.

Saint Augustine´s Church, Jagtvej 183D (check mass times here: cayac. dk).

St Anne’s Church, Dronning Elisabeths Allé 3, 2300 Copenhagen S. Every Saturday and Sunday at 17:00.

Vor Frue Kirke, Herlevgårdsvej 14, 2730 Herlev. Every Sunday at 11.30.

Sankt Knud Lavards Kirke, Lyngbygårdsvej 1 A, 2800 Lyngby. Every Sunday at 13:00.

The framework for religious life is the Synagogue, Krystalgade 12, 1172 Copenhagen K, which was built in 1833. The new community – and cultural centre of the Jewish Community – is located next to the Synagogue.

In addition, in Catholic churches around Denmark, services are available in the following languages: English, German, French, Italian, Croatian, Ukrainian, Filipino, Polish, Spanish, Tamil, Vietnamese and using the Caldaian rite. For a comprehensive list, see: bit.ly/2izQyU4

Since November 2017, the synagogue has been closed for renovation work that is expected to take 18 months. During this period, services will be held in the cultural centre next door. Information on times of services is available from phone: +45 3312 8868 or email: mt@mosaiske.dk

Copenhagen Synagogue

Shia Mosque

The Jewish Community in Denmark is an officially recognised religious community with approximately 2,400 members. There are an estimated number of 8,000 Jews in Denmark of which most are living in Copenhagen and the immediate surroundings.

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There are also two Jewish cemeteries in Copenhagen, one on Vestre Kirkegårds Alle 11 in Valby open every day during the daytime except on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. The other is the picturesque 400-year-old cemetery in Møllegade 12 on Nørrebro, which is open for visitors from April-September 30 on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-18:00.

With space for up to 1,500 worshippers, its 2,100 sqm makes Imam Ali Moske the largest in Denmark. Opened in 2015, the mosque is situated on Vibevej 25-27, 2400 Copenhagen NV.

WELCOME HOME

Since 2004, we’ve worked to cherish that special feeling of ‘home’. Without boasting too much, we can say we’ve succeeded rather well. Today, we are Denmark’s largest housing agency. We rent everything from the small, one-room flats in town to the 500 sq metre villa on the coast. Furnished or unfurnished. On a monthly or yearly basis. We know for sure that a new existence away from familiar surroundings requires tranquillity on the home front. That applies whether you are the landlord, who is moving on – or the tenant who just wants to settle in comfortably.

It’s all about making you feel right when you step inside the door.

Welcome Home to Denmark’s largest housing agency housingdenmark.com

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photo: Imam Ali Moske Facebook

The Imam Ali Mosque

In addition to providing space for worship, the mosque also serve as an international cultural centre.

As well as Danish and Arabic, the mosque offer programs in Persian and English. Prayer times can be found on the official website at: imamalimoske.dk

Sunni Mosques

Copenhagen already has a Sunni mosque, the Hamad Bin Khalifa Civilisation Center, on Vingelodden 1, 2200 København N. Further information is available from phone: +45 7060 5545 or email: info@hbkcc.dk

Other congregations with services in English

Alive Bible Congregation, Kingos Kirke, Bragesgade 35, 2200 København N. Services in English from 13:00. Phone: +45 3131 8805. Website: bit. ly/2IEfVyS Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Købnerkirken, Shetlandsgade 6, 2300 Copenhagen S. Services: Sunday school (all ages) 14:00; Sunday worship 15:00; Wednesday prayer meeting 18:30; Faith Bible institute (Mondays) 17:00. Phone: +45 3255 8926. Website: cbmbc.org

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Kirken i Kulturcenteret, Pentacostal church, Drejervej 11-21, 2400 Copenhagen NV. Services on Sunday at 10:30 translated into English. Website: kirkenikulturcenteret.dk/ Christian Love Fellowship, Brøndby Nord Vej 71, 2605 Brøndby. Sunday service 14:00; Friday prayer & Bible study: 17:30pm; Saturday prayer and sports: 16:00. Phone: +45 2847 5646. Website: icid.dk/clfc.php Copenhagen Community Church, Banevolden 46, 2500 Valby. Sunday services 15:00, all in English. Phone: +45 5155 5376 or website: ccchurch.dk International Church of Copenhagen, Sct. Andreas Kirke, Gothersgade 148, 1123 Copenhagen K. Services: 09:30 Adult discussion, 10:30 Service and Sunday School (ages 3-12), Crèche provided 10-11:30 for children to age 3, 11:30 coffee fellowship. Phone: +45 3962 4785 or website: internationalchurch.dk Sources: kfskbh.dk/englishchurches bit.ly/2ixm6Km

Center for Dansk og Integration

Turbo-Dansk – the intensive Danish course Foreigner in Denmark? How would you like to become fluent in Danish within a year?

If that sounds unattainable then think again; Turbo-Dansk could be the course you’ve been looking for!

Turbo-Dansk is an intensive Danish course for both young and adult foreigners Lessons take place twice or three times a week All our teachers have a university degree in Danish L2

Only 30 minutes from the centre of Copenhagen Fast progression – but quality in the driving seat Flexible schedules and effective classes

Contact: Center for Dansk & Integration Køge Phone: 24 85 79 53 • Turbo@koege.dk • www.danskogintegration.dk 2018 RELOCATION SPRING GUIDE 25

THIS SPORTING LIFE – FROM LACROSSE TO RUGBY VIA ROLLER SKATES Why not keep fit and have fun at the same time?

One of the best ways to settle into life in a new country and also meet new people is to join a sports club. The Copenhagen area has lots of them and some cater especially for internationals, so there are good opportunities to keep up with the sports from back home, should you so wish.

Here are a few suggestions for the sports-minded new arrival to Denmark, but many other sports take place in the Copenhagen area and can be found by a diligent search of the internet.

Netball

Derived from basketball but with no dribbling and exclusion zones, this sport requires you to be quick on your feet – reaction, precision and co-ordination are vital. Plus it’s really fun and can be enjoyed by men and women together. Copenhagen netball club offers an annual membership for 450 kr per year and promises fun and social activities on the side, so it’s a good place to start your ‘net’ work. You can try out twice for free, and if you’re ready to join, training is open for everyone – experienced or uninitiated. Training is held in Bellahøj on Wednesdays at 20:00. Contact: copenhagennetballclub@gmail.com, netball.dk

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Cricket

Part of the Danish Cricket Federation, Copenhagen Cricket Club offers training for adults and children alike with teams for senior, youth and junior players. Training takes place in Brønshøj both in winter and summer, with morning and evening training for juniors and youth, and evening and weekend meet-ups for the senior teams. The club also offers tutoring for young people and has an integration-orientated philosophy. Contact: info@copenhagencricketclub.dk, copenhagencricketclub.dk

Softball

Baseball is hard to find in Denmark, but internationals and Danes make do with the next best thing, softball, and there’s no better club in the capital than Gladsaxe Softball Club. As well as offering fun and competitive games to its adult members, the club also runs a number of different youth sides and is always looking for members. A basis membership costs 250 kr and includes up to 3 months training. Contact: gsk-softball.dk

Lacrosse

Originally played by Native Americans, Canada’s national sport is often

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ordering groceries online couldn't be easier Buying online is an increasingly habit-forming way of stress-free shopping that appeals to the modern, busy and primarily urban consumer Nemlig.com is a modern Danish success story: an online grocer that delivers goods to customers, selling convenience along with food.

The concept is simple: a 100 percent flexible supermarket that is as close at hand as your computer, smartphone or tablet and always available. There is no queueing and you will not be pestered by your children to buy unwanted ‘impulse purchases’.

And prices are competitive with physical supermarkets. Nemlig.com offers the same prices as the regular discount assortment in Netto Danes are increasingly taking to ordering groceries online, and this has certainly been felt by nemlig.com, who were able to increase turnover by 28 percent last year. Indeed, profits for the financial year 2016-2017 were one billion kroner, which is no mean sum.

“The biggest advantage with nemlig.com is that you can order your groceries at home from your couch and get the goods delivered either on the same day or the next,’’ explained nemlig.com chief executive Stefan Plenge.

“Plus, we have more than 11,000 items to choose from.’’

Embracing different cultures

Nemlig.com offers a wide variety of food selection – a benefit that the company believes differentiates it from most physical grocers.

“To embrace the expat community in Denmark, we think about which traditions and holidays they are celebrating,” said Plenge.

The company is also very aware of the need to cater for people with special dietary requirements, so vegan, gluten-free, organic and locally-produced products are all available.

“We have a broad customer base ranging from families with children and the elderly to disabled people and busy businesspeople – therefore we try and cater to both the budget-conscious and ecologically-conscious consumers,’’ continued Plenge.

Another way in which nemlig.com is different from other online grocers are the many collaborations it has with the best speciality shops in Denmark.

These include Slagter Lund, Cofoco, Lagkagehuset, AC Perch’s Thehandel, Sv Michelsen, Jacob Kongsbak Lassen, Le Gourmand and Rossini Caviar – to name but a few.

Changing consumer habits

Plenge explained that the biggest challenge nemlig.com faces is changing the consumers’ ingrained habit of buying groceries in physical stores.

Providing customers with online access to speciality food products is a promising way to change the norm.

“I love the fact that I can order ice cream from Svaneke Is or chocolate from Kjærstrup Chokoladeglæde both from the Danish island of Bornholm, without having to make the trip myself,’’ Plenge enthused.

“The customers are the heart of our business, so everything we do, we do with our customers in mind.”

See the selection

So do yourself a favour. Go to nemlig.com and check the sheer variety of goods available. You may well be surprised.

Ordering is simple and their customer service is ready to serve you 365 days a year. You won’t be disappointed.

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Photo by Paul Codling on Unsplash

referred to as ‘the fastest game on two feet’. It was brought to Denmark in 2002 by a couple of enthusiasts who work hard to keep it cheap and appealing – hence the rather low membership fee of 250kr every three months, while exchange students get a discount. Copenhagen Lacrosse, the country’s oldest club, trains twice a week at Valby Idrætspark over the summer, and once a week indoors over the winter. Both men’s and women’s teams average two games per month over the summer season, and there is the possibility of attending a tournament in Berlin or Amsterdam. All equipment is supplied by the club. Contact: info@copenhagenlacrosse.com, copenhagenlacrosse.com

Roller derby

Roller derby is a fast-paced sport for anyone who enjoys speed and is not afraid of a few hard knocks. Good balance, determination, a decent pair of rollerskates – plus knee- and elbow pads, wristguards and a helmet (bike or skater) is all you need. The two teams and a junior team are open for ‘fresh meat’ in September and February. See the official webpage and find out how else you can get involved until then. A membership currently costs 125 kr per month and it is possible to ‘try before you buy’. Contact: copenhagenrollerderby.com

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American football

The Copenhagen Towers, who were founded in Gentofte in 1990, have just had a spectacular season in 2017 and that may sound a tad intimidating. Nevertheless, American football could be the sport for you, and you’ll never know until you give it a try. There are also lots of youth teams should your kids fancy their chances. Contact: headcoach@copenhagen-towers.dk; copenhagen-towers.dk

Football

Founded in 1982, international football club Copenhagen Celtic has close to 100 members representing at least 30 different countries, providing a great social base to them all. Whether you choose 11 or 7-a-side football, in 2018 there will be 8 active squads catering for all age levels.

During winter, indoor football is also an option. Most of the training takes place in the evenings at Valby Idrætspark. New players are always welcome (free trials are the norm) and the subscription fees for a full season are 1,200 kr for the 11-man teams and 1,100kr to play sevens.

Contact: copenhagenceltic@gmail.com, copenhagenceltic.com

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Photo by Edgar Pimenta on Unsplash

Aussie rules

Australian rules football has established itself well in Denmark – so well in fact that it has a league of its own. Just like other sports brought over by expats, it is equally enjoyed by Danes as well. There are three men’s teams in the Copenhagen area – Copenhagen Barracudas, Copenhagen Giants and Farum Cats, plus a women’s team – the Farum Wildcats.

Training sessions for the Barracudas take place twice a week from 18:0020:00 at Valby Idrætspark, in summer (Apr-Sept) on Tuesdays and Thursdays and in winter (Nov-March) on Mondays and Wednesdays. Contact: bcudas@gmail.com, cphaf.dk.

Rugby union

The Exiles are a rugby union team who welcome not only students and academics, but all internationals passionate about rugby. The club is based in Kongens Lyngby on the premises of the Danish Technical University. Exiles train twice a week. Winter training is on Tuesdays indoors at DTU (Women: 18:00-19:30/Men’s 19:30-21:00) and Saturdays outdoors at Lyngby Stadium from 15:00-17:00. Summer Training is Tuesdays and Thursday at DTU (outdoors) from 18:00-20:00. Membership fees vary between 300 and 1,000 kr depending on the length of the subscription, age

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and employment status of the player. If you’re not sure whether or not rugby union is something for you, try it out for a month free of charge first!

Contact: exiles.dk, facebook.com/ExilesRUFC

Gaelic football

Gaelic football mixes football goals and rugby tackles, gets your blood racing and develops toughness and co-ordination skills. The Gaelic Football Association in Copenhagen offers not only a good opportunity for exercise and competition but also a strong network and community for its members, from barbecue gatherings to help finding a place to live. And as all the games are played against foreign teams, the club tends to visit at least two European cities a season.

Outdoor training takes place from April to October on Tuesday evenings from 17:55 at Arsenalvej 2. Indoor training for the winter season (FebApr) is on Tuesday evenings from 20:00 at Hvidkildevej 64, Cph NV. A year’s membership costs 400 kr per year for players, 200 for students/ unemployed and for non-players, 150 kr. Contact: copenhagengaa@gmail. com, copenhagengaa.com

Advertorial

Denmark’s new international 100 percent English-speaking efterskole The International - Academy and Boarding School of Denmark is unique in combining academic excellence while retaining the intimacy of a small school An ambitious project that started with a single international class at Vedersø Idrætsefterskole has now evolved into a completely new and unique school.

Here, students from Denmark and the rest of the world meet to combine the special Danish efterskole experience with an internationally-recognised Cambridge IGCSE education and develop an international network.

“It has been crucial for us to maintain our focus on education and personal development, which is the major part of our secondary school,” says headmaster Kim Skouborg.

Who wants to go to the The International, you might ask. “There are a lot of Danish students who are just attracted by the concept, and then there many who have some kind of relationship to Denmark through family,” says Mason.

“Some are foreigners living in Denmark or Danes living abroad, and then there are those foreign students from all around the world that have no prior relationship to Denmark at all. It all helps to create the very special culture and not least understanding of other cultures that is so unique to The International.”

Purpose-built facilities

The International is an independent department under Vedersø Idrætsefterskole and all the buildings are purpose-built. All the facilities at The International are brand new, including the students’ dormitory rooms with their own private bathroom and toilet, the modern classrooms and inviting common areas.

In addition to a variety of international optional subjects, there is the possibility of taking sports at the highest level, as Vedersø Idrætsefterskole has some of the country’s best sports facilities, with no less than 2 sports halls, 3 football pitches and a state-of-the-art tumbling centre.

A win-win situation How about a study trip to Hawaii and trying out surfing on the world famous Waikiki Beach?

Taking a different path

At a time when many schools are getting bigger and bigger to ensure economic stability, Vedersø has decided to go in another direction.

“We have a strong and very successful sports school with gymnastics, tumbling, football and dance, and we did not wish to compromise the value of being a relatively small school with 120 students, where everyone knows everyone,” says Skouborg.

Because of that, the school chose to look for opportunities to be ‘pioneers’ and help develop the school to grow in a more interesting way.

Equally, students at Vedersø can benefit from the exciting range of optional subjects and extremely talented language teachers at The International.

“It’s a win-win situation and now that we’re in the second year we can really start taking advantage of all the many opportunities each department offers,” Skouborg and Mason agreed.

“Our teachers have helped shape and develop the profile and daily routine, and students from both departments naturally find common interests – whether it’s in sports, music, the creative subjects or something else.”

“We can see that the huge variety of optional subjects on offer is important in attracting a diverse range of students – just as the international profile and our unique study tours have been crucial to students choosing the school,” conclude both heads. www.theinternational.dk

“Like many other Danish schools, Vedersø Idrætsefterksole already had international classes where lessons take place in English, but our vision was to create an English-speaking environment outside the classroom as well where international students would feel safe and welcome,” said the head of the International department Alex Mason, an Englishman who has lived and worked in education in Denmark for almost 15 years.

“For me it is a dream come true to open an efterskole for international students, because it’s something so unique to Denmark and something that has meant so much in my own life that I wanted others to share,” Mason added.

International learning environment

The school is renowned for its unique international learning environment.

No less than 25 nationalities are represented amongst the 72 students and 9 teachers currently at the school.

Spinning is just one of many exciting options at The International.

Fact box:

• 72 students and 9 teachers. 25 nationalities represented at school.

• Internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.

• Situated in Vedersø, in beautiful surroundings less than 5 kilometres from the North Sea. • Study trips to San Francisco, Hawaii and Australia, Singapore.

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