Interview with Ashlee Bessolo

Are the Danes much nicer than they get credit for?

If you ask Ashlee, the answer is yes!

After relocating to Denmark four years ago, Ashlee was surprised to find that the Danes were not as cold as first anticipated. She also learned that change is positive and that the Danish educational system comes with a great deal of freedom and responsibility.

but it’s worth it! In my experience, these friendships are much more valuable, as they are less superficial than those common in America; when you make a Danish friend, you make a friend for life.

For example, if they invite you over for dinner, it’s not just a formality, it’s because they consider you their friend and value the relationship. It isn’t something they would usually do with strangers.

How was the process of moving to Denmark?

When you first arrived in Denmark, what was your initial thoughts on the Danish culture?

I’ve lived in Sweden, so I’m familiar with Scandinavian culture, so I didn’t really notice anything different. However, I did notice that Copenhagen had this really amazing vibe, which you don’t get elsewhere and which you cannot compare to other cities around the world. There’s this coziness and people are, in general, much more open than they get credit for.

The rumor is that Scandinavians are so cold, but really they are so warm!

I was expecting to meet distant Scandinavians, but I met just the opposite. As soon as you get to know the Danes, you’ll experience that they are the best friends you can have. It might take a while before they consider you a friend,

The student visa was easy for me to get. It took, I would say, two months maximum, and it was only a moderate amount of paperwork, so getting to the point where I could come here and be here on the technicality of being a student, was pretty easy for me. It was only after that point it became more difficult. Getting my CPRnumber was a struggle, and without it, it is really difficult to “do life” here. Even if you go to the gym, you need a CPR-number, if you’re moving – you have to have an address for your CPR-number to get all of your mail and so on. It was one of those things that really surprised me, and I remember standing in a four-hour line just to get in and receive my documents; however, at the time they didn’t have the option to schedule an appointment beforehand.

What are your experience of finding a place to live in Denmark?

I knew no one when I moved here, so I just looked online. I would say it took me two months to find a place to stay without knowing anyone, which I think is too long, but it’s much easier now that I have built a

network here. There’s never a quick fix when you need a new place to stay, but a large, caring network definitely makes it a lot easier. It can be quite tedious for foreigners if they don’t know anyone and if they cannot figure it out, I mean, everything is in Danish, so it requires exhaustive effort and plenty of time.

What was it like studying in Denmark compared to the school system you know from the States?

It was a surprise to me that my final grade for a course would be exclusively based on one exam. In the States, you constantly have assignments throughout the semester and you apply what you learn to practice by doing so. This required that I change the way I learn and how I process information, because I wasn’t used to only being talked at, nor having the option to show up to class or not.

Showing up for class, in the States is mandatory, so it took time getting used to having the weight of my entire education on my shoulders. I found that because of this “option to go to class,” much of what the professors taught in lecture, was exactly what was in the reading assignment or presentation slides we had access to – in the beginning, finding the motivation go to class took effort.

In regard to the exams, I had never had a four-hour sit in or oral exam. Maneuvering my way through this new format of examination and deciphering my teacher’s expectations for obtaining top grades, was the biggest learning curve for me.

I guess I’m also used to more school spirit, but Danish universities give you the opportunity to work alongside your studies, whereas American universities require much more participation throughout the entire semester. In the States, you have to get a job at a restaurant or something like that, because you know that the working hours are going to be later in the day, whereas here, it is a lot easier to have a study relevant job because you don’t always have to attend class. You’re an adult, so it is your own responsibility whether you wish to be an active participant in your education. I really like that aspect of schools here.

Do you think that there is a better link between universities and work-life in Denmark?

Yes, there’s a better link and the system allows you to not only apply theory to practice outside of school, but it gives you the chance to really build your network. In Denmark, the market is concentrated with qualified candidates, so working whilst studying and building your CV is crucial.

As a foreigner, building your network through study relevant jobs is key in finding a full-time job after graduation. It is something you need to take into consideration – especially as a nonDanish speaking foreigner.

What’s it like to work with Danes?

I have worked with Danes for many years.

In a start-up and medium-size company, and now in my current position at a global company. Despite the size or maturity of the company, I’ve experienced that Danes

have a really great balance between their work-life and their private life. I also appreciate the trust and responsibilities managers give to you and that’s very rare to Denmark. Here, I feel my managers value my opinion and even seek it out. You don’t tend to find that commonplace in the States, nor in other countries around the world.

It empowers you, whether you’re an intern or a student assistant, to give it all you’ve got and to show up for work day after day.

It feels like your voice matters.

Currently, I work at Novo Nordisk, and I was surprised that the structure is so flat – of course there are systems in place – but if I wanted or needed to email the CEO, I could do it. This ”flat hierarchy” cliché you hear about Scandinavia is actually true!

And, even though I work in a multinational corporation, my department has the relaxed vibe of a startup.

I feel that Danish companies really care about their employees. There are perks in every size of company that ensures that their employees are happy at their place of work. You can come and go more or less as you please, because your manager trusts that you’re going to get the job done.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m very much hoping to stay in Denmark, so I have researched a lot on how I can stay here after I graduate. It is becoming more complex to stay and the requirements that need to be met are increasing annually.

But I have hope that it will all work out.

However, I must say that these everincreasing limitations to entry are unfortunate. While I understand that having requirements for foreigners are of importance, I think it should be easier for people who have chosen to call Denmark home. Those who have studied their bachelor’s and master’s degree in Denmark. Those who have been working in Denmark, while studying and who have paid their taxes. I haven’t received SU (student grant, red.) or a free education, but I have paid my taxes for four consecutive years and will continue to do so. I believe that I, as well as other foreigners in my position, should be given some slack for contributing to the Danish society.

Thank you, Ashlee!