The International - February 2024

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

ANZAC BISCUITS

LIVING WITH LOW VISION

THE GIFT OF SUSTAINABILITY

BRING MORE HYGGE TO YOUR HOME

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UNLOCKING DANISH HAPPINESS:

A JOURNEY WITH AUTHOR HELEN RUSSELL.

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EMBRACING FEBRUARY IN DENMARK: WEATHER, HYGGE, FESTELAVN, AND WINTER HOLIDAYS.

MEET THE TEAM EDITOR & FOUNDER Lyndsay Jensen - lyndsay@the-intl.com

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

CONSULTING EDITOR Conrad Egbert

GRAPHIC DESIGN The International

WRITERS TEAM Ophelia Wu; Alexandra Beck; Mariano Davies; Monika Pedersen; Sara R. Newell; Michaela Medvedova; Natasha Liviero; Heather Storgaard; Natália Šepitková; Luke Hannon; Rikke Skak Harboe; Dominic J Stevenson

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DEAR READERS February in Denmark is notorious for its fickle weather. The days are short, and the weather can be harsh, with biting winds, freezing temperatures, and frequent bouts of snow and sleet. It's when everyone layers up, dons their warmest coats and scarves, and brace themselves against the elements. Yet, despite the weather's challenges, there's a certain beauty in the wintry landscape – the frosted trees, the soft blanket of snow covering the ground, and the cosy glow of streetlights against the darkening sky.

HYGGE: FINDING COMFORT IN COSINESS In the face of February's gloominess, Danes turn to their beloved concept of hygge to find comfort and joy. Hygge, often described as a feeling of cosiness, contentment, and well-being, is central to Danish culture, especially during the long winter months. It's about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, whether by lighting candles, snuggling up with a good book, or gathering with loved ones for a meal. In February, hygge becomes a lifeline, a way to ward off the winter blues and cultivate a sense of warmth and intimacy amidst the cold.

COVER PICTURE Simon Meyer Fotografi telavn injects a sense of merriment and playfulness into the dreary days of February, offering a welcome respite from the winter depression.

WINTER HOLIDAYS: EMBRACING TRADITION AND TOGETHERNESS February also marks the observance of various holidays in Denmark, including Fastelavn, the week of school vacation, and perhaps most notably, Valentine's Day. While Valentine's Day may be a more recent addition to Danish culture, it has been embraced with enthusiasm as Danes exchange tokens of affection and indulge in romantic gestures. Additionally, February offers an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the winter season, whether through cosy dinners, outdoor activities like ice skating or skiing, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.

February in Denmark is a time of contrasts and traditions, where the warmth of hygge offsets the harshness of winter, the festive spirit of Festelavn, and the joy of winter holidays. Despite the weather's challenges, Danes embrace this month with resilience and a sense of community, finding solace in the simple pleasures.

FESTELAVN: CARNIVAL FUN AMIDST THE CHILL One of the highlights of February in Denmark is Festelavn, a festive tradition celebrated on the Sunday or Monday before Ash Wednesday. Festelavn, whose origins date back to medieval times, is Denmark's version of Carnival, albeit with unique twists. Children dress in colourful costumes, don masks, and participate in parades and festivities. A key feature of Festelavn is the tradition of "slå katten af tønden" (hit the cat out of the barrel), where children take turns striking a barrel filled with candy until it breaks open, showering them with sweet treats. Fes-

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SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Head of SoMe Shivangi Singh - shivangi@the-intl.com

SoMe Ambassadors Michaela Medvedova; Aina Masood; Ane-Sophie Custura; Terumi Mascarenhas; Leslie Noygues; Shelly Pandey; Shivangi Singh; Ritika Jain; Pavlos Tsiakoumis; Sakib Akhter; Rashmi Jadhav; Shaeema Zaman

SALES sales@the-intl.com The International is published online 12 times a year. This issue was published on 14 February 2024.

Notice: The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for er-

Wishing you a good winter break!

Lyndsay Love,

EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

ror 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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#STAND WITH UKRAINE #PEACE FOR UKRAINE

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HOW HELEN STARTED

LIVING DANISHLY

FROM FASHION WEEKS AND FREELANCE JOURNALISM TO RESEARCHING HAPPINESS AND RAISING VIKINGS.

PHOTOGRAPHS SIMON MEYER FOTOGRAFI / HELEN RUSSELL

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WHEN PREPARING TO relocate to Denmark, 'The Year of Living Danishly' by Helen Russell should definitely be on your reading list.

The British journalist-turned-writer moved to Denmark in 2013, and ever since then, she's been following the thread of her curiosity where it leads her as her life in Denmark evolves, documenting it all in her collection of books.

HAPPY PLACE

"I always liked journalism. I've had experience with it since I was a teenager in the local paper. I'm very nosy and curious about the world, and I've always loved to write. So finding out things and writing about them is my happy place."

And she's built an impressive career out of it, too. She worked her way up from being a researcher to features writer and then editor and ultimately held the editor position at marieclaire.co.uk. "It was a nice, sometimes glamorous job - going to Fashion Weeks around the world, wearing nice clothes… I haven't worn high heels in I don't even know how long. Now my life is nothing like that."

Then, one Wednesday, her husband came home and told her he'd been offered his dream job - working for LEGO. "Not in Copenhagen, not the fun part everyone's heard of, but a Jutland town. So we were very sceptical." But when they visited the place, Helen was immediately impressed by how different it seemed to her busy life in London.

People seemed more relaxed, children were running wild in the forest… "Denmark had just been voted the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report. I became fascinated by that. How could this tiny country pull off the 'happiest nation on Earth' title? I decided we would give it a year. So I quit my job, and we shipped all our stuff across the North Sea."

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TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

Without a job, not speaking the language, and not knowing anyone - that did not make Helen's start in Denmark very smooth. When they first moved to Jutland, they lived in the countryside and there wasn't a big international community. "I'm aware of my privilege and that my experience moving here as a white middle-class woman is going to be very different. I'm aware I will have had it much easier compared to others. But it was still hard. There were no other internationals - it was not such an international place as it is now. There were huge challenges every day. There were many times when I thought: I can't do this." It got better once Helen started making friends and cultivating her network instead of conducting her social life via Skype or Ryanair flights. With the acceptance from a Danish friend circle came the feeling: This is good.

Ultimately, Helen and her husband had the loveliest reason to extend their stay in Denmark. "We've been trying to start a family for years. I've had years of fertility treatment, but nothing was working in my busy London life. And then, within six months of moving here, I discovered I was finally pregnant." That put a different spin on their Danish plans. Helen had already seen the country as a perfect place to have kids. "Plus, I had quite a tough pregnancy, and it got to the stage where I couldn't fly. So that was the first year trickling into two years - and I've kind of been flying by the seat of my pants ever since - then I went on to have twins. The chaos of a busy family combined with how great Denmark is as a place to have kids has meant that it's ended up being home for a lot longer."

RESEARCHING DENMARK Moving to the countryside instead of the capital city of Denmark certainly created a different Danish experience. "Just like you can't compare London to the rest of the UK,

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you can't really compare Copenhagen to the rest of Denmark. When I first moved here, it certainly was in the proper countryside. These days, I would say many internationals move to Jutland, and there's a big international community now because of LEGO. But I've always lived in predominantly Danish places, and at all times, my neighbours are Danes. My Danish still isn't great, but I like being able to experience the culture."

Such exposure was definitely helpful in the next chapter of Helen's professional life - writing a column about Denmark and working as a Scandinavian correspondent for The Guardian. "Having just arrived in Denmark, without a Danish qualification and not speaking Danish, I knew I couldn't work for women's magazines here. So it was more about being tenacious and looking for opportunities." This paired well with Helen's interest in how Denmark topped the chart of the happiest countries. She wanted to know what Denmark and other Nordic countries were doing differently.

However, it got a bit too much after a decade of corresponding for The Guardian, with three children at home. "It's difficult to be flexible and responsive once you have caring responsibilities as well. I was no longer able to hop on a plane to cover a breaking news story in Sweden or Norway, for example, when I had to pick up the kids from school.

There are wonderful things about being a freelance journalist - the freedom, meeting amazing people, and the license to go out into the world and find interesting stories.

But it's not easy."

Helen's life in Denmark brought another new chapter in her professional life. She became a published author. Writing longer form is always a slightly different skill, but as most of her books are non-fiction, the process is similar: backing things up with evidence, research, and citations. Helen enjoys that she can spend longer on a singular topic - and maintain her work-life balance better. "Freelance journalism always has a very fast turnover. Suddenly, book writing allows me to have that time. There can be days when one of my kids is sick, and I think: Well, I'm not gonna get anything done today. But that's okay, I can do something tomorrow. Having more autonomy over my time is a real privilege."

She did venture out into the world of fiction, as well, with her novel 'Gone Viking'. "It's very liberating because while research is often helpful, it's your imagination and the world you're creating in your head. On the other hand, it's challenging because it's all on you.

With three small children and a dog that won't stop barking, I don't really have time to have writer's block, but with fiction, I think it's an easy thing to have."

TRUST EQUALS HAPPINESS However, it was her non-fiction debut book 'The Year of Living Danishly' that launched her author career. The idea of writing the book came out of the column about Denmark she was already writing - and a decision was made. Helen would dive even deeper to see what makes Danes the happiest nation in the world. Besides landing her an international bestseller, all the research into Danish society helped her get to know her new home.

"I am not naturally so confident at talking to strangers, but when it's for my work, I will overcome that fear barrier. I will go to that event, but at the same time, I really would rather not. Having a project and a purpose was really helpful. I do a lot of talks with new internationals in Denmark, and if people don't have that sense of purpose when they arrive, it's really tough. So this was a real gift for me."

Out of all the aspects of the Danish culture, the work-life balance and the short week were very easy to take on. "There's the idea that it's sacred family time between four and seven in the evening. It makes a huge difference. When I speak to US or UK colleagues, the scrambling around for childcare and the erosion of family time is very striking. It's what people take for granted here, and I think it's very special."

When she sums up how she's living more Danishly now, a decade into her Danish life, Helen singles two things out: She is less stressed and more trusting. That comes pretty naturally in a country where people leave their babies sleeping outside in their prams and forget to lock things. "It's just assuming that the people around you are nice. In the UK, we were brought up with this idea of 'stranger danger' and taught to trust less, whereas

"FOR HELEN, THE RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS DOES NOT HAVE MANY INGREDIENTS. IT'S TIME WITH FRIENDS, TIME AND PEACE TO BE CREATIVE, AND THE GIDDY HILARITY OF SPENDING TIME WITH CHILDREN AND DOGS, ENJOYING THE SILLINESS AND THE SENSE OF RIDICULOUSNESS." trust has always been high here. I appreciate it, especially coming from London, where it sometimes feels unsafe." Whether the big things - trusting in the good of people - or the small things - eating dinner at 5.30, which she would previously call ridiculously early - doing them the Danish way became second nature to Helen. After all, she's already lived so much of her adult life here.

By providing an outside look at the Danish culture, Helen was a little worried Danes would think she was being a bit cheeky about them. "But I came to learn pretty quickly that the Danish sense of humour is quite similar to the British. Danes have been really supportive. I've even had the former prime minister and other high-up people read it and be supportive. It's been amazing to see that people who know this country really well said: Oh, yeah, I hadn't thought about that! But you've seen something in us with that outsider's perspective. So I've been very honoured - and relieved - by that."

With the increasing number of internationals who arrive in Denmark and make it their home, the country's diversity is naturally increasing, too - and so is the number of outsider perspectives on how work culture should look like, for example. Is it possible the famous Danish work-life recipe can be altered? "There are more internationals arriving because Danish companies need that. There is much to be celebrated there; diversity is always good. I hope we can find a balance. For corporations hiring people from all over the world, who may come from a very different work culture where they're used to working long hours and a dog-eat-dog work culture - I hope the Danish way of working collaboratively and efficiently and still being productive, will end up being the norm. I would hope there's a way to hold on to that.”

HOW CAN WE BE (NOT) HAPPY? But Danes, even though successful at it, are not the only ones with a recipe for happiness. 'The Year of Living Danishly' was published in 21 countries, and Helen soon started hearing from readers worldwide, saying: This is what happiness looks like in my country. Helen, the curious journalist she is, started documenting them. "In the end, I had 33 unique perspectives from around the world. So I spoke to my publisher, saying this would be a great opportunity to celebrate cultural differences for people travelling to, working in, or just wanting to understand more about different cultures."

And so 'The Atlas of Happiness' was born, a study of global secrets to happiness.

When she was promoting the book, however, someone in the audience always pointed out: Okay, but how? I've just lost my job, apartment, and relationship - how can I be happy? "It struck me that many people were actually assuming that happiness is the state we should be in at all times. And I felt like I've done a disservice, really, because I don't think sadness is the opposite of happiness. Sadness is a natural response when we experience loss or disappointment. Yet many of us in many of our cultures are taught to think of it as something negative, something to not even acknowledge, let alone process. But if we suppress negative thoughts, they're more likely to pop up elsewhere. So I thought we need to know how to be sad well, too, and wrote 'How to be Sad'."

For Helen, the recipe for happiness does not have many ingredients. It's time with friends, time and peace to be creative, and the giddy hilarity of spending time with children and dogs, enjoying the silliness and the sense of ridiculousness.

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INVESTING IN VIKINGS Luckily, with three small children and a family dog, she has plenty of opportunities for it.

The fact that Helen is raising three little Vikings is apparent when their family from the UK visits or when they are with other international families. Her children are happy to wear their full outdoor gear or a snowsuit and be out in the snow, sledging for hours. They'll climb the hill again and again - fall and get back up again without really minding.

It's only natural that what consumes most of Helen's time now - parenting - is also reflected in her book writing. Her next book, 'How to Raise a Viking', is out now.

"I was really interested in the Nordic way of parenting from conception all the way to the teenage years.

Giving parents good parental leave and offering subsidised childcare is so important for equality and mental health - and it's actually better for the economy. For every $1 spent on childcare, the economy gets at least $1.50 back. The Norwegian government recently valued the contribution of working mothers to the country’s GDP at £626 billion – equivalent to the value added by its oil reserves. So it makes bad financial sense to not look after mothers and parents. In countries like the UK, where there is still squeamishness about subsidised childcare or so much paid parental leave, or in the US where there's no paid parental leave, many will argue that it's because the country can't afford it. But childcare pays for itself and parental leave benefits both parents. So not having it isn't about the economy - it's a choice that has been made."

She also points out that the lack of pressure and respect going all the way up in the school system helps mould nicer teenagers with better preparedness for adult life. "They have that bedrock of respect, and they're taught to be quite body neutral, so there's no shame around the body. If they go to efterskole, they learn about cleaning, doing laundry, and looking after themselves. Even though there's a lot of permissiveness around alcohol or curfews, teenagers just seem to be quite nice here.

So it seems, from pregnancy all the way up to parenting teenagers, there is a lot to learn from the Nordic way." THE-INTL How to Raise a Viking, the Secrets of Parenting the World’s Happiest Children, by Helen Russell is out now, published by 4th Estate in the UK (available on Saxo or at Books&Company).

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ASKING QUESTIONS

FOR INTERVIEW SUCCESS! TALENT ACQUISITION PROFESSIONAL LUKE HANNON SHARES RELEVANT TIPS AND HINTS IN YOUR CAREER SEARCH. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT LUKE HANNON

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“Your job is to make it as EASY as possible for them to imagine you working there as possible."

IN MY NINE years in the recruitment industry, I've participated in hundreds of interviews.

Many things have changed in these nine years. Some haven't. Asking the right questions during your interview is the most surefire way to stand out as an interviewee and maximise your chances of landing your dream job.

Here's how…

WHY IS ASKING QUESTIONS SO IMPORTANT? "Do you have any questions?"

Nearly every interview ends with this question. This is your chance to shine. The interviewer is giving you a softball opportunity to impress them with your knowledge, expertise and insight.

So why is preparing questions for your interview so important?

Preparing a list of questions lets you discover all you need to know about the job you're interviewing for. It means you can show the interviewers that you've considered the role deeply and are taking the job seriously. It can allow you to set yourself apart from the other interviewees by providing additional information about the position, information which you can weaponise, showing the interviewers that you've got the skills and experience which would make you perfect for the role.

In short - it's crucial!

WHAT TYPES OF QUESTIONS SHOULD YOU ASK? Now you know how vital asking the right questions is, let's cover the types of questions you should ask.

For the best chance of impressing your interviewers, your questions should cover three main areas: 1. Questions about the role 2. Questions about the desired skills and behaviours 3. Questions about the company So what does this look like?

When asking about the role, it's essential to ask questions not answered in the job description. Ask about the team and the day-to-day responsibilities of the role.

Ask anything that will enable you to de-

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LUKE HANNON SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION PARTNER

cide if the role is right for you.

Remember, an interview is a two-way street!

Along with questions about the company, always think of questions to ask about the skills and behaviours required for the job. The reason that jobs exist within a company is that there are missing skills and experience needed to help the team or company grow and succeed.

So, find out what they are and show the interviewers that you have them!

Find out the skills lacking within the team and the broader company. Find out about the gaps that you can fill. Find out the behaviours the interviewers expect from a successful interviewee and show them how you've demonstrated these behaviours in the past. By doing this, you're planting the idea in the interviewers' heads that you, with your skills and experience, are the perfect person to solve their problems. All hail, the saviour is here!

The final topic of questions you want to prepare beforehand is about the company. Ask about the future goals for the company. It's crucial to show that you buy into the company's long-term aspirations.

Want to know what the working environment is like at the company? Ask! You want to show the interviewer that you are seriously considering the company as a future place for you.

Your job is to make it as EASY as possible for them to imagine you working there as possible.

WHEN TO ASK THE QUESTIONS Timing is everything.

With every great interview, there should be a give and a take. A great interview should be free-flowing, like a conversation, so you should if you get the chance to ask some of your questions during the interview. Remember to be conscious of maintaining the flow of the conversation.

Be mindful not to derail the interview by asking unnecessary questions - you'll get your chance to ask your questions at the end. Then, you can wow them with your knowledge and insight.

Make them ask the question: How can we hire you?

There you have it! Remember these simple lessons for your next interview, and you'll surely impress your interviewers!

Stay tuned for next month! THE-INTL

Luke is a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at SYBO Games, t he comp a ny b e h i nd t he smash-hit game Subway Surfers. Based in Copenhagen (by way of London)!, he has been working to make SYBO grow.

He spends his time finding the best talent that the games community has to offer!

He is always keen to build relationships by bringing passion and enthusiasm to the recruitment process. An advocate of Employer Branding, Luke works with the talented people at SYBO to let the world know how great a place it is to work.

When he's not hiring awesome talents for SYBO or cycling (he does live in Copenhagen, after all!), he's busy reading his favourite books and channelling his inner Hemingway as a writer! @Luke Hannon @ Hannon Recruits @ hannonrecruits

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LIVING WITH LOW VISION

IN DENMARK PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ / SARA R. NEWELL

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LOW VISION AWARENESS MONTH is observed annually throughout February to spread more information about Age-related Muscular Degeneration (AMD) and other diseases that can affect one's eyes to the point of causing visual impairment, being one of the top causes of vision loss in older parts of the population in the Western world.

In honour of Low Vision Awareness Month, in this month's issue, we will dive into the situation of people with low or no vision who live in Denmark and review some of the issues and challenges they might encounter.

HOW LARGE IS THE LOW-VISION COMMUNITY IN DENMARK? According to Danske Blindesamfund (Danish Society for the Blind), it is difficult to know the exact number of people with visual impairments who live in Denmark as they are not registered. However, based on the research they cite, approximately 32 thousand people in Denmark might have a visual impairment. Furthermore, the latest research conducted by Toke Bek, professor and ophthalmologist, concluded that there are approximately 12.5 thousand people in Denmark with severe visual impairment (total or partial vision loss).

When it comes to children with severe visual impairment or blindness, Danske Blindesamfund describes that most cases are detected shortly after birth or before starting school: "This means that early medical, social medical and optical efforts can be made to preserve and utilise residual vision. In addition, the relatives and others around the child can receive the necessary social, psychological and special educational advice and guidance at an early stage." The association puts the number of youth with visual impairment at 1800.

WHAT IS DENMARK'S CATEGORISATION OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT? Danske Blindesamfund states that Denmark uses a social classification of visual impairment which consists of four categories: A: Low vision, which equals between 33% and 10% of normal vision B: Socially blind (severely low vision), which equals less than 10% of normal vision) C: Practically blind, which equals 1% or less of normal vision D: Totally blind, which equals light sense minus projection or no light sense

RESOURCES AVAILABLE Danske Blindesamfund and IBOS - Institutet for Blinde og Svagsynede (The Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired) offer many resources for people with low vision.

On the Danske Blindesamfund website, among other things, you can find an offer of consultation - a visit from a consultant when you experience total or partial vision loss, providing advice on education and job market possibilities along with help with social life. They also offer a free telephone counselling service, courses, and social activities.

On top of having trained guide dogs for over 70 years, they provide information about getting a guide dog. They also provide housing offers: "In the Copenhagen area, you will find a number of the Danish Society for the Blind's homes, which people with visual impairments have priority to rent. In addition, the Danish Society for the Blind has built four residential and daycare facilities specially designed for visually impaired people; Solgaven Næstved, Solgaven Farum, Solgaven Vejle and Solgavehjemmet Valby."

You can also become a member of the organisation.

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

She works at Umbraco as a Magical Copy Whisperer and started a podcast with her friends - @humans.of.sdu. She loves watching and talking about movies, Harry Potter, karaoke nights (even though she can't sing to save her life), and pub quizzes (winning them, to be specific).

IBOS is a rehabilitation and knowledge centre for young people (over 14) and adults who have a severe visual impairment. Similarly, they also have a housing offer in Copenhagen. They also focus on education and employment possibilities, offering preparatory education courses, youth courses to guide and upskill young people with low vision, and an STU - special youth education (Særligt tilrettelagte ungdomsuddannelse).

There are also job rehabilitation courses, a labour market mentor, or access to a nationwide network of professionals with low vision. IBOS also provides resources for employers and companies: "We teach digital accessibility, create partnerships and projects, and, not least, provide support to employers who want to hire people with visual impairments."

WHY SUPPORT AND RESOURCES MATTER Focusing on education and employment possibilities is crucial, especially for people with low vision. According to 2023 numbers provided by Danmarks Statistik and described by IBOS: More than half of all people with blindness and low vision between the ages of 16 and 64 do not have an education that provides skills for the labour market. For the population, the corresponding figure is only one in three. Twice as many 30-34-year-olds with visual impairments start their careers without education other than primary or secondary school.

Meanwhile, members of the Danske Blindesamfund in North Jutland bring attention to a significant issue with accessibility in public spaces - specifically blocked guidelines: In recent months, the newspaper Nordjyske has described how one of the most essential tools for the blind and visually impaired to orientate themselves in public spaces guidelines is often blocked by cafe chairs, tables and other obstacles. The focus has been on squares and pedestrian streets, but the problem is, unfortunately, far more extensive than that. This applies not only in North Jutland but throughout the country. There are also examples of guidelines ending in a lamp post, bush or wall, etc. Apart from the fact that you can get badly injured, you can quickly lose your orientation, and that's a shame because we can get around ourselves with the help of the guidelines and our cane, and we don't want to give up that freedom. Although it has improved recently, several Danish train platforms are missing guidelines or deficient guideline networks.

Stating that "the public space must and should be able to be designed so that people with visual impairments can get around freely," the writers call on municipalities to ensure that the guidelines remain entirely usable for people with visual impairments. THE-INTL

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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THE POWER OF A FITNESS COMMUNITY ALEX SHARES HER INSIGHTS FROM MOVING TO DENMARK AND UNVEILS THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF FITNESS COMMUNITIES.

PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

TEXT ALEXANDRA BECK

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WHEN I FIRST moved to Copenhagen, and after handling the ever-so-long amount of red tape to get settled into an apartment, opening a bank account and finding a job, in whichever order it was required, the last thing on my mind was how difficult it may be to actually integrate: find a hobby, sport, and make friends.

Everyone I had met so far in the process, even though very helpful, seemed like they were after me for not "knowing" what to do with the administrative spaghetti yeti.

After finally figuring out enough of it to live decently and feeling proud having done it, it was time to beat the loneliness and get some form of routine into my fitness habits.

I joined the gym. FitnessDK, as it was called back then. I registered with all the classes on schedule (except for dancing) and attended them all, filled with hope and expectations of being more fit and healthy and making new like-minded friends.

After a good eight months, I started to only attend the classes that fit my work schedule, which then turned into only attending … well, never attending. Work took over because I let it.

Netflix took over because I let it.

Why did that happen? Nobody was waiting for me or expecting me at the gym. I had absolutely nothing to look forward to.

And guilt started to sink in. I want to be active! But I did not want to be active alone.

When I started my own business as an outdoor personal and group fitness trainer, my personal experience was very much on top of my mind. I wanted to create a space where people could get a great workout, connect, make friends, keep each other accountable, miss each other and absolutely WANT to come to class. As a trainer, I feel a great responsibility to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome. I try to remember everyone's names and their stories and help them connect with each other in so many other ways than just the workout. Starting with 5 team members to almost 70 today, in all weather conditions, in all states of mind, and at all physical levels - I can proudly say that NOBODY has ever cancelled due to the weather (impressive given the arctic conditions we have had this season), nor due to lack of desire to be there.

This is the true power of a fitness community. It makes you curious, keeps you on your toes, keeps you accountable and delivers results since you become the most consistent you have ever been in a fitness routine. The best part to see and feel is how many friendships have been created in our team. The connections do not end after our workouts - they are taken to another level, including coffee dates and babysitting each other's kids! Now, if that is not powerful, what is!

To find the right community for you, there are two main things to keep in mind:

#1 THE RIGHT INSTRUCTOR/TRAINER

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ALEXANDRA BECK PERSONAL TRAINER & NUTRITION COACH Alex is a Swiss/Brit mom and wife who has lived in Copenhagen since 2009. She switched from corporate life in communications to the independent life of an outdoor personal and group fitness train-

"I WANTED TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE PEOPLE COULD GET A GREAT WORKOUT, CONNECT, MAKE FRIENDS, KEEP EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE, MISS EACH OTHER AND ABSOLUTELY WANT TO COME TO CLASS."

er. She coaches people of all ages and fitness levels to find fun and consistency in movement through individual and group workouts. Delivering entertainment and spreading

Look for one with an actual education and is qualified to teach (I always say, choose your trainer as you would your surgeon it's a jungle out there!), then research what people have to say about the trainer and classes and how they make them FEEL. The right instructor will not only be educated but will also be able to adapt workouts to suit everyone.

#2 THE RIGHT LOCATION One that will be close enough for you to get to class on your busiest days, with no excuses - although in my experience, once you have the right instructor and team, the excuses magically disappear, and the location no longer matters.

What do you believe will keep you sticking to your fitness routines? THE-INTL

group fitness magic is her superpower. Alex encourages you to high-five her if you see her in the capital!

@alexbeck.fit @alexbeck.fit @alexbeck.fit

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JOB SEARCHING CHALLENGES IN DENMARK NAVIGATING THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS IN DENMARK AS AN INTERNATIONAL: INSIGHTS FROM VLADIMIRA CERNEAVSKI. PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

TEXT VLADIMIRA CERNEAVSKI

J

JOB SEEKING IS an inherently stressful process that most of the earth’s population has to deal with at some point.

While searching for a job in Denmark, many internationals, myself included, face certain difficulties. However, I must admit that the struggles my international friends and I have anecdotally faced can be very similar to the experience of my unemployed Danish friends. The job search process is stressful and can be pretty discouraging, but it’s essential to keep our spirits up and keep trying. Even though every person has a unique job search experience, many internationals generally encounter similar obstacles.

THE LANGUAGE BARRIER Although most Danes possess a conversational level of English, being fluent in Danish can open many doors, making it easier to navigate and get started with your life in Denmark, find friends, establish a network, and significantly increase your career options - depending on your field of work. Learning an extra language is not easy, but constant exposure to the language might help speed up the process.

Once you settle in Denmark, you have the option to start learning the language at the local language schools, volunteer language cafes or even independently. It is always a good idea to practice the language whenever you feel comfortable, and having Danish friends double-check a message for you wouldn’t hurt.

ESTABLISHING A NETWORK Applying for jobs online is perhaps as popular as it is convenient. Drafting an application, compounding a CV, and sending it to the potential employer sounds easy enough.

However, it’s highly likely that your application, as well as mine, will end up filtered out by a bot before it even has the chance to appear in front of the scrutinising eye of the HR department.

A common way to circumvent such a futile exercise is to contact potential employers directly. Standard advice is to call the companies you’re interested in and ask them a few questions. Naturally, this strategy can yield varying results, and it’s up to one’s individual preference.

Another option is to try getting to know the companies by attending career events for students and graduates, special in-house events organised by companies searching for international workers or seeking to establish personal connections with potential employers through contacts.

Attending job search-themed events is a great way to familiarise yourself with the Danish work culture, get to know the companies on a more personal level, and get a clearer picture of what the employers are looking for when hiring.

THE DANISH WORK CULTURE In Denmark, the approach to hiring is a little bit more personal than what I personally imagined. The Danish work culture is unique in its’ own way and, therefore, a bit harder to grasp for many internationals. Although work qualifications are an important factor that is decisive in getting a job offer, often the thing that ends up getting you the job will be passing the ‘vibe check’.

Passing the CV screening is only half of the challenge.

Employers tend to select their candidates based on shared vision and values and appreciate strong interpersonal

skills. The interview style in Denmark gravitates towards casual, the goal being to get to know you. So don’t be surprised to be asked about your interests and spare time.

When you get a job in Denmark, expect that your coworkers will want to get to know you a bit. Socialising after work is typical, either during company-organised events or just a casual get-together for board games at a local gaming café.

Getting a job can be a mighty challenge regardless of where you live. If you want to know more about how to search for jobs, how to write an appealing cover letter and CV, and how to prepare for your first interview, feel free to reach out to International House North Denmark.

International House North Denmark hosts monthly job search seminars where we cover these topics and are happy to answer any questions that might arise. Get in touch with us! THE-INTL

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THE DANISH INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATION FASTTRACK DISPUTE RESOLUTION!

PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

S

SINCE 1894, DENMARK has had a permanent arbitration institution which has assisted in the resolution of different types of disputes. Over time, the Institute has accumulated considerable knowledge on arbitration procedures and the composition of arbitral tribunals in relation to both national and international arbitration.

THE PRESENT INSTITUTE The Danish Institute of Arbitration (the “DIA”), a non-profit private institute, was founded in 1981 by the Danish Bar and Law Society, the Danish Society of Engineers, the Association of Danish Judges, SME Denmark and the Federation of Danish Engineers.

The Danish Construction Association, the Danish IT Industry Association, the Confederation of Danish Industries, the Institute of State Authorized Public Accountants in Denmark, the Danish Shipowners’ Association, the Danish Chamber of Commerce and the Danish Arbitration Association have subsequently joined the circle of organisations behind it.

APPOINTING ARBITRATORS When appointing arbitrators, the DIA takes due account of the qualifications required from the arbitrator, as agreed between the parties, and factors ensuring that an independent, impartial arbitrator is appointed. In cases where not all parties to the dispute reside in the same country, the DIA will appoint an arbitrator residing in a country other than those in which the parties reside unless otherwise agreed between the parties. When appointing the members of the individual arbitral tribunal, the DIA seeks to ensure that the best possible, objective and materially correct decision is obtained.

Arbitral tribunals are comprised of persons with the highest legal and technical expertise who are generally recognised in their field of work. Whenever possible, the DIA accommodates the wishes of the parties in its appointment of arbitrators. It also offers mediation in accordance with the Rules of Procedure for Mediation laid down by the Council in 2015.

Before being appointed, an arbitrator must sign a Declaration of Acceptance and of Impartiality and Independence. At the same time, the arbitrator must disclose in writing any circumstances that might give rise to reasonable doubt about the arbitra-

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MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS Mariano has over 40 years global experience as a bus "IN THE CASES FILED IN 2022, THE PARTIES CAME FROM 23 DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES (INCLUDING DENMARK)."

iness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, so far thirty years with British Chambers

tor’s availability, impartiality or independence. The arbitrator must also produce information on his or her professional and educational background (CV). The Secretariat then forwards the declaration and the CV to the parties and fixes a deadline for any comments.

DIA STATUTES The Statutes and the Rules are available in Danish and English. Furthermore, the website also contains recommendations regarding the wording of arbitration and mediation clauses as well as a calculator of arbitrator and mediator fees plus the administrative costs to be paid to the DIA. All kinds of national and international disputes, regardless of nature, are within the remit of the arbitral tribunals appointed by the DIA. There are no limitations in the range of subjects for which the Dia appoints arbitral tribunals, apart from such cases that must be brought before an ordinary court of law by mandatory legislation.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION Within the range of services offered by the DIA, disputes can be resolved in an adequate and satisfactory manner through the advantages offered by arbitration. The Rules of Simplified Arbitration Procedure and the Rules of Mediation Procedure

are intended to meet the requirements of the business community for a more informal and free dispute resolution that is also less costly.

COPENHAGEN ARBITRATION DAY The event takes place at Børsen (The Old Stock Exchange), a historical building situated in the centre of Copenhagen, next to the Danish Parliament and the Supreme Court.

Copenhagen Arbitration Day is the main event of the Danish arbitration calendar.

It offers an outstanding opportunity to explore the fundamental issues in international arbitration - to network and to be updated on international trends. The conference is followed by a reception and dinner at the Royal Library, which is a few minutes’ walk from the conference venue, and the event is sponsored by Dreyer’s Fond and a group of prominent law firms.

In the cases filed in 2022, the Parties came from 23 different nationalities (including Denmark), a total of 51 final awards on the merits were rendered and approximately 21% of all the arbitrator appointments at the DIA were female. Out of the arbitrators appointed by the Parties, approximately 6% were female, whereas 33% of the DIA appointed arbitrators were female. THE-INTL

of Commerce (while also running Oxford Business Services 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

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FOOD ART

ANZAC BISCUITS ORIGINALLY FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, ANZAC BISCUITS WERE MADE FOR SOLDIERS SERVING IN WORLD WAR 1.

THANKS TO THEIR LONG SHELF-LIFE, THE BISCUITS LASTED AND TRAVELLED WELL TO REACH THOSE SERVING IN THE ARMY. PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT: NATASHA LIVIERO / PEXELS

ANZAC BISCUITS MAKES 28-30 BISCUITS

INGREDIENTS: 130g unsalted butter 30g water 40g golden syrup 4g bicarbonate of soda 115g rolled oats 130g flour 70g desiccated coconut 210g light brown sugar 3g salt

METHOD: 1. Set oven to 1600C. 2. Prepare two baking trays with parchment paper.

3. Heat the butter, water and syrup over medium heat until the butter has melted.

4. Off the heat, add the bicarbonate of soda, stir and set aside (it will foam once the bi-carb is added).

5. Combine the oats, flour, coconut, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine.

6. Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until well combined.

7. Weigh out 25g portions of the mixture and roll into balls. Place balls onto the baking trays 5cm apart to allow for spreading during baking.

8. With the palm of your hand, gently press down each ball to flatten it very slightly.

9. Bake for 13 - 15 minutes until golden and the sides begin to crisp. The longer you bake the biscuits, the crunchier they will become.

10. Remove tray/s from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before placing biscuits onto cooling racks.

11. Once cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container.

NATASHA LIVIERO - PASTRY CHEF Natasha is a 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 patisserie and loves spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes (while quibbling with her fe-line friends), and is always on the hunt for interesting new cookbooks. natashaliviero

FEBRUARY 2024 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

14

BRING MORE HYGGE TO YOUR HOME! MAKING YOU FEEL SAFE, HAPPY AND SATISFIED IN THE SPACE WHERE YOU GO TO RELAX AND RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES.

PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

TEXT NATÁLIA ŠEPITKOVÁ

T

THE DANISH AUTHOR Meik Wiking was my inspiration for my life long before I moved to Denmark. In his newest book, The Hygge Home, he brings the manual on how to make a happy and satisfied place from our homes.

I read it a few days ago, and I've just realised that all these attributes that change your home into a happy home were present in my childhood. I was born in 1991, and until I was eighteen, I lived with my parents and older brother in a small city in northern Slovakia.

The fact that the environment I come from was a simple example of Danish hygge only confirmed that the hygge concept is so universal and connects different nationalities and people worldwide. Maybe we in Slovakia called it "home comfort" or "warmth of home", but it was hygge.

Hygge is not only "a Danish invention" - it is the atmosphere and feeling many of us experienced before the internet, social media and modern technology swallowed us whole. Today, we prefer to look at "hygge pictures" on Instagram instead of turning off our phones and starting to live hygge in our homes.

NATÁLIA ŠEPITKOVÁ FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND WRITER Natalia is a Slovak journalist based in Aalborg, Denmark.

She has around 15 years of experience in journalism. Her

COSY HOME Slow down and look around if you want to bring more hygge to your home. Close your eyes and try to recognise how you feel in the space you call home. The cosy home is an environment which has value and your own identity. It has stimuli for the senses and objects around you that will put a smile on your face and warm your heart. Try to create spaces where you can stay in different moods.

Set up the corner which gives you the feeling of security and protection. Yes, Danes call it hyggekrog (hygge corner). And, of course, hygge is also about all those well-known things like pillows, soft blankets, carpets, candles and dim light from the lamps.

But don't forget that daily light is also essential for the hygge vibe. Now you know why Scandinavians have such large windows in their homes.

TOGETHERNESS, FOOD AND PLAY There is no hygge home without love and fellowship. Surround yourself with people you love and are comfortable with. Being alone at home with a book is pleasing, but being around friends and family is equally pleasurable.

In today's fast-paced world, we may not be aware of the importance of dining together, but if you want to slow down and restore relationships, start with family dinners, for example. Warm home-cooked meals, lit candles, putting away cell phones, and deep conversations will make you happier than eating takeout alone in front of the TV. Another way to establish closer relationships with loved ones is through play. The Dutch historian and cultural theorist Johan Huizinga called the human race homo ludens (a playful person) in his book of the same name Homo Ludens. He wrote that the

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experiences as an editor and a reporter were founded in Slovak magazines and newspaplay gives meaning to our lives, and everything we call "culture" originates in play.

My family and I were sick in the last weeks of December, so we stayed home during Christmas and played various board games.

For my 4-year-old daughter, the best game was Memo. I would never say I could play it for over two hours, but you know what? I felt so happy, and when I solved the wooden puzzle, I got a great sense of satisfaction, more than what a promotion at work would bring!

STORE HYGGE IN THE PANTRY If you want to bring even more hygge to your home, you should fill up your pantry and freezer. Jars full of goodies will bring sunshine to any dark winter evenings. And thawed fruit will remind you of the smell of a summer garden.

When we picked apples in an orchard during the fall break and then came home, and when I was baking a lot of apple cakes and trying some new recipes, I understood what Meik wrote about in his book when he described the atmosphere of hygge.

If I am writing about "storing hygge", I don't mean the pointless storage of junk with a hygge label in the shop. Also, Marie Kondo, in her bestseller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, warns us to keep only the things we need that bring us absolute pleasure.

Having a hygge home doesn't have strict rules; it's more about individual feeling, but these tips can help steer it in the right direction. THE-INTL

pers. She was also working as a TV reporter, a TV moderator and a host in radio broadcasting. Part of her career included working with PR and marketing. Natália is also a content creator on her social media.

Follow her blog www.mamavda ns k u . com , whe re s he writes about life in Denmark. @Natália Šepitková @Mama v Dánsku @Mum in Denmark

"THE HYGGE CONCEPT IS SO UNIVERSAL AND CONNECTS DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES AND PEOPLE WORLDWIDE."

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DANISH BIRTHDAYS 101 HEATHER UNLOCKS THE DANISH BIRTHDAY EXPERIENCE: TRADITIONS, CAKES, SONGS, AND FLAGS.

PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD

T

THE FIRST BIRTHDAY I spent with my Danish husband as a couple, living in Edinburgh at the time, I remember desperately googling to figure out Danish birthday traditions. I didn’t get very far, but I managed to source a Danish flag from a friend returning from Copenhagen and probably produced some kind of cake for him. If you’re looking to Daneifey your birthday or avoid faux pars with friends or family, here is an essential guide to Danish birthdays from someone who has witnessed quite a few of them.

"In Denmark and many northern European countries, you are expected to take your own cake to school or work for your birthday."

CAKES Layer cakes with Kagecreme and Cake Cream are popular for Danish birthdays.

You can make them as simple or luxurious as you like - books such as Trine Hahnemann’s Scandinavian Baking offer great recipes and have been released in original English and Danish translations. My husband insists on her incredibly delicious three-layered cake with blueberries and cake cream, almond meringue, marzipan, and chocolate. Every year, he insists he has forgotten how complicated it was to make the February before!

Kagemand, Cake Man, is your other option. It is often made for children, shaped like a crude man, and typically covered in sweets. Be prepared for a typically Danish-ly violent cake, as the birthday boy or girl decapitates the poor Cake Man at the first slice. Some varieties differ throughout Denmark - on Fyn, they are made with Brundsviger, and a Danish politician from the island made headlines for returning home to buy a Fyn Kagemand a few years ago, as only the local version would do!

In Denmark and many northern European countries, you are expected to take your own cake to school or work for your birthday. This may feel a bit backward for some, but I had never considered it like that until discussing it as an adult. I learnt the hard way that this isn’t an international standard- the first time I did this in Scotland, I embarrassed my new colleagues, who felt they should have provided the cake for my birthday.

SONGS With cakes come birthday songs. Danes love singing, with songs for almost every event in the calendar and times of year.

They couldn’t stick to only one birthday edition and offer two versions. Many Dan-

HEATHER STORGAARD WRITER

ish friends of mine know the English and even Norwegian versions. My favourite Danish birthday song is the silliest, which involves miming and making the noises of instruments. Introduced to me as a song for children, it is a great one for an international birthday party where Danish language abilities are varied- even adults can pretend to be a saxophone or a trumpet player with gusto after a few drinks! The other, probably more common, starts “I dag er det [dit navn]s fødelsdag, hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!” (Today is [your name]’s birthday! Hurrah!). Again, even if you don’t know the words, everyone can partake in sing-shouting Hurrah.

FLAGS Flags accompany any kind of Danish celebration, birthdays, perhaps above all.

They guide the way to birthday parties, which can mean an abundance of bunting if you live in the countryside, where guests can get lost. Cake flags are musts, confetti-type versions and reusable wooden or plastic flags that can be gathered up and used on the next flag occasion sustainably. The Dannebrog is everywhere in my house and car, from transporting many homemade cakes around. If you’re hosting an international birthday party, adding extra flags from other countries to which the birthday boy or girl has a connection can be a nice touch.

Heather Storgaard comes from Northern Scotland, grew up in Switzerland, and lived 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.

Suitably for a Scot, Heather works with whisky, spending her time writing and translating, with a particular softspot for the up-and-coming world of Nordic Whisky. @heatherstorgaard

TILLYKE MED FØDELSDAGEN! Ultimately, your birthday is about you! Introduce your traditions to your friends and family in Denmark, incorporate some Danish ones, and enjoy yourself. THE-INTL

FEBRUARY 2024 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

16

THE SACRIFICE OF

LIVING ABROAD PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

L

LIVING ABROAD IS not easy. It’s not complaining to say so - it’s acknowledging the reality. I’ve encountered the mindset that it is mere gallivanting, but with an entire world to explore, how could anyone not allow temptation to win and embrace the challenge and riches of life in other countries and their cultures? Being born somewhere doesn’t make it the greatest country by default, as I have heard from many people in different lands across the years on my own unique ‘journey.’ However, it is a gruelling and arduous undertaking. The pros outweigh the cons, sometimes ‘just.’ The punches to the existential gut can come thick and fast, and reality checks abound.

I get the feeling people who haven’t lived abroad think it’s more glamorous than it is. Some serious graft is involved, not to mention the inevitable aspects of earlier life one has had to – there is no gentle way to say it – abandon (when one is young, it can be done without much contemplation, even recklessly, but that will come back to leave a mark as we get older). It could even seem like you don’t care about who and what you are, which, in my case, could not be further from the truth. We are more than our native lands, though, and it is the willingness to evolve openly that is more valuable. The whole experience of living abroad is extraordinarily enriching.

Not only do I believe you cannot have everything – paradise being a hollow concept – but I have made my own life hard at times to get the most meaning and significance from it, to get to a place (not Denmark specifically, but a mindset) that no generation before can pass down to us.

I believe we are not bound by our pasts and the places of our birth, but more that they are there to inspire and enable us to question what lies beyond.

Ultimately, by residing abroad, I have stolen my children from their grandparents, even if they never lived in the same country as one another. I do not feel guilty - I feel torn. I know I am right in seeking my own life, one for my family, constantly aware it would be this way. On our travels – by this, I mean living abroad – we have encountered many people who were only living in other countries for work and would always return to homelands to take care of their parents or for the pull and influence their countries still had over them, even despite their departures and absences of years away. Where the work took people, they went.

Yep, it can hurt. Let’s look at it, though. If you stay in your homeland, it is much simpler. It is familiar - it is no stretch, a simple continuation along the trajectory of everything you have ever known. I hold no disrespect towards that, I merely understand and appreciate the alternative – searching for and even finding something else, not superior (this scale is a figment of the imagination),

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TEXT DOMINIC J STEVENSEN

17

turn to their homelands to remain; some do not feel allegiance to their country of birth and seek a place that fits greater. It is not always about work and going where the job takes folk. Some meet and build a life with a person from the country they now, logically, reside in.

As I have discussed with people, compatibility not only exists with people – partners, friends, and family members – but it is also the case regarding music, food, language, places, and a great many things we fill our lives with, or else do not.

It is a sacrifice – be it a temporary or permanent stay abroad – let nobody tell you otherwise, fellow expat. It is so much more than going to another country, learning a language, and integrating. Every single aspect is complex, can inspire profound emotion, and is to be considered by all. Not to mention how we might be seen by those whose entire history is in the confines of our nownew homeland.

Some of us just don’t have that connection or affinity with the places we come from. It isn’t anybody’s fault. It just wasn’t meant to be. This is something I can attempt to impress upon those back in my native land until I am blue in the face, but the message is never understood because it was not their way, did not occur to them, or else they had too much to tie them to the land they were born in and will spend their entire lives in.

My kids have only seen my parents four and two times since they were born. The pandemic and other circumstances made it a small miracle every time we were in the same place at the same time. You might even say it just was not meant to be, but the pull of those nearest and dearest and all that once tied us to our countries of birth will never ever go away. It’s about accepting it, living with it, and trying to build something new, profound, and stable upon which to grow another generation. For what they will know is not what we have known. Personally, it feels like the decision will never stop making its impact felt. THE-INTL

simply different, eye-opening, and profoundly affecting. ing bureaucracy. We wish to make new friends, which Frankly, it can be agonising though (of course, it is not grows harder as we age and become more complicated for everyone - imagine what that would look like). Famand nuanced beings – or become set in our ways. Those ily members and friends die, and we are not near them desired friends can be native to the land we live in, of in their last moments, sometimes unable to travel back course, though many surround themselves with their felto even attend funerals and say low countrypeople, thereby crea traditional ‘goodbye.’ In addiating a divide of sorts. Not all "IT IS A SACRIFICE – BE IT A TEMPORARY OR PERtion to profoundly missing livnatives of the new homeland MANENT STAY ABROAD – LET NOBODY TELL YOU ing people who have provided are open to embracing those OTHERWISE, FELLOW EXPAT. IT IS SO MUCH MORE great worth in our homeland exfrom abroad, another aspect of THAN GOING TO ANOTHER COUNTRY, LEARNING istences of yore, there are placlife to experience, attempt to A LANGUAGE, AND INTEGRATING. EVERY SINGLE es we miss back home - there understand and cope with.

ASPECT IS COMPLEX, CAN INSPIRE PROFOUND is the simple fact of not being What do I really want to say?

EMOTION, AND IS TO BE CONSIDERED BY ALL. NOT able to communicate daily with Writing such an article is not TO MENTION HOW WE MIGHT BE SEEN BY THOSE natives in our own languages, easy; it feels like an ocean of WHOSE ENTIRE HISTORY IS IN THE CONFINES OF there are foods and drinks that sentiments and tiny nuanced OUR NOW-NEW HOMELAND." we miss greatly, and we need to sensibilities to impress upon navigate the minefields of new any reader of this. But I want cultures, each with their own ups and downs, some bring- to open up the conversation on life abroad to those who ing us to our knees. There can be, depending on one’s lostay lodged at home and wander into unfamiliar terrain. cation, in my own experience, endless, almost mind-bendSome expats are temporary residents destined to re-

DOMINIC J STEVENSON - WRITER / MUSICIAN / ARTIST Dominic J Stevenson is a 3-time published author and the creator of the Literary Portrait / Visual Artwork project. He comes from Nottingham, England (Robin Hood land) and is a husband and father. He is a writer, musician, and artist. His writing has been published on many platforms - both online and in magazine format. He has lived in Denmark since 2022, in several European countries before that, and has recorded one album as Vincent Bella (The Dark Side Pulling At Us) and speaks fluent Spanish. He is enjoying learning Danish, albeit rather slowly. He loves the arts (music, film/TV, literature, impressionism and more), tennis, football (Nottingham Forest FC), travel, languages, laughter, and Lego.

Dominic J Stevenson

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18

TREE PLANTING

THE GIFT OF SUSTAINABILITY PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

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IN THE LAST issue, I mentioned planting seeds as setting intentions for the new year. This time, I will talk about planting seeds and trees.

Planting trees and reforestation have been going on for decades - some have been doing for long; while others might be a new option to give back. Participating in a tree planting event where you gift your time and physical labour work to the organisation is fun. But it can generate a much larger impact if you participate in more prominent organisations with global tree planting projects. Why is tree planting the most mindful and sustainable gift? I’ll tell you why.

Remember, you reap what you sow, and whatever you give out will come back to you. So do good - life will reward you in the most unexpected ways.

both. On top of the present, you can also plant a tree in someone’s name as a gift and sow some good seeds and karma for you and them. It’s a no-brainer!

cause you’re also supporting the resources for healing and life-saving remedies.

4. YOU HELP EMPOWER OTHERS

We live in a beautiful country with a high quality of life; sometimes, we don’t see the brutal reality of poverty in some remote places we might never have a chance to visit. How you can support the local communities depends on the project and location. Still, many rely on selling the fruits from trees for a living, and many need a farm to work. That can only be possible with a demand for more trees or fruit-bearing trees to be planted. The more there is to sell, the higher the chance they can sustain a living and move away from poverty.

Your work might be done after you’ve pressed donate and pay, but the real work you’re supporting is about to begin. In many organisations, thousands of tree-planting projects globally involve the local community in many ways. Some offer a job opportunity to become a farmer or gardener, some offer education to teach about local agricultural knowledge, and some provide a chance for them to learn new skills and become self-sufficient and independent. So you see, you are one click away from empowering thousands of people in another country.

What are you waiting for?

1. IT IS AFFORDABLE AND MEANINGFUL How often have you struggled with present budgets or what to buy during big festivals like Christmas, only to randomly buy (or receive) something that’s meaningless? Gifting someone a tree is meaningful, and sometimes it can start from €0.3 per tree, so even with 100 trees, it doesn’t break the bank, but you would have done an incredibly meaningful good deed. You can also share the cost with your family, friends and even colleagues to make a more significant gift to plant more trees or the more expensive ones.

2. IT IS GREEN AND LONG-LASTING Needless to say, it can’t be more sustainable and long-lasting than this. Usually, with sophisticated organisations, treeplanting projects are well-managed and have many species to choose from. Some might start from the bedding stage, some perhaps a bit later, but in any case, every project is nurtured and cared for by a team of experts or locals who will ensure it’s growing well.

3. IT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO GIFT SOMEONE I know the idea and gesture of giving someone a gift is the physical act of giving and the present itself, but you can do

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TEXT OPHELIA WU

5. YOU BECOME PART OF A BIGGER MOVEMENT Forests, flora, and fauna are vital to combat climate change and the ecosystem.

Not only are they a natural habitat to many insects and animals that balance the eco-food chain, but in some places, they are also a major part of providing clean water sources, flood prevention, landslides, etc. Each project in these organisations clearly states what species are being planted and how it will impact the area and environment. So, while we try our best to be sustainable and take things to recycling and sorting out our waste into the 23 bins at our complex, why not join the bigger movement in such a simple way and make real changes on a global scale?

6. YOU ARE SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES As I mentioned, you’re supporting the local communities with every project.

Some projects bring the local communities together to participate and create a social activity for them. Some help replant rare and magnificent species native to the land and offer medicinal properties – with that, you’re supporting an even bigger cause in the local community be-

7. YOU HELP OFFER A CHANCE TO MOVE AWAY FROM POVERTY

8. YOU BENEFIT THE FUTURE GENERATION It’s cliché, but it’s true: give the future generation a chance to have what we have. It might take another millions of years to restore the earth to its pre-historical times. Still, with every effort we contribute, we are accelerating the scale of reforestation. With time, the future generation will be able to reap the fruits we planted today.

I am not associated with any of these organisations, but these are the few I’ve donated and planted over 150 trees with over the years tree-nation, onetreeplanted, justonetree.life. They have a relatively comprehensive overview of each project, lots of choices and are very transparent with all necessary information; ultimately, we want to support a trustworthy organisation for such a meaningful cause. THE-INTL

OPHELIA WU 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 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. @mforminimal.com @mforminimal.mfm @opheliawu

19

LET'S CELEBRATE FEBRUARY! PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS

TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN

F

FEBRUARY IS A short month often associated with Valentine's cards, red roses, and romance. However, much more is taking place. Within the walls of a classroom, there are rich pickings for a teacher to select and enrich the minds of young people.

"A New Year’s decision I made long ago, which has been a lifesaver, is to keep a calendar."

NEW LUNAR YEAR In an international school, various exciting cultural celebrations are placed on the calendar. The Lunar New Year is one of the most significant days in Asian countries, especially China. It heralds the beginning of Spring and the agricultural season. It also marks the first new moon of the lunar-solar calendar. It is a time for family and friends to gather, exchange presents, and eat delicious food.

At school, assembly time is used to appreciate the exciting event.

CARNIVAL Similarly, in the northern hemisphere, it is carnival time. The Christian ritual dates back centuries when fasting occurred before the Easter celebration. Before starting the month of abstention, the tradition was to dress up and parade in the streets. In Denmark, there is also the custom of 'hitting the cat out of the barrel', Fastelavn. In the Middle Ages, an actual cat was being smashed out of a barrel and chased away to symbolise bad spirits being banished. Thankfully, these days, young children come dressed for a costume party, and the barrel is filled with sweets.

INTERNET SAFETY Internet safety is recognised during February. This year's theme is "Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online". With social media enveloping the lives of young adults, schools have an essential role in teaching and raising awareness about the more unpleasant aspects. Teenagers are often glued to their devices and are constantly exchanging information. The issue is that they are not always considering how less scrupulous users can tap into and use these details, engage in seemingly innocent dialogues, and manipulate photographs, among other shady activities.

Through pastoral care programmes and workshops provided by outside agencies, topics such as internet safety, cyberbullying, and sexual exploitation are covered. Discussions must be ongoing to keep awareness at the forefront of young people's minds as the technological age becomes more complex and darker.

FEMALES EMBRACING SCIENCE The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated during the month. It has been a long process, with many societal and school initiatives encouraging more girls to study science.

In the last twenty years, science, technology, engineering, math, STEM, and an integrated approach to looking at aspects of these fields have been woven into the curriculum of many schools. This has been revolutionary and has ignited interest in these previously considered 'hard and male-orientated' areas of study. Universities in Denmark report that equal numbers of males and females graduate with PhDs from the scientific field. Statistics indicate that the number of females in the field is growing, but the number

MONIKA PEDERSEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR Monika comes from the Lonof female researchers still lags far behind their male counterparts.

Back in 2020, in the European Union, there were almost 6.6 million females in the field, which was an increase from the previous year of 254,500 more. Females constitute 41% of the total employment sector in science and engineering. However, these figures are not equal across the board; in Poland, the percentage was as high as 57%, and in Lithuania, Portugal, and Denmark, it was 52%. Meanwhile, in Finland and Hungary, the percentage was only 31%, and in parts of Germany, it was only 29%. Nevertheless, the trend is heading in the right direction.

don area of the UK, where she

ACTS OF KINDNESS

mark. She has an overview

Random Acts of Kindness Day can be celebrated during February, which allows for a much broader discussion with children about love, care, kindness towards others, and citizenship. To observe this day, time is dedicated to discussion, reflection, and written or craft-based activities. This allows students to consider others and recognise their need to invest in society.

An even deeper investigation reveals many other dates to be recognised, but with the need to teach a set curriculum, only a few exciting events can be covered at school. THE-INTL

of the British, Internation-

Sources: https://asia.si.edu › whats-on › events › celebrations

worked in the state system and the international school system, as an English teacher of 11-18 students and then a high school principal. She has also worked in leadership roles in Germany and in Den-

al, American, and the Danish system. She has many years of experience and continues to enjoy the profession. She has relocated to Copenhagen and enjoys the city and summer house life with her Danish husband.

https://bbbstampabay.org/ https://www.saferinternetday.org/ https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products- eurostat-news/-/edn20220211 https://danwise.org/

@monikapedersen @monikapedersen @monikapedersen

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fastelavn

FEBRUARY 2024 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM