The International - January 2022

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

BREAKFAST PIES

DIPPING WITH THE DANES

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

PUPPY LOVE

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

KICKING 2022 INTO HIGHER GEAR!

ALEX BECK ON LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE FREE OF COMPARISONS JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE IS A NEW BEGINNING...

YOU CAN MAKE DAILY RESOLUTIONS, NOT JUST NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS - ANY DAY IS SUITABLE FOR MAKING THEM, WITH FEELINGS OF HAPPINESS AND ANTICIPATION THAT GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS WILL HAPPEN.

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 Karen Steyn - www.stainedmedia.co.za

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

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REGARDLESS OF YOUR circumstances, begin every day of

the year with a smile, hope and expectation. You are not cheating yourself because if you persevere, this attitude will make you more positive and happy.

HOW DO YOU DO THIS?

Every day, restate your goals and decisions for your new, happy and successful life. At the same time, be open to new ideas and opportunities and ways to achieve your goals. So often, people make New Year resolutions but either does nothing to carry them out or start and then quit. This creates feelings of frustration, unhappiness and failure.

You don't have just one opportunity to decide or achieve a goal. But, if you fail to carry them out, you don't need to wait for the beginning of the following year. Instead, you can make a new resolution every day, and you can start again every day if you failed in your first, second or even third attempt.

There are no limitations on making new decisions and forming new goals, and there are no limitations on when to begin doing new things. Every day is suitable for making a resolution and a new beginning.

The question is whether you carry through what you decided and promised. This is most important. What's the use of making decisions and promises but not following them through? For example, do you make New Year Resolutions? If you do, do you try to carry them out? If you begin to carry them out, do you persevere until you accomplish them? It is simple and easy to make New Year resolutions or any other decision at any other time of the year. Often, they are made in response to some emotion. However, people soon lose motivation and enthusiasm and continue living the same life without improving themselves.

This is why you need to make resolutions and repeat them every day. It is not enough to state them just once when the New Year begins. It would be a good idea to write them down on a clean sheet of paper and hang it somewhere that you can see them. Or on your smartphone, so you can see them, read them, and think about them every

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

COVER PICTURE Alex Beck

"EVERY DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING. TREAT IT THAT WAY. STAY AWAY FROM WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN, AND LOOK AT WHAT CAN BE." MARSHA PETRIE SUE day. You need to repeat your resolutions every day, with belief and faith, and be willing to do whatever is necessary to accomplish them.

It would help if you kept expecting success, happiness and health, no matter what circumstances you live in. This attitude will trigger your subconscious mind to help you and motivate you.

You might wish there was some magic pill to help you carry out your decisions, promises and goals. There is, and it comes from you! Your motivation, persistence, willpower and self-discipline. These powers within yourself will change your life and make them interesting, happy, and fulfilling.

I know this works as we celebrate four years since I started The International this month. This was a New Year's resolution and dream of mine to support all internationals by having a soft landing. I wanted every international to feel welcome in Denmark, feel they had somewhere to belong and share this wonderful country of Denmark that we have all adopted. Thank you to a fantastic team that started with two members and now has over 30 people involved in helping me with the vision.

So, keep reading/following us, and remember, dream big – and perhaps you will have something that starts as an idea as part of your resolution and one day manifests into something bigger.

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM SoMe Coordinator Alberte Borggreen - alberte@the-intl.com

SoMe Ambassadors Neelam Gahlaut; Michaela Medvedova; Aina Masood; Katie Noyed; Amelie Taralle; Ane-Sophie Custura; Terumi Mascarenhas; Manon Coolen; Leslie Noygues; Shelly Pandey; Laura Luzinska; Shivangi Singh; Ritika Jain; Pavlos Tsiakoumis; Sakib Akhter; Rashmi Jadhav

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

SALES sales@the-intl.com

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

This issue was published on 5 January, 2022.

Notice: The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any

Happy birthday to us!

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

form without written permission from the publishers. Published by and © 2021 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181

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THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK START THE NEW YEAR IN THE FAIRYTALE CITY

MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ - there’s many a sofa to be found there!

But in time, you might feel the urge to give back, too. That’s where Frivilligjob will come in handy, listing the volunteering opportunities in Odense you can take to help (and expand your network while you’re at it).

The New Year has a magic feel to it, and we often start it with a wish for a clean slate. Intending to find your fresh start by moving to Odense, the fair ytale Fyn-based city? Here are some tips on how to make sure your relocation has a fair ytale ending!

#1 The first point of arrival to Odense is the train station for many internationals. And symbolically, the perfect start of your journey - the International Citizen Service Center office is located nearby! They will help you register for a civil registration number (CPR) or residence permit and guide you through the tax system or job seeking.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS YOU WILL ACTUALLY ENJOY!

#2 Or you might want to contact the International Community Odense, even before you arrive. They offer resources and answers to practical matters like housing, schools, or banks.

But, as your fairy godmother, they will also lead you to the ball - with their social activities like Chat in Danish, Spouse Cafe, or International Meetups, neither you nor your family will feel alone for long. #3

Giving back is an essential part of Danishness. Odense’s abundance of second-hand stores with a charitable cause is one sign of it, and they might come in handy in the beginning

#4 Though living in Odense won’t always be sunshine and rainbows, the initial language barrier can make seeking therapy even tougher. However, it’s important you know there is a helping hand - you are only one internet search away from the option of therapy specifically aimed towards internationals.

When the darkness falls - figuratively and literally - it’s nice to remember you still live in the city of fairytales.

Whether you’ve already got to know the city well or are just starting to explore, take a tour of the fairytale sculptures inspired by Hans Christian Andersen scattered across the city.

And when you’re standing next to the Steadfast Tin Soldier, maybe you’ll be reminded of the magic all around you - and your strength. THE-INTL

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS

MENTORING AND NETWORKING HELPS KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR! Mentor Network Esbjerg started as a countrywide initiative called Kvinfo in 2004 for female refugees. Mentor Network Esbjerg was officially founded in 2010 after Kvinfo decided to close down their Esbjerg branch. The founders at the time saw an ongoing need for internationals living in Esbjerg and decided to provide the service to cover it.

Today, the Mentor Network’s focus has expanded to include all internationals, no matter their status or gender - as long as one has a desire and passion for actively participating in Danish society, everybody is welcome!

Its purpose is simple: provide internationals with mentors and guides to many aspects of Danish society, integration, language, culture, and work ethics - these are the Network’s focus.

While the goal is simple, the process is much more complicated. As its head, Jette Holten Lutzhoft points out: “The specific needs of individuals need to be taken into careful consideration to create matching, lasting mentormentee pairs. Danes are not allowed to join as mentees, but they are always welcome to become mentors.”

Most importantly, as Jette reminds us, this is not a oneway process. “Both the mentor and mentee stand to gain from forming such a bond. Mentees get accustomed to the

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS is originally from Greece, but has been living in Esbjerg for a few years. With a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Denmark, he has always had a passion for creative writing.

“The specific needs of individuals need to be taken into careful consideration to create matching, lasting mentormentee pairs.”

many facets of Danish life, but they also offer an opportunity to mentors to explore a different culture from the comfort of their own homes. The pandemic has also increased loneliness worldwide, and the Mentor Network stands firm in its resolution of bringing people together, a service now more critical than ever.”

Almost fully staffed by volunteers, the Network has taken a hit from the ongoing pandemic and still requires funding for its continued operation. Despite the adversity, Jette and her team are enthusiastic about the future and the exciting projects planned for the New Year, especially one focused on connecting internationals with businesses - what better way to start the New Year than with a great networking opportunity. In these trying times, let us keep alive what makes us human.THE-INTL For more info: https://mentoresbjerg.dk/

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

KATHARINE H NOYED

It's January, which means many of us have already chosen a New Year's resolution to focus on in 2022, whereas others of us may not believe in them at all! Whatever your perspective, here are a few feel-good and attainable goals to consider for the new year:

MINDFULNESS Let's face it: our lives are busy. Despite Denmark having a shorter work week than many other countries, many of us fill every moment with activities and appointments for ourselves and our families. A meaningful way to de-stress is to be mindful of the present moment. What does this mean? Start by breathing deeply. Focus on what each of your five senses you are experiencing. What are you seeing? Hearing? Is your jaw clenched?

Without judgement, find ways to relax your body and just experience the present moment. We are better equipped to make our daily schedules calmer and more peaceful when mindful. Doesn't that sound nice?

MOVEMENT It happens every year: gym memberships with motivated resolutioners skyrocket before dwindling out in early spring. So instead of forcing stram op classes onto yourself, if that's not something you enjoy— try focusing on getting some natural movement into your life. Walking your dog (or borrowing your neighbour's dog for a walk!), biking to work, or playing with your kids are all ways to get some movement each day. Just pick something you enjoy, and it won't feel like a chore!

LESS SCREEN TIME We look at our computers all day for work or school. We look at our phones to connect with friends and family through social media when we're home. But is all of this screen time making us happy? On the contrary, countless studies show that having too much screen time has adverse effects on our mental and physical health.

So, when possible in the new year, let's try to put down our devices and be present in the moment— sensing a trend here? Your mind and body will thank you! THE-INTL

KATHARINE H NOYED is from the United States. After working in the United Arab Emirates, Katharine now lives in Roskilde with her husband and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Development and International Relations with a focus on Global Refugee Studies.

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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JANUARY

COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

VISIT DENMARK - VIKINGPÆL BO HERBST

ZEALAND

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Due to the high levels are infections in Denmark, we encourage you to follow the government's guidelines and stay safe. For up to date information on these guidelines and the latest news, follow www.coronasmitte.dk

LITTLE PINK MAKER FB PAGE

EVENTS IN DENMARK

7 JANUARY

10-16 JANUARY

COMMUNITY BREAKFAST & CO-WORKING

50 YEARS OF QUEEN MARGRETHE II

Start your morning with a healthy organic breakfast, get inspired by Danish design, rapid prototyping, makerspace culture and getting to know other creative people, then work side by side with other makers on your project.

A morning well spent is the aim of our game - so we'd like to invite you to the Little Pink Maker community breakfast and co-working day. A free community event for connecting, tinkering, working and community.

Our events are for everyone but especially creatives, who're looking for inspiration and connection in their business life. You'll be able to enjoy a delicious breakfast assortment, sip on your favourite morning beverages and engage with other creatives from all different sectors. Whilst being able to get comfortable and co-work with us the whole day!

Interested in joining - Keep an eye open for our sign up sheets so we can avoid food waste!

January marks the 50-year Jubilee of Her Royal Highness Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The exhibition "A Queen's Jewelry Box" will be at the Amalienborg Museum from January 13th.

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.WONDERFULCOPENHAGEN.COM/WONDERFUL-COPENHAGEN/INTERNATIONAL-PRESS/2022-MARKS-GOLDEN-JUBILEE-DENMARKSCHERISHED-QUEEN-MARGRETHE-II

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LITTLE PINK MAKER FB PAGE

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VISIT DENMARK - VARNÆS HOVED - CLAUS VISBY

JUTLAND

LITTLE PINK MAKER FB PAGE

VISIT DENMARK - G0168178 1 (TRUKKET)

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/LNS4A6P3Q

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LILLINGE

11 JANUARY KNITTING GROUP Event by Anett Birkenfeldt and Lellinge Strik & Hækling Grønneledet 20, 4600 Lellinge, Danmark Duration: 2 hr 45 min Anyone can attend.

The first night of the year with knitting needles, crochet hooks, and coffee.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Please bring your own towel, so we take care of each other.

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/21UG1OTOJ

A focus on learning

COPENHAGEN

WARRIOR PRINCESS YOGA FB PAGE

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

16 JANUARY YOGA FOR BEGINNERS WORKSHOP We will meet at the beautiful @yogaladen.dk studio, go through the basics of yoga, and help you get started. It will be a joyful mix of theory and practice. First, you will understand the structure of a regular yoga class, so you know what to expect in a regular studio class. Further, you will get an introduction to breath work (pranayama) and meditation, and we will look into the yoga poses you most likely will encounter in today's yoga classes while focusing on how you safely get in and out of the poses.

Min 3 participants, maximum 8. Price 570kr.

You only need to bring yourself. We will provide tea, snacks and yoga mats/props.

www.nis-ngg.dk Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16 DK, 2970 Hørsholm

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

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1JZYEG9JP Cambridge International School

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COPENHAGEN

EVERY SUNDAY

16 JANUARY

20 JANUARY

ACOUSTIC SUNDAYS

WINTER HYGGE MARATHON

Acoustic Sundays, hosted By Jimmy, who is a songwriter in the tradition of Bob Marley and John Lennon, where love, spiritual and political songs stand side by side as one.

Acoustic Sunday's is the platform that allows everyone to strengthen their human touch.

Service is, as usual, with a lunch and dinner menu, fantastic coffee from Honduras, beers and a variety of wines.

On Sunday, January 16, 2022, the legendary Dr Nielsen Winter Fun Marathon and Half Marathon begins again.

The start and finish are at DGI Huset Vejle, and runners and walkers get together for this year's most enjoyable event.

After the run and hygge out on the route, we gather as always for food and celebrate our victories.

Registration for the race is open now via this link: www. run2u.dk

THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET - SVANESØEN

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1MVFSBY7I

30 dancers from the Russian National Ballet form the framework for the historical Russian ballet, "Swan Lake" - a ballet that after 143 years is still as popular, where Peter Tchaikovsky wrote "Swan Lake" in 1877, and the composer's tones and thoughts are preserved.

Behind the company is former Bolshoi dancer Sergei Radchenko and Elena Radchenko, a soloist from both Bolshoi and the Kirov Ballet, where this set-up of Swan Lake initially originated. The role of Odette is danced by Liudmilla Titova, who is a trained solo dancer from the Bolshoi Ballet.

The play received excellent reviews, most recently "Swan Lake" toured the country this year and with an enthusiastic audience that gave standing ovations, so the audience can once again look forward to experiencing a captivating ballet in a beautiful new set-up with talented dancers.

The Russian star soloist Liudmila Titova, who has been a solo dancer at major ballet performances throughout Europe, can be seen as Odette / Odile - the black and white swan. She graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and since 2010 has been a ballet master and solo dancer at the Russian National Ballet.

Get a good start to the evening, and enjoy a nice buffet from 18:00 before the show's start.

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1BURLJPTK

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COPENHAGEN

21 JANUARY

23 JANUARY

27-30 JANUARY

CREATIVE MENDING WORKSHOP

BALANCE AND INTENTIONS - GROOVE DANCE CLASS

WINTER SWIMMING FESTIVAL

In this workshop we invite you to bring some of your clothes that need mending.

Maybe your jeans are ripped or your beloved grandmother's hand knitted sweater has a hole.Together we will look at your item of clothing, and find a creative and visual way to mend it, and give it a new life. Our nature needs us to use what we have and stop overproduction - mending is meaningful and a fun and creative way to extend the lifetime of our clothes! (If you have threads, embroidery yarn or leftover fabric you can use - bring it)

The first event in 2022 will be about finding the inner balance between masculine and feminine energy and setting up kind intentions for the upcoming year.

We will use our bodies in a creative and liberating dance to explore what qualities we need to develop to increase selfawareness and improve our relationship with ourselves.

Prepare for some meditative songs combined with energetical and juicy tracks to get the blood flowing!

What is GROOVE? It is a simple, creative, and fun interactive group dance experience.

No previous dance background, no choreography to follow, no striving for perfection!

You come as you are, dance your own unique way, and unite in one rhythm with others. When you practice Groove, you are not joining a standard dance class. There is no need to be cool, dress up in fancy clothes, or try to fit in. The Groove community consists of people who welcome you with all your authenticity and encourage each other to inspire in creative self-expression. All we care about is MUSIC's power and how it can help establish a human connection through liberating body movement. We carefully select the most exciting tracks from all kinds of genres, styles, and cultures so you can get inspired to leave your comfort zone and get lost in the music.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2K0T69FEK

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.VISITDENMARK.COM/DENMARK/EXPLORE/SKAGEN-WINTER-SWIMMING-FESTIVALGDK640869

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Winter swimmers, or the so called "Icebreakers "- host the annual Skagen Winter Swimming Festival at the tip of the European continent. The Festival welcomes any true Viking and guarantees ice-cold sea dips, hot drinks, a close encounter with the unique nature of Skagen.

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AARHUS

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HERNING

28-30 JANUARY

28 JANUARY

28 JANUARY

ART HERNING

MONTHLY COFFEE MORNING

Herning is hosting one of the most significant art fairs of its kind and is arranged by the Danish Gallery Association and MCH Herning Kongrescenter. Some of Denmark's leading art galleries exhibit at the fair, which brings hundreds of compositions from international, national and new talented artists.

Join Spouse Community Aarhus for our Monthly Coffee Morning event. This fun and informal event is an excellent opportunity to get to know Spouse Community Aarhus: who we are and what we do, along with meeting new people and enjoying some delicious coffee or tea at The Merchant Room.

Our Monthly Coffee Mornings are open to members and non-members – so feel free to bring your friends! We just ask that you sign up through our website: https://internationalcommunity.dk/en-US/Events Entry to this event is free. Attendees can purchase their own coffee, tea and refreshments from the venue.

We hope to see you there!

BEER TASTING IN DEN GAMLE BY

FOR MORE INF0: HTTP://WWW.ARTHERNING.DK/

Come along to our Friday cafe in the old town on January 28. Bring your friends and join us for a beer at Bent J. There will be a beer tasting in the brewery with some good speciality beers on offer.

The price will be between DKK 50-95. This includes the beer tasting, a single beer at Bent J, and the entrance, but we will update the price when we get closer.

There is a maximum number of tickets due to corona, so hurry and get a ticket before your neighbour grabs it.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/4OSDWZLW3

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INTERESTED

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

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

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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ALEX IS PUNCHING HER WAY INTO 2022!

PICTURE COURTESY OF: DAVID ENGSTRØM

PICTURE COURTESY OF: HÀO PHAN THANH

PICTURE COURTESY OF: MARTIN BECK

COME RAIN OR SHINE, ALEX BECK IS LEADING HERSELF, HER FAMILY, AND HER TRAINING TEAM TOWARDS A LIFE OF BEING HEALTHY, HAPPY - AND AUTHENTICALLY YOURSELF.

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

IT MUST BE a strange sight for passers-by. Yet, out in the Danish winter, there’s a group of people dressed in sporty clothes, each with a headset, carrying out intense-looking choreography of body combat movements. The almost complete silence is only interrupted by the instructions and motivating exclamations leading them in the exercise.

That trainer would be Alex Beck, and if you walk around in Copenhagen, you might witness one of her group training sessions.

ACROSS THE CULTURES - AND THE BRIDGE But seeing what she does now would be an equally strange surprise for Alex from the past. The Brit and Swiss national had been in the corporate world since she was 18 working with senior management, focusing on communications, marketing, and organising events.

There was also nothing to suggest that Denmark would be where she would settle down. Born in the Cayman Islands to a mom from Guyana and a Scottish dad, the family lived in Switzerland for most of her life, and she became Swiss by naturalisation at 18.

But that wasn’t the end of her geographic journey. In her late twenties, Alex followed her then-boyfriend to Brussels and Malmö. She found a job in an advertising agency across the Øresund bridge - and after going through a break-up, it was in this Copenhagen workplace that she met her now-husband.

A HARD COUNTRY As it turned out, having a job in Denmark was beneficial in more ways than one. Alex only realised after living in Denmark how tremendous of a burden the Swiss culture of comparing yourself to others was for her. “In Switzerland, there is the grind and the long, long hours people spend in the office. You can leave at nine at night and still be on call the whole weekend. When you have a job, it’s your identity.”

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ

There, she was constantly living up to someone else’s expectations. Here, people were leaving their office at three o’clock, leaving her wondering whether they were not doing their jobs. “Danes are focused on their family and social lives, but it doesn’t mean they are not professionals. A job is just a job - if you don’t feel it’s the right place for you, it’s okay to make a change. I feel I am adapting to the mentality of not having to compare myself to anyone else. I can finally be myself.”

It still wasn’t love at first sight with Denmark. “I think about countries in shapes. The southern countries are softer, and the North is tough and rigid. There was no room for flexibility and spontaneity, which I was very used to from my Caribbean mother.” She missed the unplanned-drink-after-work mentality - in Denmark, everything needed to be scheduled in advance. Going from polite Switzerland and Sweden, she also felt that she found herself in an almost borderline rude country (or rather a culture of mindingyour-own-business).

Like many internationals, she found it hard to make friends, as Danes have had their friend group forever. But so have the Swiss. Alex realised the locked-out feeling was coming from her, not the Danish culture. “We are grounded in our habits. Every time you’re new somewhere, your habits are disrupted in a way you feel is the wrong way.

But every culture has its ways. It’s a question of being adaptive.”

Now she not only has Danish friends but a Danish husband, too. “He’s very laid-back.

"WE ARE GROUNDED IN OUR HABITS. EVERY TIME YOU’RE NEW SOMEWHERE, YOUR HABITS ARE DISRUPTED IN A WAY YOU FEEL IS THE WRONG WAY. BUT EVERY CULTURE HAS ITS WAYS. IT’S A QUESTION OF BEING ADAPTIVE."

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PICTURE COURTESY OF: HÀO PHAN THANH

Had I not made the first move, we would have never met,” laughs Alex. “For any relationship, whether in the same culture or not, is about listening, understanding that this is the way the person is, and accepting them.”

NISSER, MIX-UPS, AND COMPETITIONS Alex feels her husband adapted to her ways more than she has adapted to him - but she’s embracing a lot of his culture, too. For example, making dishes she can’t pronounce.

Or putting up nisser, the Danish Christmas elves, everywhere - very much appreciated by their daughter.

As a child of an international household, she is fluently bilingual in English and Danish. “She’s very endearing at the moment because she sometimes mixes up the two.

It breaks my heart to correct it because it’s just so cute.”

As Alex also speaks French fluently, three languages for her daughter were also on the table - but being a new mom was exhausting even without a trilingual upbringing.

“I also grew up in an English-speaking home - everything relating to childhood stories and the like always come to me in English.”

While her daughter may be unhappy later that Alex did not pursue French, she can still pick it up later - after all, everyone in Alex’s family has a good ear for languages.

And in the meantime, she is picking up other good habits from her parents. Such as an active lifestyle. “We walk a lot. Every time we have to go shopping or go to brunch, we take our feet and walk kilometres. Sometimes she’ll complain, but we got our daughter a little step counter, and we have a competition of who gets the most steps per day. If she hasn’t got enough, sometimes she runs around the table. She also sees me practising my body combat, and she’ll do whatever she can next to me.”

Alex would like her family to have the same healthy lifestyle - but that hasn’t always been the case.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE She has always been sporty, but the spirit of “skinny is the new black” took over. She was overdoing cardio, thinking that the thinner she was, the better she looked in her

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EVERY JANUARY BRINGS OUT THE COMMITMENT TO EXERCISE IN PEOPLE - BUT KEEPING UP THE MOTIVATION PROVES HARD. THAT’S WHERE ALEX CAN COME IN. clothes. “I felt guilty if I hadn’t done my spinning or didn’t go twice a day. When I was eating, I thought - do I deserve this food?” Just as with her career, she put her body under the same pressure.

The tipping point came when she was pregnant with her daughter at 35 - or even before when she suffered two early miscarriages. “It had nothing to do with my health, but it made me think. Why is this happening? How am I eating how am I treating my body? That’s where I felt the switch - I needed to feed my body what it needed to function.”

When she was ready to get into physical activity again after her daughter’s birth, she did that differently. She started thinking about what would help her recompose her body and be vital for her family. That was strength training and eating the right way.

“I had a click in my head. Is that how I would like my child to live? Like me, in fear of gaining weight? Or would I want her to feel happy and energised, understanding the need to eat for energy?”

Now that she has a daughter, they don’t restrict her from eating anything. They don’t force her to eat everything on her plate, trusting her when she says she’s full.

“If she wants to have a treat, she, of course, can have it.”

But they also let her discover that if she overeats on chocolates, she is not hungry for dinner - and if she doesn’t eat dinner, she will be hungry later because her body didn’t get what it needed.

“It’s about discovery and listening to your body’s cues.

But who we become also depends on the examples around us. We have a balanced diet and move a lot, and I’m hoping this is something she’ll take away. People always follow the leader. In this case, as her parents, we are her leaders until she’s old enough to fly away.”

But food is not the only component of healthy lives people struggle with. Every January brings out the commitment to exercise in people - but keeping up the motivation proves hard. That’s where Alex can come in.

FINDING THE RIGHT (SILENT) FIT The thirties were a transformational period for Alex. After she struggled with a healthy lifestyle, an “existential crisis” of sorts came her way at 39 and left her wondering if she was on the right path. “I always thought I had to have a desk job for it to be a real job. I never considered doing anything related to sports or physical activity. But my independent husband encouraged me: ‘So many people ask you about how to achieve their physical goals. Why don’t you take an education?’ And I did.” Alex is now an internationally certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.

Alex decided to open their own gym with one of her new classmates. The bad news? The calendar was showing January 2020.

Their gym had to close down two months into the business for lockdown, and they filed for bankruptcy in September 2020. But Alex is not a person who accepts defeat readily. Instead, she is a person who adapts.

When their gym closed in the first lockdown, she was contacted by SilentFit - a provider for audio technology for workouts - to be an ambassador showcasing the possibility of outdoor classes. She started with her body combat classes, full-body exercises incorporating martial arts or boxing elements, and expanded with more training options. She continued outside when the gym was allowed to open again between lockdowns as her clients were older and did not feel safe inside.

She started with smaller groups to comply with corona

13

PICTURE COURTESY OF: DAVID ENGSTRØM

"NOBODY COMPARES THEMSELVES TO OTHERS. AND WE DON’T TAKE OURSELVES SERIOUSLY AT ALL. WE ARE HERE TO MOVE AND TO HAVE FUN."

restrictions, which led to her spending many hours in a row outside in the cold to accommodate her teams. It was hard to get people to learn about her training, but she wanted the right people for her team. So instead of the traditional approach of sponsored ads, she encouraged people to come and try her training out. They did - and she now has a loyal, committed client team.

NO MIRRORS, NO WORRIES Besides body combat, Alex also offers strength and circuit training. Right now, she has about 50 people in the teams. The most significant advantage of her outside class compared to a gym is that there are no mirrors. You can learn the choreography at your own pace, do legs or arms, take a break, or quietly remove yourself from the class without anyone watching you. “Nobody compares themselves to others. And we don’t take ourselves seriously at all. We are here to move and to have fun. I want them to feel happy when they leave and want to come back because they had a good time.”

So while she was initially thinking about the outside training as a temporary solution to lockdowns, she came to view it as something her clients wanted to stay. “When it’s just us outdoors, they feel they can be themselves and ask all the questions they want. So I decided - why would I go back to the gym if I have a group of people that want this outside?”

By now, she knows her clients very well and caters to all, knowing their injuries and level and adapting the programmes.

THE RIGHT SNOWSTORM This has all paid off. Her business is more successful than she’d imagined, and her clients are responding to her commitment in kind. “The team dynamics are extraordinary. If a team member brings someone else, I will almost automatically trust that person will fit in. I want people to feel they belong somewhere.”

With their social bond, the team now has accountability towards Alex and their teammates. “This makes people want to come back. Even if you don’t feel motivated, if you don’t go, people will wonder where you were.”

This makes Alex motivated, as well. So motivated that her decision to remain outdoors was right and also that she left her corporate world security behind.

“I can do it in snow storms and the rain. I feel that this is where I’m meant to be.” THE-INTL

PICTURE COURTESY OF: DAVID ENGSTRØM

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14

HANGING WITH THE LOCALS THE DANISH LANGUAGE AND THE BENEFITS OF VILLAGE LIVING.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD

I

I STARTED ON my Danish language journey three years ago, with the simple aim of giving my father-in-law’s dog commands she understood, hopefully preventing her from running away from me on the beach to steal food from fishermen. While I knew that English could get you a long way in Denmark, I wanted to have at least simple interactions in Danish. I quickly took to the language and learned to speak it fluently, if imperfectly, within a year. I’ve since worked in freelance translation and predominantly speak Danish at home.

Speak Danish to pets!

They won't be judgemental if your pronunciation could do with some work.

WE SPEAK ENGLISH At the start, my biggest challenge was convincing Danes to speak Danish - Danes are very proud of their English language skills, and rightly so. However, this often leads to English being used with foreigners in situations that could have been carried out in Danish with a bit of patience.

Once I started language classes and began to confidently use Danish, my frustration with Danes switching to English for simple interactions grew, as I didn’t get the chance to use even basic phrases. While some claim this comes from a wish to be polite, my experience was that many Danes would argue with me about how they did not want to speak Danish, which I found perplexing.

Another aspect can be that Danes have heard that their language is challenging to learn. Last winter, a friend suddenly started writing to me exclusively in English while speaking Danish when we met.

While catching up over dinner one evening, he asked me, in Danish, if I could read and write the language. It turned out he’d seen a comedy show about how written Danish is nothing like the spoken form and believed I could only speak it. We had a good laugh about it afterwards!

COUNTRYSIDE SETTING Eventually, I realised that I had an easier time convincing Danes to speak Dan-

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ish with me in the countryside or in small towns. For example, in Aarhus, I could regularly go to the same café and be served by a different staff member every time, whereas, in the countryside, I quickly got to know people. This meant that I only had to explain that I wished to practise Danish, and it would be remembered. Ironically, the keenest to support my language learning was a bus driver from Germany.

Although we were both native German speakers, simple interactions in Danish every morning on the bus to language class helped me gain confidence.

The countryside is also where you will find more Danes out of practice or less keen to speak English. Whereas city jobs often require English ability, many people I know living and working in the countryside tell me that they haven’t spoken English since High School. These people are often naturally more patient with mistakes in Danish, and in my experience, better appreciate the effort that goes into communicating in a foreign language you may not be used to. THE-INTL

TIPS TO EASE YOU INTO COUNTRY LIVING: If you live in a city, go to the countryside to stay in a summer house and practise your Danish on the locals you interact with. Hopefully, you’ll experience a helpful attitude from those you meet.

Speak Danish to pets! They won’t be judgemental if your pronunciation could do with some work.

HEATHER STORGAARD WRITER 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 Scot-

If you’re a regular somewhere, try to explain that you’d really like to practise ordering your coffee or beer in Danish.

land and Helgenæs, a penin-

Listen and sing along to pop songs, parroting rather than reading the lyrics. This can improve pronunciation by taking those strange Danish spellings out of the equation.

ies are a big passion, leading

As your language skills improve, see if any Danes you know would be willing to have an hour, a day or a weekend exclusively speaking Danish. This can be a great way to challenge yourself, set boundaries and expand your vocabulary while building up languagestamina.

sula in rural Eastern Jutland.

Languages and cultural studHeather to pursue a degree in Culture and Heritage and a career in photography and translation. @heatherstorgaard

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FOOD ART

BREAKFAST PIES THESE HEARTY PUFF PASTRY PIES ARE PERFECT FOR COLD WINTER MORNINGS. PHOTOGRAPHS & TEXT: NATASHA LIVIERO / UNSPLASH

BACON AND EGG BREAKFAST PIES (MAKES 6 LARGE PIES)

INGREDIENTS: 200g mushrooms 2 tbsp olive oil 100g purple onion, peeled 100g bacon/pancetta, chopped 1 tbsp thyme

150g sour cream 90g mascarpone 6 medium eggs 400g puff pastry salt and pepper

METHOD:: #1

#2

#3 #4 #5

#6

#7

Clean and chop the mushrooms, then fry with 2 tablespoons olive oil until soft. Season to taste and place in a medium-sized bowl.

In the same pan, fry the onions for a few minutes, adding the bacon/pancetta and thyme. Fry for a few more minutes until softened. Transfer to the mushroom bowl and allow to cool.

Add the cream and mascarpone to the cooled mixture and season to taste.

Set oven to 2000C and grease a large six-hole muffin pan.

Roll out puff pastry 3-4mm thick. With a cookie cutter (approximately 2cm larger than the muffin cup), cut out pastry circles and place them into the muffin cups.

Fill the muffin cups 2/3 full with the mixture and top with an egg, followed by an extra tablespoon of mixture.

Bake for 22-25 minutes and serve warm topped with microgreens.

TIPS: FOR SOFTER EGGS, ADD THE EGGS AFTER 12 MINUTES OF BAKING. GENTLY PUSH THE PUFF PASTRY AGAINST THE SIDES OF THE PAN TO MAKE SPACE FOR THE EGGS.

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

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

natashaliviero

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

16

DIPPING WITH THE DANES DANISH WINTER BATHING TAKES A SPECIAL KIND OF MADNESS. PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT CONRAD MOLDEN

I

IF THE SEA was 2.5 degrees Celsius in many countries, and you tried to jump in, someone would ring the psychiatric unit. Here in Denmark, such behaviour is celebrated.

It is called vinterbadning (directly: winter bathing). A name that masks the horrors of its freezing cold reality. More terrifying than the activity itself is that these mad winter bathers are everywhere - they could be your friend.

My friend Halvor (affectionately known as the Viking) meets me in the park on a cold January for some morning hygge. The grass under our feet is frozen, and you can see our breath hanging in the air. Halvor casually tells me that he just came from a swim at the Aarhus Havnebad, an outdoor seawater swimming pool. He tells me this with a straight face as if it is nothing. It's January, the air is only 3 degrees Celsius.

I start shivering at the thought. "It's free!" he insists. Yeah, no sh*t – you couldn't pay people to do that.

This winter bathing madness is ubiquitous. VisitDenmark has a whole "where to go winter swimming" section under 'things to do' as if anyone other than a Dane is mental enough to even consider it.

"Denmark's long coastline gives you 8,700 km of opportunities to embrace, including wild wintry beaches." As if you will just pull over to the side of the E45 as it crosses from Aalborg to Nørresundby and casually dive into the Limfjord. "Looking for a place to experience near-death in freezing cold water? Look no further than the enormous ocean that surrounds us." Clicking on their winter bathing website link should alert the authorities.

I remember being driven to Skagen by two Danish friends against my will. It was October. Already bleak, grey and cold.

With relentless harassment, I was eventu-

“It was not just the air that was agony; the waves were rough, like being slapped by blades of cruel ice.”

ally forced, stark naked, into the sea with them. The only thing more relentless than their harassment was the painfully cold wailing wind that froze every centimetre of my fragile indoor-climate-adapted body.

It was not just the air that was agony; the waves were rough, like being slapped by blades of cruel ice. They brought an American football to play with; I was shaking too violently even to reach for it. Meanwhile, the Danes leapt around in the water like glacial sea lions. We were probably there for minutes, but it felt like an eternity part of my soul died out there, somewhere between the Baltic and the North Sea. How do the Danes justify this insanity?

Health. Always health. When it comes to ingesting disgusting food or partaking in bizarre activities, counter-intuitive health advice miraculously makes an appearance. "An icy dip… releases adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin, cortisol and dopamine." So does injecting strange drugs in the Nørresundby Bilka car park, but that is not on the official tourism website. The

most significant health benefit is managing not to die - actually remaining alive must be good for you.

How do they hide the naked horror of winter bathing? Fluffy blankets. After going through this ordeal, one of your cult leaders will wrap you in a blanket and give you a mug of something warm. Cups of tea and a quilt are all that is needed to make you forget that you almost died. For me, up in Skagen, the recovery came by huddling in the foetal position in the back of my friend's car. The heating was on full blast, and I still remember the shards of sea ice beginning to melt and run down my shivering body. The Danes sat up front, completely fine, un-traumatised and actually smiling.

One day I fear spotting a drowning man at Aarhus harbour and throwing him a life ring. Only to find a confused winter bather looking back up at me. "Sorry, Halvor!" I'll shout. "It's because you're in the sea, and it's the middle of winter. Undskyld!" THE-INTL

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

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

17

where can i find a copy?

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

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

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

PUBLIC PICK-UP POINT ON FUNEN CAFÉ L’ILE

DALUMVEJ 3 - ODENSE SV

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

HACK KAMPMANNS PLADS 2 - AARHUS RANTZAUSGADE 4 - AALBORG TORVEGADE 23 - ESBJERG SKOLEGADE 1 - VEJLE ØSTERGADE 8 - HERNING KLØVERMARKEN 35 - BILLUND RÅDHUSSTRÆDET 6 - IKAST RÅDHUSTORVET 10 - SØNDERBORG

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

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

18

NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICES

PHOTOGRAPHS NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL / ISTOCK

TEXT SHANI BISHOP, NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

I

IF YOU ARE

looking for a place at an international school for your child, there are many things to consider. There are plenty of international schools in Denmark, but they are very popular, so planning ahead is always advised.

A SPACE FOR MY CHILD Whilst there are many international schools, getting a place can be challenging. Class spaces are created when families leave, so lining up new arrivals is like a jigsaw for the schools. Once you have a few schools on your list, approach each one to schedule a school tour and/or begin the admissions process. North Zealand International School (NIS) is very popular, so new classes have been created in many year groups.

CHOOSING A HOME Before Covid, parents would look at the location of the place(s) of work and think about living near the school. Hybrid working and working from home have changed all this.

Families can live anywhere now, and with good road and rail networks in Denmark, living in a beautiful place like Northern Zealand is an excellent option for families.

North Zealand is the best of both worlds with beaches, forests and beautiful countryside in plentiful supply, yet Copenhagen is only 20 minutes away. NIS is located near Hørsholm in North Zealand.

WHAT DOES THE CURRICULUM COVER? International schools in Denmark teach many different recognised curricula, including the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), International Primary Curriculum (IPC), British, Cambridge Assessment International Education's IGCSEs, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) 's PYP, MYP and DP. Therefore, it's essential to think about which type of curriculum will suit your child and, if you are moving again one day, which will work best for your family.

NIS is the only international school in Denmark accredited to teach the International Primary Curriculum (IPC). The IPC curriculum is taught at international schools worldwide, including the British International Schools in Stockholm and Washington. This fantastic curriculum combines rigorous subject learning with the creativity and innovation needed to develop children's skills for their future. In addition, NIS offers the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for the youngest children (3 to 5-year-olds) in the Early Years setting as a vital transition between early and primary education.

The IEYC uses international best practices, holistic enquiry and play-based approaches that cover all curriculum areas, including personal, social and emotional development.

LEARNING THE LOCAL LANGUAGE Learning the language is crucial whether you plan to stay in Denmark forever or just a few years. International schools all provide Danish lessons as part of the curriculum. NGG is among one of the largest private schools in Denmark (which NIS is a part of ), and NIS learners are fortunate to join the Danish department for celebrations and events, in addition to at least 4 Danish lessons per week. International children also mix with their Danish friends at the after-school club every day.

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"NORTH ZEALAND IS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH BEACHES, FORESTS AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE IN PLENTIFUL SUPPLY, YET COPENHAGEN IS ONLY 20 MINUTES AWAY." CARING TEACHERS AND STAFF International schools generally recruit teachers from all over the world. NIS is no different and has teachers from the UK, US, Denmark, South Africa, India and the Netherlands. This means the teachers bring an enormous amount of experience and diversity of approach, making the learning engaging for the children.

PARENTS HIGH PRAISE Feedback from parents is always helpful. Try Facebook groups but also visit the school if you can to see how you feel about the school and talk to parents on site.

When NIS asked whether parents would recommend the school in a recent survey, an overwhelming 92% said they would!

BEST TIME TO APPLY International schools accept applications all year round. In addition, most accept applications online together with a fee. Therefore, it's best to always apply as soon as possible. THE-INTL

19

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:

ANCHORING PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

Integration may be the ultimate goal for many internationals, but columnist Sarah Redohl argues that it isn’t one we must aim for immediately. She’s not alone; Denmark’s international employers and municipalities have also shifted focus from integration to anchoring.

F

FOUR YEARS AGO

almost to the day, I made a New Year’s resolution to learn German. I was entering my second year living in Germany, and I’d picked up just enough German to order coffee and ask where the oat milk was at the grocery store.

Several months into the new year, I was excited to have expanded my language skills into small talk. But, by the end of the year, we unexpectedly found ourselves starting a new chapter—one which rendered German pointless. Like most resolutions, my goal was long abandoned by the stroke of midnight the following New Year’s Eve. When we ended up in Denmark in 2020, I was torn between my desire to learn Danish and the memory of how quickly life abroad can be upended and my efforts to integrate rendered pointless. At least my ever-diminishing German is spoken by 130 million people worldwide, compared to just 6 million Danish speakers. I asked myself at what point would it make sense to expend the time and effort to learn a language as challenging (and limited in utility) as Danish? If we lived here for two years? For five years?

as an active citizen, living by local norms, speaking the language. On the other hand, anchoring is the act of providing a firm foundation: a sense of community, a social network, a reason to stay in Denmark.

“If an international loves their job, their family seems settled, and they are engaged in the community, that enhances the family’s chance of staying in Denmark,” said Lyndgaard’s colleague, Søren Kjærsgaard Høfler, DI’s political consultant in global mobility. “They may not see a reason to go the extra mile right away. First, they need reasons to stay.”

THE DATING GAME

ANCHOR OR INTEGRATE? In early 2021, I spoke about the integration of Denmark’s international labour force with Danielle Bjerre Lyndgaard. She’s the director of global talent and mobility at the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri, or DI), an organisation representing approximately 18,500 companies across Denmark. Lyndgaard summarised my secret concerns perfectly: “Global talent may not come here to stay, so integration may not be their goal.”

“People talk a lot about integration,” Lyndgaard continued, “but I think that’s changing. In the future, we’re going to focus on anchoring rather than integrating.”

Definitionally speaking, integration is the act of bringing people into equal participation in a group or institution: participating

Denmark’s first free, public international school, and Esbjerg Municipality opened its own international house. “If internationals don’t feel like they belong, they’re going to move away after a few years,” said Pia Enemark, Esbjerg Municipality’s newcomer service coordinator. “It’s important that the whole family—not just during work hours, but in their spare time, too—feel like a part of the city in which they live.”

Lyndgaard summarised this sentiment well: “We have to help internationals find a way to anchor in Denmark if we want them to stay long enough to integrate.”

This sentiment was shared by several municipalities I recently interviewed about the role of international labour in Denmark’s tightest labour market in more than a decade. “When I talk to municipalities, I often hear about their focus on international labour,” Høfler said. “That focus is even greater than before, considering the current labour market.”

Examples abound of municipalities’ attempts to anchor internationals, from establishing newcomer services departments to hiring welcome ambassadors in towns and villages across Denmark. In 2021, Lolland Municipality established

I’m now entering my second year in Denmark, but I’m not making the same resolution I did when entering my second year in Germany. Instead, I’m focusing on anchoring: joining new clubs, finding volunteer opportunities, making new friends.

Some might consider it selfish, insensitive, or even irresponsible. That’s how I felt four years ago, but I don’t anymore.

One international I spoke with, who is both anchored and integrated in Denmark, compared anchoring and integration to dating and marriage. There’s the early stage, where your new partner seems perfect. Then, flaws appear, and you have to decide whether to stick around or cut and run. If you stay, you start building a life together: you fall in love, make mutual friends, meet one another’s families.

Each of those events anchor you together. You might get married eventually, but no one would say it’s irresponsible to date a while before such a commitment. After all, breakups are less messy when all you share is a flat and a cat versus a legal union and lifelong vow.

I have to admit, Denmark and I aren’t there yet. I’m still trying to answer the ageold question that defines any relationship, romantic or geographic: Where do you see this going? THE-INTL

SARAH REDOHL JOURNALIST, WRITER, FILMMAKER Sarah is a journalist, writer, and filmmaker from the American Midwest. Although she holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri, she’s been a natural-born storyteller since she could talk. Her work has taken her all over the world, from Amsterdam to Zambia and many places in between.

She's travelled to more than 40 countries, living in several before settling down in Copenhagen with her partner and their two (well-travelled) cats. Prior to moving to Europe, Sarah worked in a variety of newsrooms, from print to radio, and taught multimedia journalism at her alma mater. @sarahredohl @sarahredohl @sarahredohl

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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BON VOYAGE DENMARK LEAVING A COUNTRY AND MOVING TO ANOTHER WILL ALWAYS BE A MASSIVE UPHEAVAL. HOWEVER, MOVING IN A PANDEMIC ADDS EVEN MORE COMPLICATIONS, MUSES SHANI BISHOP. PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH

TEXT SHANI BISHOP

W

WHEN MY FRIEND moved back to the USA in 2020, she hunted for masks in Copenhagen, which were very expensive at the time. They didn't have to undergo tests (there was no testing at that point) before the flight home, but their flights were cancelled twice, and there were no direct ones anymore. On the long flight home, they only got a sandwich, snacks and one water bottle for the entire journey. Their Airbnb in the States had been cancelled because they didn't want foreign arrivals. Our trip in 2021 was more bureaucratic but smoother. We had tests at both ends, had flights cancelled, worried about how our stuff would get home, felt concerned about catching it before departure and had a 10-day quarantine at the end. I imagine travelling in 2022 would require more paperwork mainly, evidence of your vaccination status and a negative test.

THE UNEXPECTED In our minds, we thought we would get home and see everyone and maybe throw a party. The reality has been different. We still haven't seen many of our closest friends because of distance and Covid concerns; however, being in the same time zone makes it easier and cheaper to communicate more regularly and casually. Covid has caused many families to move out of London, so having new families at school has been great. The new people I've met at school and through friends have become people I see regularly. The ones I regularly saw before leaving the UK I see less often. I also expected to see more people who had also returned from Denmark but haven't.

CULTURE SURPRISES AND SHOCKS Even though we know the UK culture, there have been changes and developments. It has been interesting seeing our kids learn more about their own culture and explain the differences with Denmark. For example, when my son won an award for reading at school, I pointed out that this wouldn't have happened in Denmark because generally, the pupils are not singled out for praise publically. We had an interesting discussion about Jante's Law. Before Denmark, I would have been universally pleased about the award, but now I have mixed feelings about this. My son was surprised when a stranger in a cafe said, 'see you later' when it was clear we wouldn't be seeing him. They

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now see how words and pronunciation are different here.

We walked past a street sign that said 'court', and my son was interested in seeing it had a different meaning from the one he knows.

We have all acclimatised at different rates. Whilst I'm delighted by the warmer, milder weather and sunshine, my kids miss the cold! They go out in T-shirts when everyone else has coats. I just explain they are Vikings. So whilst we enjoy things, there are things we miss. It's a shame you can't mix and match countries.

leaving

IT WILL TAKE LONGER THAN YOU THINK

 Have both paper and electronic copies of tests and

When we landed in June 2021, we expected to have everything in our house sorted out by the end of the summer.

However, it took until November, so two months later than expected. There were lots of little things which took extra time. Also, finishing our affairs in Denmark is still going on with tax returns and the landlord there. THE-INTL

MY TOP TIPS FOR MOVING:  Compile a detailed checklist months before  Ensure you tell the proper authorities in Denmark

- there are fines if you get it wrong! Here's a handy

checklist: https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/hous

ing-and-moving/Practical-matters-before-leaving: vaccine documents when travelling

 Start packing early and get rid of as much stuff as

you can

 Expect the unexpected!

21

A UNIQUE SCHOOLING EXPERIENCE PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH

TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN

B

BEING A NEWCOMER to Denmark and fascinated by education, ‘Efterskole’, which does not have a translatable name, is an educational opportunity I had never encountered before. Moreover, I was intrigued by the forward-thinking concept that emerged over 150 years ago as part of the Danish free school movement.

“Students learn essential life skills by sharing living accommodation, cooking and cleaning together, and socialising in a close-knit democratic community.”

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT The movement wanted young people to experience the enlightenment of education through discussion and debate, hoping it would lead to a greater understanding of life and one’s context in it. It initially targeted the youth from rural areas to inspire them to look beyond the countryside.

It was felt this could not be achieved by the usual formal and restrictive educational approach. Instead, time and head space were needed for a more profound exploration of the ideals of democracy within life, the workplace, politics, and what it meant to be a citizen and how to act within the country’s culture.

THE EFTERSKOLE CONCEPT Nowadays, an efterskole is a residential boarding school students can attend from as early as 14 through to 18 for one or two years. The programmes maintain the focus on life skills, social development and interaction, and offer a range of subject opportunities that regular schools cannot.

It can help a child weary of regular schooling ‘folkeskole’ find their identity and direction, or a school leaver who has completed compulsory education and wants some inspiration before committing to ‘gymnasium’, high school.

It is also an incredible option for internationals with teenagers who need to adjust to a new country and educational system, for it gives them the chance to experience the country’s culture, make close friends, and transition smoothly, whilst following enjoyable learning choices. The popularity of an efterskole has increased over the years, and now there are almost 250 across Denmark, including international options with English as the language of instruction. However, there are some specific entry and administrative requirements for students coming from abroad.

LIFE SKILLS Students learn essential life skills by sharing living accommodation, cooking and cleaning together, and socialising in a close-knit democratic community. It is about developing a group mentality whilst maintaining an individual identity, working through conflicts and finding solutions, learning tolerance and acceptance, among other skills. The approach allows teenagers to mature, be better prepared for life’s challenges, and take on high school education with a new appreciation.

EXCITING CHOICES Students select an efterskole based on their personal passion or interest such as computer programming, sport including unique options such as horse-riding or archery, music, dance, theatre studies or culinary skills and many other possibilities.

The schedule is heavily weighted towards the pursuit of the specialist area. Schools are small, with 100-200 students in total. There is a fair distribution of schools across the whole of Denmark, which tend to be located outside of cities, where there is plenty of space for schooling and accommodation facilities.

WHATWILL IT TEACH YOUR CHILD? Efterskole teachers are specialised educators. They have academic duties but also dorm duties. Moreover, each student is allocated a mentor teacher to support them along their journey and help provide the ‘family’ experience. As a result, unique bonds of trust and support are formed between the students and their teachers.

Although efterskole has exciting learning options, they also include traditional subjects. In recent years, it was decreed that students can also sit their public final exams in an efterskole the same way as they can at a ‘folkeskole’. There is a real emphasis on the development of the whole child and to provide everyone with a platform from which to leap into life’s next chapter.

MONIKA PEDERSEN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATOR Monika comes from the London area of the UK, where she worked in the state system

IS IT AFFORDABLE?

and the international school

Efterskole, unfortunately, may not be a possibility for everyone as they are private institutions where students are required to cover tuition and accommodation costs.

The payment is approximately 2,700 kr per week and additional administrative fees.

However, if your child is a Danish citizen or has equal status, you will receive a subsidy from the state based on your total household income. For more information visit: www.efterskolerne.dk

system, as an English teach-

Efterskole provides a wonderful option for some young people who want a different path.

This sentiment was echoed by a couple of personally known students who commented, ‘it taught me so much about myself, and ‘it is the best educational decision I made, even though it has been tough at times.’ THE-INTL Sources: https://www.efterskolerne.dk/ English/history https://fus.dk/tilmelding/hvad-koster-det https://www.theinternational-dk.com/ New-br/-students/School-Fees.aspx

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

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SPECIAL NEEDS EFTERSKOLER AFTER YOUR CHILD HAS FINISHED FOLKESKOLE (MAINSTREAM SCHOOL), THE OPTIONAL NEXT STEP IS DANISH SECONDARY EDUCATION. WE EXPLORE EFTERSKOLER THAT ACCOMMODATE YOUR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / ISTOCK

TEXT SARA R. NEWELL / MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ

I

IN THIS ARTICLE, we’ll explore special education options in specialefterskoler (special education residential schools) and almen efterskole (mainstream residential schools), which provide special education assistance and support.

erskoler, such as this list provided by the Danish National Autism Association at autismeforening.dk It can also be a good idea to inquire through parent and disability networks, Facebook groups, or other relevant associations and groups for recommendations about any specific efterskoler you may consider.

WHAT IS AN EFTERSKOLE? The Danish concept of efterskole is a form of self-governing, independent secondary or continuing education where pupils can complete 8., 9., and 10. grade. It’s a unique form of boarding school, where students between 14 and 18 years both study and reside. This gives them a chance to live among their peers and immerse themselves in specific areas of interest, such as music, theatre, sports, art focus, horseback riding, etc.

There are three types of efterskole - those that offer general continuing education, those that focus on children with dyslexia, and those that accommodate children with special needs.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN EDUCATION When you have applied, it is up to the school in question to evaluate if they have the necessary resources, knowledge, and experience to accept your child as a pupil.

When your child has been accepted into an efterskole, it is the school that decides how support will be organised, as well as the extent of the special assistance. During the enrollment process, we recommend that you contact the school for information about your child’s specific needs, and if relevant, you request that the school take Pedagogical Psychological Services (Pædagogisk Psykologisk Rådgivning, PPR) recommendations into account. The school will often ask you about your child’s needs when processing the application.

SPECIALEFTERSKOLER IN A NUTSHELL Special education residential schools (specialefterskoler) open their doors to pupils with different needs ranging from learning difficulties, developmental disabilities, or developmental disorders such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder. Currently, the Efterskolerne.dk portal lists 18 special education residential schools.

Specialefterskoler receive special state subsidies to provide extra support for special needs students, which typically means additional teachers with expertise in special education, smaller class sizes, and offering differentiated teaching and assistance.

ALMEN EFTERSKOLER WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT Some mainstream residential schools (almen efterskoler) offer a certain number of spaces for children with special needs. Most often, this entails personal assistance or mentorship related to practical difficulties at school and a certain amount of education and assistance that should help the child develop strategies for compensating for their disabilities.

The school’s website will often provide information about whether they provide special education services and how many available spaces they have each school year.

If your child attends an almen efterskole with extra pedagogical support and/or supplementary tutoring, extra tuition fees may be required.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT OPTION FOR YOUR CHILD Every year residential schools hold an open house on efterskolernes dag (residential school day), where it is possible to visit prospective schools together with your child.

In addition, some schools hold open houses several times a year.

Whether you are considering a specialefterskole or an almen efterskole which offers special education, it can be a good idea to gather information beyond what you will find on the school’s website. We recommend that you contact relevant disability organisations for recommendations.

Some organisations provide a list of potential specialeft-

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).

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN FREE TIME Your child is also entitled to municipality-subsidised additional support in their leisure time - for example, counselling. To receive extra assistance, your municipality must assess your child’s needs and determine the required level of support usually covered by school employees.

Be aware that it is often a long and cumbersome process to apply for assistance through the municipality, and whether extra assistance is granted or denied will often vary from municipality to municipality.

TUITION Efterskole is not free and requires that you pay tuition.

However, if your child is a Danish citizen or has equal status, you will receive a subsidy from the state based on your total household income. You can also apply for individual supplementary student support (individuel supplerende elevstøtte), which will be decided and paid out by the school. 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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NEW YEAR NEW PLAN GUIDE TO SELF- DEVELOPMENT (PART 1). LETS MAKE 2022 THE YEAR WE DO BET TER, BE BET TER, AND LIVE BET TER. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH

TEXT AINA MASOOD

W

WELCOME TO 2022. January is named after the god of beginnings and transitions, Janus, and with the beginning of this year, I want us to embark on a journey of self-development. As you may have noticed, “Part 1” written in the first two lines of this article, I would like to bring your attention to a plan that I have decided to work on for my articles throughout this year. Every month, I would like to talk about one area of self-development and for this month, let’s talk about self-image.

WHAT IS IT?

Self-image is one’s view of themselves (APA dictionary of psychology). It is an internal dictionary that a person uses to describe their characteristics, and it comprises three elements.

How we perceive or think of ourselves.

How we interpret other people’s perceptions of ourselves.

How we would like to be (our ideal self).

This self-image can be either positive or negative. So let’s explore how we can build a healthy self-image.

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST Aina is the founder and CEO of R.A.I.N (Recognise, Accept, Investigate, Nurture), a company that helps universities

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? In my practice as a psychotherapist and my experience as a teacher, I have seen so many adolescents and young adults struggle with self-esteem and identity issues. How worthy we are (self-esteem) and who we are (identity) are questions closely linked with how we view ourselves (self-image). The answers to these questions play a pivotal role in going through transitions in life. One of those transitions is moving countries and living an international life. Therefore, talking about having a healthy self-image is of utmost importance.

BUILDING A HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE Who are you?

To work on building a healthy self-image, we must have some basic knowledge of ourselves. Ponder over the question, what makes you who you are. It might be helpful to write it down somewhere and include both good and bad aspects of what makes you, YOU. Another way of having more self-knowledge is to reflect and ponder over your values, what kind of a human being you aspire to be, and what behaviours you would like to do more of or do less of.

Strengths exploration It is comparatively easier to blame ourselves in stressful times than to focus on the good we bring to the situation. To boost selfimage, remind yourself of the strengths you already have. Make a list of your strengths as a person. It could range from being funny to being kind, and it includes everything that you feel is your strength and has benefited you. If you are looking for your strengths in different situations, you would be amazed at how many qualities you ignore or take for granted.

Life story Narrating your life story is another helpful tool derived from Narrative therapy. The basic assumption of which is that people are separate from their problems. When you narrate your life story, you become the author, and it helps you look at your life from a different vantage point, which helps you find meaning and value in your experiences. It also helps you organise your thoughts and facilitates the process of growth.

Actively changing self-talk Self-image is our view of ourselves - how we talk to ourselves matters. Catch yourself when you use phrases like, “I am stupid”, “I will never be able to do this”, etc., and re-phrase. While re-phrasing, it might be a good idea to think if you would say the same things to another person or friend. If not, why shouldn’t you show yourself the same kindness?

Therapy For people who struggle with self-image issues, therapy also might be a good option. You can look for therapists who work with self-image issues and/or are trained in client-centred therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or psychoanalysis.

In conclusion, creating a healthy self-image is a long and sometimes slow process. But, if you keep doing little things, you will see significant changes. So, let’s focus on our self-image this month to see beautiful things unfold for us eventually.

Happy New Year. THE-INTL

and organisations take care of their colleagues and employees' mental health. Aina has completed her master's in clinical psychology from Pakistan. She has lived in the USA for 6 months and has been in Denmark for over a year. Passionate about mental health and destigmatising mental health problems, she is working towards helping individuals and organisations be healthier, happier, and more productive. She accomplishes this by working with clients via Skype, conducting workshops/webinars with various organisations, and through research and writing. She is a professional photographer and uses her pictures to reflect on her daily life and shares them on her blog. A psychologist, writer, speaker, mental health advocate, photographer, explorer, volunteer, and a wife, Aina is making her way through the world and narrat-

"CREATING A HEALTHY SELFIMAGE IS A LONG AND SOMETIMES SLOW PROCESS."

ing the story of her life. https://www.linkedin.com/ in/ainamasood/

https://www.instagram. com/ayena_reflections/

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JUTL AND

NEW BEGINNINGS AARHUS AND EASTERN JUTLAND IS HOME TO MANY INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS THAT ALL CONTRIBUTE TO THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF THIS AREA. THIS MONTH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ADVISES INTERNATIONALS ARRIVING IN THE DARKEST AND COLDEST MONTHS OF THE YEAR.

PHOTOGRAPHS VISITAARHUS / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TINY MAERSCHALK - INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

I

IN STRIKING CONTRAST to December, January and February lack the holiday cosiness, lights and social gatherings. So what do you do when arriving in Denmark in the darkest and coldest months of the year? I turned to Helle Fjord from Slater Consult to pick her brain on ensuring the best possible arrival, avoiding being sucked into the gloom of the winter months.

“All in all, it is important not to presume what your new colleague may want and need.

Ask curious questions and pay attention to the answers.”

- Helle Fjord, Slater Consult

BEFORE ARRIVAL Helle Fjord explains that a positive experience starts at home before moving to Denmark. "When moving to a new country - or geographical area in general - establishing a network is hard work in general, regardless of climate. I recommend any newcomer to Denmark to become familiar with their own behaviour, routines, preferences and activities during winter in their home country BEFORE moving to Denmark. I suggest you make up a wishlist BEFORE moving to Denmark. What kind of activities, sports and spare time engagements will be important for you to maintain/ uphold/start pursuing or let go of?"

BUILD A SOCIAL NETWORK Upon arrival, you will want to establish a social network. Helle Fjord points out that many feel that Danes become more anti-social and even hostile during winter. However, this is not the case.

"During the dark months in Denmark, many Danes pursue indoor sports and different association activities, attending evening or weekend courses, lectures on different topics, concerts/ music arrangements, learning various sorts of crafts. Some become more "homely" with creative activities such as knitting, drawing, slow cooking, etc. Visiting friends and family, spending more time on cooking and invitations for dinner and board games is also an appreciated spare time activity."

Being an avid advocate for the Danish clubs and associations myself, I agree that this is THE way to build that life-saving social network. I also want to emphasise that Denmark is a Facebook country, where you can find a lot of communities based on cultural background, language, sports, general interests etc. Helle Fjord continues: "My advice is to be curious with your own behaviour and desires as well as the social life around you. Ask your colleagues about what they do during wintertime, what is going on week by week socially where you live, and how you can start a new hobby that you've really wanted to try out. Get out there and seek new ways of doing things, given the opportunity that you are now in a new place where nobody knows you."

ADVICE TO COMPANIES "For the sake of year-end closure and avoidance of split taxation as well as for emotional reasons, I recommend hiring companies not hire anybody from abroad with a start date in December. Wait until January." Helle Fjord says, and she continues: "This will give the new colleague a chance to celebrate the seasonal holiday in their home country and start the new job as when new year sets in. Don't be fussy with starting date. It is important that your international colleague gets a good start and has had the opportunity to be with family and friends with peace of heart - as well as foreseeing non-hectic travel towards a new beginning."

In-house support is crucial to ensure the best possible start.

Helle Fjord recommends host companies appoint a "buddy" that can be available to answer more specific and personal questions from the international colleague if and when they arise. Helle emphasises: "This buddy should be a neutral and impartial person with a duty of confidentiality that the international colleague can rely on for clarification of questions that may not feel comfortable enough for the new colleague to address with host manager or HR." She also recommends appointing a mentor: "In parallel, it may also be a great support to appoint a mentor for the international colleague. This person will have a more work-related role to the new colleague to introduce the team spirit, meeting culture, lines of referral, organisational structure, different policies and becoming familiar in general with the what, how, who and when." THE-INTL

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

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

VISITAARHUS - RUNI PHOTOPOP

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VISITAARHUS - ANDERS HEDE

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THOSE DAMN RESOLUTIONS!

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskil-

Not only is January often long, grey and dreary, traditionally, but we also have to try and better ourselves – what happened to be kind to yourself? So, if you insist on going down this road, here are some options. Enjoy…

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

NEW INSIGHT IN READING HOW TO LIVE. WHAT TO DO.: IN SEARCH OF OURSELVES IN LIFE AND LITERATURE

BY JOSH COHEN Stories give shape and meaning to our lives.

Both practising psychoanalyst and professor of literature, Josh Cohen, have looked at well-known characters' struggles in fiction and what they can teach us.

A POWERFUL, NO-NONSENSE GUIDE

HOPEFUL, COMPLEX AND PROVOCATIVE

EMBRACE THE SUCK: THE NAVY SEAL WAY T O A N E X T R AO R D I NARY LIFE

BY BRENT GLEESON

HOW TO DO NOTHING: RESISTING THE ATTENTION ECONOMY

BY JENNY ODELL

Embrace the Suck basically means to lean into the suffering and get comfortable be ing very uncomfortable. Gleeson breaks it down to Challenge Commitment Control, a roadmap that empowers you to expand your comfort zone.

ductivity and multi-

In a world where protasking is the norm, social media is constantly vying for our attention in our free time. If we stopped giving so much time online, might we regain our lives?

CANDID, FUNNY AND HONEST

and book talks.

I'M ABSOLUTELY FINE!: A MANUAL FOR IMPERFECT WOMEN

BY ANNABEL RIVKIN, EMILIE MCMEEKAN Perhaps more a companion than a manual, this book is about Midulthood for women.

A collection of stories, lists and essays about all the things we share makes our lives similar and yet unique.

DID YOU KNOW? Board gaming is a great way to pass the time in good company, especially at Roskilde Library.

We have many games in English, and you are cordially invited to join us Friday 28th of January between 15:00 – 21:00. You are welcome to bring family and friends – or find new ones here!

The event is open and free entry.

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FINDING YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION HOW TO APPLY FOR UNIVERSITIES IN DENMARK

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

A

APPLICATION SEASON FOR Danish universities is just around the corner, so it’s an ideal time to brush up on the admissions process. The application can be pretty straightforward if you do your research and organise the required documentation well in advance. So, how do you get started?

Firstly, it may be helpful to understand the higher education model in Denmark. Danish institutions are separated into five sectors: Research Universities, University Colleges, Danish Business Academies, Artistic Higher Education Institutions, and Schools of Maritime Education and Training. In addition, there are over 600 English-taught courses at the Bachelor, Master or PhD level, and these offers can be found at studyindenmark.dk. Since many of my clients apply for a Bachelor at Research Universities, I will focus on these programmes.

ENGLISH-TAUGHT BACHELORS Seven out of eight research universities in Denmark teach undergraduate degrees in English (apart from the University of Copenhagen). As a result, many courses are available, and here are a few options for quick reference: ■ Aalborg University: Applied Industrial Electronics; Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology; Language & International Studies English.

■ Aarhus University: Cognitive Science; Economics & Business Administration; Global Management & Manufacturing.

■ Copenhagen Business School: International Business; Business Administration & Sociology; International Business & Politics; International Shipping & Trade; Business, Language & Culture; Business, Asian Language & Culture; Business Administration & Digital Management; Business Administration & Service Management.

■ DTU - Technical University of Denmark: General Engineering.

■ IT University of Copenhagen: Data Science.

■ Roskilde University: Humanities; Natural Sciences; Social Sciences.

■ Southern Denmark University: Electronics Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechatronics; Engineering, Innovation & Business; Product Development & Innovation.

ADMISSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS Candidates will apply to Danish universities through Optagelse. dk, a centralised system that opens on 1 February each year. Potential students choose a maximum of eight programmes in order of preference through Quota 1 or Quota 2.

QUOTA 1 For Quota 1, admission is primarily based on a student’s Grade

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

Point Average, including specific requirements by programme.

Applicants will be assessed based on their Danish GPA, or the international GPA needs to be converted to the Danish grading system. If you feel uncertain about a foreign qualification, I recommend referring to the Danish Agency for Science and Higher Education (ufm.dk). The Quota 1 deadline is 5 July at 12 noon (CET).

QUOTA 2 If the minimum GPA in Quota 1 is not achievable, students apply through Quota 2. Students with a non-Danish qualification, such as an International Baccalaureate Diploma, also apply through this route. Entry requirements vary by university, and applicants may need to submit a motivation letter, CV, or activities list with proof of internships, employment, and extracurricular involvement. In addition, an interview or admissions test may be required depending on the course. Applying through Quota 2 is an ideal option for students pursuing a Gap Year, offering the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience which will enhance their profile and candidacy. Quota 2 has a firm application deadline on 15 March at 12 noon (CET).

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT

“Based on our experience with thousands of clients, if you wish to

Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son all proud Canadians. Skyler has worked in the education sector for three decades and found her true passion for supporting students with their educational journey. As the Founder of Bentley Hall Educational Consulting, she advises on career and university options globally. Skyler enjoys spending time with family, exploring new cultures, and embracing the hygge lifestyle in

study a specific programme, and you do not meet the gpa re-

beautiful Denmark.

GPA REQUIREMENTS It is important to note that the GPA requirement does not reflect the difficulty level of the programme, and it is not an indicator of how “intelligent” you need to be to study the specific topic. The GPA requirement is solely determined based on the number of available spots compared to applicants. The admissions office selects students with the highest GPA, meaning programmes with few seats or many applicants naturally have higher GPA requirements. THE-INTL

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

quirements, getting started early on your quota 2 application is a high predictor of success in the admissions process. Plan your gap year and make a plan for how you can fulfil as many of the requirements as possible to collect points (and content) for your application. When it comes to the motivational essay, make sure you focus on the study programme and how your profile fits the programme. They are not interested in everything you’ve done unless you can explain how it will benefit your university career.

If you start in due time and ensure to keep the programme in focus, your chances increase substantially”. Carsten Søndergaard, CEO and Co-Founder of Mimer and Studieakademiet

bentleyhall.ca instagram.com/skylerbent leyhall/ facebook.com/skyler.bent leyhall

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TAXES 2022 FINANSLOVEN - THE YEARLY BUDGET OF DENMARK PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

F

FOR TWO YEARS now,

I have written this political column for "The International" as a platform to encourage non-Danes to take a more active role within Danish society. Within the past 24 articles, I have covered most ways to become more actively involved.

Hopefully, some of you are inspired to do more, and who knows, maybe one day, I will write about your extraordinary feats meant to further the cause of the internationals in Denmark.

The column's purpose will change from presenting activism opportunities analysing the Danish political stage. In this issue, we discuss the yearly finance law budget of Denmark.

If we correlate the current polls and the local and regional election results, this could be the last "red" finance law for a while.

Why? Because every political analyst is betting on national elections in the late spring of 2022 and the distance between the "red" and "blue" camps is frail.

With the support of the other parties from the "red" political camp (SF - Socialist Party; Radikale Venstre – Social Liberal Party; Enhedslisten – Red-Green Alliance; Alternativet – Green Party), the social-democrat government has enough votes in the Parliament to pass the budget law. This allowed the government to focus the money on better welfare, green transition and digitalisation.

BETTER WELFARE - EDUCATION Denmark spends on average 8% of the GDP on education. Only Norway spends more money on education in the world. However, there are still problems within the system. The focus for 2022 is to: train better teachers; create quality free-time activities for youth; develop the preparatory (FGU; FVU), vocational (AVU) and dyslexia (OBU) educations; allow children to stay an extra year in kindergarten and reduce the class size for the first three years in primary education.

BETTER WELFARE - HEALTHCARE Denmark spends on average 10% of the GDP on healthcare. Top 10 in Europe. However, we have problems with medical staff shortage, unhappy nurses, long waiting times and a system unprepared to serve a multicultural country. The focus in 2022 is to: protect the healthcare system against the omikron wave; hire more medical staff by making it easier for people with such qualifications to come to Denmark; overhaul the maternity wards and hire more midwives; extend the free dental care to 21 years old; create a platform to compare dentist prices and map the challenges in psychiatry.

NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE Political Analyst ties, help children that grow up in violent environments, and reduce child poverty.

BETTER WELFARE - MINORITIES Denmark has more than 11% of the population with an ethnic background, and it is one of the friendliest countries in the world for LGBT+ people. Denmark is a diverse country in terms of ethnic and sexual minorities. The focus in 2022 is to sponsor efforts to reduce hate crimes; invest in better conditions for the LGBT+ people; help LGBT+ people with an ethnic background, and reduce radicalisation among young people.

Denmark spends on average 30% of the GDP on social protection (pensions, unemployment, sick leave, child benefits, SU, etc.). The largest share of the yearly budget. The focus in 2022 is to: invest in better elderly care, improve the care for people with disabili-

Denmark and dedicated to the European Union, he has spent most of his twenties advocating for a more internationally-minded Denmark. As one of the most active youth leaders in Denmark (top 20) and Europe (top 50), he has built the

GREEN TRANSITION

largest youth organisation in

Denmark is a world champion in developing green solutions. To maintain that title, the government wants to finance the development of CO2 capture and storage facilities (and other carbon emissions solutions); invest in even more renewable energy; speed up the bureaucratic process; improve the quality of tap water all over Denmark; fight against the practice of "greenwashing" and help other countries with 100 million climate aid.

Also, in 2022, the government will focus on the marine world.

Development of two marine national parks - Øresund and Lillebælt; Trawl-free zone in Lillebælt, Storebælt and Langelandsbælt; Re-establishment of rock reefs and support for the Øresund Aquarium.

Aalborg, making the city more

DIGITALISATION BETTER WELFARE - SOCIAL

Born in Romania, shaped by

Denmark is already miles ahead in digitalising the public sector.

However, the European focus for 2022 is represented by investments in digitalisation, and Denmark is well-placed on the top of that wave. The focus for this year is the usage of new technologies in making the public sector more efficient. THE-INTL

inclusive. Today, he continues his mission to make Denmark more inclusive by building an information service that produces multilingual content to connect the non-Danes to Danish society. You can book him for workshops, seminars, training, speeches on youth participation, democracy, European citizenship, Danish politics, and media literacy. @narcisgeorgematache

LAST WEEK IN

DENMARK

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LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN 2021 WAS TOUGH, WE KNOW. SO LET'S EMBRACE THE NEW YEAR WITH AN OPEN MIND AND SET SOME POSITIVE INTENSIONS FOR 2022. HOW ABOUT THE USE OF TAROT CARDS FOR GAINING INSIGHT?

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH / VISITDENMARK

TEXT OPHELIA WU

A

AS INTERNATIONALS, WE know how every relocation journey is different. We seek guidance and comfort, and we want answers. Some turn to religion and wise figures, while some, like me, use tarot cards.

It might sound odd, but it simply tunes inwards to seek the answer within. As an intuitive tarot reader, I must clarify that it’s merely a tool to connect with the seeker and gain insights that reflect their current state.

OPHELIA WU

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN The first 22 major arcana cards in the deck of 78, usually known as The Fool’s Journey, reflects stages of life, telling a story with each visually descriptive card. It begins with the Fool (0), with an innocent, pure and open heart, feeling excited and free to start a journey. Next, he steps into the mindset of The Magician (1), using all his tools to create his dream life. Next, the High Priestess (2), gatekeeper of intuition, inspires the Fool to explore his spiritual side. Finally, as he contemplates life, two nurturing and authoritative figures, the Empress (3) and the Emperor (4), represent the traditional sets of rules and motherly love that keep him grounded.

When the Hierophant (5) appears, a new system starts to influence the existing values. He then found joy when The Lovers (6) showed him the duality and importance of balancing the yin and the yang. Using his power, he takes charge of his life (the Chariot (7) ) with Strength (8) and courage.

When he retreats like the Hermit (9), taking some time to go within, he understands the Wheels of Fortune (10) as the life cycle, taking a gamble and following the flow.

Having faith that Justice (11) will arrive, he understands that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

The Hanged Man (12) might seem a limbo state, but it offers a different perspective. With Death (13) ending something, it allows change. Temperance (14) reminds him he is his own alchemist; the whole is greater than the sum of its part. When The Devil (15) shows in forms of temptation or going against the norm, some things need to change. Old belief systems crumble like The Tower (16), making space for the new.

As he shakes off his old beliefs, the Star (17) and the Moon (18) remind him there’s

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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

She moved to Copenhagen in 2019 after 10 years of living in always light, hope and guidance from above - there’s rhythm in life. The Sun (19) always comes up - things will eventually be ok. But, with the new identity, it feels like it’s the Final Judgement (20) where everything is where it should be. He now sees the bigger picture and that everything is connected in the World (21).

WHERE ARE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY? Does that resonate with your international journey? The initial excitement of relocation with all sorts of possibilities is euphoric. If we embrace life with an open heart, wouldn’t it allow us the capacity for more? Of course, creating a new life elsewhere is easier said than done. How do we anchor and get support when we navigate the unwritten social rules? But like the Magician, we have all the tools we need to create a life we want and every power to turn things into gold. Every encounter is a lesson for us to grow.

We struggle to find our new identity and sense of belonging. Sometimes all we need is to step back a little and let the dust settle. There will be frustrations and fear, and times we want to retreat to clear our minds. Like the falling tower, we need to shed the old before building something new. Eventually, we gain clarity, with patience and courage, we sail through the

"WE STRUGGLE TO FIND OUR NEW IDENTITY AND SENSE OF BELONGING. SOMETIMES ALL WE NEED IS TO STEP BACK A LITTLE AND LET THE DUST SETTLE."

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

rough tides and see the light again. When we realise that we have built a life we wanted and learnt the lessons we must learn to grow and expand, we learn about ourselves.

ALWAYS LOOK FOR SIGNS Of course, one cannot take the cards at face value; it does require some level of intuition and connecting the dots. While no one can predict the future, the answers are already there most of the time. The reading serves the purpose of a) seeking reassurance, b) having a listener, and c) offering advice or insights. They are not gospels and solutions to any problems, but a perspective. Ultimately, the answer is in your heart; you’re holding the key of your life journey that no one else can walk for you.

If you pay attention, there are always signs when you need them. Now, which card resonates with you most? Wherever you are, fear not, we’re all on the journey of growth and life, and in the end, it will all be well.

The Sun always comes up, and it’s a brandnew World. THE-INTL

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

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TOUR DE FRANCE - DANEMARK THE HISTORICAL RACE COMES TO DENMARK IN JULY

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

I

IN RECOGNITION OF Denmark as a biking nation, Tour de France 2022 will start off on 1 July this year in Copenhagen with a 13 km individual time trial. The world's best riders will take to the streets of Copenhagen in a fight for the famous Yellow Jersey.

Most Danes cycle in sun, rain, snow and wind. With 9 out of 10 Danes owning a bike, cycling in Denmark is more than just a hobby and a way of transporting yourself. It's a way of life.

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

TOUR DE FRANCE - FIRST STAGE Copenhagen has won prizes as the world's best cycling city and continues to be recognised as a perfect city for cyclists. This is further north than the Tour de France has ever been routed before and is a fitting gesture as many Danes travel to France to experience the race first-hand from the roadsides of France every year. When the Tour de France is suddenly hurtling through the streets of their own capital in 2022, it is easy to imagine the vast turnouts and redand-white flags waving.

Along the Copenhagen route, the riders will pass iconic landmarks such as The Little Mermaid and Amalienborg, the official residence of the Danish royal family, where cobble-stoned roads will challenge them. Cycling fans will remember the 2011 UCI Road World Championships, which also took place in the heart of Copenhagen. In addition, the riders will pass the busiest two-way cycling lane in the world, Dronning Louise's Bro, which 40,000 cyclists cross every day.

Excitement will be exceptionally high in Copenhagen as the individual time trials are likely to result in breath-takingly close results. The route is short, flat and fast, covering 13 kilometres through broad streets and only a few sharp turns. However, a few well-performed turns can determine whether the Yellow Jersey is within a rider's reach or whether he will be far from the podium.

TOUR DE FRANCE - SECOND STAGE The 202-kilometre second stage of the race will start in Roskilde and end in Nyborg on the island of Funen (in the middle of Denmark). The riders will experience picturesque landscapes along fjords and over hills to end up at the Great Belt Bridge for the last 20 km of the stage, where crosswinds will be a potential challenge.

PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS Mariano has over 40 years ALONG THE COPENHAGEN ROUTE, T H E R I D E R S W I L L PA S S I C O N IC LANDMARKS SUCH AS THE LITTLE MERMAID AND AMALIENBORG THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE DANISH ROYAL FAMILY. The second stage will demonstrate that not all Denmark is flat. It will be demanding from start to finish with 3 Category 4 climbs in Veddinge Bakker, after 62 kilometres, 72 kilometres and 84 kilometres.

However, these climbs are just one more reason hopeful riders break away and create a leading few seconds or minutes to the main group.

After the climbs, the route takes the riders south along Zealand's west coast. For 50 kilometres, there are strong chances of side winds, which can break the peloton (the main group) up into many groups even before they reach the highlight of the day - the Great Belt Fixed Link between Zealand and Funen.

After 178 kilometres, the riders turn right onto the world's third largest suspension bridge and climb to 65 metres above sea level before descending towards the small island of Sprogø and a 6.6-kilometre-long battle against the wind on the flat but completely exposed West Bridge.

The entire stage will be a backbreaking and dramatic fight, where breakaways, sprinter groups, general classification favourites and their teams all must battle to the finish line.

global experience as a bus

TOUR DE FRANCE - THIRD STAGE The 182 kilometre stage starts in Vejle (middle of Jutland) and ends in Sønderborg (southern Jutland). Like the second stage, three categorised climbs are on the route, each offering 1 point to the mountain classification. The first lies after 27 kilometres on Koldingvej (1.4km, 4.4%).

After 83 kilometres, the riders reach the second climb, Hejlsminde Strand (850m, 4.7%). Shortly after, they reach the intermediate sprint at the second UNESCO World Heritage protected landmark, Christiansfeld. Finally, the breakaway will most likely be allowed to continue at least through Haderslev to the third climb of the day, Genner Strand (1.6km, 3.3%).

The third stage will show Danish cycling, culture and history at its finest.

The hills of Vejle are the most famous cycling terrain in Denmark and The Jelling Mounds are Denmark's birth certificate. In addition, Christiansfeld and Dybbøl Mølle on the route are some of Denmark's most important historical landmarks. THE-INTL

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

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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PUPPY LOVE PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

A

AS A FIRST-TIME dog owner, you might have questions and concerns before bringing a puppy home. So, we've created a list of things to help you out.

Take time in the beginning as your puppy is introduced to a new environment.

For example, maybe your new puppy came from a farm or a shelter where other animals and different owners surrounded him.

To make your puppy feel safe, you will need to stay close by at all times.

WHERE DO I GET MY PUPPY FROM? Research options as much as possible and call the breeders you are interested in.

Make sure to ask about the puppy's parents, pedigree, vaccination history, how often they breed the mother, etc.

Alternatively, and preferably, you can always adopt a puppy from the shelter. Then, maybe a dog will adopt you!

FIND THE RIGHT VETERINARIAN Many people choose veterinarians closest to them. Clinics often have their own websites where you can check prices, services offered, and possibly customer reviews.

Going to a clinic can be an inconvenience, and for many dogs, it's a very stressful experience. However, you can always have a veterinarian come to your home to do the annual health checkup and vaccinations or consultation if your dog is sick.

INSURANCE FOR YOUR PUPPY In Denmark, the law states that all dogs must be insured with at least liability insurance. This type of insurance covers any damage one's dog might do to other people, dogs or their belongings.

Health insurance is separate and helpful when your dog is injured, has breed-specific medical issues or becomes ill. Check our website to see which insurance companies we work with to cover our veterinary consultation fees.

TAREK ABU SHAM CEO & FOUNDER OF MYPETERINARIAN

how the breeder raised him, so be patient.

Here are some things that you, as a firsttime dog owner, should follow:

#1 FIRST THING'S FIRST: POTTY TRAINING You need to teach your dog to pee and poop outside. Take a walk with your dog as often as possible. Look for signs like circling or sniffing the floor as these indicate that your puppy needs to potty. For example, if you see your puppy peeing on the floor, it's okay to make a loud noise to indicate that something is wrong and should not be done. But if you arrive too late, it makes no sense to raise your voice at the puppy, as your puppy will not be able to connect the dots of what he just did and your shouting.

#2 SOCIALISATION Socialising your dog with other dogs, animals, and people is essential. Socialisation is an integral part of the puppy's upbringing and will determine his behaviour around other pets and humans as an adult.

#3 AT HOME IT'S TIME TO COME HOME Remember that everything is new for the puppy, and you do not know precisely

JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Invite some friends to visit... Whether the puppy's tail is wagging with excitement or whether the tail is tucked behind his hind

"SOCIALISATION IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PUPPY'S UPBRINGING AND WILL DETERMINE HIS BEHAVIOUR AROUND OTHER PETS AND HUMANS AS AN ADULT." legs because he feels insecure. Does he lick your guests, or does he bark and run away?

#4 OUT ON THE STREET The puppy should be introduced to other dogs and humans while out for a walk.

Would strangers like to hold your dog in their arms? Let them do it! It is good for your dog to get used to other scents. The more stimuli, the better for him.

When socialising, you also need to pay close attention to your dog's behaviour.

For example, when introducing your puppy to other dogs, make sure the other dog is leashed, then ask the other dog's owner if his dog is friendly, neutered, etc.

Should any problems arise or you lack time to take care of your dog, you can just contact us to figure it out together! We offer different kinds of services, both veterinary and pet care services. Simply put, everything you and your dog need. THE-INTL

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

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

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

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HOW COMPANIES CAN HELP: By purchasing a subscription to support your internationals in your company Using the copies as a conversation tool between internationals and Danes An opportunity to highlight your company as a distribution spot in Denmark JANUARY 2022 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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How to use a face mask

1.

Before use: Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser

2.

Find out which side of the mask is the front. It is usually the coloured side

3.

Cover your nose and mouth with the face mask and secure it behind your ears

4.

Make sure the face mask sits tightly against your face

5.

Do not touch the face mask during use. Change it often and always put on a new one if it gets wet or dirty

6.

To remove the face mask, take hold of the elastic ear loops, and do not touch the face mask itself

7.

After use: Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser

You can reuse a face mask if you are only going to wear it briefly, for example if you need to get up and go to the toilet at a restaurant. Keep it in a plastic bag or inner pocket. Always use hand sanitiser before and after use.

27.10.2020

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sst.dk/corona