The International - June 2021

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

CREAMY LEMON TART

THE WELCOMING ARMS OF AARHUS

DENMARK'S NATIONAL PARKS

THE BIG MOVE TO DENMARK

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ONLINE THE-INTL

.COM

EXCLUSIVE 'CHASE YOUR DREAMS'

SAYS THE NEW INDIAN AMBASSADOR TO DENMARK POOJA KAPUR JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

2

FINDING THE JOY THIS SUMMER IN A STAYCATION LET’S BE HONEST. VACATIONS ARE EXHAUSTING. IT’S OFTEN A TIME OF STRESSFUL EXPERIENCES - BATHING SUIT BODY SHAMING, TRAVELLING WITH KIDS, STRUGGLING WITH A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (DANISH IS HARD ENOUGH), TRYING TO HAVE FUN WHERE YOU KNOW NO ONE AND NONE OF THE LOCAL CUSTOMS, AND THEN THE ADDED STRESS OF COVID AND TESTING. HOWEVER, A SUMMER STAYCATION DOESN’T SEEM SO BAD ANYMORE - DOES IT?

T

THE ONLY KIND of break that doesn’t require a follow-up vacation is the type you should consider in the first place—the staycation.

My family and I learned an Italian concept during a trip to Italy many years ago – dolce far niente – which means pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness. It’s not really a new concept, but it’s undoubtedly become helpful during the Covid-19 lockdown. It’s allowed us to cultivate a deeper appreciation of the place you’re already in but mostly don’t see because you’re too busy being busy.

Remaining close to home or just hanging out leaves you feeling refreshed and provides perspective. And it may be the key to your next great idea.

IN THE CHILL ZONE If the stress of timekeeping does not tie you down to a schedule, sometimes a wander through your neighbourhood and reconnecting will bring about something new. Drinking leisurely coffees, visiting the exhibits and boutiques you’ve meant to see, picnicking in the parks you rarely enjoy, spending hours trawling through the bookstore, listening to music, going to flea markets, hanging out with friends, having long talks or going on long runs or just simply doing nothing at all – simply just being.

To the tech-hungry generation (I’m one too), this may seem like a waste to get another tick off your bucket list, take pictures in exotic locations, showing yourself feigning relaxation while in reality hurriedly rushing around and ticking sights off in your never-ending list.

There are no rules for a staycation this summer – this is your time. Use it to get in touch with just being, which is, admittedly, a scary thing. After all, one reason we keep busy is to avoid ourselves, the secret fear that without our work or rigid schedules, what would we do next?

To some extent, the point of escape is to have new experiences and maybe even to break the rules we follow at home. Wouldn’t it be great to be entertained and distracted by unfamiliar sights and sounds, different people, and hope that somehow we’ll discover something new about ourselves in the process.

IS THERE AN ART TO HANGING OUT? If you’re intent on doing new things and just can’t let go of the notion of goals, you can do that. For example, make a list of all the activities you’d engage in or all the places you’d visit if you were a tourist and not a local and go there.

Try making a list of which books you must read, commit to this (are you stressed yet?) or focus on making a whole bunch of dishes you’ve never made before or that would be inconvenient during a workweek. Take up meditation and just shut the world out! Ignore social media!

The one great thing about a staycation is the extra cash you will have in your pocket! So, use it for local luxuries—fine dining in fancy outfits, going to plays, shopping.

Unfortunately, chores are always present, even during your time off.

Don’t worry. The chances are good that you can’t actually do endless loads of laundry. And if you find yourself scrubbing the floors or clearing out closets, perhaps that’s not so bad. Cleaning is, after all, a mental health spring process.

What better way to get a handle on your life than by taking some time to organize your home base and make it a more beautiful place you don’t want to escape from?

Leisure time is meant to be spent in a relaxed fashion, not hurried. That’s not to say you should never go anywhere when you can—definitely do study or work abroad, find a new job if you’re in the market for it, life can be an adventure. But please, stop trying to squeeze so much into a tiny amount of time, spend time relaxing and unwinding.

The key to a successful staycation, whatever you’re doing, is to just be. I know it’s not easy for busy people, who run at a swift pace all the time. But it is one way you can reduce stress levels and return to work with more energy.

As you start getting ready to travel back to your home countries or have decided to remain in Denmark, take good care of yourself and enjoy the June issue – and we will be around for the whole summer!

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

MEET THE TEAM SALES For advertising sales,

CONSULTING EDITOR

please contact: sales@the-intl.com

CONRAD EGBERT is a journalist and editor with over 20 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Apart from writing for The International, he also heads up the newly established Magazines and Supplements division for the company. If you wish to participate in any of our future magazines and supplements, make sure to drop him a line at conrad@the-intl.com

CONTACT The International ApS; +45 42407624

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM AROUND DENMARK HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

EDITOR & FOUNDER LYNDSAY JENSEN has over twenty years' experience in the advertising and publishing industry, and holds degrees in Business and Desktop Publishing (print and repro). Born in the UK, and brought up in South Africa, she has the ability to understand different cultures, and is passionate about networking. She is a wife of twenty three years and mother to two boys aged 22 and 16. She loves travel, photography, music and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER KENNETH MACALPINE is a Nordic Financial Manager in the Transport industry.

His degree is in Finance and business obtained in the UK. Born in Norway he moved to Denmark at the age of 22. He is of Danish Scottish ancestry and lives in southern Denmark with his large multi-national family consisting of Danish, Irish and Brazilian heritage. He is always interested in new challenges and loves to live life to the fullest. kenneth@the-intl.com

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

CATHERINE HEFFERAN is originally from DC, and loves living in Copenhagen. A passion for traveling, meeting new people, and dabbling in other artistic endeavors outside of social media, like illustration, graphic design and podcasting keeps her busy.

AMELIE

MICHAELA

KATIE

AINA

OLEG

NEELAM

COVER PICTURE Indian Ambassador to Denmark Pooja Kapur

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

ANE-SOPHIE MARCELA

SUBSCRIPTIONS For home or corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: distribution@the-intl.com LESLIE

MANON

ASHLEY

TERUMI

?

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM!

ELIANA

LEA

ANJA

COULD THIS BE YOU?

NOTICE The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publishers. Published by and © 2020 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181

The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on 31 May, 2021

3

THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK Named after a festival celebrating the return of the light, Embolc is an organisation helping mothers of highly sensitive children to find their intuition again.

MICHAELA MEDVEĎOVÁ proach. “In every treatment, we have to connect the mental state with the body and the heart, the feelings. So those three centres are essential to any kind of healing process,” Lotte believes.

Being a mother of a highly sensitive child herself – a daughter diagnosed as bipolar and put on medication that was not working for her. After years of her daughter’s struggle and hospitalisations, Lotte realised she initially trusted the experts instead of her inner voice telling her the medication was not the right fit for her daughter. “Mothers know – but when we meet the system, we are not invited to listen to our gut feeling,” explains Lotte.

EMBOLC

“Mothers know – but when we meet the system, we are not invited to listen to our gut feeling.”

For people who encounter mental illness, life may seem like the darkest, endless winter. What they need is hope that there will be light again.

Being that hope is the purpose of Embolc, an organisation founded by Lotte Weaver, helping parents – especially mothers – with highly sensitive children, it aims for a more holistic ap-

From her own reflections, a calling arose. Three years ago, Lotte quit her job – a leadership position in a large corporate – to support other women. She decided to run test groups in 2019 with women with similar experiences to take them through a programme helping them find their intuition again. “Some women were

so far removed from themselves. During this process, I saw them connecting with themselves again.”

Reinforced by positive experiences, Lotte founded Embolc in March 2020. Now, she offers a 24-week programme for mothers of highly sensitive children, which, in three cycles of 8 weeks, helps them find their intuitive power and reconnect with their bodies and the essence of being a woman - the wild woman inside with emotions that have been suppressed.

She also has two free online communities for mothers.

Lotte currently has two groups in progress and is starting a new one in August. So far, 13 women have gone through the entire course - reclaiming their power, supporting their children differently – and taking back their own lives. And the change does not only affect the women. “You start with the mother, but then the entire family starts to go through a development process where they stand strong together at the end. They are not separate anymore,” she concludes. THE-INTL For more information, contact Embolc through their website: www. embolc.org

LAUREN MEGARRY

FREEING THE WILD WOMAN WITHIN

A school on a mission

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS As we know, the COVID 19 pandemic has adversely affected most countries around the world. While many countries seem to be cautiously emerging out of it, India is in the epicentre with over 400000 daily new cases, while Denmark currently stands at around 1000.

This prompted Kari Doyle, principal at Viking School in Copenhagen, to undertake a commendable initiative: she decided to raise awareness amongst the school’s community and provide substantial help to the people suffering in India. As a result, the school’s teachers are actively involved in educating the students about the crisis and the necessity of medical supplies.

Many of the school’s students originally hail from India, and they and their families know many people there who are impacted by COVID. This made Kari’s appeal even more powerful and led to students as young as 5 or 6 creating posters and videos promoted through the school’s social media channels.

“Many of the school’s students originally hail f rom India, and they and their families know many people there who are impacted by COVID.”

MONIKA PEDERSEN

The phrase 'charity begins at home' could not be truer at Copenhagen International School, CIS, where students reach out and help others through the school's oldest and most cherished Charity Club, headed up by Amy Faircloth and Ute Reichert. The club provides students with the opportunity to connect with people living in challenging parts of the world, appreciate and contribute to eradicating the trials of poverty, and learn project management skills.

Club members collaborate with the Non-Governmental Organisation, The Talent Tree, and their sister organisation in Ghana, The Talented Women's Club, which operates a microcredit cooperative, loaning money to local women in Accra, with ground root business initiatives. These entrepreneurial women would otherwise not have funds as

they are ineligible for bank loans. This trust-based loan scheme empowers women to control their finances and better provide for their families, especially their children's welfare and education. In addition, the Charity Club fundraises by selling valentine roses, hosting football tournaments, concerts and trivia nights.

“This trust-based loan scheme empowers women to control their finances and better provide for their families.”

In partnership with the Global Health and Nutrition department at Metropolitan University, Copenhagen, the Civil Society in Development, and CIS, the Talent Tree is working on a new line of support. The initiative aims to educate the local women on the cor-

MONIKA PEDERSEN is an international educator who has worked in the UK, Germany, and is now based in Copenhagen, in the bilingual, international school system. Married to a Dane, she enjoys her time, jogging, walking, and cooking.

THE-TALENT-TREE.ORG

EMPOWERING TALENTED WOMEN

relation between health, nutrition, exercise and increased life span. CIS students have funded Ghanaian health experts to work with the women and develop a healthier living model. They have also purchased a plot of farmland, where fruit and vegetables are grown.

Students are genuinely passionate and approach local global companies such as Novo Nordisk for further financial support. THE-INTL To support the Charity Club, click on the link: https://www.copenhageninternational.school/donation/ Please tick the box "The Charity Club" so the monies reach the correct charity.

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!

The ultimate goal behind this endeavour was conceived with the help of an Indian acquaintance of Kari. They introduced her to the Hemkunt Foundation, an organisation based in India that has set up a crowdfunding campaign for purchasing oxygen concentrators – equipment critical in fighting the pandemic. The Foundation purchases and distributes it to organisations working in the field.

While the initiative is still very young, and it is hard to measure its success due to the crowdfunding campaign being global, there is a very positive response from the school’s community. The feelings of excitement and approval surrounding this effort, echoed by the community’s enthusiastic reaction on social media, makes Kari very hopeful about the future. THE-INTL If you would like to donate, you can visit Viking International School’s Facebook page.

NIKOLAOS PAPADOPOULOS is a Greco-Russian marketing professional, with a love for creative writing and interesting stories, and also an avid volunteer. He is currently finishing his Master's degree in Digital Marketing in Esbjerg.

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

4

ALL EVENTS

ODENSE

IN JUNE

UNSPLASH.COM

ZEALAND

MOVE AND GROW FACEBOOK PG

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

COPENHAGEN

3 JUNE

4 JUNE

VISIT DENMARK - DANIEL OVERBECK - VISITNORDSJÆLLAND

THE BOSS - ACOUSTIC DUO - DARE TO BE YOURSELF! TRIBUTE TO SPRINGSTEEN GROOVE DANCE PARTY Do you love Bruce Springsteen? Then band THE BOSS is for you - the only one in Northern Europe, playing all of Springsteen's classics hits. Experience The Boss as an acoustic duo this evening at Kong Volmer.

Time: Doors open at 17:00 Venue: King Volmer, Brandts Passage 13, Odense C Tickets: 230-415 DKK

Do you like to move your body creatively and connect with others?

Would you like to explore more authenticity in a safe and inspiring space surrounded by like-minded people?

Join the most liberating group dance experience!

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

No previous dance background needed, 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 fit in.

The Groove community consists of people who welcome you with all your authenticity and encourage each other to inspire 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://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14345365

FUNEN

VISIT DENMARK - NICLAS JESSEN

NOA CITY-ELIYAHU

COPENHAGEN

Time: 19:15-21:00 Venue: Happy Feet Studio - Ørnevej 33, Copenhagen, 2400 Tickets: Free

3-30 JUNE

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

COPENHAGEN PHOTO FESTIVAL JUTLAND

Copenhagen Photo Festival is the largest photo festival in the Nordic region. More than 30 exhibitions spread all over galleries, museums and art institutions in Copenhagen and southern Sweden. Copenhagen Photo Festival will be brimming with creativity, experimentation and exhibitions. In June, it is all about photography seen through our three main focal points: Framing Identity, Framing Society and Framing Vision.

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

MOVE AND GROW FACEBOOK PG

HANS VEDSTED

VISIT DENMARK - JONAS TOGO

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://COPENHAGENPHOTOFESTIVAL.COM/EN/

5

COPENHAGEN

PICK

COPENHAGEN

AARHUS

UP SPOT

!

THE SPACE FACEBOOK PG

SOCIAL BREW FACEBOOK PG

COPENHAGEN HARBOUR PARADE FACEBOOK PG

GRAB A FREE PRIN TED COPY OF THE PAPE R AT SOCIAL BREW!

5 JUNE

6 JUNE

6 JUNE

COPENHAGEN HARBOUR PARADE 2021

JAZZ EVERY SUNDAY AT SOCIAL BREW

PICNIC AND CHAT

Copenhagen Harbor Parade is an artistic floating parade taking place on Constitution Day in Copenhagen's inner harbour. Works of art, performances, installations, music sail through the harbour entrance in a parade of colours, sounds, impressions and expressions.

The parade sails from Sydhavnen to Reffen 13:0016:00 and the floating scenes can be experienced from land, boats and kayaks in the water. Don't forget to catch the grand finale at Reffen from 16:00-23:00.

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

FOR MORE INF0: WWW.COPENHAGENHARBOURPARADE.DK

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2PPANNJN2

We're so excited to invite you to our first live event: Picnic & Chat! 🍉It's going to be a picnic in Mindeparken (Aarhus), and you're very welcome to bring your friends and family for some fun moments in nature! All will be revealed soon - but we can tell you there is food, games, and some special surprises for you! 😉Don't forget to hit that attending button, and we will see you there!

Time: 15:00 Venue: Mindeparken, Aarhus, 8000 Tickets: Free

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/ZOMIU443

ADVERTISEMENT

International summer school Do you want to practice speaking English? Or have fun?

Or both? Join us for an active and engaging time of learning, exploration and summer fun.

- Activity Camp (age 4-7)

The classes are not continued from

- Art Camp (Age 8-12)

one week to the other, so you can

- Rocket Lab (Age 8-12)

sign up for one or two weeks.

- English Camp (Age 8-12)

- Week 1: June 21-25

- English Camp (Age 12-17)

- Week 2: June 28 – July 2

Join us

cis.dk/summer-school

Copenhagen International School, Levantkaj 4-14, 2150 Nordhavn

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

6

ROSKILDE

UNSPLASH.COM

BILLUND

KALTURNAUT

ISTOCK.COM

HORSENS

7 JUNE

9 JUNE

10 JUNE

LITERATURE DAYS: PIPPI'S BIRTHDAY

TAI CHI QIGONG

PUB QUIZ AT THE LIBRARY

Monday to Thursday, the city's kindergartens are invited to the children's library for a fun party!

We read aloud from Pippi's birthday, and all children must help make beautiful, colourful cakes from materials such as cardboard, foam rubber, beads and foam clay. The cakes are to be exhibited at the library, where all people can come and enjoy the appetising sight.

As an institution, you must draw one joint ticket, which applies to the entire group. We are looking forward to seeing you!

Come and join Tai Chi Qigong classes in Billund. There will initially be 10 free classes (two per month) that are offered from Billund Municipality. Each class is 45 minutes, and will be held in English and takes place at the gym of the International School of Billund.

Everybody is welcome. No previous experience required, and you can join at any time—no equipment required except for comfortable clothes.

A few days before the class, an event will be created on Facebook so you can register for each class separately and comply with Covid rules. If you have any questions or doubts, please feel free to reach out.

Come as you are or bring your own quiz team, maximum six per team.

Join us in an international quiz in English at the library; we will do it the traditional way, bringing family, friends, fellow students, or colleagues and setting your own team (with a brilliant name, of course).

If you come alone, we will help you find a team.

You are welcome to bring your own beverages.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14484125

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14525411

AARHUS

COPENHAGEN

Time: 19:00-22:00 Venue: The Hall at Roskilde Library; Dronning Margrethesvej 14, Roskilde, 4000 Tickets: Free

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

COPENHAGEN

PICK

UP SPOT

GRAB A

!

!

FREE PRIN TED COPY OF THE PAPER AT ART ESCAPE ST UDIOS

UNSPLASH.COM

KALTURNAUT

ART ESCAPE STUDIOS FACEBOOK PG

FREE PRIN TED COPY OF THE PAPER AT ART ESCAPE ST UDIOS

7 JUNE

PICK

UP SPOT

GRAB A

10 JUNE

11 JUNE

GUIDED TOUR OF THE OLD TOWN OPEN MIC NIGHT!

ART MOVIE NIGHT

Den Gamle By (The Old Town) in Aarhus is the world's first open-air museum. The museum is built with 75 houses from different cities in Denmark, and walking around is like jumping back in time and experiencing life as it was in a typical Danish city from the 16th to the 20th century.

We visit many historical buildings, including H.C. Andersen's childhood home, amongst many others.

For the first Art Escape Studios Movie Night, we chose "Loving Vincent" because - of course, we love Van Gogh - but also because each frame of this movie was painted by hand by more than one hundred professional artists.

Bring a blanket or borrow one of ours. So grab your popcorn and soda, pull up a table or curl up in a bean bag chair and get cosy for an evening of Loving Vincent!

Price includes a drink, popcorn and the movie.

Are you ready to sing? We hope you are? Mack Trenka will be hosting the first Art Escape Studios Open Mic Night!🎶 We have prepared everything for a night of live music. So, you just have to come prepared to play! If you have any question, you can write to Mack or send us a message on our Facebook page.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/2FA2BWZIM FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14397895

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/PQRXRK7Q

7

LOLLAND

HØJER

AARHUS

PICK

UP SPOT

!

UNSPLASH.COM

UNSPLASH.COM

UNSPLASH.COM

GRAB A FREE PRIN TED COPY OF THE PAPE R AT DOKK 1

13 JUNE

14-18 JUNE

15 JUNE

SPRING PLANT MARKET

ART COURSE

STUDY GUIDANCE

If you've never been to this corner of Denmark, a visit to the Spring plant market at Søllestedgaard Estate on Lolland is a must. Free admission for both exhibitors and visitors. If you do need a stand, you must register on their Facebook page. Everyone is welcome to bring plants in pots and any other garden-related items.

Behind the initiative are the father and son duo Gert and Asger Lünekilde, who collaborated with landowner Ulrik Jørgensen. Ulrik wanted to create sustainable vegetables, herbs, and flowers to benefit restaurant customers and private customers who visit their farm shop.

While you're at the market, don't forget to visit both the farm shop and the delicious food they have for sale.

At Pia's art course, you will live and work as a team at Kiers Gaard in Højer, located by the Sønderjyske marshland.

No matter what level you are at, Pia will give you individual attention and inspiration that guides you towards your personal expression.

We have a maximum of 12 participants in the group, so it allows plenty of time for conversations and getting to know each other. Kiers Gaard has three single rooms with bathrooms, three large double rooms with private bathrooms, and two large double rooms with an en suite bathroom. If you prefer, up to two participants can arrange their own accommodation elsewhere. You choose the room when registering. They are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do you have questions about your higher education?

Studievalg Østjylland is here to offer individualised guidance that helps students decide on their higher education choices.

At this event, you will meet mentors who listen and challenge your education and career choices and are up to date on admission requirements, admission rules, and application procedures. All guidance is free and independent.

UNSPLASH.COM

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14370100

UNSPLASH.COM

UNSPLASH.COM

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14506706

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14323283

ADVERTISEMENT

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

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

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

Learn more at rygaards.com

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

8

HORSENS

COPENHAGEN

AARHUS

PICK

UP SPOT

!

UNSPLASH.COM

KALTURNAUT

UNSPLASH.COM

GRAB A FREE PRIN TED COPY OF THE PAPE R AT DOKK 1

17 JUNE

19-20 JUNE

24 JUNE

PRISON MUSEUM TOUR

ØSTERBRO WEEKEND 2021

DAD'S PLAYROOM

Join a tour of the Prison Museum and get a unique insight into Danish prison life over the past 153 years. You will see the cells, prison church, and other exciting experiences on tour, all while listening to the stories about prisoners and prison life.

The guided tours are for small groups, families and individuals who have the opportunity to walk around with a personal tour guide.

Children can participate and have free admission, but you need to reserve a spot. We recommend the tour for children from 8 years and up.

Note that the tours can occur outdoors, so feel free to dress according to the weather conditions.

Co m e t o Ø s t e r b r owe e ke n d 2 0 2 1 a n d j o i n i n c e l e b r a t i n g t h e t ow n f e s t i va l ' s 1 0 t h a n n i ve r s a r y 🥳 The event will take place in Fælledparken, and we invite you to a weekend enjoying music, food, association activities, political debates and lots of fun from 19 - 20 June.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family, so please drop in and say hi. The local committee will be in attendance and are ready to chat about Østerbro, Nordhavn and the development of the districts.

Is your partner feeling a little lost when it comes to childcare? Here is an opportunity for him to meet up with other dads, get inspiration, and socialise your children. Dad's Playroom is an informal meeting place where fathers can hang out with their children aged 0-3 years. An educator is present in the Playroom during the opening hours to answer any questions you may have. There is also a nurse that is there to answer any worrying questions between 13:00-14:00.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/D1EBUY6E

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14308686

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14301856

SILKEBORG

UNSPLASH.COM

SKIBBY

UNSPLASH.COM

UNSPLASH.COM

GREDSTEDBRO

18 JUNE

22 JUNE

26 JUNE

BOARDGAME CAFE

OUTDOOR CAMPING

We play a variety of games, chat, eat cake and have fun. All school children are welcome. Just show up when you have time. We are always looking for volunteers. Please let us know if you want to help out. We look forward to spending time with you all.

Get close to nature in Svanholm's old beech forests. A wooden tent will be ready before you arrive, so you just have to bring your sleeping bag. We recommend that you bring good sleeping bags, a sleeping pad and possibly an extra blanket. The tents are within walking distance of all you need. There are good connections by bus from Frederikssund to Dalby or Krogsstrup Church.

H I K I N G, M I N D F U L N E S S & HEALTHY FOOD

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14538516

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14455431

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Hiking, healthy food and mindfulness. Boost your mental health and join us on a 6½ hour trip out in nature.

During the trip, you will be guided through exercises, enjoy beautiful surroundings, find peace and be at one with yourself. There will be small breaks with snacks and meals along the way.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14458397

9

MIDDELFART

UNSPLASH.COM

UNSPLASH.COM

ROSKILDE

UNSPLASH.COM

HORSENS

28 JUNE

29 JUNE

30 JUNE

JUNIOR SCIENCE CAMP

CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

STONE ART

Are you moving onto 5th or 6th grade after the summer?

Do you love experimenting with new technology?

At junior science camp, we teach all things related to technology. For example, we experiment with LEDs that light up and flash in all sorts of colours. If you have some experience with programming, that's great, but we help you by providing some ready-made programmes that you can change and experiment with yourself. You will also get the opportunity to design, build and programme your own robot!

Fun holiday and creative house for children celebrates that Roskilde is full of music and creative children when we hold our very own one-day festival.

The festival is targeted at children in 0- 5 grade and their parents. Children can attend music and visual arts workshops, silent disco and attend a concert. The event is held in Klosterparken and Bibliotekshaven.

Summer on the Island: Painting on stones!

It is both fun and creative to paint on stones.

That's precisely what you can do down at KulturØen on Wednesday.

It's free, and children of all ages are welcome.

Please note: There can only be a maximum of six children during the workshop.

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14463605

FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14536062

FOR MORE INF0: HTTPS://WWW.KULTUNAUT.DK/PERL/ARRMORE/TYPE-NYNAUT/UK?ARRNR=14483940

ADVERTISEMENT

Join Lolland International School’s summer programme Do you want to give your child a fun and unique summer holiday experience?

Then Lolland International School´s summer programme is the right choice for you!

Lolland International School’s summer programme is a bilingual programme that is designed to encourage personal growth and allow students to develop specific skills.

København

By joining us for one or two weeks at the end of July, your child will have access to exciting activities, learn English/Danish and meet new friends from Denmark and around the world!

The programme is for all children who have completed grade 0 up to and including grade 6. Your child is welcome, regardless if they are signed up for Lolland International School or not.

Lolland International School

For more information see www.lollandinternationalschool.dk

Nakskov

E Maribo

Rødbyhavn

47 Nykøbing Falster

Femern

Lolland International School

Eutin Østersøen

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM Rostock

10

DENMARK IS A KEY PARTNER FOR INDIA KAPUR TO TAKE RELATIONSHIP TO ‘HIGHEST LEVEL'

AN AUTHOR AT 20, A CHEVENING SCHOLAR TO OXFORD AND AN ÉNARQUE FROM FRANCE’S l’ENA, POOJA KAPUR, THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF INDIA TO DENMARK TALKS TO THE INTERNATIONAL ABOUT HER FIRST IMPRESSIONS, INDIANS IN DENMARK AND HOW HER COUNTRY FELL VICTIM TO THE PANDEMIC’S DEVASTATING CURRENT WAVE.

TEXT CONRAD EGBERT

IT’S BEEN A little over two months since the new Ambassador of India to Denmark stepped off the plane and onto the tarmac at Copenhagen airport in Kastrup. Yet Pooja Kapur has been as busy as a bumblebee in the spring. Between settling into her Hellerup residence, sourcing a competent chef and keeping on top of the shattering Covid situation in India, she’s also managed to present herself to the Danish Queen Margrethe II, sipped tea with the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and personally taken stock of a shipment of vaccines flown in from India for UN peacekeepers in Denmark.

Previously, Kapur was Ambassador to Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and served in various capacities at Indian embassies and High Commissions around the world from Brussels and Paris to London and Kuala Lumpur.

A Chevening Scholar at the University of Oxford, Kapur holds three Master’s degrees including one in Political Science from Delhi University and another in Public Administration from the coveted, but now defunct, French Ecole Nationale D’Administration (l’ENA) in Paris – a grande école that has in the past, not only trained senior French officials for public service, but also produced the largest number of French presidents and prime ministers than any other French institution, including the current President Emmanuel Macron and his Prime Minister Jean Castex. But in April earlier this year, Macron announced the closure of l’ENA due to several reasons, including for being most infamously, elitist.

“I’m aware that the French have always considered l’ENA elitist,” says Kapur who prides herself on skilfully walking that tricky rope between being outspoken and politically correct, “But personally, I don’t believe it’s elitist. In fact, I think the quality of

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

education at l’ENA is very high. But this is a problem everywhere, not only in France – when institutions achieve a certain standard, people begin to view them as elitist. Even in India, the Foreign Service and the Indian Administrative Service are considered elitist, but they’re not; they’re open to everyone.” Kapur believes that these institutions work for the greater good, but this gets lost in all the rhetoric that’s put out there. “When I was at l’ENA,” she continues, “I can tell you there were people from all over France and from all strata of society. It didn’t seem elitist at all. On the contrary, there’s a real work ethic there. In fact, it was a very strenuous course that ran from nine a.m. to nine p.m. everyday. I agree it is an elite school, but by virtue of the quality of education it delivers, not because it is discriminatory. I’d call it elite, but not elitist.” Kapur cites an example from her time at l’ENA at the turn of the millennium in 1999, when she was on duty on New Year’s Eve. “All my friends were bringing in the New Year on the ChampsElysées,” she complains, though in good humour, “While I was on duty monitoring the law and order situation as a stagiaire [intern] at the prefecture of Nanterre. That’s not very elitist, is it?” Kapur, who insists she remains an “énarque” despite the dissolution of l’ENA, proudly pointed to a photograph of her graduation ceremony on her Facebook page with the late Nelson Mandela. “Some moments can never be taken away from you, no matter what,” she reminisces fondly.

Kapur, who has not only amassed degrees from top institutions around the world, but more importantly, enhanced her ‘cultural education’ from postings in Europe and beyond, is quite possibly one of very few Indians, if not the only one, to have attended both l’ENA and Oxford, which places her in a rather advantageous position – one that can

11

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

12

INDIANS IN DENMARK ARE AMBASSADORS FOR INDIA Indian diasporas everywhere are in their own little ways ambassadors to those countries where they reside. When a person on the street thinks of India or Indians, they think of the Indian diaspora in their country. And I think each one of them, therefore, has a very important duty to represent India in the best way possible. I know that the Indian community in Denmark is doing a good job of that; Indians are very well respected here. They not only contribute positively to the Danish community in their respective spheres, but they’re also a community which blends in well and which does not create trouble. While the Indian Danish community has a great affinity for their home country of course, they also have a great sense of responsibility towards Denmark and I think that is how it should be ideally and I encourage them to continue being such great ambassadors for India.

offer us a unique and unbiased perspective of both institutions. “Oxford and l’ENA are very different,” says the January-born Capricorn who also happens to share a birthday with the Duchess of Cambridge. “The Oxford dons were very impressed that I’d been to l’ENA,” she laughs, “They seemed to hold it in very high regard and considered it a formidable competitor. But I think Oxford is in several respects quite like Delhi University, although Oxford is prettier. It’s a great place to live and study and the professors are excellent, but then so is the faculty at Delhi University. I think what’s really special about Oxford, is that it’s a university town, so everything revolves around the university. There’s a great social and intellectual circuit where in the evenings you can attend lectures and debates, go out for dinners, pop down for a mandatory visit to the pub and basically enjoy an allround fantastic vibe. However, there is a particular pride, that of ‘We are Oxford.’ I’d always wanted to go to Oxford and I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to do so, but often I would hear things like ‘This is Oxford, we have tutorials here.’ And I’d say ‘Yes, but we have tutorials in Delhi University too, among a lot of other good things.’ Indian Universities are brilliant, but people don’t know this because we don’t market or sell education quite like some countries in the world do. In my experience, the quality of education at Oxford and Delhi University was comparable.”

Kapur, who was a bit of a prodigy in school and published her first book on government and politics at the age of twenty, joined the Indian Civil Service in 1996, touting it as her dream job since she was only seven.

“I always knew what I wanted to do,” says Kapur who still uses her maiden name. “Since my father was in the Indian Administrative Service and I was daddy’s little girl, I wanted to do what daddy did,” she jokes. “It was a bit of a challenge at first, because in India if you’re a bright student, you’re pushed into the sciences – medicine or engineering – but fortunately my parents were pretty liberal. I remember having to take my mother into school to have a tough talk with the principal and the faculty, just to allow me to take humanities. They were absolutely horrified. They thought I was going to ruin my life, which in retrospect would have probably been true if I hadn’t made it,” she laughs.

Kapur says she turned down several scholarships from the US and the UK, in order to be able to sit the Indian Civil Service exam. Forget Oxford and l’ENA, she says if anything truly tested her abilities to the limit, it was the Indian Civil Service Exam.

“It’s one of the toughest exams in the world,” says the Chevening scholar from Delhi. “And the reason it’s so tough is not only because of the breadth and depth of general knowledge that one is tested in, but because it’s also an endurance test.” According to Kapur, the entire process takes eighteen months from start to finish. “You register in January, in June you sit for the preliminary exams, which when I sat for them, were taken by around one million people. From among them, only the top ten thousand are selected, who then make it to the main exam, which takes place in October. In this exam, in addition to your main subject, you have to take an additional one, plus general studies, which requires a pretty high level of knowledge across several disciplines from maths and science to current affairs. The top two thousand are invited for interviews and from among them the top five hundred make it into the top twenty-six civil services. But in order to make it into the diplomatic service, one has to be among the top fifty candidates. So yes, it’s pretty tough.” With diplomacy now firmly in the bag, coupled with a desperate need for progressive and educated politicians in India, will Kapur naturally saunter into politics?

“No,” she says and quite firmly too. “I’m a career diplomat, so for another ten years

or so this is what I expect to be doing. Of course, I’ve thought about it, especially during my time at l’ENA, because in the French system you’re free to go in and out of politics as you please, but this is not the case in the Indian system; you cannot leave the Foreign Service to enter politics and then return. Plus I doubt I’d be very good at collecting votes,” she laughs. “But I would very much like to work for my country and I think, I can serve it best as a diplomat.”

Kapur, who seems to have punched above her weight all her life and is now at the top of her game, has a poignant message for all students and scholars especially those aiming for the stars.

“Chase your dreams, because they’re easier to achieve than you might imagine.” But she also warns that achieving them depends entirely on hard work and how focused one is. “Yes, a bit of luck matters, but as they say, fortune favours the brave and dedicated.

That’s my lesson from life, anyway.”

But what brings Kapur to the not-so-sunny-climes of Denmark? With the world as her oyster one would imagine she’d prefer postings in the US, Italy or even Australia?

“I have an enduring interest in Europe and so I was fortunate to be chosen as Ambassador to Denmark,” says Kapur matter-of-factly. “Europe and the Indo-Pacific are my areas of expertise, I’ve also studied in the UK and France, so professionally being in Europe makes great sense. It is helpful at the personal level too,” she reveals, “for my family lives in London and the proximity definitely helps.”

Kapur is married to Ashwani Aggarwal, ex-investment banker; Chartered Accountant and Managing partner at London based Ash & Associates. Together, they have a 17 year old son, who boards and is an academic scholar at the famous elite all-boys Harrow School in London. But due to the pandemic, Kapur has been unable to see her family in almost a year and while Denmark is definitely closer to them than her last posting in Bulgaria, borders still remain closed and travel difficult.

“I really do miss them,” says Kapur, a proud Punjabi mother. “My son is really the finest kid one could wish for. But I haven’t seen him or my husband for almost a year because of Covid-19. It’s been a very tough year and video calls are just not the same as the real thing, but I guess we all do whatever best we can.”

Kapur took over at the Embassy in March this year, which means she’s only been in Denmark for just over two months. What are her first impressions?

“When I first got here, it wasn’t so much the cold as it was the wind that took me by surprise,” marvels Kapur, “and then I realised why they’re leaders in wind energy. But also what struck me was how friendly and polite Danish people are; and they speak excellent English.” But of course she agrees that her experience is limited mostly to Copenhagen and the Capital Region, but on being challenged, refuses to relegate her experience down to being trapped in a bubble. “When I say people are friendly, I’m not talking about official meetings; officially we live in a bubble, I get that, but I’m talking about people in the street who don’t know me and who can obviously make out that I’m a foreigner. Whenever I’ve approached somebody for directions or anything like that, they’ve always made an effort to be helpful and polite. I have Danish friends and I’m fully aware that people think Danes are reserved with foreigners, but I haven’t experienced that.”

But now that the India-Nordic summit that was meant to happen this month has been postponed, will the relationship between the two countries cool off?

“India’s relationship with Denmark is very important. Last year both our prime ministers entered into the first-ever Green Strategic Partnership. Denmark and India have always been close allies. We’ve had a 400-year-old commercial relationship; Denmark was a development partner and helped us with the ‘white revolution’ or dairy revolution as it were, which in turn, was part of a bigger agricultural revolution in India at the time. Today India is the largest global producer of milk and Denmark was a key partner in providing Jersey cows and other things in the 1970s. In the years that followed, India began to grow and come into her own, but the partnership remained and has now evolved and turned into a mutually beneficial one focused on things like green transition, circular economy, renewable and wind energy, waste to energy, waste management and even water.”

Leading Danish companies Vestas and LM Wind Power are among those that Kapur said work closely with India. She also revealed that India is currently in talks to set up

"I THINK OXFORD IS QUITE LIKE DELHI UNIVERSITY"

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

13

"NO ONE’S SAFE UNTIL EVERYONE’S SAFE" wind energy projects and on the verge of signing an MOU on health. Some 2000 Danish companies work with India in some capacity, while 200 of them operate within India. Kapur says she hopes to take this to the “highest level” during her threeyear mandate in Denmark.

“I called on the Danish Prime Minister last month and she said, ‘its interesting that a small country like Denmark and a big country like India are collaborating so well’ and I said ‘Yes, perhaps its because we both have such inspiring stories,” relates Kapur. “Denmark has it’s own inspiring story from where it was a hundred years ago to where it is now. It has really transformed itself and so has India. Of course India has a 5000 years old history and has reinvented itself again and again. But when people say ‘India is emerging,’ I have to correct them and say, ‘No, it’s re-emerging.’ India has always been a massive influence on the world and the only country on the planet with an ocean named after it – that itself should tell you something about its historical significance. India has always worked on the basis of soft power rather than hard power. Historically, whether it’s the number system, medicine or even the art of navigation, our contribution is unmatched, but you don’t always read about it because a lot of literature and history is very Eurocentric. Before the British came to India, we contributed as much as a quarter of the global GDP. I think India is now reclaiming its rightful place at the high table.”

But while India’s incredible history might very well be a feather in its hat, it’s the devastating Covid-19 situation that is currently making headlines around the world.

How has the situation been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent?

“As a country, India has always been collaborative,” explains Kapur, “And we wanted to continue to be so even during this very difficult pandemic. India is the pharmacy of the world; we delivered medicines to over a hundred and fifty countries and vaccines to over eighty countries under the humanitarian Vaccine Maitri initiative, which included supplying vaccines to UN peacekeeping missions and UN health workers.

It was only after we were taken by a surprise second wave with an intensity and suddenness on a scale that was neither projected nor expected, that we had to suspend vaccine exports and re-evaluate things.”

A focus on learning

COVID-19 EMERGENCY AID FOR INDIA

1. Danish government sent 53 ventilators 2. Minister for Development Aid pledged 1 million euros to the Indian Red Cross 3. Maersk offered to carry all oxygen related equipment for free 4. Novo Nordisk pledged 10 million DKK to set up mobile hospitals and other emergency units 5. Indian Danish Chamber of Commerce sent 92 oxygen concentrators 6. Other companies including Grundfos (DKK 0.84 million) and Danfoss (DKK 0.21 million) have contributed 7. The Indian community in Denmark has sent several thousand euros through NGOs that they support One can also contribute to India’s PM Cares Fund at www.pmcares.gov.in

But despite India housing the largest vaccine production facility in the world, is it not strange that the leadership failed to inoculate and take care of its own people first?

“We were taking care of our own, while also taking care of the world,” explains Kapur emphatically. “The mantra is that ‘no one’s safe until everyone’s safe’. We were trying to do our bit, but unfortunately got somewhat blindsided by the ferocity of this new wave. None of the earlier studies projected that the second wave could have turned out to be worse than the first one. On the contrary, the incidence and mortality rates of India’s first wave were far lower than the world average and our recovery rate was far higher, so we were quite confident that we’d put in place the right measures. And while everybody knew that a second wave would come and we’d made several facilities available that weren’t there during the first wave, the expectation was of a milder second wave. And then we got hit with a double mutant. In Northern India where the biggest spike occurred, it was actually the B.1.1.7, (found in the UK) that was the dominant variant; the B.1.617 variant, was the one that spread in the south. According to some studies, in the last wave, the risk of infection was 4 out of 10 people, while in the current wave it is 9 out of 10 people.”

Kapur, who expresses her deepest sadness over the current situation in India, reveals that like many others, her family too fell victim to Covid-19.

“In the last three weeks, I have lost three uncles to Covid, two maternal, one paternal. It’s terrifying, especially when you’re abroad and you don’t know what to do.

My parents live in Delhi and I’m constantly worried about them. But my unwavering advice to people is to be safe and stay home when the contagion is high and not interact with other people as far as possible. And wherever there has been loss of life, my deepest condolences and if there’s any way that the embassy here in Denmark can assist, please contact us and we’ll do whatever we can.” THE-INTL

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

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

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

Cambridge International School

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

14

PHOTOGRAPHS NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT SHANI BISHOP, NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

N

CATHY INSPIRING HER LEARNERS / PHOTOGRAPHER: MADS IVERSON

NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL School is growing and has become a top-rated school. The school offers quality education in high demand, and families from North Zealand and Copenhagen choose NIS for their children. To grow slowly and responsibly, NIS is doubling classes gradually over several years. In August this year, NIS will go from one year 7 class to two. To allow the learners in year 7 to bond with each other, the class size will be limited to 15 to 18 learners, to begin with.

A CAMBRIDGE EDUCATION Secondary learners at NIS work with the internationally recognised Cambridge Assessment International Education curriculum, culminating in IGCSE qualifications.

These are accepted and valued by universities and employers across the world. Over 10,000 schools in over 160 countries follow the Cambridge international curriculum. The IGCSE course is two years from year 10 to year 11 (14 to 16-year-olds), however at NIS, students are gently prepared in their Lower Secondary years to be ready. The Cambridge programme stretches, challenges and inspires our students, so they are equipped for the next steps, often the IB Diploma Programme or a return to the national curricula of their home country and the global workplaces they will meet after that.

WHAT MAKES NIS UNIQUE Cathy Lowder, a secondary school teacher, explains what makes NIS unique for learners. “We have 18 teachers working in the secondary school at NIS. Our diverse team, hailing from the UK, US, India, Denmark, and other countries, brings so much expertise and experiences

"AS A SMALL SCHOOL, THE TEACHERS AND OTHER ALL THE WAY THROUGH SO TEACHERS CAN TAILOR-MAKE THEIR TEACHING TO MEET THE DIFFERENT LEARNING NEEDS OF STUDENTS."

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

PHOTOGRAPHER: ROSENFELDT

LEARNERS KNOW EACH

to teaching the Cambridge course. As a small(er) school, there is a genuine sense of community and collaboration between primary and secondary departments. This ensures strong continuity in both academic learning and pastoral care.”

As a science teacher, Cathy whole heartedly believes in ‘Science for all’ and brings her enthusiasm and passion for the subject into the classroom to foster that interest in her learners and develop them into critical and observant thinkers.

NIS LEARNER PROFILE AND SCHOOL TRIPS NIS strives to develop learners who are reflective, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, openminded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.

Although we know that teaching students to be good learners prepares them for university and life, it will also result in each individual reaching their own academic potential. Developing these attributes in learners in the classroom is achievable but is even further developed during class trips. Trips provide the opportunity to try new things, practise team building and communication skills. The places visited might be related to bio diversity, physical geography or a place significant in history, which all relate back to the syllabus to enhance the learning.

OUR RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES NIS works closely with learners and parents to harness the full potential of our students. Our results demonstrate this. Our strong IGCSE exam results demonstrate this, but even more importantly, we prepare learners for their next stages of further education and, ultimately, the workplaces around the world where they are well prepared to make a difference.

OUR PATHWAY TO THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IB DP) After IGCSEs at NIS, our students can progress to High School here at NIS. NIS is part of Nordssjaellands Grundskole og Gymnasium (NGG) the largest private school in Denmark. The NGG gymnasium is on-site, which means NIS students can mix with students from STX and HF while studying for the IB DP. This lively gymnasium offers many opportunities, including joining the Music Academy and Sports College while studying. THE-INTL

ENROLLING NOW FOR AUGUST 2021 To apply for a place at NIS, please see ngg.openapply. com for more details.

15

MICHAEL FIUKOWSKI & SARAH MORITZ

NICLAS JESSEN

DANIEL VILLADSEN

KIM WYON

THE BIG MOVE TO DENMARK IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL INTERESTED IN BRINGING YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND WORKING SKILLS TO DENMARK, KEEP READING. OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF ISSUES, WE SHOW YOU HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR NEXT STEPS.

D

PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK

DID YOU KNOW that many companies in Denmark find it challenging to find qualified employees? And that many suggest that access to sufficiently skilled labour in the future will be one of the biggest challenges for the Danish business community?

What if there was a place that gives access to special competencies and knowledge from abroad because local talents come in short? What if a country saw internationally recruited employees as a boost for exports and easier access into the international market that provided the country with global insight? What if companies viewed diversity as a ground for innovation and growth? And what if an international oriented workplace was part of a bigger plan to increase worldwide attraction? If these questions awaken your curiosity and if you ever dreamed of working in a country with the abovementioned goal settings – find out more about why you should consider a Danish employer.

A person becomes an expat or an expatriate when they move from their home country to another country to live and work. Becoming an expat is not just about contributing to the international economic growth of societies and development. It also means an exchange of both work skills and diversity of different people and cultures. However, it is also very much a life change in every practical and legal sense for anyone involved. There are two ways to go about this: learning by doing and coping with the difficulties (including penalties and bans) that most likely will arise along the way – and then there is the easier route of seeking guidance from private and public sector professionals who are available for international newcomers.

WHY DO DANISH COMPANIES RECRUIT INTERNATIONALS? International employees create value, both the individual company and for the social economy. Many reports and analyses, prepared by Dansk Industri and DA (Danish Employers' Association), have demonstrated a connection between international labour in Danish companies and economic growth.

According to Dansk Industri, here is a guide to companies who recruit internationals with the skills needed from abroad:  Some specialised companies need unique competencies and skills that are not found in sufficient numbers in the Danish workforce.  International employees with knowledge of foreign markets, language, culture, and particular circumstances, can open a more extensive international customer base and strengthen customer satisfaction.  Diverse teams often perform and innovate better than homogeneous teams, which can create new opportunities.  Both Danish and international talent often want to make a career in an international work environment, so an inter national workplace increases the attractiveness of new labour.

PLANNING IS KEY Danes are known for being a very plan-oriented and well-structured type of people. This is particularly evident in the paperwork and compliance requirements from the government, not just

TEXT HAYEL CELIK-GRAVERSEN

for locals but also for internationals coming to Denmark. Even though the infrastructure and systems of the public sector may seem too detailed, somewhat confusing, and rather bureaucratic, the use of digital technology and self-services are being developed and implemented faster than international employees can keep up with. Therefore, internationals and even large-scale companies hiring worldwide need time to overview and see what key steps are needed in the planning process.

BEFORE THE BIG MOVE Being offered a position and terms you agree upon must become the priority before moving to Denmark. There are various job databases and websites you can search from, like Work In Denmark or The International Citizen Service.

Consider if you need to apply for a work and residence permit in advance as the right to work and stay in Denmark depends on the rights that your citizenship gives you. EU and "A L A RG E PA RT O F O U R Nordic citizens and EEA PROSPERITY PROGRESS and Swiss nationals can D E P E N DS O N U S B E I N G stay in Denmark under the free movement rules ABLE TO CONTINUE TO ATof persons and services TRACT MORE FOREIGN EMin the EU for a short or PLOYEES TO DANISH COMmore extended period.

PANIES." - DANSK INDUSTRI However, any stay longer than three months requires an EU residence certificate within three months after the arrival in Denmark. Also, it is mandatory to register in the Danish CPR system (The Danish Personal Registration) if the stay exceeds six months.

Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for a residence and work permit through applications filed to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration or with the Danish embassy or consulate in the country in which they reside. Generally, Denmark's profession or labour market considerations must warrant a residence and work permit grant, but the minimum salary is the key factor for some schemes. On the New to Denmark website, you can find information on where to submit your application for a work and residence permit and have your biometric features recorded. Also, consideration has to be kept in mind if your accompanying spouse or partner needs to apply.

Prepare your documents and those for your family members joining you in Denmark, if relevant - have them on hand at all times during your stay. This goes for a valid passport or national ID card and a Danish work and residence permit grant. If relevant, also bring your marriage or registered partnership certificate and the birth certificates for your accompanying children.

Note that some application forms may require the legalisation of these formal documents to be used by the authorities.

Moving to Denmark and dealing with bureaucracy doesn't need to create unnecessary stress. Instead, making your own checklist and getting helpful advice from reliable sources will help ease the communication with the Danish authorities and ensure a less bumpy transition. THE-INTL

HAYEL CELIKGRAVERSEN CEO & LEGAL ADVISOR, CROSS-BORDER SPECIALIST Danish born and a true islander from Amager, Copenhagen, Hayel is a descendent from East Mediterranean, Caucasus-Asia and Native America backgrounds, so being an expert in international matters was an easy career choice.

After more than 10 years of experience, she founded her own legal hub, which offers support within cross-border legal issues for internationals working in Denmark and Danes moving abroad. Hayel is committed to supporting gender equality and making conscious life priorities such as being successful and breaking our time's challenges, keeping an active lifestyle, and basically living the so-called norm of a Nordic work-life balance.

LegalMasterAdvisor LegalMasterAdvisor LegalMasterAdvisor Hayel Celik-Graversen

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

16

JANTELOVEN SEARCHING FOR SANDEMOSE PHOTOGRAPHS DR1 / ISTOCK

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

To better understand Janteloven, columnist Sarah Redohl attempts to track down a rare English translation of the book that named the concept. Along the way, she’s reminded that there is no textbook shortcut to understanding other cultures.

D

“DO YOU HAVE an English translation of “A Fugitive Crosses

one - every single one - knew about Jante Law and had opinions

His Tracks”?” I ask a librarian at the Royal Library. He assures

on it. Sandemose might’ve named Jante Law, but Jante Law tran-

me they do. Tap, tap, click. “Actually...we don’t have any copies

scends its author.

Jante Law might even transcend Denmark. When Espen leaves

in English,” he says, with evident surprise.

In preparation for this article, I’d hoped to track down a copy

Jante, he was surprised to find Jante everywhere: “It lay on the

to better understand Jante Law (Janteloven). After all, the book

prairie in Canada, it sprawled over the U.S.A., and it bloomed at

by Danish-Norwegian author Aksel Sandemose gave the Nordic

Jevnaker and flourished in Jylland,” wrote Sandemose. On the

attitude of egalitarianism its name. Since moving to Denmark,

other side of the world, there’s Tall Poppy syndrome. In nature,

Jante Law has been explained to me many times - but never the

we see the crab bucket effect. In the bible, “When pride cometh,

same way twice. My journalistic instincts told me to go to the

then cometh shame” (Proverbs 11:2). However, as one of the li-

original source.

brarians I spoke to said, Jante Law is a bit different: “There’s a

Some Danes say Jante Law is dead or dying. Others say it ex-

reason the book was written here.”

SARAH REDOHL JOURNALIST, WRITER,

ists, but only in provincial Denmark. Still, more say it’s a perva-

An alternative reading might be that Jante Law wasn’t every-

sive aspect of Danish society. One Dane demonstrated this par-

where; perhaps Espen took Jante Law with him wherever he went.

ticularly well when he started our conversation by telling me Jante

I opt for this interpretation for two reasons. First, as an Ameri-

Law was dead and 20 minutes later used it to explain contempo-

can, I don’t see much evidence of Jante Law “sprawled over the

Sarah is a journalist, writ-

U.S.A.” Second, as an international, I see

er, and filmmaker from the

rary Danish characteristics.

Some see Jante Law as a benefit to Danish society, others see it as a detriment. Of the 10 ‘laws’ Sandemose outlined, Danes who dislike Jante Law tended to cite ones like “Do not think anyone cares for you” and “Do not think you are capable of anything.”

Those with a more positive view opted for ones like “Do not think you are better than us” and “Do not think you are more important than us.” The former see conformity and inferiority; the latter, humility and equality. Another Dane, who began by telling me opinions on Jante Law are general-

SOME DANES SAY JANTE LAW IS DEAD OR DYING. OTHERS SAY IT EXISTS, BUT ONLY IN PROVINCIAL DENMARK. STILL, MORE SAY IT’S A PERVASIVE ASPECT OF DANISH SOCIETY. ONE DANE DEMONSTRATED THIS PARTICULARLY WELL WHEN HE STARTED OUR CONVERSATION

BY TELLING ME JANTE LAW WAS DEAD AND 20 MINUTES LATER USED IT TO EXPLAIN CONTEMPORARY DANISH CHARACTERISTICS.

myself carrying many of my American inclinations abroad.

Unfortunately, after visiting several more bookstores around Copenhagen and calling a handful of Norwegian bookstores, I discovered Sandemose’s book was only translated into English once, in 1936. “It’s going

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

to be hard to track down a copy,” said one

taken her all over the world,

shopkeeper. And then I got an email; some-

from Amsterdam to Zambia

one had found it! They sent me a link and a

and many places in between.

warning: “It’s very expensive!” More than

She's travelled to more than

6500 DKK, in fact.

40 countries, living in sever-

And so, my knowledge of “A Fugitive

ly negative, seemed to talk herself into its

Crosses His Tracks” remains limited to ex-

benefits during our conversation. “I guess

cerpts, synopses, and literary critiques. In

it’s both bad and good,” she concluded.

FILMMAKER

a way, this oblique understanding of the book mirrors my oblique

In the book itself, which tells the story of sailor Espen Arnakke

understanding of Danish culture in general, and Jante Law in spe-

as he recounts growing up in the fictional Danish town of Jante,

cific. A Dane may know Jante Law without having read the book,

Jante Law is portrayed as petty and oppressive - something from

but I wonder if I will only ever understand it by synopsis.

which Espen hopes to escape. Sandemose himself said he wit-

Regardless, my search for Sandemose continues. I’ve got new

nessed the concept of Jante Law while growing up in provincial

leads with American universities who may have a copy buried in

Denmark. He didn’t invent it, but he did name it and turn it into

their libraries, and an English translation might become available

a modern Danish classic.

online when the book’s copyright expires. But I know there is no

al 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

And yet, it doesn’t seem to be particularly well-read. At the

textbook to understand another culture. It takes time, conversa-

first bookstore in my search, the shopkeeper didn’t even know

tions, and concerted effort. In the meantime - and in the spirit of

@sarahredohl

what I was talking about. Of the dozen or so librarians and shop-

Jante Law as I understand it - I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t

@sarahredohl

keepers I spoke to, only a couple had read the book. But every-

know more about janteloven than anyone else. THE-INTL

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

17

INTERNATIONAL LIFE IN

H.C. ANDERSEN’S LAND IS IT ALWAYS DREAMY AND PICTURE-PERFECT TO LIVE IN ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD?

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT AINA MASOOD

D

DENMARK IS A country full of opportunities. It is H.C. Andersen’s land, the author of the famous ‘’ugly duckling’’ and ‘’the little mermaid’’, is the birthplace of Lego and a pioneer in wind energy. It is also one of the happiest countries to live in, but it’s no easy feat being an international here. Before I moved to Denmark, I did not know much about the country other than it being one of the happiest countries in the world. I wanted to be in this happy country and see what makes Danes the happiest people. In addition, I wanted to know how it would impact my mental well-being.

After moving to Denmark, I could see the “how” and the “why” for the happiness index.

But was there more to it? I feel it gets trickier for internationals because the challenges are multifold, and the psychological and emotional needs remain unaddressed. As the British author, Michael Booth said in his book ‘Almost Nearly Perfect People’, the happiness survey is done in Danish, and there is a high likelihood that internationals living in Denmark were not taken into account when declaring Denmark as the happiest country in the world, which was somewhat beliefshattering for me. Social media platforms like Instagram reflect a perfect life in Denmark by photos of vibrant streets, nature, street art, museums, Viking heritage, gorgeous skies, and so much more!

However, being an international in Denmark can be more challenging than the narrative portrayed by social media.

While my friends back home pictured my “dream life” in one of Europe’s happiest country, I found myself struggling in a country where I did not speak the native language. I was hopeful that I could overcome the language barrier, but the challenges I faced along the way were daunting. I invested all my energy in learning not just the language but also the culture and the customs. I had to adjust to a new environment, find a job, get my education approved, and build a support network for myself all over again something most of us take for granted until we leave the comfort of our home countries. I learned to put myself out there and make friends. I am sure most internationals have gone through a similar journey, or as I like to call it, self-re-discovery.

Being new in an unfamiliar country isn't easy. Before we move, we are so focused on the opportunities coming our way that we forget to acknowledge all that we must give up to be here. It seems natural to find a job and build a whole new life, but we forget how moving across continents affects a family.

No matter where you go, you are provided a handbook on “how to survive” in that country. I feel it is important to emphasise the psychological and emotional aspect of the transition. No hand-

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST

"IF YOU ARE AN INTERNATIONAL READING THIS. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO CAN EMPATHISE WITH YOUR STRUGGLE." book can teach you how to make friends in a country where people have a close-knit social circle and prefer to hang out with their life-long friends. You cannot learn from a handbook how to navigate the Danish supermarkets, and the language barrier does not make it easy either. I had to try for three weeks before I finally found breadcrumbs! No one can teach you how to cope with the dark winters and how loneliness can easily creep in during the long winter nights. Hardly anyone talks about how hard it is to be an international looking for jobs when many jobs are not advertised. All these problems have dire consequences to psychological well-being.

To address the somewhat neglected aspect of the move, I started my company in Denmark called R.A.I.N. that helps organisations take care of their international population (and the local population too). I focus on building skills that people can use every day and have a well-balanced life. In addition, I provide people with a space to learn, share and grow. Being an international in H.C. Andersen’s land is no easy feat, but it is doable with support.

If you are an international reading this. You are not alone. Be kind to yourself and surround yourself with people who can empathise with your struggle. If you are a Dane, I urge you to reach out - it is not easy for us, but we never forget those who are there for us in these transition phases. THE-INTL

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

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

18

DANISH PENSION FUNDS GLOBAL INDEX – SECOND BEST PENSION SCHEMES!

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

T

THE MERCER CFA Institute Global Pension Index compares 39 retirement pension income systems, covering almost two thirds of the world’s population.

Formerly known as the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index, the Global Pension Index benchmarks retirement income systems worldwide, highlighting some shortcomings in each system and suggests possible areas of reform that would provide more adequate and sustainable retirement benefits.

The 2020 Mercer CFA Institute, Global Pension Index Report, awards national pension systems points for adequacy, integrity, and sustainability and gives them an overall score. The Netherlands came top last year with 82.6 points, followed by Denmark.

In Denmark, the average pension age is 65, but many people choose to continue to work longer.

Therefore, you are automatically entitled to a State Pension. You will receive the full amount of the State Pension if you have lived in Denmark for at least 40 years and a fraction if you have lived in Denmark for less than 40 years.

Entitlement to pension is acquired based on residence in Denmark and is thus not conditional on payment of contributions. The public retirement age is currently 65 years but will be increased gradually to 67 years in the period 2019-22 and to 68 in 2030.

Besides the State Pension, all those who have paid tax in Denmark also receive The ATP Lifelong Pension - a statutory pension scheme to which most people contribute. Under it, your pension is automatically paid out when you reach retirement age. In addition, in the event of your death, your spouse, partner or children receive a lump sum from ATP. Denmark also has an Early Retirement Pension (efterløn) option. This scheme allows you to withdraw from the labour market four years before you reach your retirement age. You must meet certain conditions to be entitled to an early retirement pension.

The conditions that apply to you depend on when you were born.

To receive an early retirement pension when you reach early retirement age, you must be a member of an unemployment insurance fund, you must have paid early retirement contributions for 30 years, and you must have begun making the payments no later than your 30th birthday.

Danish Labour Market Pension Schemes are agreed upon between the labour market partners, through collective agreements for specific areas of work. An individual pension is a savings scheme that you set up with a bank or pension fund, independently of your employer.

Self-Employed Pe r s o n s e a r n t h e right to retirement pension like everyone else, but they do

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS Mariano has over 35 years not have a labour market supplementary pension and can choose whether to contribute to the ATP Lifelong Pension.

The top five Danish pension funds are extremely robust due to a very successful investment policy with what has proven to be a successful balance between conservative and aggressive investing.

THE TOP FIVE DANISH PENSION FUNDS ARE EXTREMELY ROBUST DUE TO A VERY S U CCES S FU L INV EST MENT P O L I C Y W I T H W H AT H A S PROVEN TO BE A SUCCESSFUL BALANCE BETWEEN C O N S E R V AT I V E A N D A G GRESSIVE INVESTING.

Given the relatively small population (approx. 5.8 million people), these five funds reported the following total assets level by 2015:  ATP – DKK 691 Billion.  PFA Pension – DKK 552 Billion.  Danica Pension – DKK 366 Billion.  Sampension – DKK 257 Billion.  PKA – DKK 215 Billion.

Throughout a number of years, PensionDanmark (one of the 50 largest pension funds in Europe now with DKK 268 Billion under management) has been focusing on increasing the share of investments in alternative investments, including private equity and infrastructure.

These investments are characterised by a non-cyclical revenue uncorrelated to economic cycles with expected investment returns substantially higher than the bond interest rate. The investments are undertaken by the teams PensionDanmark Alternative Investments and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).

For example, through CIP, PensionDanmark has become one of the leading investors in renewable energy in the UK – offshore and onshore wind farms and biomass plants.

The Danish pension system assures a financially robust quality of life after retirement. Nevertheless, many people (who are in good health) choose to delay retirement up to five years. THE-INTL

global experience as a business executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running his own companies). 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 44 years and has held over 100 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty. oxford-business.com

19

PARENTS SUPPORT PARENTS AT CIS THE PARENTS AT COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STRIVE TO CREATE A STRONG COMMUNITY AMONG ONE ANOTHER IN SUPPORT OF THE SCHOOL.

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

W

WHEN FERNANDO BERMEJO moved from Madrid to Copenhagen in 2015, he only knew a couple of people in Denmark and had never been to Copenhagen. “Without ever having set foot in Denmark, we decided to go for it,” he said. Although the positive things he and his family heard about Copenhagen proved true, they still arrived without a support network.

“When my kids became part of Copenhagen International School (CIS), I became part of that community, too,” he recalled. Even before Fernando joined the school board in January 2020 (he is now vice chair of the board), the CIS community had become the family’s local support network. “Most people who are part of the school don’t have family around, so the school becomes your family away from family.”

The parents at CIS have strived to create a strong community among one another, not only through formal structures like the school board and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) but also informally through friendships and a sense of shared community spirit.

SHARE INSIGHT Poornima Luthra, chair of the school’s board of governors, first lived in Copenhagen in 2005 and 2006, “but living here without children was a completely different ballgame,” she said. So when she and her husband returned to Copenhagen from Singapore in 2015, she faced new concerns despite returning to a familiar city.

CIS parents were there to answer her questions, from winterwear worries to where to buy certain foods. That’s part of what makes the CIS parent community special; parents help one another settle into life in Denmark.

For example, the PTA connects new families to a ‘buddy family’ with children of similar ages and the same nationality, if possible. “Then you have someone to ask

"AT CIS, THE CHILDREN - AND PARENTS WILL MAKE FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND SOME OF THESE FRIENDSHIPS WILL LAST FOREVER." - FERNANDO BERMEJO

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

where to find the marmite and those sorts of questions,” said PTA member Jackie Williams. They also put on an annual presentation sharing advice for new expats, from grocery shopping tips to avoiding tickets in car parks.

It’s a resource Fernando wishes he’d had from day one.

“I got ticketed the very first time I drove a car in Denmark,” he recalls. With help from other CIS parents, he adds, “not everyone has to learn the hard way.” The sizable portion of the CIS community comprised of Danish families is also an asset, offering insight into Danish culture. “Besides what we learn from the PTA, so much information comes from conversations with the Danish families.”

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS For Jackie, being part of the PTA was an opportunity to give back to the community and a great way to make friends. “I found a lot of like-minded people in the PTA,” she said. The PTA enriches the school experience not only for the children at CIS but also the parents. For example, they put on activities fairs with opportunities for children and adults, from exercise boot camps to book clubs.

Fe r n a n d o e s t i m a t e s t h a t 90 percent of the friends he’s made in Denmark are part of the CIS community. “At CIS, the children - and parents will make friends from all over the world, and some of those friendships will last forever,” he said.

This is something Poornima has experienced firsthand.

“No matter where you go in the world, you’re likely to find a CIS family,” she said. So even when she returns to Singapore, she enjoys meeting up with CIS families who have moved there.

“That’s a beautiful treasure,

and one I hope to keep when we’re on the other side of the pandemic.”

SERVE THE SCHOOL Eight of the nine school board members are also parents, so they directly impact the school’s fiscal health, governance, and risk management, in addition to promoting the vision and mission of CIS. “Any school is a partnership between children, parents, and teachers,” Poornima said, “but the children are at the heart of everything we do.”

CIS parents are heavily involved in creating a multicultural experience for the children at CIS, whether through cultural lessons, holiday events, or the school’s annual international festival. The latter celebrates the cultures of more than 80 countries represented at CIS. “Every year, the festival reminds me how much of a community we really are,” Jackie said. THE-INTL

"I FOUND A LOT OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE IN THE PTA." - JACKIE WILLIAMS

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

20

BEAUTY SALONS OF COPENHAGEN This month I’d like to delve into beauty salons and where I’ve recently been spending some “ME” time.

These are the go-to places to escape the stress, recharge your work-life balance, and get beautified. So there’s no doubt you will find me in either one of these salons getting a facial or having a full-on mani-pedi.

JUICY BEAUTY BY OSKY KRISTJANSDOTTIR

MISS NAILS BY LENE MEJBORN Miss Nails Manicure & Pedicure welcomes you to a nail salon out of the ordinary, in the middle of beautiful Østerbro, Copenhagen.

The salon is inviting and cosy with a modern, feminine look, and there is both space and time to relax your shoulders, enjoy a cup of coffee and have your hardworking hands and feet cared for.

Whether you are looking for a clean, minimalist and well-groomed look, classic colours, or would instead explore the latest trends in colourful nail art, it is all possible at MissNails.

Lene Mejborn, Miss Nails, is a skilled, accommodating and professional nail technician with more than 6 years of experience. Lene has several certifications and courses behind her and keeps up to date on new techniques, materials and trends.

My very first experience with Lene was nothing short of top class, coupled with her warm and inviting nature.

Miss Nails allows you to sit back, relax whilst she clips, files, buffs and paints your nails to perfection. Lene takes care of those cracked heels, chipped nails like a pro. You leave feeling smooth, soft and even lighter in your step.

BEAUTY EDITOR’S TOP TREATMENT PICKS:  Deep Manicure with Gel Polish  Organic Pedicure with Shellac missnails.dk @missnailsdk Vordingborgade 2C. Copenhagen Ø “I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH THE IDEA OF MAKING PEOPLE FEEL GREAT ABOUT THEMSELVES, AND THIS JOB IS SOMETHING I DO WITH LOVE AND PASSION.” - LENE MEJBORN

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

The Co-Owner of Juicy Beauty, also known as Osky, is an absolute perfectionist in every sense. From the looks of her salon, which is probably the coolest and most unique retro dream boutique, all the way down her fabulous treatments.

You feel her experienced professional hands working every facial muscle on your face during her treatments. Her carefully selected products are of the highest quality, with delicious oils, lotions, rosewater and toners. I usually book in for the Icelandic facial treatment, which boasts the finest products imported from Iceland. Her experienced hands rejuvenate the circulation in your face, using only her palms and fingertips - this is when you know you have an actual therapist doing their magic.

BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST Barbara was born in England, London and relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2017.

BEAUTY EDITOR’S TOP TREATMENT PICKS:

She has been a profession-

 Icelandic Ecological Organic Facial  Juicy Beauty Classic Facial

al International Makeup Art-

juicybeauty.dk @juicybeauty.dk Egegade 7, Copenhagen N, 2200 “I WANTED TO CREATE A PLACE WHERE MY CUSTOMERS CAN FEEL SPECIAL, A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER IN COPENHAGEN WITH A RETRO LOOK, STRONGLY INSPIRED

BY THE COLOURS OF AMERICAN 1940-1950.

I TRULY LOVE INTERIOR DESIGN AS MUCH AS I LOVE TO BEAUTIFY AND PAMPER MY CLIENTS. BESIDES FACIALS, WE ALSO DO ALL KINDS OF WAXING, WITH BRAZILIAN WAXING BEING OUR SPECIALITY.” - OSKY KRISTJANSDOTTIR

ist for 11 years and a professional Lash Stylist for 3 years.

After moving to Copenhagen, Denmark, Barbara became the owner of Barbara Mensah Beauty Studio. Her stylish, cosy and chic studio provides a welcoming, comfortable space for clients to spend their time getting glammed and pampered for those special moments and occasions.

All bookings for Lash Extension and Makeup can be made via her social media or tel: +45 53564504 barbaramensah barbaramensah barbaramensah

21

JUTL AND

THE WELCOMING ARMS OF AARHUS AARHUS AND EASTERN JUTLAND IS HOME TO MANY INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS AREA'S INTERNATIONALISATION. THIS MONTH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FEATURES ITS VERY OWN CEO, MARC PERERA CHRISTENSEN, TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF INTERNATIONALS.

PHOTOGRAPHS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

S

SINCE ITS FOUNDING in 1862, the business organisation Erhverv Aarhus has worked continually to improve conditions of establishing and running businesses in and around Aarhus. Today, the organisation has several areas of focus which it deems to be especially important for the future development of the Aarhus area, one of them being the internationalisation of the city.

Thus, in 2008 Erhverv Aarhus established International Community, an organisation focused on promoting the area's international profile by improving the conditions for internationals and their accompanying families who choose to move to Denmark.

As an internationally-minded person myself, continuing this internationalisation focus came naturally when I first started as CEO at Erhverv Aarhus and International Community in December 2018.

WHY INTERNATIONALISATION IS IMPORTANT Being able to attract and maintain international employees is of great value for the city's future development. One of the main messages that I hear, both from the many businesses that are members of our organisation but also in my time as Chairman of the Internationalisation Committee in the City of Aarhus, is that the ability to recruit and retain highly specialised international employees is a prerequisite today if businesses are to compete in markets that become more and more globalised. Because of this, creating the right conditions for establishing a new life and offering a network of opportunities for internationals is of great importance if Aarhus is to compete with the rest of the world for the best and most qualified employees.

STARTING OVER IN A NEW PLACE At International Community, we recog-

"ENTREPRENEURS ARE OF ENORMOUS VALUE TO BOTH THE CITY AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY." - MARC PERERA CHRISTENSEN

nise that uprooting your home life to relocate to a new country or city can be incredibly exciting and daunting all at once.

For some, stepping into the unknown is an adventure, while for others, challenges such as language barriers and being away from their social and support networks can be overwhelming. Furthermore, the attempt to recreate a daily routine can be frustrating, with many finding it difficult to obtain work in their relevant field, even when highly skilled and experienced. For myself, I have lived the entirety of my life in Aarhus. As a result, I have my family here and experienced first-hand how having a network can be essential for your professional and personal relations.

Because of this International Community is focused on improving the ability of local companies to recruit highly specialised international employees and ensuring that all the right living conditions are in place for both international employees and their accompanying family members.

This involves a range of initiatives focused on helping both internationals and their families get settled in Aarhus. From news

and events regarding everyday life in Denmark to the network opportunities aimed at expanding your professional network or connecting spouses and accompanying partners from across the globe who have made Aarhus their new home.

THE VALUE OF INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEURS Since finding a job in your primary field after moving to a new country can often be challenging, we often see that internationals or accompanying partners decide to become entrepreneurs and start their own business. This is of enormous value to both the city and the entire country, and I think it just goes to show how most people will want to establish something for themselves to put their energy into. This creative will and entrepreneurial spirit are essential for the well-being of the many internationals and accompanying partners who are struggling to establish a foothold on the Danish job market and because establishing new businesses is essential for the Danish economy and creating new jobs. 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

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

22

SEIZE THE MOMENT ENGAGE IN A VIRTUAL UNIVERSITY SEARCH

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

V

VIRTUAL EVENTS HAVE taken the world by storm, making the Higher Education search more feasible and accessible for families worldwide. Before the pandemic, hundreds of universities participated in high school fairs, offering a one-stopshop experience for eager students to dream about further studies. Fast forward to 2021, and online platforms are the new norm for recruitment - the upside - students can participate in college fairs and open days from anywhere in the world, at any time of year. Online learning fatigue may be a reality for rising seniors, but there is no time like the present to seize the moment and take advantage of a more personalised university search.

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Swit-

❝The future depends on what you do today.❞

zerland for several years,

- Mahatma Gandhi

THE FIVE R’S Students are bound to feel anxious when exploring so many unknowns, but why not have fun with this new chapter? Interact with university reps, engage with student ambassadors, and learn more about unique subject offerings. Make this experience an enjoyable family activity and discover hidden gems. Here are a few tips to get started:

RESEARCH There is no magic formula. Narrowing the university search should be thoughtful, personalised and research-driven. Remember, this is a two-way street, students may be searching for that perfect fit, but the institution is also seeking to recruit ideal candidates that can add value to their community. So what can you contribute to academic and student life?

she transitioned to Denmark and what kind of a student will thrive at the university.

RIGHT CHOICES Embrace the unknown, explore the possibilities, and be open to new pathways.

Make a plan to achieve your goals - whether you are keen to study abroad for a semester, add on a work placement, or feel passionate about a student organisation to enhance your learning. No one size fits all, so consider making choices to match your interests.

RECORD FACTS Students may feel saturated with all the info after attending multiple events. Instead, create a spreadsheet or use a journal to record important facts. Expect to feel overwhelmed at times but take extensive notes, so it is easier to reference and modify your interests.

RELEVANT QUESTIONS Be inquisitive, focus on what is important to you, and customise the search with direct and relevant questions. Universities will want to see that students have done their research by demonstrating a mature, curious and proactive approach. Ask admissions what makes their school unique

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

REFLECT My IBDP students would cringe when asked to ‘reflect’ for the umpteenth time, but the primary goal is to narrow their search with confidence. First, find a system that works for you by colour coding, ordering choices, and identifying the pros

and cons. Then, reflect on what you want for the next three or four years, and make a realistic plan to achieve this.

VIRTUAL EVENTS If you are ready to explore the possibilities, here are a few organisations and events to consider:  EDU Danmark  Nordic Study Abroad Community  Project Access Denmark  CollegeCouncil - College Day Scandinavia  NACAC Virtual College Fairs  UCAS Discovery Days  Dutch Research University Consortium  Council of International Schools

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 beautiful Denmark.

❝College fairs, whether online or in-person, are a fantastic way to enhance your college search. Speaking directly with university reps gives you an indispensable chance to get a feel for the institution and ask specific questions. My tips are: 1) attend fairs organised by neutral, non-commercial fair organisers who offer high-quality events with a broad base of exhibiting colleges and 2) be prepared: do your research and get your questions ready before the fairs for maximum effect.❞ - Flor Fernandez Kiuppis, Assistant Director, CollegeCouncil

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

23

THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC EXPERIMENT DENMARK'S GRUNDLOVDAG

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

W

WHAT IS DENMARK, in essence? Once you unbundle it from the Danish language, frikadelle, snaps, Olsen's and Jensen's, Viking history and the obsession with the question "What makes one a Dane?" Denmark is one of the most remarkable democracy experiments humanity has ever seen!

What other country in the world can say that it has a yearly tradition of celebrating democracy? The three fundamental rights that allow the existence of democracy are at play come the 5th of June; people gather (freedom of assembly) in parks to listen or give speeches (freedom of speech) at events organised by local associations (freedom of association).

You might wonder, what is so special about democracy in Denmark? Most of the countries in the world are democratic today. So why call Denmark the great democratic experiment? To answer these questions, we need to look back at its history. This country was once a class-based society, in which the royals, nobles and clergy used to thrive at the expense of the farmers and the workers. Motivated to end the exploitation and aware that they represented the majority of the population, the workers and farmers organised and fought hard to obtain the right to candidate and vote.

So, you can say democracy in Denmark is the people's project.

Danish society changed forever with the implementation of the 1849 Constitution (Grundloven) and the subsequent changes to it.

It became an arena where competing interests battle for the power to change rules and allocate resources.

Organised workers created trade unions to negotiate their salaries and working conditions and formed the Social Democratic party. Farmers created agricultural associations where they negotiated prices and marketplace conditions and formed the Venstre (Liberal) party. Intellectuals gathered and formed the Social Liberal Party (Radikale Venstre), while landowners and nobility created the Conservative Party. It became apparent to every member of society that active participation was needed if their interests were to be protected.

Since 1849, the continuous struggle that characterised the Danish democracy has blossomed into a society that can take pride in a high turnout every time voters are asked to vote. However, how does one obtain the "high turnout" that is mostly a pipe dream in most democracies?

There are three important parts: Education – Read and learn about democratic values in school.

Practice – Make sure you join associations that are similar to minisocieties. Here you will learn to debate, acquire knowledge, challenge arguments, compromises and vote for people and proposals.

Trust - in the democratic institutions.

90% of the population is a member of at least one association, 70% participate actively, and 40% have a leadership position on the as-

"DANISH SOCIETY CHANGED FOREVER WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1849 CONSTITUTION (GRUNDLOVEN) AND THE SUBSEQUENT CHANGES TO IT."

NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE POLITICIAN Born in 1990 in a village in the

sociation's board. On average, a person in Denmark is a member of 3-4 associations. And democracy doesn't mean only elections for the Parliament, the local councils or the regional ones. Democracy is also present in your everyday life; you can influence the conditions at the school where your child attends by joining the school board, affect the conditions in your neighbourhood by joining the housing association and/or the district council, and even changing the conditions at your utility companies by joining the consumer boards. The list goes on…

Active participation is vital to join the great democratic experiment that is Denmark. If you organise, you can have a say, and your ideas can be financed and become a reality. If you don't organise, you pay the price despite contributing to the common money pot; you won't have a say over how that money is used. Imagine Danish society as a chess table, where different groups are engaged in the game of power. The unorganised groups represent the pawns on the table, and who has the lowest involvement in the game of power? You guessed right, it's us, the non-Danes. We are one of those pawns on the chess table. Unfortunately, we are the sacrificial pawn.

This means that some groups, to gain a competitive advantage, use the sacrificial pawn. They can enforce what we view as strange rules (finalisation of citizenship by a handshake), they can deport us (Syrian refugees being sent home), they can take opportunities away from us (the reduction in the number of English-speaking places in universities), and they can make you feel less equal - all in the name of gaining political capital.

Now, we have an option. We can continue being sacrificial pawns, or we can organise. The time has come for us to join Denmark the greatest democracy experiment on Earth. THE-INTL

north-east of Romania, Narcis made Aalborg his new home since 2009. Smitten by the Danish model, he decided to get involved in the local community leading to him becoming a strong voice on the topic of usage of the local political rights by the internationals. In 2017, he became the first nonDanish citizen to run for regional elections and to represent Denmark in the Council of Europe. He holds or held leadership positions in European Youth Denmark, Europabevægelsen, Socialdemokratiet Nørresundby, DSU Aalborg, and Frit Forum International. www.facebook.com/Narcis George.Matache/ https://www.linkedin.com/ in/narcisgmatache/

LAST WEEK IN

DENMARK

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

24

SCOUT OUT STUNNING NATURE IN ONE OF DENMARK'S NATIONAL PARKS

HERE ARE THE TOP PICKS OF DANISH NATIONAL PARKS TO EXPLORE OVER SUMMER.

PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN GUSTAFSON / VARIOUS

TEXT ERIN GUSTAFSON

W IN JUTLAND

THY NATIONAL PARK Set along the sweeping northwest coast of Jutland, Nationalpark Thy was the first designated Danish national park, opened in 2008. Here the wild North Sea plays a significant role in shaping the unique character of this landscape. Home to Denmark's own surfing paradise – the village of Klitmøller is known locally as "Cold Hawaii," where you can hang ten with the locals or just enjoy the view from offshore.

Look out for the large herds of native red deer in the woods and floppy seals on the shore. With 244 square kilometres of wide sandy beaches, rolling grassy dunes and wind-snarled forests to explore – Thy has a diversity of landscape to inspire everyone. https://eng.nationalparkthy.dk/

WADDEN SEA NATIONAL PARK Slip a little further south along the west Jutland shores to find Nationalpark Vadehavet, part of the greater Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning this section of protected coast between Denmark, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Birdwatchers will rejoice at the seasonal opportunities to see migrating birds swoop and glide over the marshy landscape. Famous for impressive swarms of starling murmurations come spring and autumn – it's called "Sort Sol" or "Black Sun" by the locals. Next, pluck oysters

JONAS TOGO

WITH FIVE DANISH national parks to choose from across the country, there are plenty of gorgeous natural areas for everyone to explore this summer. While a relatively new concept in this country, each of these protected national parks afford ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the outdoors and even pick up some ancient history and culture along the way. Plan a day out or dedicate a week to camping or hiking, touring and exploring one of these wild and beautiful natural parks. fresh from the sea and wander through heather laden hillocks on the islands of Rømø, Fanø, and Mandø. The Vadehavecentret nature center near the darling medieval village of Ribe is a perfect place to start. https://eng.nationalparkvadehavet.dk/

MOLS BJERGE NATIONAL PARK Pop to the eastern side of Jutland to walk the diverse natural paths of Nationalpark Mols. Make your base near the cobblestoned cuteness of Ebeltoft, especially come summer when the hollyhocks (stokroser) blossom in front of every colourful half-timbered house. Over here, you'll find hills and valleys formed by the last ice age and evidence of Viking times. Meander the ruins of the Kalø Slot (Castle) and find bronze age burial mounds. Ancient history fans shouldn't miss the Poskær Stenhus, a preserved Neolithic grave from 3300 B.C.E., impressive for the enormous 11-tonne capstone still in place. Or just wander the serene beach at Ahl Hage. https://eng.nationalparkmolsbjerge.dk/

ON ZEALAND

SKJOLDUNGERNES LAND NATIONAL PARK Spanning the marshy and forested fjords around Roskilde, Nationalpark Skjoldungernes Land might be the most difficult to say but gives visitors a chance to

LEFT TO RIGHT: ERIN GUSTAFSON; METTE JOHNSEN; SKJOLDUNGERNES LAND NATIONAL PARK; ERIN GUSTAFSON

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

connect with the regional culture and outdoors. Hike through deciduous forests, canoe across lakes or ride through the lush landscape astride a horse or your bike. Sidle up to your Viking past at the Ship Museum in Roskilde or at the Gl. Lejre Museum. Come summer, take a historical walk with a museum volunteer and learn more about the first mythical Viking kings that made their homes here. https://eng.nationalparkskjoldungernesland.dk/

ROYAL NORTH ZEALAND NATIONAL PARK Roam the lands of historic Danish kings the Kongernes Nordsjælland Nationalpark includes two more of Denmark's UNESCO Heritage Sites – the Par Force Hunting Landscape of North Zealand and Hamlet's own Elsinore Castle. North of Copenhagen, explore the 260 square kilometres spanning from Hillerød to Helsingør and west to the historic settlements surrounding Arresø (lake.) Next, walk through the country's largest old-growth forest at Gribskov - home to a vast wild herd of fallow deer. Finally, plan a day out walking a section of the Tisvildevejen Pilgrimage Route from Esrum Kloster (Abbey) all the way out to the north coast and the brilliant blue sea at Tisvildeleje. http://www.nationalpark-kongernes-nordsjaelland.dk/Default?La=GB THE-INTL

ERIN GUSTAFSON WRITER & BLOGGER Erin is a travel writer and culture hound exploring a life across borders in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is the creator-in-chief at Oregon Girl Around the World, a blog that focuses on sustainable travel for the whole family.

With a background in graphic design, photography and art history, Erin has a creative way of seeing a destination and believes that travel choices can have positive impacts for both the traveller and the communities visited. A local in Denmark since 2014, Erin has embraced the green city of Copenhagen and loves to share her insider tips. oregangirlaroundtheworld. com oregongirlaroundtheworld/ oregongirl_aroundtheworld

25

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATION TRADITIONS

D

PHOTOGRAPHS LYNDSAY JENSEN / ISTOCK

TEXT JOSEPHINE WAN

DANES LOVE TO celebrate life! So many occasions in life are precious, but some are more precious than others. High school graduation in Denmark is one of them.

PARTING IS SUCH SWEET SORROW In one of my previous articles, I mentioned the strong sense of community young people have here. A lot is happening during their final month of high school: final exams, achieving significant milestones, the upcoming memorial celebration, and welldeserved summer holidays. This is not an experience they celebrate alone but with the whole class as one unique community.

JOSEPHINE WAN

THE FINAL EXAM

B2B SALES COORDINATOR

The final is usually an oral exam. Unlike other countries, this final exam is not competitive. Instead, there is a lot of support from classmates as they cheer for each other once they leave the classroom. When the final exam is completed, and they’ve received their grade, they now hold the title of student (high school graduate). The student's parents and family are waiting outside the exam room to congratulate their child by handing them a rose. One of the parents does the honour of placing the studenterhue (the graduation cap) on their head.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE HAT Families and studenter usually go out for dinner the same evening, and the student will, of course, be wearing their studenterhue.

It’s the norm to wear the graduation cap for at least 2 weeks, and there are lots of fun rules surrounding the dos and don’ts of cap etiquette. They are proud of showing others their achievement, and it is courtesy that people they meet on the street congratulate them, even if they don’t know each other.

On the graduation cap, there is a ribbon representing which kind of youth education they have completed. In the old days, there were only two: blue (for Mathematics students) and red (for Arts students). However, as I also mentioned in one of my previous articles, Denmark offers a wide range of youth educations.

Today, you can see graduation caps with ribbons of many colours: red (STX), light blue (HF), royal blue (HHX), marine blue (HTX) and many more, which you can read about on this website: https://www.alt.dk/artikler/studenterhue-farver-det-betyder-deforskellige-farver If you’re not familiar with the different youth educations, you can go back and refer to this article where I introduced them: https://www.the-intl.com/post/choosing-a-high-school-education

THE TRUCK RIDE After all the hard work and celebration with family, this is the day the students have been waiting for! Now it’s time for the whole class to kick back and relax with their classmates. Students that are a year behind them decorate special open-top trucks equipped with loud stereo systems and designated drivers. Before explain-

Born and raised in international Hong Kong, Josephine developed her interests in languages and culture from an early age. She speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, German and Danish, and she has ing the drive, it’s good to mention the student truck ride fun rules (studenterkørsel regler). These fun rules vary from school to school and range from learning a battle cry to scream at passing student trucks to jogging behind the truck if you received a high grade on your final exam. There are many more and lots of websites to check out what different students do: http://skullemantageenoel. dk/studenterkorsel-olspil/ The proud moment for students and parents is when they drive round to each student's home, where they make a short visit – usually no more than 15 minutes, depending on the size of the class.

Once there, parents will organise snacks and drinks for the thirsty students before they hop back on the truck and head out to the next destination. Some truck rides have to be celebrated over two days due to geographical areas and limited time. The trucks play loud music, and the studenter are in a great mood, drinking and cheering as the truck drives past motorists and pedestrians. Everyone greets and sends their congratulations when they see these trucks. Studenterkørsel is such a lovely Danish tradition that they celebrate with their fellow studenter and the rest of Denmark.

So, when you see them out and about this summer, don’t forget to wave, honk a horn and generally send them good cheer for their future into adult life! THE-INTL

travelled to over 20 countries.

Living in Denmark since 1999, she’s been a Danish citizen for 10 years and speaks fluent Danish, and considers herself fully integrated. However, she still remembers the challenges when she first moved here: the language barrier, who to ask for help and advice, etc.

She hopes to contribute and share useful insights and positive experiences with other internationals through her articles. https://www.facebook. com/trainofthoughtBYjose phinewan @my_train_of_thought_

IT’S THE NORM TO WEAR THE GRADUATION CAP FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS – THERE ARE LOTS OF FUN RULES SURROUNDING THE DOS AND DON’TS OF CAP ETIQUETTE.

by_jj https://dk.linkedin.com/in jjyanyanwan

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

26

FOOD ART

CREAMY LEMON TART

With the hope of warmer weather on the horizon, this lemon tart will make all your summer dreams come true! This dessert is bursting with tart and zesty citrus flavour. It is perfectly complemented by a sweet-meets-salty biscuit crust and topped off with velvety swirls of whipped cream. This lemon tart is so easy to bake but makes for a beautiful presentation. Serve it chilled and ring in summertime!

PHOTOGRAPHS CLAIRE BOGUSZ

TEXT CLAIRE BOGUSZ

CLAIRE BOGUSZ BAKER AND BLOGGER Claire grew up moving around frequently, never imagining she’d have the opportunity to experience raising her own

CREAMY LEMON TART (SERVES 10-12)

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUST: 14 digestive biscuits, crushed 85 g butter, melted 2 tbsp sugar INGREDIENTS FOR THE FILLING: 118 ml fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons) 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish 4 egg yolks INGREDIENTS FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM: 158 ml heavy cream (piskefløde) 35 g icing sugar (flormelis) ½ tsp vanilla sugar (vanilje sukker) lemon slices, for garnish METHOD: #1 Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius.

Grease tart pan. #2 Combine digestive crumbs, melted butter and sugar. #3 Press the digestive biscuit mixture into the

bottom and up the sides of the tart pan.

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

#4 Bake for 7 minutes, then remove from oven and

set aside. #5 Whisk together lemon juice and sweetened

condensed milk. Set aside. #6 In a mixer bowl, beat the lemon zest and egg

yolks on high until pale—for about 3 minutes. #7 Add condensed milk mixture to egg mixture and

beat together until smooth. #8 Pour filling into baked crust. #9 Bake for 15-17 minutes. The edges should be

set, and the centre should jiggle a little when

the tart is moved. #10 Let the tart cool for 30 minutes on a wire

cooling rack. Then refrigerate for at least

6 hours, or until firm. If using a tart pan with

a removable bottom, push the bottom up,

releasing the tart ring. #11 To make whipped cream, whip together heavy

cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar

until the mixture thickens and stiff peaks form. #12 Using a piping bag fitted with an open star tip,

pipe whipped cream in circles on top of the tart,

starting from the centre and

working outward. Fill in gaps with small flowers

by piping tiny drops of whipped cream. #13 Add thinly sliced lemon and sprinkle with lemon

zest. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

children as expats one day. In 2018, her husband’s job relocated the family from the USA to Copenhagen. Living in the capital city, they’ve loved biking, travelling, and the ability to immerse their three children in a foreign language.

Donuts to Danish was born out of Claire’s passion for creating art and her love of baking. She finds great joy in helping others celebrate special moments with custom-made cakes and cookies. For order inquiries, email claire@donutstodanish.com www.donutstodanish.com @donutstodanish

27

SCHOOL CULTURE SHOCK CHOOSING LOCAL VS INTERNATIONAL

WHEN CHOOSING BETWEEN A DANISH OR AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, MANY PARENTS ARE FACED WITH AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT WILL IMPACT THEIR CHILD’S EDUCATIONAL FUTURE IN DENMARK. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT KELLY KRISTENSEN

M

MOVING TO A new place can be an exciting time, but it can also bring its fair share of worries. One concern on every parent’s mind is picking the right school for his or her child. However, parents can use this time to reflect on what they feel is best for their child and their family when deciding where their child should attend school.

If you live in an area where you only have the local Danish school as an option, your choice is made for you. However, if you have the choice to send your child to a Danish or an international school, there are many factors to consider when deciding which type of school is best for your situation.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS An international school is a great option for those families who are only in Denmark for a short time or for those who want their children to continue with a curriculum that is more like those found in the UK or USA. This can be helpful if you plan to move from Denmark while your child is still in school. Also, many of leisurely pace. For this reason, learning Danish can come natuthe other students come from various countries and understand rally to younger children without adding the stress of keeping up what it is like to be in a new place, and they all speak the same with the curriculum. This is also true since grades are not givlanguage. This could help your child settle into his or her new en in Danish schools usually until your child is in the 8th grade. school and make friends quickly.

By learning the language and experiencIf you are an international parent, you ing social norms that other children in DenDANISH SCHOOLS (FOLKESKOLE) might find it easier to help your child with mark are experiencing, your child can feel ARE A GREAT PLACE TO GET YOUR their studies since it is a language you unmore integrated and learn what it means derstand. In addition, students can still to be “Danish”. Knowing the language can CHILD IMMERSED IN DANISH learn Danish in these schools, which may help them make friends in their sports clubs CULTURE AND LANGUAGE. be a helpful way for them to learn about the and with other children in the neighbourculture and language without the pressure hood and take their high school placement of needing to know it right away to understand the coursework. exams in the 8th and 9th grades. There are many positives to atInternational schools are also great for older students who tending a Danish school. It can even be beneficial later when those don’t have much time left before they go on to high school and children grow up and continue onto Danish universities, where the university. However, learning a new language can slow down a educational structure and language will be familiar. child’s learning in a Danish school since all of the new material will first need to be translated.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE No matter where you choose to send your child, and no matter DANISH SCHOOLS the reason, they are sure to have a unique experience during their Danish schools (folkeskole) are a great place to get your child imeducational time in Denmark. In all schools, you will find a very mersed in Danish culture and language. If you plan to stay in laid-back approach to communicating with lots of chances for stuDenmark for a long time or even if you are undecided, you might dents to express themselves in different ways and learn from colfind that a Danish school is a better option to get your child inlaborative activities. In addition, special themed units, sports day, tegrated into society. holiday decorating, and other events are a part of every school Younger children are given more freedom to play and grow soin Denmark, which helps to bring students together and teach a cially than those in other countries, and education is taken at a sense of community. THE-INTL

KELLY KRISTENSEN WRITER AND BLOGGER Kelly is an American teacher turned marketer living in rural Jutland. She is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel My New Danish Life, where she reveals her experience and tips for exploring and integrating into Denmark as part of an international family. Absorbing her inspiration and happiness in Denmark’s natural places, she is often found in the nearby woods around Viborg, Denmark, where she lives with her husband and two sons, ages 10 and 8. mynewdanishlife.com facebook.com/Mynewdan ishlife/ instagram.com/my_new_ danish_life/ youtube.com/mynewdan ishlife

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

28

INCLUSION VS SPECIAL EDUCATION CHOOSING WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARTINA POPADAKOVA / SARA R. NEWELL

W

WHEN FACING YOUR child's education decisions, the first priority is to find a school that will support your child's development and learning. We introduced special education in mainstream schools (Folkeskolen) and what to expect in the last issue. This month we talked to Flemming Nielsen, head of special needs school Ådalskolen in Ringsted.

We discussed the school's approach to students with special needs and how to navigate the admission process.

GOALS AND VALUES

If a child attending a mainstream school needs special pedagogical assistance, the school headmaster can decide to grant the child support for up to 9 teaching hours (12 lessons) per week, and teaching should be adjusted individually according to the child's abilities and needs. If a child needs more special assistance than a mainstream school can offer, then the child may be eligible for enrollment in a special needs school, where the focus should be on meeting the child's individual needs on every possible level of everyday schooling.

Flemming explains: "Parents want their children to do a lot of other things such as being able to communicate, to understand themselves and their special needs, and to be social with other friends. But, mostly, to be in touch with their own life as much as possible." In many cases, it can be a lengthy process when trying to find the most suitable school for meeting your child's needs.

FINDING THE BEST OPTION FOR YOUR CHILD The first part of the process is assessing your child by PPR, who then makes a referral that your child either should: be included in a mainstream class, attend a special class within the mainstream school (folkeskole), or attend a special needs school. In most cases, children are moved towards inclusion in a mainstream class. However, not all students benefit from inclusion. For example, some mainstream schools will not provide adequate assistance with everyday practical tasks, which means that some children's special needs will not be sufficiently met. However, in special needs schools assisting children with everyday practical tasks is its highest priority.

DOES FREE SCHOOL CHOICE APPLY TO SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS?

"IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOUR CHILD'S CURRENT SCHOOL IS NOT MEETING YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS AND DEVELOPMENT, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPLY FOR ANOTHER SCHOOL." - FLEMMING NIELSEN, PRINCIPAL CHANGING FROM ONE SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL TO ANOTHER If you are in a situation where your child is already enrolled in a special needs school, but you think that a different special needs school would be better for your child, Flemming advises: "If parents consider changing schools, they should first visit the school they are considering, talk to the headmaster, and get a feel of the environment to make sure that this is a better option for the child."

APPEAL

If you believe that your child's current school is not meeting your child's needs and development, you have the right to apply for another school. Flemming further explains: "Even though parents have the opportunity to use the freedom to choose a school if there is a space, it's not always a smooth process." The right to free choice is limited in practice since the municipality can decide that inclusion or a special needs class in a mainstream school is sufficient, meaning that parents will not be able to choose a special needs school for their child. In many cases, it can be difficult for parents, the municipality and PPR to reach a consensus on what is best for the child.

If you disagree with the municipality's decision regarding which school your child should attend or how much special assistance your child should receive, you always have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal deadline is 4 weeks from the date the decision has been made, and your appeal must be sent back to the authority that made the decision.

If the municipality upholds the decision, the case will be forwarded to the Complaints Board for Special Education, then re-assessing the decision. Therefore, we strongly advise that you: appeal in writing, make sure you get a written confirmation for receipt of your appeal, and follow up regularly with the municipality to ensure that deadlines for processing your case are upheld. THE-INTL

MARTINA POPADAKOVA is Slovak by blood and a Global Citizen by heart. She has completed an MSc in International Security & Law at the University of Southern Denmark in 2018. Over the last 2 years, she has worked as a facilitator and project coordinator in various NGOs. She is multifaceted and committed with an unwavering passion for human rights. Martina is a creator of Empowerment Journey. www.empowerment-journey.com / www.linkedin.com/in/martina-popadakova / www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1107008696 / @martinapopadakova

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

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

29

GRUNDLOVSDAG AND FATHER’S DAY

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

Dads have the day off, and we celebrate Constitution Day. Though the latter was written in 1849, some principles stem from the Viking age, e.g., trust between citizens and the rule of law. Enjoy!

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

FIRST IN A SERIES

A CLASSIC VIKING TALE

INSPIRED BY THE SAGAS

GAIMAN IS A SKALD

THE LAST KINGDOM

WAR OF THE GODS

THE HALF-

NORSE MYTHOLOGY

BY BERNARD CORNWELL

BY POUL ANDERSON Hadding is the last un-

Uthred is born as an

known heir to a royal

heir to a Cornish fort,

throne and is sent to

b u t h e i s t a ke n a n d

the giants as a young

raised by Vikings as a

b o y f o r s a f e t y. H i s

boy. During the reign of

quest to regain the sto-

Alfred, he is repeatedly

len throne of his kin is

forced to choose a side,

against the odds, but

as the Danes keep com-

a mysterious old man

ing to colonise England

helps out.

by the sword.

DROWNED KING

BY LINNEA

and book talks.

BY NEIL GAIMAN

HARTSUYKER

The old stories that are

A brother and sister have to find their own way to revenge and freedom when their stepfather be trays them. Siding with Harald Fairhair, a young warrior prophesied to be the first high king of Norway, might be the way to both.

of the new stories are

at the heart of so many here; the creation of the World, how Odin lost his eye, Thor’s hammer, Loki’s children, the betrayals, the sacrifices, the love stories and the battles.

DID YOU KNOW? The first pub quiz of 2021 is coming! Thursday 10th of June at 19 – 22, we are finally back in business, and you are cordially invited; you can come as a team (max 6 persons), or if you come alone, we will help you find a team. Free tickets: Salg Pub Quiz at the library (place2book.com)

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

30

EDUCATING YOURSELF ABOUT

CANINE PARAINFLUENZA PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

C

CANINE PARAINFLUENZA IS a virus that can contribute to respiratory infections, often lumped together as kennel cough. A more technical term for the condition is infectious tracheobronchitis, and dogs may develop the illness from different viruses or bacteria, including Bordetella.

The most common symptom of canine parainfluenza is coughing. However, some dogs can also develop a secondary bacterial infection that can make them feel even worse. Like many infections, dogs can pass canine parainfluenza to other dogs quite readily, particularly in kennels and shelters. Unfortunately, many dogs may be sharing the germs when they aren't symptomatic, causing a rapid spread of the infection.

For most dogs, canine parainfluenza is not life-threatening and will resolve with minimal treatment. In addition to coughing, other common symptoms include fever, lethargy, inappetence, and sneezing. Unfortunately, some dogs may develop significant complications, such as pneumonia, that need to be treated with more intensive care.

Canine parainfluenza is not species-specific and can spread to other mammals, including cats and even people, especially if they are immunocompromised, although this is not nearly as common as transmission between dogs.

Diagnosing canine parainfluenza is often presumptive, based upon a dog's history of being boarded, a recent adoption, or even travelling. However, in cases where a more concrete diagnosis is needed, such as a pet still being boarded and potentially exposing other dogs, specific laboratories offer PCR testing.

HOW IS CANINE PARAINFLUENZA TREATED? Your veterinarian will recommend a course of therapy, including anti-inflammatories such as carprofen for febrile dogs.

Anti-viral treatments are not commonly used in pets. In most cases, veterinarians will not prescribe an antibiotic like doxycycline unless they are also suspicious of a bacterial infection complicating your dog's case.

At home, you may find that steam can help your dog breathe more comfortably, just like if you have a stuffy nose. Of course, a humidifier can be beneficial, but you may just want to run a hot shower with the door closed and let your dog spend 10 minutes in the bathroom.

While your dog is sick, they need to be kept away from other dogs, especially those that have not been vaccinated. This means no trips to the dog park, no grooming visits, and no friends coming over.

VACCINATING AND PREVENTING INFECTION You can help reduce the risk of your dog developing a canine parainfluenza infection by taking them to a veterinarian for pre-

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TAREK ABU SHAM CEO & FOUNDER OF MYPETERINARIAN

ventative care. A combination vaccine is usually recommended for puppies and then yearly or every three years for adult dogs. The vaccines most commonly used may be a five-way, six-way, or seven-way vaccine, such as Duramune by Zoetis. In addition to helping protect against parainfluenza, which is not usually a severe infection, these vaccines are often also designed to produce an immune response against canine distemper and canine parvovirus. Unfortunately, these viral infections can be downright deadly.

Most puppies receive these vaccines starting at 6 to 8 weeks, as their mother's immunity is starting to wane in their bodies. Your veterinarian will suggest a schedule, most commonly every 3 to 4 weeks until your dog is at least 16 weeks old.

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.

IMPORTANCE OF VACCINES

www.mypeterinarian.com

"AT HOME, YOU MAY FIND THAT STEAM CAN HELP YOUR DOG BREATHE MORE COMFORTABLY, JUST LIKE IF YOU HAVE A STUFFY NOSE."

Vaccines are essential to protecting pets, and side effects are rare. While canine parainfluenza is often more of a nuisance than a serious health risk, you don't want your dog to develop pneumonia or another life-threatening condition. Talk to your veterinarian about the best preventative care schedule for your pet. THE-INTL

31 RE VIE W

WORK, PLAY OR STAY THE CHOICE IS YOURS AT ZOKU PHOTOGRAPHS ZOKU / CATHERINE HEFFERAN

TEXT CATHERINE HEFFERAN

CONVENIENTLY SITUATED 18 MINUTES FROM THE CENTRAL STATION AND 23 MINUTES FROM COPENHAGEN AIRPORT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ZOKU, THE NEW HOME-OFFICE HYBRID HOTEL IN AMAGER, IS JUST A FEW STEPS REMOVED FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY.

THE DOORS SLIDE open to reveal clean white beams and green plants flanking both sides of the green house-glassed hallway. I've always believed plants help to give a house softness and a feeling of calm and cosiness. Walking past a swing (yes, a swing!) amongst the leafy greens, I feel my stress evaporate. The hallway opens up, and I'm greeted by a smiling Zoku employee who helps me check-in seamlessly.

The main room is open and inviting, a theme throughout Zoku's shared spaces. Around the bar, there are a variety of sectioned off sitting areas, using shelving and an eclectic assortment of items - books, plants, games, guitars, even a large glass jar filled with hard candies - to give privacy while still not feeling enclosed. Sidenote: All of these items are meant to be used, so pick up that chess set or strum that guitar!

The game room is a turquoise and grey wonderland for kids and adults alike. Large sofas flank the walls, which I'd be remiss to say are LEGO walls, with banks of pieces at hand right behind the sofas and video game consoles at the ready.

The "Everything Pantry" is available for late arrivals that need a snack or essentials to get them through the night. And then there's the ample event space, which can be rented as a whole or half, with each having its own kitchenette.

WORK Serving remote workers and digital nomads since 2016, there is ample to choose from. Co-working stations, private work lofts and workstation packages are available or join the WORKZOKU FAMILY membership, which gives you access to shared co-working spaces. This also means access to all of Zoku's locations: Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Vienna. Get to know other Zokus members at exclusive community dinners, live music nights, and other social events. In addition, there are desk alcoves, large multi-coloured booths and meeting rooms, all equipped with the essentials, a dash of fun accessories and great natural light.

STAY

THINGS TO DO While there is enough to keep you happily occupied within Zoku, for those looking to explore, a quick 2-minute walk and you'll be able to hop on public transport and head towards the city. Or, you can always travel further afield and check out Amager's offerings, such as Reffen, National Aquarium Denmark, Copenhill or Amager Strandpark.

ATTRACTIONS:  Reffen - reffen  National Aquarium Denmark - denblaaplanet  Copenhill - copenhill RESTAURANTS AND CAFES:  Social Brew - socialbrew  The American Pie Company - theamericanpieco SHOPPING:  Fisketorvet - fisketorvet  Torvehallerne - torvehallernekbh

I can see why Forbes calls Zoku "One of the 25 coolest hotels in the world". Gymnast rings are hanging from the centre of the room, hardwood floors, little written instructions throughout ("turn me on," says the pull cord in the bathroom) that pleasantly reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, and a huge floor-to-ceiling view of the city. The kitchen and dining table are perfect for eating or spreading out with your work. The lofted bed is super plush, and you can control the entire lighting system from under your covers!

After marvelling over my loft, I went up to the kitchen for a delicious dinner. Zoku has a limited menu but is always happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. The following day, brunch did not disappoint! I had eggs benedict, which was plate-scrapingly good.

For more information, be sure to check out https://livezoku.com/copenhagen/

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

32

Guide to vaccination against COVID-19

If you are offered vaccination at a vaccination centre, you will usually be notified via e-Boks or by regular mail

If you are offered vaccination at your workplace, you will be notified via your employer

You book an appointment at www.vacciner.dk

You agree the specific time for your vaccination with your workplace

1st VACCINATION

2nd VACCINATION 3-4 weeks, possibly up to 6 weeks, after the 1st vaccination

You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site

The vaccine becomes effective The full effect of the vaccine is expected 7 days after the 2nd dose if you are vaccinated with Comirnaty® and 14 days after the 2nd dose if you are vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna®.

JUNE 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Contact your doctor if you experience side effects

You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site