The following expat profiles have kindly volunteered to answer the same six questions about living and working in Denmark.
We are interested in presenting as diverse a range of profiles as possible, and are therefore looking for more contributions. If you would like to participate, please contact Craig Till at crt(a)expatindenmark.com.
Aida
When did you arrive in Denmark?
I arrived in 2007.
What initially brought you to Denmark?
I was part of an exchange program for a year at Copenhagen Business School (CBS).
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
Fairness, simplicity, transparency and equality.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
The feeling of security, welfare and tranquility.
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
As typical as it sounds, getting through the darkness in winter was really tough, in part also because it carries with it a lifestyle of being indoors and being from Spain that is particularly difficult to get used to. I would say that another challenge was finding out how to go about standard procedures, like searching for apartments, reporting when you move (I had no idea they can give you a fine for reporting it too late!), dealing with health services and, of course, figuring out the tax system. Lastly, language has also been a barrier. The advantage expats have in this country, though, is that almost all Danes speak English — but not speaking the local language definitely prevents you from getting better integrated, which includes understanding how society works, and what happens in it as well. It is our responsibility, however, in my view, to overcome this challenge as soon as possible, so that our life in Denmark can be much richer, much sooner.
Full name: Aida Blanco Real
Title/position: Marketing Project Manager
Country of origin: Spain
City of residence: Copenhagen
Dmitrij
When did you arrive in Denmark?
I arrived in June 2006.
What initially brought you to Denmark?
I came to work on my PhD.
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
‘Flexicurity’. You can have a perfect work and life balance without jeopardizing your social security or career prospects.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
Respect for the individual, responsible citizenship and integrity of the state.
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
1) Language was much harder to master than I anticipated. Even though the Danes in general are very good at speaking English you actually need to learn Danish if you really want to feel comfortable in all aspects of life.
2) Tacit and rather subtle forms of communication and socialization. There is often more than meets the eye even in routine day-to-day situations and it may take some time and effort for newcomers to capture and understand it.
3) Very scarce hours of sunlight during autumn and winter months.
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
The Danes shouldn’t let themselves be lulled to rest by welfare-fuelled complacency. Many achievements of the Danish society should not be taken for granted but appreciated and enhanced with more passion and enthusiasm!
Full name: Dmitrij Slepniov
Country of origin: Lithuania
City of residence: Aalborg
Scott
When did you arrive in Denmark?
Autumn 2009
What initially brought you to Denmark?
I have an academic appointment at a university.
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
The expectation that one’s work and personal lives are separate, even if this is very difficult for me to achieve! The downside of this is that it can be more difficult to socialise with one’s colleagues.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
Not the best thing, but I appreciate the high awareness, sense and quality of design, particularly as my work is in design research and education. Other good things include living in a safe, secure environment of trust where day to day tasks of administration can be relatively simple and there is less worry about ‘falling through the safety net’ (despite recent government initiatives); and transport options and emancipation from the automobile!
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
1) The Danish language (particularly at work)
2) Finding a social network and the inherent isolation and loneliness without one (many of us are here alone without family or friends)
3) Extreme differences in the workplace culture, especially the lack of hierarchy and reliance upon concensus
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
Make a little extra effort to get to know and help us, even if it means some sacrifice of your time. We are ‘strangers in a strange land’ and often a bit bewildered and lost! Important things you might take for granted are often completely new and unknown to us. Don’t assume that the government / our employers / etc. adequately look after us. Help from individuals is greatly appreciated!
Full name: Scott Chase
Country of origin: USA/UK
City of residence: Aalborg
Constanze
When did you arrive in Denmark?
I arrived back in 1996.
What initially brought you to Denmark?
I got a one-year contract at the Danish Survey and Cadastre (Kort og Matrikelstyrelsen). It was my first job after university.
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
The best thing about working in DK is the culture of straightforwardness and flat hirarchie in Danish companies. There are no hierarchical boundaries between you and your bosses, and an open and cordial dialog (also about your career history) is not only possible but appreciated. Hence it is normal to make your career path far from any greedyness for certain titles but rather chosen from your professional motivations.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
The best thing about living in Denmark is the good culture at work. If I won’t be an employee I probable won’t live in DK.
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
The aloofness of the Danes and their strained contact with foreigners.
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
Be more open/ curious against/ towards foreigners no matter where they do come from. Different religion, culture or skin color don’t make them strangers but interesting people.
Full name: Constanze Goedeckemeyer
Title/position: Program Manager
Country of origin: Germany
City of residence: Copenhagen
Ricco
When did you arrive in Denmark?
I moved here in April 2009 but had been working here on behalf of a UK based company since the previous year.
What initially brought you to Denmark?
While working for a British company I met a girl and so you could say I am a love import!
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
I think it is the fact that Danish companies acknowledge and support the fact that employees have a private life. The work-life balance allows for a happier, and in my mind at least, more efficient work force.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
Danes appreciate the fleetingness of the weather and capitalise on good weather with impromptu get-togethers. Being able to cycle to work also rates high.
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
Currently, the economic situation makes it difficult for non-Danes to find jobs despite being just as well, if not better qualified, than Danes. Also, the bureaucratic system around immigration (and by that I refer to knowledge workers wanting to contribute to Danish society) is inflexible and cumbersome. Many people leave in disgust, telling of their experiences. I think it is giving Denmark an unfair reputation of being xenopohobic.
Lastly, the insistence on Danish being used correspondence with the public sector and in some companies and shops make it difficult for foreigners to integrate. Government policy is actively aimed at preventing integration and trying to blame the foreigners for this situation.
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
Change your policies towards immigrants who want to contribute to your society. You are losing the race for knowledge workers and managing, ironically, to keep the “wrong” immigrants because of the short-sightedness and self-serving attitude of your politicians.
Full name: Ricco Scheepers
Country of origin: South Africa
City of residence: Copenhagen
Tim
When did you arrive in Denmark?
2008. I’m actually co-located and spend half my time in Copenhagen and the other half in London.
What initially brought you to Denmark?
A Dane.
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
I do a lot of writing here so there must be something in the air that feeds my muse. Most of my clients are based in other European countries and Denmark is a convenient and very efficient hub from which to travel to see them.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
The nursery education system – which is second to none, public transport, cycle friendly cities, laid back (and child friendly) café culture, Danish Christmas, the easy-going and relaxed way of life, the Danish film industry (including Lars von Trier), excellent Thai and Pakistani restaurants, Copenhagen’s mellow night scene and cocktail bars, Danish weddings, going to eccentric and very drunken Danish parties, motor biking almost anywhere but particularly in North Sjaelland.
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
1) The cost of living. Dependent on what you read, Copenhagen is now the most expensive city in Europe.
2) The quality of medical practice. Standard medical procedures are fine but more complicated stuff seems to suffer from lack of medical experience.
3) Burglary, vandalism and petty crime – which seems to be escalating – possibly because of (1) above
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
Stop focusing on integration and start talking about cultural adaptation instead. Our Continent’s defining attribute is its cultural diversity and our history littered with disastrous attempts at mono-culturalism. It’s entirely reasonable to expect Non-Danes to adapt by learning the language and engaging in the local community, but not to expect them to embrace every aspect of Danish culture. I don’t do that in my own country, so why would I want to do it here?
Full name: Tim Casserley
Title/position: Founder and director, Edge Equilibrium
Country of origin: UK
City of residence: Copenhagen and London
Jingjing
When did you arrive in Denmark?
I arrived in Denmark in August, 2004
What initially brought you to Denmark?
Denmark is an attractive country. To me, H.C. Andersen was the first foreigner I knew. And Sutong Bridge, the landmark in my hometown, is designed by a Danish company, COWI. When I got my bachelor degree, I decided to continue my study in Denmark.
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
I believe the best thing about working in Denmark is one can easily have a fulfilling family life at the same time of career development
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
I believe the best thing about living in Denmark is it has a peaceful and harmonious society
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
In my opinion, the three big challenges in moving to Denmark are:
1) Learning the Danish language
2) Making friends with Danes
3) The Danish winter (or weather in general)
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
I would ask Danes to concern themselves with, and take more care of, the elder generation in your families. In China, we don’t have as good a welfare system as Denmark, therefore, old people are mainly taken care of by the younger generation. It is very common for the younger generation to visit their parents every week, or even have dinner together every day. Time went by and my parents become aged, but they live 8,273 km away. I really hope Danes could spend more time with the elder generation in their family when the distance is still “reasonable”.
Full name: Jingjing Su
Title/position: Legal Consultant
Country of origin: Peoples' Republic of China
City of residence: Kongens Lyngby
Elmar
When did you arrive in Denmark?
February 2009
What initially brought you to Denmark?
A new assignment with my company.
What is the best thing about working in Denmark?
There is a very high ethical standard throughout the whole society; You call everybody by their first name, and they don’t mind!; This country is bilingual – nearly everybody knows and speaks a fair amount of, or even good, English.
What is the best thing about living in Denmark?
You cycle everywhere in Copenhagen. We love the long summer nights, we love the sea around and the long quiet beaches in north Sjælland, and the whole country is so clean. The Danes are very tolerant. There is an overwhelming openess and acceptance towards foreigners. The free language courses are a brilliant tool to get faster integrated and to get to know better the country and thoughts.
What have been the three biggest challenges in moving to Denmark, so far?
1) To learn that family life is the most important in Denmark – a lot of people have to structure their life around the closing hours of child care facilities ,which is at 4.30 pm.
2) All people are equal – and with this the service level and service approach – meaning people who are serving and helping people – is very low – and surprisingly accepted by the society. You also see self service whereever possible – even in supermarkets self service scanners are becoming more and more common.
3) The registration tax to import our car to Denmark was just shocking!
If you could broadcast one request or message to all 5.4 million Danes – what would it be?
To work more hours should become more attractive. Working more hours a week will increase the productivity and competivness of this country. On the other hand it should also be reflected in more net salary for the employees – and not eaten up by taxes.
Full name: Elmar Derkitsch
Title/position: Hotel General Manager
Country of origin: Austria
City of residence: Frederiksberg