Meet the 2024 Fall/Winter Advisory Board!
We are excited to feature some of our new and existing advisory board members for this upcoming board season.
How? By letting them share some of their most valuable insights with us; both when it comes to Denmark and Relocation. Here are their answers:
Nichole
Our Newsletter Director and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“I'm in the middle of my relocation from the USA to Denmark as I type this...My best tip so far is to collect gently used suitcases from friends and neighbors, especially if you are doing the move without help from a company. I am flying with several gifted suitcases!”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“I love walking everywhere, to take in the nature and the views. About once a year I will walk to the top of the Round Tower (Rundetaarn) for the fabulous 360* view of the city skyline.”
Nevena
Part of the Community team and a new advisory board Member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Even if you're not physically in Denmark yet, try to 'virtually' be there. Connect with locals, join online communities, and immerse yourself in the culture from afar! :)”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“My favorite thing to do in Denmark is exploring castles. Each visit feels like stepping into a storybook!”
Barbro
Our Community Director and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Keep an open mind.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Spending time outdoors”
Salme
Part of the Newsletter team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Do it in the summer but be aware of the coming winter!”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Saunagus and winterbathing followed by a great pastry with a hot beverage.”
Maria
Co-Founder and VP of Career Club DK:
What is your best relocation tip?
“One of the best relocation tips I can offer is to approach the experience with patience and an open mind. Take time to explore your new surroundings, immerse yourself in the local culture, and build connections in the communities around you. Allow yourself to settle in gradually, and be kind to yourself during the transition.
Focus on interests, join a club, network or class. Learn a new skill perhaps? Danes can sometimes be reserved when it comes to forming new connections, but if you approach with patience and focus on building genuine relationships through shared interests, the transition can feel much smoother. By engaging in activities you enjoy and connecting authentically, you'll find it easier to create meaningful bonds. It's also helpful to remember that Danes often plan their social interactions weeks in advance, usually 2-4+ weeks out, and they commonly use week numbers for scheduling. You can ease into this habit by enabling the week number feature on your calendar, making it easier to align with their scheduling style and plan social activities more smoothly.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“I love spending time in Denmark’s beautiful nature, whether it's walking through serene forests, exploring peaceful beaches, or taking a dip in the ocean year-round. Enjoying these natural spaces brings a sense of mindfulness and gratitude for the things and places we have around us that often are taken for granted.”
Mischa
Part of the social media team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Network network and network some more! It's a quick and easy way to make new friends and get your foot in the door.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Attending fun events around the city, concerts, networking, walks around the lakes, trying new restaurants.”
Emma
Part of the Social Media Team and a new advisory board member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“When I first relocated to Copenhagen in 2017 (I’m currently in the U.K.) I prioritized making new friendships, for both myself, husband and at the time, 1-year-old daughter. This meant a few cringey moments, like asking to hang out with vuggestue parents, or joining a Facebook event purely to make a new friend but it was really worth it. I was so pleased I’d pushed myself to do this early on, as it paid dividends for our integration.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Swim in the sea. Although I haven’t braved this outside of summer, I love how you are always near the water in Denmark, so you can visit the harbors and beaches easily in all seasons…preferably on a bike.”
Iasmyn
Part of the Events Team and a new advisory board member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Prepare for situations in advance, especially if they involve money. Focus on your mental health and well being. For me, having a support system was also important on a more emotional level. Don’t give up when hearing a “no”. Once I heard that the difference between a loser and a winner is that the winner tried one more time and I truly believe in it. In addition, understanding the “system” of the country, such as laws, tax, your rights etc is very very helpful for you to be in control of your life. I highly recommend it, always.
Lastly, have fun, difficult moments will come but after they pass you will see how much you grew out of them. And remember your story can ALWAYS inspire others in a positive way. 😊”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Hygge time 😊”
Claire
Our Social Media Director and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Join all the local Facebook groups.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Visiting new restaurants and cafés.”
Shade'
Part of the Community Team and a new advisory board member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Start the home search early and/or see if your company has temp accommodations until you find permanent housing.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Go to nature where I can be with the sea and trees.”
Emily
Part of the Newsletter Team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“When I moved from Helsinki to Stockholm I rented an AirBnB for the first few weeks while I was searching for a place to live. Then I could view potential apartments first before signing any rental agreements. This is safer and you are less likely to be cheated by swindlers.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Visiting the west coast of Denmark. The west coast has some of Denmark's best beaches.”
Judy
Part of the Newsletter Team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Take things slowly.. Adjusting to the process of relocation takes time and effort.
We tend to judge ourselves and measure ourselves a lot, against ourselves and others, against perceived goals or "who we used to be".. This process requires patience and time.. To discover ourselves, our friends, family and our goals and aspirations. And where we are going…”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Hike in nature with my dog, then end up in a nice café and sit and paint or people watch.”
Jenn
Part of the Community team and a new advisory board member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Join expat groups and expat meetups! It’s a great way to establish a network and make you feel less homesick, as well as get better advice from those who’ve lived in Denmark longer.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“I loved going to Den Gamble By in Aarhus, and soaking in all the history and nature, as well as exploring new cafes or any local food recommendations I find. Meeting new people along the way is always the best perk!”
Anastasija
Part of the social media team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“As an accountant, I recommend keeping a personal budget to track all your income and expenses and maintaining an emergency savings fund. This will help you manage hidden costs that often come with relocation. It's also important to understand the local tax laws. Remember, things won’t always go according to plan, so stay flexible and patient. Be open to change, and treat every experience as a learning opportunity.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Exploring Copenhagen by bike! It’s the best way to experience the city’s charm, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the beautiful streets and parks.”
Linet
Part of the events team and a new advisory board member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Put aside the stereotypes, and get down to meet people in their humanity, vulnerable, authentic, and raw. You might be surprised!”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Visiting Tívoli with my family and friends. Tantra events!”
Kanchan
Part of the events team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“My best relocation tip would be to start learning Danish early, even though most locals speak English, as it helps with integration and job opportunities. Additionally, connect with expat or local communities for support and networking!”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“One of my favorite things about Denmark is embracing hygge in cozy coffee houses. To me, CPH stands for “Coffee, Pastries, and Hygge.” There’s nothing better than enjoying a warm cup, a flaky pastry, and a quiet moment in one of Copenhagen’s inviting cafés. It’s the perfect way to feel at home. ☕🍰😃”
Ofri
Part of the newsletter team and a new advisory board member:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Use all the wonderful resources we have to get familiar with the place you're moving to, especially if you've never been there before. Technology and the abundance of content on the internet make it accessible for us to walk the streets, browse the grocery shops, learn about public transportation, and get an overall feel of what life would look like in this new place. Knowing and "experiencing" as much as possible before the move can help alleviate anxiety and adjust expectations.”
Louise
Part of the community team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
Clean up your stuff and make sure to get a network in the "new place".
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Love to go to Tivoli and see the Halloween and Winter garden.”
Rachel
Our Events Director and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Join community groups on Facebook to meet people!”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Dinners with friends, swimming in Copenhagen's harbor baths, strolls through Frederiksberg Have, Klampenborg and around the lakes, weekends at cozy summer houses, and exploring new coffee shops and restaurants.”
Nischa
Founder of Career Club DK:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Not Networking is Notworking.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Meeting new interesting people from all over the world when networking or socializing.”
Slava
Part of the newsletter team and one of our seasoned advisory board members:
What is your best relocation tip?
“Don’t expect any guarantees. You won’t be handed instant likability from people in a new place. There will likely be plenty of days when you feel dissatisfied or stressed. But that’s a small price to pay for the sake of curiosity.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Denmark?
“Amager Strand is a gem for swimming! With clean waters, a long sandy beach, and plenty of space, it’s one of the best places around Copenhagen to dive in. You’ve got both shallow areas perfect for a relaxing swim and deeper spots for more serious swimmers. Plus, the views of the Øresund and the bridge to Malmo, and the windmills on the horizon make it feel pretty epic. If you’re up for some winter swimming (a big thing in Denmark!), there are groups that gather for cold dips. There are also shower facilities, changing rooms, and cafés nearby to warm up with a hot coffee.”
Article By
Ofri Ben David
