Denmark

This article was written by Global Graduates, published on 7th March 2011 and has been read 4971 times.
A little known fact about Denmark is its length of beach terrain is comparable to that of Brazil or India. Another little known fact is that it’s the birthplace of Windsor’s best attraction, Lego. The Danes don’t tend to shout about their achievements; the country and its atmosphere do just that for them. Once you get here, you can immediately see why the Danes are so quietly happy, it’s just difficult to pinpoint it to just one feature of the country. The beaches are a wonderful thing, often packed with tourists in the high season, but remarkably clean and inviting during the rest of the year; the green fields, with quaint timber houses dotted about its countryside will cast no doubt in your mind that this place has something magical about it; the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen, with their wild natural landscapes and romantic characters resonate across the country...
The Mole Diaries: Copenhagen
Why should I choose Denmark for my year abroad?Whether you’re tempted by the language, similar to Swedish and German at times, but most definitely Scandinavian by heritage, or whether you’re looking to polish your study skills at one of the many prestigious universities around the land, Denmark has a lot to offer the year abroad student. Sure, the cost of living can seem expensive, yet it’s comparable on many levels to the UK, though things tend to run a lot more smoothly here. The trains and buses are on time, you get good customer service, and, generally speaking the people are polite. Bumping into a real Snow Queen may seem unlikely, yet many foreigners have noted that Danish people seem a little cold, on first impressions. Scratch underneath the surface, though, and you’ll soon spot open and hospitable people, understated perhaps, but most definitely friendly once you get to know.
Going out and partying is big in Denmark, as are low-key dinners round people’s houses; it depends on what floats your boat socialising-wise, but either way, you won’t be missing too many of your friends from home, if you decide to set up here. Things are done differently in these parts - but if you’re used to Germanic/Scandinavian culture, it shouldn’t scare you off. On the contrary, it’s what draws you really in. Denmark’s got good universities, a booming business network and, should you feel a little worse for wear, you can easily head to one of the many natural retreats around the country. Art lovers will fall in love with the architecture, both young and old, around Copenhagen and smaller cities such as Aarhus and Aalborg (also known for its boisterous nightlife). Nature fans can go island hopping (there are more than 400!), towards Funen and Lolland-Falster, to experience the real outdoors. History and literature fans can find solemn in Odense, Hans Anderson’s hometown, with its gorgeous church tower and old-school feel.
Whether you’re looking to unleash your inner story-teller thanks to the inspiring surroundings, slap some great experience on your CV thanks to the country’s thriving Anglo-Danish business, or want to study in some of the oldest universities in the world, Denmark offers more than any year abroader could have bargained for...And that can only be a good thing, if you’re planning to get the most out of it!
Comments
If you would like to comment, please login or register.