Citizen Service - Business Region Aarhus
Transcription
Citizen Service - Business Region Aarhus
WELCOME TO BUSINESS REGION AARHUS Share it with the world! $ Read our stories Tax & welfare - what’s in it for me? A region in progress ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Citizen Service in Business Region Aarhus has published this magazine to welcome internationals to our region. The purpose is to tell companies and internationals more about our extensive services, which include: a welcome pack for newcomers, an English website for internationals in the region as well as language training courses for employees in the local Citizens’ Services. We have done this to ensure that you receive the best possible welcome. A warm welcome Job and educational opportunities exist not only for you, but also for your family. Many national and international companies are present in the region, and the city of Aarhus is home to an international school that can provide your children with a recognised, international education – Hopefully, this will clarify some of the questions you might from kindergarten to upper secondary school level. have and outline why our region is such an excellent place to live and work. If, on the other hand, you are Aarhus is the regional capital, while the surrounding municalready here – congratulations! Perhaps you have already ipalities are all unique in terms of their towns, countryfound answers to your questions and discovered the won- side and culture. The towns and villages are clean and ders of our region. If not, well, this is your chance to catch safe, national parks and coastal areas provide numerous up on what life can be like as an international citizen in recreational opportunities, cultural events of an internaBusiness Region Aarhus. tional standard are staged in the region – just to mention but a few of the attractions. If you are reading this as an international citizen, thank you for considering Business Region Aarhus as your next destination. On the following pages, we invite you to come on a journey with us – to give you a warm welcome to our region. Living and working in our region, you will find that there are countless opportunities for international citizens. Two of the best things about Business Region Aarhus are its size and its geographical location. Wherever you are, cities, towns and events in the region can be reached within the hour, while it takes only three hours to drive to Copenhagen or Hamburg. Moreover, most European capitals can be reached within two hours by air. The following pages also provide more information about International Community, the regional network for internationals which arranges various events for international workers and their spouses and families. We are confident that Business Region Aarhus has something to offer you – just as your talent is of great interest to us. Welcome to our region – enjoy your journey here. According to National Geographic, the region of Aarhus is the happiest in the world. This magazine is an open invitation to come and join us. 2 3 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Citizen Service in Business Region Aarhus has published this magazine to welcome internationals to our region. The purpose is to tell companies and internationals more about our extensive services, which include: a welcome pack for newcomers, an English website for internationals in the region as well as language training courses for employees in the local Citizens’ Services. We have done this to ensure that you receive the best possible welcome. A warm welcome Job and educational opportunities exist not only for you, but also for your family. Many national and international companies are present in the region, and the city of Aarhus is home to an international school that can provide your children with a recognised, international education – Hopefully, this will clarify some of the questions you might from kindergarten to upper secondary school level. have and outline why our region is such an excellent place to live and work. If, on the other hand, you are Aarhus is the regional capital, while the surrounding municalready here – congratulations! Perhaps you have already ipalities are all unique in terms of their towns, countryfound answers to your questions and discovered the won- side and culture. The towns and villages are clean and ders of our region. If not, well, this is your chance to catch safe, national parks and coastal areas provide numerous up on what life can be like as an international citizen in recreational opportunities, cultural events of an internaBusiness Region Aarhus. tional standard are staged in the region – just to mention but a few of the attractions. If you are reading this as an international citizen, thank you for considering Business Region Aarhus as your next destination. On the following pages, we invite you to come on a journey with us – to give you a warm welcome to our region. Living and working in our region, you will find that there are countless opportunities for international citizens. Two of the best things about Business Region Aarhus are its size and its geographical location. Wherever you are, cities, towns and events in the region can be reached within the hour, while it takes only three hours to drive to Copenhagen or Hamburg. Moreover, most European capitals can be reached within two hours by air. The following pages also provide more information about International Community, the regional network for internationals which arranges various events for international workers and their spouses and families. We are confident that Business Region Aarhus has something to offer you – just as your talent is of great interest to us. Welcome to our region – enjoy your journey here. According to National Geographic, the region of Aarhus is the happiest in the world. This magazine is an open invitation to come and join us. 2 3 Business Region Aarhus An international region Home to more than 600,000 people and still growing, Business Region Aarhus is an excellent place to live and work for international workers and students. Several initiatives to support international citizens in our region have already been launched. www.businessregionaarhus.com As an international citizen in Business Region Aarhus, you will find plenty of job and education opportunities, not only for you, but also for your family. Perhaps that is why a large number of international citizens have already chosen to make the region their home, with more joining us every year. In Business Region Aarhus, we know that good schooling is a key factor for international families. Aarhus is home to an international school and offers IB certified education all the way from kindergarten level through to upper secondary school. In addition, Aarhus University, including Aarhus School of Business, have numerous full-time and part-time university programmes which are taught in English. Internationalised public service Most internationals in Denmark find that dealing with the public services and the authorities is relatively easy. This is undoubtedly because most people in Denmark speak English, so you will have little trouble communicating. In Business Region Aarhus, we want to ensure that international citizens get off to the best possible start, and it all begins with what we call ‘the best regional welcome’! This is why the citizens’ services across the region have spent the past two years developing a number of welcome services to help internationals on their arrival. A welcome pack in English, which focuses on the specific needs of international families, and an English website, constitute the key services. 4 The welcome pack is distributed through libraries, citizens’ services offices, educational institutions and workplaces, and includes not only practical information, but also goodies like free tickets to cultural institutions and sports and leisure events. Of the information in each welcome pack, 30% is municipality-specific, while 70% is general information about the region, providing you with all the details you need. This way, you don’t have to worry about missing out on information about the wider region. In addition, many of the employees in the partner municipalities in Business Region Aarhus have received language training in English, German and Polish so they are better equipped to communicate with internationals. The website www.businessregionaarhus.com offers access in English to relevant public authorities. Here, international newcomers can read more about what to do when moving to Business Region Aarhus as well as about the services available to internationals. Business Region Aarhus is a regional partnership between eight municipalities in the East Jutland area. The BRA partners comprise the municipalities of Aarhus, Favrskov, Skanderborg, Silkeborg, Syddjurs, Norddjurs, Odder and Samsø. Our vision is to maintain and strengthen the region’s position as one of the two leading knowledge hubs in Denmark with an international reputation. Through a number of initiatives, we support development in the region, making it attractive for companies, entrepreneurs and newcomers. International and innovative companies are present throughout the region. Strong business environments are found within IT, cleantech, medico and health as well as within the food sector. In addition, there are many Danes with an international mindset. 5 Business Region Aarhus An international region Home to more than 600,000 people and still growing, Business Region Aarhus is an excellent place to live and work for international workers and students. Several initiatives to support international citizens in our region have already been launched. www.businessregionaarhus.com As an international citizen in Business Region Aarhus, you will find plenty of job and education opportunities, not only for you, but also for your family. Perhaps that is why a large number of international citizens have already chosen to make the region their home, with more joining us every year. In Business Region Aarhus, we know that good schooling is a key factor for international families. Aarhus is home to an international school and offers IB certified education all the way from kindergarten level through to upper secondary school. In addition, Aarhus University, including Aarhus School of Business, have numerous full-time and part-time university programmes which are taught in English. Internationalised public service Most internationals in Denmark find that dealing with the public services and the authorities is relatively easy. This is undoubtedly because most people in Denmark speak English, so you will have little trouble communicating. In Business Region Aarhus, we want to ensure that international citizens get off to the best possible start, and it all begins with what we call ‘the best regional welcome’! This is why the citizens’ services across the region have spent the past two years developing a number of welcome services to help internationals on their arrival. A welcome pack in English, which focuses on the specific needs of international families, and an English website, constitute the key services. 4 The welcome pack is distributed through libraries, citizens’ services offices, educational institutions and workplaces, and includes not only practical information, but also goodies like free tickets to cultural institutions and sports and leisure events. Of the information in each welcome pack, 30% is municipality-specific, while 70% is general information about the region, providing you with all the details you need. This way, you don’t have to worry about missing out on information about the wider region. In addition, many of the employees in the partner municipalities in Business Region Aarhus have received language training in English, German and Polish so they are better equipped to communicate with internationals. The website www.businessregionaarhus.com offers access in English to relevant public authorities. Here, international newcomers can read more about what to do when moving to Business Region Aarhus as well as about the services available to internationals. Business Region Aarhus is a regional partnership between eight municipalities in the East Jutland area. The BRA partners comprise the municipalities of Aarhus, Favrskov, Skanderborg, Silkeborg, Syddjurs, Norddjurs, Odder and Samsø. Our vision is to maintain and strengthen the region’s position as one of the two leading knowledge hubs in Denmark with an international reputation. Through a number of initiatives, we support development in the region, making it attractive for companies, entrepreneurs and newcomers. International and innovative companies are present throughout the region. Strong business environments are found within IT, cleantech, medico and health as well as within the food sector. In addition, there are many Danes with an international mindset. 5 The Region of Aarhus in progress The main city of the region has a new international city brand: Aarhus – Danish for Progress. The goal of this brand is to let the world know what Aarhus has to offer. A Windy Region Wind capital of the world Aarhus has what the world needs – there just aren’t enough people who know it yet. This was the conclusion of British urban development expert Greg Clark after his first visit to Aarhus almost two years ago. Consequently, the new brand for Aarhus is an international brand which aims to realise an ambitious goal for growth: 75,000 more citizens by 2030. The Aarhus region boasts a unique position in the global wind energy market. It is home to some of the world’s biggest wind turbine manufacturers and constitutes the world’s most advanced knowledge centre within wind power. It boasts an array of suppliers and subcontractors, covering the entire supply chain. Wind energy enjoys solid political support at local, regional and national level. The wind cluster has a long-standing tradition of collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, scientific communities and the public authorities. The goal is clear. The new brand is to strengthen Aarhus’s ability to attract and retain international companies, workers and students. Anholt Offshore Wind Farm Areas of progress 6 Aarhus N Agro Food Park Navitas Katrinebjerg Aarhus N is developing into one of the most important technological knowledge environments within health and welfare in Scandinavia. The goal is that, by 2020, Aarhus N is home to more than 14,000 people – students, scientists, teachers and employees at public and private companies. Agro Food Park is a cluster initiative that brings together specialist companies within all fields of the agricultural and food sector. The vision is to make Agro Food Park one of the world’s five strongest knowledge hubs with 300 knowledge workers at Agro Food Park by 2020. Navitas will be Aarhus’s new centre for energy, innovation, education and IT. When the project is completed in 2014, the ambitious building will host more than 2,000 students, 300 teachers and scientists together with 4-600 employees in local companies. Katrinebjerg in Aarhus is a powerful IT cluster that hosts a unique environment for IT-based education, development, innovation and research. The vision is that Katrinebjerg becomes the strongest IT knowledge and competence centre in Denmark. Denmark’s next large-scale offshore wind farm will be built between Djursland and the island of Anholt in the Kattegat. Anholt Offshore Wind Farm will be Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm with a total capacity of 400 MW. The wind farm will be able to supply more than 400,000 Danish households with CO2-free power every year. This corresponds to 4% of total Danish power consumption, and the wind farm will thus make a significant contribution towards Denmark meeting its objective of ensuring that renewable energy accounts for 30% by 2020. 7 The Region of Aarhus in progress The main city of the region has a new international city brand: Aarhus – Danish for Progress. The goal of this brand is to let the world know what Aarhus has to offer. A Windy Region Wind capital of the world Aarhus has what the world needs – there just aren’t enough people who know it yet. This was the conclusion of British urban development expert Greg Clark after his first visit to Aarhus almost two years ago. Consequently, the new brand for Aarhus is an international brand which aims to realise an ambitious goal for growth: 75,000 more citizens by 2030. The Aarhus region boasts a unique position in the global wind energy market. It is home to some of the world’s biggest wind turbine manufacturers and constitutes the world’s most advanced knowledge centre within wind power. It boasts an array of suppliers and subcontractors, covering the entire supply chain. Wind energy enjoys solid political support at local, regional and national level. The wind cluster has a long-standing tradition of collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, scientific communities and the public authorities. The goal is clear. The new brand is to strengthen Aarhus’s ability to attract and retain international companies, workers and students. Anholt Offshore Wind Farm Areas of progress 6 Aarhus N Agro Food Park Navitas Katrinebjerg Aarhus N is developing into one of the most important technological knowledge environments within health and welfare in Scandinavia. The goal is that, by 2020, Aarhus N is home to more than 14,000 people – students, scientists, teachers and employees at public and private companies. Agro Food Park is a cluster initiative that brings together specialist companies within all fields of the agricultural and food sector. The vision is to make Agro Food Park one of the world’s five strongest knowledge hubs with 300 knowledge workers at Agro Food Park by 2020. Navitas will be Aarhus’s new centre for energy, innovation, education and IT. When the project is completed in 2014, the ambitious building will host more than 2,000 students, 300 teachers and scientists together with 4-600 employees in local companies. Katrinebjerg in Aarhus is a powerful IT cluster that hosts a unique environment for IT-based education, development, innovation and research. The vision is that Katrinebjerg becomes the strongest IT knowledge and competence centre in Denmark. Denmark’s next large-scale offshore wind farm will be built between Djursland and the island of Anholt in the Kattegat. Anholt Offshore Wind Farm will be Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm with a total capacity of 400 MW. The wind farm will be able to supply more than 400,000 Danish households with CO2-free power every year. This corresponds to 4% of total Danish power consumption, and the wind farm will thus make a significant contribution towards Denmark meeting its objective of ensuring that renewable energy accounts for 30% by 2020. 7 What’s going on? Places of interest LONDON Build in 2012-2013 1h. 30min. 38 49 19 10 1 Aarhus University 25 Den Gamle By 2 Aarhus School of Architecture 26 ARoS Museum 3 Aarhus School of Engineering 27 Aarhus Festival 4 Aarhus University Hospital 28 NorthSide 5 Aarhus Academy for Global Education 29 Sculpture by the sea 6 Langkaer IB World School 30 FOOD Festival 7 Silkeborg Hospital 31 Marselisborg Palace 8 Aarhus Airport 32 Moesgård Museum 9 European Film College 33 Skanderborg Festival 10 Grenaa IB School 34 Museum Jorn 35 Regatta Silkeborg 36 Rosenholm Castle 24 37 20 36 8 48 17 18 47 39 21 1 4 7 35 46 34 15 25 41 2 5 6 22 3 9 26 27 43 42 29 31 30 13 32 33 44 COPENHAGEN 12 2h. 30min. 50 4h. 30min www.auh.dk www.aarhusacademy .dk www.langkaer.dk www.regionshospitalet-silkeborg.dk www.aar.dk www.europeanfilmcollege.dk www.grenaa-ib.dk 11 www.aros.dk www.aarhusfestival.com www.northside.dk www.sculpturebythesea.dk www.foodfestival.dk www.visitaarhus.dk www.moesmus.dk www.smukfest.dk www.museumjorn.dk www.ildregatta.dk www.rosenholmslot.dk Vilhelmsborg 37 Clausholm Castle & Park 12 The Organic Garden 38 Danish Agricultural Museum 13 Himmelbjerget 39 Ebelfestival 14 AQUA 40 Fregatten Jylland 15 Hjejlen 41 Glasmuseet Ebeltoft 16 Dayz Søhøjlandet 17 Frijsenborg Castle www.frijsenborg.dk Citizen Service 18 The ruins of Kalø Castle 42 19 Djurs Sommerland 20 Skandinavisk Dyrepark 43 Citizen Service Aarhus 21 Mols Bjerge national park 44 Citizen Service Odder 22 Fregatten Jylland 45 Citizen Service Skanderborg 23 Ree Park 46 Citizen Service Silkeborg 24 Kattegatcenteret 47 Citizen Service Favrskov 48 Citizen Service Syddjurs 49 Citizen Service Norddjurs 50 Citizen Service Samsø 45 HAMBURG www.iha.dk www.dengamleby.dk 11 11 10 km. www.aarch.dk Recreational activities 40 28 14 www.au.dk 23 16 Culture www.vilhelmsborg.dk www.ecogarden.dk www.himmelbjerget.dk www.ferskvandscentret.dk www.hjejlen.com www.clausholm.dk www.gl-estrup.dk www.ebelfestival.dk www.fregatten-jylland.dk www.glasmuseet.dk www.dayz.dk www.visitdjursland.com www.danmarksnationalparker.dk/Mols www.fregatten-jylland.dk www.reepark.dk www.kattegatcentret.dk www.icitizen.dk International Community www.internationalcommunity.dk www.djurssommerland.dk www.skandinaviskdyrepark.dk International Citizen Service www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.workinsilkeborg.dk www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com 9 What’s going on? Places of interest LONDON Build in 2012-2013 1h. 30min. 38 49 19 10 1 Aarhus University 25 Den Gamle By 2 Aarhus School of Architecture 26 ARoS Museum 3 Aarhus School of Engineering 27 Aarhus Festival 4 Aarhus University Hospital 28 NorthSide 5 Aarhus Academy for Global Education 29 Sculpture by the sea 6 Langkaer IB World School 30 FOOD Festival 7 Silkeborg Hospital 31 Marselisborg Palace 8 Aarhus Airport 32 Moesgård Museum 9 European Film College 33 Skanderborg Festival 10 Grenaa IB School 34 Museum Jorn 35 Regatta Silkeborg 36 Rosenholm Castle 24 37 20 36 8 48 17 18 47 39 21 1 4 7 35 46 34 15 25 41 2 5 6 22 3 9 26 27 43 42 29 31 30 13 32 33 44 COPENHAGEN 12 2h. 30min. 50 4h. 30min www.auh.dk www.aarhusacademy .dk www.langkaer.dk www.regionshospitalet-silkeborg.dk www.aar.dk www.europeanfilmcollege.dk www.grenaa-ib.dk 11 www.aros.dk www.aarhusfestival.com www.northside.dk www.sculpturebythesea.dk www.foodfestival.dk www.visitaarhus.dk www.moesmus.dk www.smukfest.dk www.museumjorn.dk www.ildregatta.dk www.rosenholmslot.dk Vilhelmsborg 37 Clausholm Castle & Park 12 The Organic Garden 38 Danish Agricultural Museum 13 Himmelbjerget 39 Ebelfestival 14 AQUA 40 Fregatten Jylland 15 Hjejlen 41 Glasmuseet Ebeltoft 16 Dayz Søhøjlandet 17 Frijsenborg Castle www.frijsenborg.dk Citizen Service 18 The ruins of Kalø Castle 42 19 Djurs Sommerland 20 Skandinavisk Dyrepark 43 Citizen Service Aarhus 21 Mols Bjerge national park 44 Citizen Service Odder 22 Fregatten Jylland 45 Citizen Service Skanderborg 23 Ree Park 46 Citizen Service Silkeborg 24 Kattegatcenteret 47 Citizen Service Favrskov 48 Citizen Service Syddjurs 49 Citizen Service Norddjurs 50 Citizen Service Samsø 45 HAMBURG www.iha.dk www.dengamleby.dk 11 11 10 km. www.aarch.dk Recreational activities 40 28 14 www.au.dk 23 16 Culture www.vilhelmsborg.dk www.ecogarden.dk www.himmelbjerget.dk www.ferskvandscentret.dk www.hjejlen.com www.clausholm.dk www.gl-estrup.dk www.ebelfestival.dk www.fregatten-jylland.dk www.glasmuseet.dk www.dayz.dk www.visitdjursland.com www.danmarksnationalparker.dk/Mols www.fregatten-jylland.dk www.reepark.dk www.kattegatcentret.dk www.icitizen.dk International Community www.internationalcommunity.dk www.djurssommerland.dk www.skandinaviskdyrepark.dk International Citizen Service www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.workinsilkeborg.dk www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com www.businessregionaarhus.com 9 Tax and welfare International Community International Community is a social and professional network for international employees and their families as well as internationally minded Danes in Business Region Aarhus. International Community is also an important partner for businesses, the public authorities and institutions. Today, International Community has more than 2,300 members counting companies, institutions, associations, expats and Danes. Wide-ranging activities Conferences on Danish culture and history, guided trips to companies and associations, seminars on networking or on job hunting for spouses and practical assistance are just a few of the activities organised by International Community. International Community also publishes a weekly newsletter in English announcing events in the region, and runs an online community, InterCom, for internationals and businesses alike. Behind the scenes a lot more is happening, and the visibility of and demand for International Community’s services is increasing every year. – what’s in it for me? Get off to a good start in Denmark: International Citizen Service There is a lot to attend to when you arrive in Denmark as an employee or job seeker. International Citizen Service (ICS) is there to help. ICS makes contacting the Danish authorities as easy as possible. All the authorities you normally need to contact are represented at ICS, so in most cases you only need to visit an ICS office to take care of your paperwork and find answers to your questions. International Citizen Service Aarhus offers you face-to-face assistance with applications for: »» Residence permit for non-EU citizens »» Registration certificate for EU citizens »» Tax card »» Social security number (CPR) »» Health insurance card »» Danish driver’s license Most people around the world know Denmark as a country with a high taxrate. But very few know what the money goes to, and that the majority (70%) of the population is happy to pay their taxes. Why? Because this means that social benefits do not depend on direct contributions or employer contributions. The principle behind the welfare system is that all citizens have access to social benefits regardless of their social and ethnic background. This also means that foreigners working in Denmark are equally entitled to bene-fits from the system as Danes, such as childcare, free public education and free public health care. Visit the ICS website for more information, addresses, telephone numbers and opening hours: www.icitizen.dk Social Welfare Education Police & Military Infrastructure & Maintenance Business & Environment Culture Health Other Bonjour …that in Denmark you pay a higher proportion of taxes, but on the other hand you do not have to pay social security and health insurance? ...that under the Danish taxation system, you can deduct your mortgage and other interest payments? ...that as a foreign researcher and key employee you may be eligible for the special 26% tax rate? Sources: www.skat.dk/data.aspx?oId=141752 and www.borsen.dk/nyheder/politik/artikel/1/193661 Visit website for more information 10 www.internationalcommunity.dk 11 Tax and welfare International Community International Community is a social and professional network for international employees and their families as well as internationally minded Danes in Business Region Aarhus. International Community is also an important partner for businesses, the public authorities and institutions. Today, International Community has more than 2,300 members counting companies, institutions, associations, expats and Danes. Wide-ranging activities Conferences on Danish culture and history, guided trips to companies and associations, seminars on networking or on job hunting for spouses and practical assistance are just a few of the activities organised by International Community. International Community also publishes a weekly newsletter in English announcing events in the region, and runs an online community, InterCom, for internationals and businesses alike. Behind the scenes a lot more is happening, and the visibility of and demand for International Community’s services is increasing every year. – what’s in it for me? Get off to a good start in Denmark: International Citizen Service There is a lot to attend to when you arrive in Denmark as an employee or job seeker. International Citizen Service (ICS) is there to help. ICS makes contacting the Danish authorities as easy as possible. All the authorities you normally need to contact are represented at ICS, so in most cases you only need to visit an ICS office to take care of your paperwork and find answers to your questions. International Citizen Service Aarhus offers you face-to-face assistance with applications for: »» Residence permit for non-EU citizens »» Registration certificate for EU citizens »» Tax card »» Social security number (CPR) »» Health insurance card »» Danish driver’s license Most people around the world know Denmark as a country with a high taxrate. But very few know what the money goes to, and that the majority (70%) of the population is happy to pay their taxes. Why? Because this means that social benefits do not depend on direct contributions or employer contributions. The principle behind the welfare system is that all citizens have access to social benefits regardless of their social and ethnic background. This also means that foreigners working in Denmark are equally entitled to bene-fits from the system as Danes, such as childcare, free public education and free public health care. Visit the ICS website for more information, addresses, telephone numbers and opening hours: www.icitizen.dk Social Welfare Education Police & Military Infrastructure & Maintenance Business & Environment Culture Health Other Bonjour …that in Denmark you pay a higher proportion of taxes, but on the other hand you do not have to pay social security and health insurance? ...that under the Danish taxation system, you can deduct your mortgage and other interest payments? ...that as a foreign researcher and key employee you may be eligible for the special 26% tax rate? Sources: www.skat.dk/data.aspx?oId=141752 and www.borsen.dk/nyheder/politik/artikel/1/193661 Visit website for more information 10 www.internationalcommunity.dk 11 SPOUSE STORIES Wan-Na Age 36 from Taiwan. Moved to Denmark in November 2009. Married to Oliver. Freelance translator & Chinese language teacher. Kirstie Age 43 from Birmingham, UK Moved to Denmark in December 2008. Married to Iain. Two children, 8-year-old twins Ines and Lehn. EU science funding consultant. “It is not necessary to choose between job or children, it is possible to have both” When my husband came home one day and asked what I thought about moving to Aarhus, I was as excited as a kid. We had taken a holiday in Aarhus a couple of years before, and loved it. The sun was shining, which helped, but we also loved the fact it had the big-city feel of our home towns (London, Birmingham) but on a much smaller scale. We like bicycles – and this was a cyclists’ paradise. We discovered ARoS, the beaches, the cafés and Legoland close by. I had no intention of looking for a job: This was my chance to have a year or two just being a mum for my children, drinking coffee and taking a bit of a breather. But I was soon to reconsider that decision. We put the children into a Danish private school and they settled in really well. In addition, we were advised to put them in the after-school club, or ‘SFO’, to help their Danish (it worked!) and most days I was ‘there too soon’ to fetch them, or so they said. So I decided to work again. It has worked well, because the Danish work-life balance is so much better than in either the UK or Australia. It is not necessary to choose between your job and your children: It is possible to have both. I moved to Denmark because my husband was offered a job with Siemens Wind Power. In the beginning we lived in a small town called Jelling, but we moved to Aarhus two months later and my life in Denmark kicked off. Language struggles “Danes like doing sports, and there are all kinds of sports clubs to join where you can meet people” 12 Denmark may be the happiest country in the world, but its language is not as welcoming as you might expect. I struggled with my pronunciation from day one, and I’m still struggling. It is said that Danes speak very good English and you don’t really need to speak Danish in order to live here. That’s true, but going to language school isn’t just about learning Danish, but also about getting to know people in the same situation as you and building social contact with them. Cultural activities Besides ‘Lærdansk’, I participated in the activities arranged by International Community and Aarhus Internationals. This has helped me to get to know Danish society, but not much. For those who like to run or do sports, Aarhus is the perfect place to live and meet new people. There are beautiful sandy beaches at Bellevue in Risskov and near Moesgård, and the whole city is swarming with bicycles and is very runner-friendly. The main reason we came here was for my husband’s job. I started to be proactive about looking for work as soon as we arrived. I looked for groups I could join, and people who could give me guidance and help with the culture and lifestyle and with the job market. That’s how I found International Community. Their meetings, workshops and conferences have been really helpful – and especially the one-to-one personal contact and help I was offered, and the tips and information in the weekly newsletter. Through the social meetings I met some beautiful people who I still hang out with, and they have become very good friends of mine in Aarhus. Setting up on my own At the moment, based on the fact that ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ are such key themes in the Danish consumer market, I’m developing and manufacturing a new natural beauty product based on organic ingredients grown only in Mexico. I’ll be launching and promoting this product on the Danish market early in December. Liliana Age 33 from Mexico City. Moved to Denmark from Auckland, New Zealand in May 2010. Married. Franchising consultant specialising in business development strategies · Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Tecnológico de Monterrey University, Mexico City, and HEC University, Rouen, France. “I decided to set up my own business” 13 SPOUSE STORIES Wan-Na Age 36 from Taiwan. Moved to Denmark in November 2009. Married to Oliver. Freelance translator & Chinese language teacher. Kirstie Age 43 from Birmingham, UK Moved to Denmark in December 2008. Married to Iain. Two children, 8-year-old twins Ines and Lehn. EU science funding consultant. “It is not necessary to choose between job or children, it is possible to have both” When my husband came home one day and asked what I thought about moving to Aarhus, I was as excited as a kid. We had taken a holiday in Aarhus a couple of years before, and loved it. The sun was shining, which helped, but we also loved the fact it had the big-city feel of our home towns (London, Birmingham) but on a much smaller scale. We like bicycles – and this was a cyclists’ paradise. We discovered ARoS, the beaches, the cafés and Legoland close by. I had no intention of looking for a job: This was my chance to have a year or two just being a mum for my children, drinking coffee and taking a bit of a breather. But I was soon to reconsider that decision. We put the children into a Danish private school and they settled in really well. In addition, we were advised to put them in the after-school club, or ‘SFO’, to help their Danish (it worked!) and most days I was ‘there too soon’ to fetch them, or so they said. So I decided to work again. It has worked well, because the Danish work-life balance is so much better than in either the UK or Australia. It is not necessary to choose between your job and your children: It is possible to have both. I moved to Denmark because my husband was offered a job with Siemens Wind Power. In the beginning we lived in a small town called Jelling, but we moved to Aarhus two months later and my life in Denmark kicked off. Language struggles “Danes like doing sports, and there are all kinds of sports clubs to join where you can meet people” 12 Denmark may be the happiest country in the world, but its language is not as welcoming as you might expect. I struggled with my pronunciation from day one, and I’m still struggling. It is said that Danes speak very good English and you don’t really need to speak Danish in order to live here. That’s true, but going to language school isn’t just about learning Danish, but also about getting to know people in the same situation as you and building social contact with them. Cultural activities Besides ‘Lærdansk’, I participated in the activities arranged by International Community and Aarhus Internationals. This has helped me to get to know Danish society, but not much. For those who like to run or do sports, Aarhus is the perfect place to live and meet new people. There are beautiful sandy beaches at Bellevue in Risskov and near Moesgård, and the whole city is swarming with bicycles and is very runner-friendly. The main reason we came here was for my husband’s job. I started to be proactive about looking for work as soon as we arrived. I looked for groups I could join, and people who could give me guidance and help with the culture and lifestyle and with the job market. That’s how I found International Community. Their meetings, workshops and conferences have been really helpful – and especially the one-to-one personal contact and help I was offered, and the tips and information in the weekly newsletter. Through the social meetings I met some beautiful people who I still hang out with, and they have become very good friends of mine in Aarhus. Setting up on my own At the moment, based on the fact that ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ are such key themes in the Danish consumer market, I’m developing and manufacturing a new natural beauty product based on organic ingredients grown only in Mexico. I’ll be launching and promoting this product on the Danish market early in December. Liliana Age 33 from Mexico City. Moved to Denmark from Auckland, New Zealand in May 2010. Married. Franchising consultant specialising in business development strategies · Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Tecnológico de Monterrey University, Mexico City, and HEC University, Rouen, France. “I decided to set up my own business” 13 Our Tools We encourage our young to look out into the world, and we welcome foreigners coming to our region. The very core of the future of our society is an environment where people come and go and constantly share their experiences. Each time we We believe in diversity. learn something new and each time we are proud to send people on to We see this region as a place where their next adventure. you can work with the world’s best We believe in sharing. companies or study at the world’s best schools. But surely, it is also a place where you can realise your own ideas; With this, we encourage you and your a place where entrepreneurship and family to be a part of our region and take this with you on your journey. new ideas are welcome. Throughout this magazine, we have tried to give you a taste of this region we live in. It is very important to us that Aarhus is a place that attracts students, workers, people from all around the world. We believe in creativity. www.businessregionaarhus.com Believe with us. The tool box includes the following services: Welcome pack The welcome pack contains important information about arriving and living in Denmark. Get a welcome pack at your local citizen service office. International Citizen Service One Stop Shop – the one place you need to get in contact with all Danish authorities. Find it on the map. It’s green. Language courses Our citizen service workers have learned Polish, German and English. Find your local Citizen Service on the map. It’s also green. Businessregionaarhus.com An international web page where you’ll easily find all the information you need. International Community A place and network for all internationals in the region of Aarhus. www.internationalcommunity.dk 15 Our Tools We encourage our young to look out into the world, and we welcome foreigners coming to our region. The very core of the future of our society is an environment where people come and go and constantly share their experiences. Each time we We believe in diversity. learn something new and each time we are proud to send people on to We see this region as a place where their next adventure. you can work with the world’s best We believe in sharing. companies or study at the world’s best schools. But surely, it is also a place where you can realise your own ideas; With this, we encourage you and your a place where entrepreneurship and family to be a part of our region and take this with you on your journey. new ideas are welcome. Throughout this magazine, we have tried to give you a taste of this region we live in. It is very important to us that Aarhus is a place that attracts students, workers, people from all around the world. We believe in creativity. www.businessregionaarhus.com Believe with us. The tool box includes the following services: Welcome pack The welcome pack contains important information about arriving and living in Denmark. Get a welcome pack at your local citizen service office. International Citizen Service One Stop Shop – the one place you need to get in contact with all Danish authorities. Find it on the map. It’s green. Language courses Our citizen service workers have learned Polish, German and English. Find your local Citizen Service on the map. It’s also green. Businessregionaarhus.com An international web page where you’ll easily find all the information you need. International Community A place and network for all internationals in the region of Aarhus. www.internationalcommunity.dk 15 Handheld sustainability In the Aarhus region, we are also well aware of the problems associated with global warming, and the municipalities in Business Region Aarhus are working to reduce their overall carbon emissions. We have to take care of the nature, our citizens and our ability to compete in the global market. And even small initiatives can make a great impact. The magazine you are now holding is printed on Cradle-to-Cradle certified stone paper, completely free of wood fibres and bleaches. Stone paper production only consumes 50% of the energy used in conventional paper production and consumes no water. A Nordic Ecolabel-certified printing house prints the magazine, using printing inks made from vegetable dyes. The local Aarhus region is also doing its bit to tackle global problems. This magazine might be a small initiative; however, it is an important one: It is one of the first steps towards Sustainability. This magazine and its distribution have been climate-compensated by rainforest preservation in collaboration with Forests of the World. Read more about stone paper at stenpapir.dk SAMSØ Concept & design by WorldPerfect. Content created by: Business Region Aarhus and WorldPerfect With kind permission from Business Aarhus and International Community, content has been reworked from the two magazines: ‘Business Aarhus’ and ‘Expat Partners: Our Stories’.
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