Integration

We took a 15 minute bike ride here today--obviously Google Maps doesn't take imagery in the winter (it was still pretty)

We have been in Odense (oh-OON-suh) nearly one month now.  And in that month I have been knock-down flabbergasted at the resources that have been offered to help us "integrate."

Really.  So much more help than in Germany.

In Germany it was like:  "PASSPORT!  FINGERPRINT! SIGN THIS!  GO AWAY!"

Here, it's like: "Heeeeeeeeeeeeeey buddy.  Have a cup of tea.  Sit right on down on this comfy sofa.  We'll get you all sorted out in no time while this string quartet plays a little music in the background."

First, the office where we registered for residency did everything in English and helped us with our tax forms (not because it was their job--just because they wanted to be helpful).  Then, they practically pounced on me to enroll in the city's international citizen "Spouse Program"** where you go to seminars about work culture, job seeking, writing CVs and cover letters in the Danish style, interview suggestions, and networking advice.  (Also, they serve cake?  It's unbelievable.)

THEN I was also assigned my very own employment case worker who has been personally contacting the HR departments of my dream companies on my behalf for international citizen internships (which is great because, you know, Danish and all).

AND THEN the international citizen program enrolled me in an intensive Danish course (14 hr/week) that is completely paid for by the city.  AND I was told that I can take these courses for up to THREE YEARS, all for free.

And that's just for me!  Paul has had his own share of Danish course enrollments, international researcher integration programs, etc.

This, of course, doesn't include the fact that, one week after applying for residency, we received health insurance cards and a friendly letter from our doctor notifying us that we could come in for a get-to-know-you and check-up anytime.  (?!)

Or the invitations I've received to join book clubs, Friday cafe meet-ups, and the "American Women's Club of Fyn."

Or the Swing Dance Club here which, seriously, made me feel more welcome than anywhere I've ever been in my entire life.

I mean!  So helpful!  So friendly!  So many bike lanes!

Sure, not everything is perfect (amiright?), but I have to hand it to Denmark--they have some fantastic things going on for expats.  If they're this conscientious towards us, imagine what life must be like if you're actually Danish!



**  I didn't think that I was going to be anything special, but I was surprised and thought it was really cool that, in the Spouse Program, I was in the bottom three of twenty for level of education.  Almost every husband and wife there who had accompanied their working spouse had a PhD.  Huh!