Beyond An Ordinary Life
Welcome to Beyond An Ordinary Life! I'm Christina Gerdes, your German host and a seasoned expat who has lived in countries such as the USA, Mexico, Malaysia, and Denmark for over five years. Through my travels, I've become more culturally aware, developed language skills, made international friends, and explored some of the most stunning places on earth.Are you someone who dreams of going abroad and experiencing new cultures? Then this podcast is for you! I aim to help you overcome the common barriers to moving abroad, with informative discussions and tips from my guests who are also experienced expats. From why you should go abroad, to the various options you have, potential challenges you may face, and how to overcome them - I've got you covered.Whether you're planning to move abroad, or just curious about the expat life, this podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice that can help you take the leap. Don't let fear hold you back any longer - it's time to explore the world and all that it has to offer. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @chrigerdes, and start living Beyond An Ordinary Life!
Beyond An Ordinary Life
Cracking the Danish Code: Expert Advice for Internationals living in Denmark - with International Community Odense
So, let's talk about the rollercoaster ride of moving to Denmark – from the headaches of Danish bureaucracy to battling the dark winter blues. Believe me, I've been there myself and I am still learning about new coping strategies after 5 1/2 years.
Throughout my journey, the International Community Odense has been a great support for me especially with their local events. I have joined multiple events like their International Welcome Day, the Night Watchman Tour and many more before.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of getting some expert insights from Jane and Julie from the International Community Odense, as part of the Odense Kommune. We dived into their everyday experiences helping internationals settle their life in Denmark.
It is a casual conversation where I am also sharing anecdotes from my own experiences, like how it took me 3 years to find out that working overtime was perceived as something negative by my Danish manager.
What did we cover?
- The challenges internationals face in Denmark and coping strategies to overcome them.
- Why adapting to Danish culture is key, and why it's totally okay to ask Danes for a helping hand.
- Navigating cultural differences at Danish workplaces and why working overtime is leaving a negative impression on your manager
- A sneak peek into the awesome services offered by the International Community Odense, like their Newcomer Service, services for accompanying partners and social events.
- Oh, and we spilled the beans on some upcoming events and networking opportunities in Odense. You won't want to miss out!
Want to learn more about their events? Then sign up for their monthly newsletter or follow them on IG, Facebook or LinkedIn @International Community Odense
Do you have any questions, tips for improvement, or you're seeking more inspiration for moving abroad? Then follow me on: IG & TikTok: @chrigerdes and YouTube: Beyond-an-ordinary-life
If you like this podcast, then please hit the subscribe button and give me a rating or review. This helps more than you know to get this podcast out to like-minded people who want to learn how to move abroad, too! I appreciate your help a lot!