About Jul66

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Denmark

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Denmark: 10 Tips for Living in Denmark:

WOW- somebody's bitter! Sounds like you have had a bad experience in DK, and I can see some of your points- but these are just your opinions, don't try to scare this poor person away. Your points about alcohol and child-rearing are subjective, I don't know any Dane who would purposely leave their child out screaming in the cold! (it is not dangerous for a child to be outside in the cold- as long as they are packed in- maybe you don't see it, but these kids are packed in warm clothes and have extra warm sleepingbags, etc.) Nor do I know any parents who "put their kids on the booze" at 13. Maybe it's the people you are socializing with? Many other things are trivial- wrapping gifts, tealights?? Jello? Give me a break- this was a joke, right? You get get American food in big markets like Magasin, but when in a foreign country you have to accept that some of the foods are different. I totally disagree with your statement about dairy and meats. What do you have to base this on? I agree with the lousy opening-hours and the comment about the forest and the beaches however.

Denmark: American moving to CPH for short term contract:

Hi, for 10.000 kr.pr month you can get a place in a good neighborhood here. As for taxes, you should contact the embassy or look them up on line. jul

Denmark: veg in denmark:

I think it all depends on who you are socializing with. Yes, Danes can seem judgemental- but criticism isn't considered negative here, so many times, they are just expecting you to come back at them with a good argument. I have also faced many an arrogant person, who feels its ok to bash Americans cause it's politically correct. But you learn to deal with it, and realize that many of their comments are just out of ignorance, because their only real experience with US is through the media. Now that I have been here so long, I have adopted many of the Danish ways of doing things. My kids walk home alone from school (and I get criticism from my American family for that!) and I dress my kids warmer, cause lets face it- it IS bloody cold here. When they were babies I also had them sleep outside in their great big baby-buggies all snug and warm (under my supervision of course!)- they slept great and were rarely sick. As for taking the bus alone- most children don't do that till they are around 10, but you have to understand, there is not the same threat of kidnapping here as there is in US and other countries. I think one child has been kidnapped in the over 10 years that I have been here, and that child was returned safely. NOT that I am saying people aren't concerned- they are just not hysterical about it here. I am bringing my kids up street-smart but at the same time- we are in telephone contact throughout the day. People are generally becoming more cautious here, though, as crime is going up. All in all, I appreciaite the fact that children are more independent here- I think it's good for them. I have also had the fur discussion with a few, but hey, I wear some leather- what is the difference? I still don't wear fur, cause it's not my style, but I don't automatically judge others anymore for wearing it. Finally, since moving here, I have realized that Americans can come with some pretty stupid and judgmental remarks about Danes and all Europeans in general without having much basis for their arguments. So, there are going to ignorant people everywhere you go, you just have to learn how to deal with them and practice your snappy comebacks now! And try to surround yourself with like-minded people here. I have a lot of friends who are vegetarians, and I work at the university, where there is a great mix of people, so I don't feel that "smallness" anymore. Lot's of luck!

Denmark: Feling isolated in a small town:

Hi there. It can feel very lonely coming over here. Danes are not very open and making friends with them can be difficult, as most keep the same friends they grew up with. Danes are very much into clubs, you join some kind of club and you are bound to at least make acquaintances, if not friendships. You can also try the American Womens Club or another, I think there is an International Women's Club as well. I have been here for 12 years and have only one very good Danish friend (and she is not typically Danish!) But that's not to discourage you. Danes are just pretty reserved, it's not that they are rude. Another suggestion is getting your child into a nursery school/ daycare "vuggestue" even if it's part time. There you will undoubtably meet other mothers- and often there are events you can help plan at the daycare. You don't have to speak Danish! and your child will pick up on the language in a matter of weeks. I live in Copenhagen, so it's not so easy for me to meet for coffee. I wish you the best of luck- remember, once the spring and summer weather come, people are more outgoing (and happier!). Hope this helps! :-)

Denmark: I want to move to Denmark:

check out the topic "veg in denmark", there are more conversations there relating to moving here.

Denmark: moving to copenhagen:

Hi. How much can you pay in rent, how many rooms do you need and what part of town?

Denmark: Homeschooling:

Hi, with all respect for your choice in homeschooling, I believe it would be much better for your child to get into the Danish public school system instead of being isolated in a foreign country. A good public school here rivals private "over there" and it's a fast way to learn the language and culture. That is, unless you will not be staying for a long time. Otherwise you should contact the ministry of education for info on homeschool. Good luck!

Denmark: Danish Schools?:

Hi, just saw your message, but wanted to say, I agree with Frihed89 completely. I am American, been here since 94 with 2 kids. Danish pedagogy is very similar to Montessori ideals, but the good thing is, the children become better assimilated. Wish you best of luck. jul

Date Joined:

1/8/2008

Total Posts:

11

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