What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Aarhus often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Danish is the official language of Denmark, and while many Danes are able to speak English, it can be difficult for expats to fully integrate into the local culture without a good understanding of the language. Additionally, the Danish culture is known for its reserved and formal nature, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to. Finally, the cost of living in Aarhus is relatively high, which can be a challenge for expats who are not used to the local prices," said another expat in Aarhus, Denmark.

"The language. The politeness of Danes which can sometimes be mistaken for them wanting to be friends with you. Don't assume that. A girl friend told me she had a lovely dinner with a group of people when she arrived, hit it off with one girl there and when the night ended, asked this Danish girl if she'd like to get together for coffee sometime. The Dane actually responded something to the effect of "you're being a bit needy and I have enough friends". It took everything for my girl friend not to burst into tears. Danish men are great. Danish women put up HUGE walls. Don't expect ANYONE to speak in English at a dinner party. They have never been taught that it is amazingly rude to speak in Danish and cut off a guest for hours and hours. I have spent many a night out in silence because unless you keep talking, they'll flip right back to Danish. I know many others who've experience this. I finally told my husband (who did try to get English going) that unless he did something, I wasn't going to these dinners (sometimes 8 hours at a table!) anymore," wrote a member who made the move to Aarhus, Denmark.

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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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