Expat and emigration interviews: the story of Fenna Farenhorst who emigrated from the Netherlands to Denmark

Motivation emigrating abroad and experiences going abroad
How are your social interactions in Denmark?
What are the challenges you experienced while moving to Denmark?
How are the practical things arranged in Denmark?
What is useful for others to consider when emigrating?
Communication in and outside Denmark

Motivation emigrating abroad and experiences going abroad

Who is Fenna?

Fenna left the Netherlands, planned to go to Australia and ended in Denmark. Her story highlights her experiences making new friends and discovering the beauty of the Danish winter.

What do people need to know about you to understand your emigration story?

My partner and I had been wanting to live abroad for a few years, which was facilitated by his work at the university. In 2020, as he neared the completion of his PhD, we set our sights on Sydney. We married and applied for a visa. We had set our sights on Sydney. But covid threw a spanner in the works and eventually our lives came to a standstill for 2.5 years. Australia was very strict and information was scarce. After a few years, we decided to adjust our plan. We looked again at the possibilities and decided to look closer, in Europe. And that became Copenhagen! We moved in February 2022.

How did you prepare for your emigration to Denmark?

I didn't prepare much. We went to see Copenhagen together and 3 months later we were living there. It was more about a feeling: can I see myself living here? What does life look like then? The biggest task was deciding what we would and would not take with us. We decided not to take any furniture with us and start again, which was lovely.

What does your life look like, what work or activities make you feel like you are really at home in Denmark?

For me, home is not tied to a specific location. Home is where friends and family are. So new friendships really made Copenhagen my home too. But also the little things: getting to know my way around the city, building routines, like my weekly yoga class. And, of course, finding a job.

How does your daily routine differ from that in your home country?

The differences are subtle. Life is similar to the Netherlands, but also not. I appreciate Denmark has a very good work-life balance and
living with the seasons. In addition, the city invites you to exercise and sport more. I can often be found in the city's harbour baths (yes, it really is so clean that you can swim here). I love the sauna and winter baths. Despite never having been a fan of winter, I am starting to appreciate even that. The darkness and cold invite introspection and rest. Then, in summer, I enjoy spending long hours outside, savoring to be outside again for a long time, enjoying good food and sunshine.

Do you already have an idea about the future?

No, we'll see for ourselves.

How are your social interactions in Denmark?

What was your first encounter with a local?

I don't dare to tell you. Probably in the supermarket. Boring huh?

How did that go?

Very easy, as most Danes speak excellent English.

Do you have any tips for meeting people?

Find out what the most popular social media platform. For Denmark, it is Facebook. Or join a sports club. Join different activities and try something new. Make sure you don't only join activities for expats.

What is the best or most inspiring thing about your emigration?

The realisation that when I move away from my familiar surroundings, I am able to build a new life.

Have you adopted local customs?

Winter baths, not scheduling meetings after 4pm, thinking in weekly numbers.

How do locals react to the fact that you now live and work here?

Mixed. People often say they need a lot of expats. On the other hand many Danes very closed and it is difficult to build a good friendship with them.

What is your favourite local tradition/ holiday?

Every holiday here has its own Danish pastry. Therefore, I wouldn't be able to choose. Currently, I am looking forward to the Fastelavn-boller, the pastry for carnival. It starts early and people queue for hours for it.

Are there any customs in social interaction that you found difficult to understand or that you had to had to get used to?

Danes do not like confrontation and are thus much less direct than the Dutch.

How does friendship here differ from how it is perceived in your home country?

Friends are friends. I do think that the friends here, who are also from another country, have a better understanding what it is like to emigrate and what emotions come with it. How beautiful it is, it's challenges. How you change because of your new environment and what living between cultures means.

What are the challenges you experienced while moving to Denmark?

Have there been times when you doubted your choice/emigration, or what disappointed you?

Of course. The first six months are tough. Building deeper friendships takes time. And it’s difficult to miss important moments with friends and family back
home. That can still still tricky.

In retrospect, what would you have liked to know about Denmark beforehand?

I would have liked to know more about the customs and habits and the attitude towards foreigners. But I would also have liked to know more about practical matters. For example, here you have an unemployment insurance. I only found out after a year that this existed.

What would you do differently next time and what would you like others with the same idea to with the same idea?

It's good the way things turned out. Next time I will be more conscious about the fact that things go wrong because you don't know the system. Be okay with that and worry less about worry about it.

What was the biggest culture shock?

A culture shock is impossible, in my opinion, when you move from the Netherlands to Denmark. But I was struck by the high quality of life here. While the Netherlands
also has a good standard of living, Denmark seems to have a very high standard. People are used to being able to rely on government support when needed, which
can foster a more relaxed attitude toward work and financial security.

What skill did you never think you would need but have developed?

Not converting to euros when I order a wine or a beer. That made my life much better.

How do you cope with homesickness?

I don't live far away and I can go to the Netherlands for work a few times a year. That makes it easier. But I miss most the people I've been close to for so long.

Are there things you appreciate more about your homeland now that you are here?

Yes, it sounds crazy but the supermarket. It's 15 years behind here. I miss the extensive selection, especially meat substitutes.

How are the practical things arranged in Denmark?

How do you deal with bureaucracy in your new country?

It's not too bad here.

How did you find a suitable place to live?

Yes, we have a nice little flat in Copenhagen in a quiet neighbourhood. We live near the city centre but overlook a nice park and we are surrounded by lots of nature. It’s a perfect fit for us.

Was it difficult? What are the biggest cost differences between this country and your home country?

Rent and purchase prices are high, eating out is expensive, having a drink on the terrace is expensive. I let it go, but as Dutch people we were inclined in the beginning to compare everything with the prices we knew. Now we no longer do that. We enjoy life as it is.

What did you learn about insurance, taxes and other financial obligations in the abroad?

Many things are similar like household insurance, travel insurance, etc. Furthermore, it is important to take out unemployment insurance, called a-kasse. You typically need to be a member for at least a year. If you get fired, you will get your wages for up to 2 years paid.

Have you used local healthcare (GP, specialist, dentist, etc.) and what do you notice?

The healthcare system works well. You don't have health insurance here. It is free. Some employers provide additional insurance coverage, such as for physiotherapy or dieticians. Dental care tends to be slightly more expensive.

What is similar or totally different from the Dutch healthcare system?

The principle is similar. I did find it difficult to find a good GP. Because here too, as in the Netherlands, healthcare is under pressure.I have encountered
that the GP sometimes could not speak English well, which made it difficult to explain my problem. But these just minor hurdles that you can overcome.

What is useful for others to consider when emigrating?

Are there any specific issues or tips that would be useful for other people who will be living or working in Denmark?

The very best thing about living in Copenhagen is that I feel very safe. If I have a party that goes on until late, I can go home alone as a woman. I don't fuss and
don't feel I have to pay extra attention. A big difference from how I felt in Netherlands, when I walked alone on the streets after 12 o'clock.

Why did you choose this work/company and what is the bureaucracy like in the country where you are?

I work as an editor and project manager at a digital publishing company. I work for the Dutch market and focus on eBooks, audiobooks and I have set up a Print on Demand paperback programme. Lovely to be able to work with books and have a connection to Netherlands.

What would you like to highlight about your work?

It's international and I have nice colleagues. I'm in the office with as many as 10 different nationalities. The office is in the heart of Copenhagen and every lunch I look out over the city.

How is your life regarding meaningful activities in Denmark?

At the beginning, I benefited a lot from an initiative on Facebook: Girl Gone International. They are active in many cities, a tip for other women!

Have you developed any new hobbies or interests since living in Denmark?

Yes. I have become addicted to hot yoga, perfect for the winter months. I am in two book clubs, which has encouraged me to read even more and connect
with new friends. This winter I'm taking a wheel throwing course. So I will soon have a whole collection of not perfectly straight coffee cups. I have learnt a lot of new things over the past few years.

What do you do in your free time to feel connected to yourself and your environment?

Going outside a lot for a walk.Having a nice bite to eat with my partner or friends.I can also enjoy wandering around Copenhagen alone after work.

What local traditions or rituals in Denmark have inspired or touched you?

I am inspired by the Danish emphasis on work-life balance. Full-time is 37.5 hours. Many colleagues with children go home at 3 and the rest usually at 4. The city is infrastructure is designed to encourage cycling and the use of public transportation, further promoting a balanced lifestyle.