Finding our place, together...

Welcome to the May issue of The International.

Image: Pexels

Text: Lyndsay Jensen

Dear readers

As the season shifts into early summer, we find ourselves reflecting on growth, change, and the spaces we inhabit, both physically and emotionally. The days are longer, the sun a little warmer, and with it comes a renewed curiosity about the world around us. In this issue, we dive into stories that speak directly to the international experience in Denmark, with its complexity, rewards, and quiet resilience.

Our cover story introduces Elisabeth McClure, whose journey from Texas to Denmark has taken her from academia and policy work to founding nabo, a digital community focused on belonging. Her story is thoughtful and deeply personal, and a reminder that starting over doesn’t always mean beginning from scratch. Instead, it can mean bringing your full self forward in a new context and building something that reflects not only who you are but also what you hope to offer to others.

Also in this issue, we continue our #TheForgottenGold series, where we spotlight highly educated, talented internationals who remain underrepresented in the Danish job market. This month, Lisanna Quintes from Germany shares her story of arriving in Denmark with strong qualifications, fluency in the language, and years of international experience - yet still struggling to secure meaningful employment. Her frustration is one shared by many in our community. Lisanna’s words highlight a critical gap between Denmark’s efforts to attract global talent and the structures that truly allow that talent to thrive.

Workplace culture is further explored in a feature on neurodiversity, where writer Anna Pawlowicz outlines how Danish companies are beginning to embrace different cognitive styles as strengths rather than weaknesses. From ADHD to autism, these neurodivergent perspectives offer fresh ways of thinking and problem-solving - assets in any modern workplace. Encouragingly, companies like Novo Nordisk, Maersk, and Danske Bank are starting to take real steps toward inclusive policies. It’s not just a matter of doing what’s right, it’s also smart business.

We’re also proud to highlight the work of Crossing Borders this issue and their Empowering Ukrainian Youth project. Launched in response to the displacement caused by the war in Ukraine, this initiative has created hubs in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense and Aalborg - safe spaces where young Ukrainians can reconnect, build skills, and support one another. What stands out in these stories is the way community can be reimagined across cultures, languages, and borders. Through shared meals, workshops, and open conversations, these young people are not just surviving but finding ways to thrive in this community.

Together, these stories offer more than insight - they offer perspective. Each one reveals something essential about life as an international in Denmark: the tension between fitting in and standing out, the quiet challenges that don’t always make headlines, and the courage it takes to keep showing up with purpose and authenticity.

At The International, our mission has never changed and always remains clear: to reflect the voices, values, and lived experiences of the international community in Denmark. Whether you’ve been here for two months or two decades, our goal is to create a platform where your story matters, where information meets understanding and where readers feel both represented and inspired.

So as you read this month’s edition, we hope you find something that resonates with you - whether it’s a personal reflection, a professional insight, or a glimpse into someone else's path. After all, that’s what community is: not just shared geography, but shared understanding.

Thank you, as always, for reading and following us.