Have you just moved to Denmark? Welcome September is here to make you feel more at home.
Photographs: Unsplash
Text: Michaela Medveďová
Created in 2021, the initiative aims to promote Denmark as a country that’s welcoming toward international professionals, accompanying partners, and students. It consists of different events across the country from late August to the beginning of October.
“Welcome September is a part of the Talent to Denmark project, which has the overall purpose of attracting, welcoming, and securing the retention of international talent to Denmark.”
“Welcome September is a part of the Talent to Denmark project, which has the overall purpose of attracting, welcoming, and securing the retention of international talent to Denmark,” explains one of the organisers, Kirsten Vestergaard Lauridsen, Innovation consultant / Project manager for internationalisation at the Aarhus municipality. It’s a joint effort - 38 municipalities, business regions, business organisations, associations, or universities are part of the initiative for 2022.
And the outcome? Seventy different events across Denmark. All participating municipalities or organisations choose which events they want to include in the concept. “There will be something for everyone - from huge welcome events to social events where you’ll meet fellow internationals and Danes as well as events that will introduce you to your local area.” Job search events, events about volunteering, sport club visits, or cultural activities will also be on the agenda.
Last year, thousands of internationals across Denmark attended one or more Welcome September events, and the feedback has been very positive. “It really makes a difference to feel welcome, to have the chance to meet other internationals and Danes at social and cultural events, and to get help navigating Danish society. In addition, the events are a chance for people to get practical information about their local area and to improve their social network while getting new experiences.”
But what about when Welcome September is over? Good news - the events are only a fraction of all those happening internationally in Denmark. So don’t hesitate to attend the events and initiatives around you throughout the year!