Welcoming the world in Copenhagen

Meet the team behind International Citizen Days with International House Copenhagen,

who are building connections and community for internationals.

Photographs: International House Copenhagen

Text: Ophelia Wu

They say, “No man is an island.” It is indeed true when it comes to teamwork and building a community. Every year, as part of the nationwide Welcome September initiative, International Citizen Days (ICD) brings together newcomers from around the world, offering a platform to connect, learn, and feel at home in Copenhagen, Denmark. We all know moving to a new country is quite a challenge, and as we look for practical guides and safety buoys to hang onto, behind this carefully curated event is the dedicated team at The International House Copenhagen, whose collaboration and creativity turn ideas into an inspiring experience for participants so that a soft landing can be achieved as much as possible.

The team behind the welcome

For the International House Copenhagen team, one of the most rewarding parts of organising ICD is seeing attendees leave feeling informed, inspired, and genuinely welcomed. “The best moment is when a new citizen comes up to us at the end of the day and says they feel included, understood, and connected,” says one team member. “Knowing that our efforts created a space where people can share experiences and feel part of a community makes everything we do worthwhile.”

The event thrives because of the team’s diverse skill sets. From event planning and logistics to communications, cultural guidance, and programming, each member contributes a unique perspective. “What I love most is how our skills complement each other,” another team member explains. “Coordinating across different roles, listening carefully, and problem-solving together is challenging, but it’s also what makes the event truly shine. It’s a reminder that great outcomes are always stronger when shaped by a team rather than one person alone.” Collaboration has often led to breakthrough moments. One example came when the team was designing workshops for both professionals and students from very different cultures. “We spent hours brainstorming and testing ideas together, and suddenly we found a format that worked for everyone,” recalls a member. “It was one of those moments when you realise that listening and iterating as a group can create something you simply could not achieve on your own.”

Designing for diversity and inclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution or formula, especially at a scale this big, region-wide, and nation-wide. With so many cultural nuances that come into play, it’s simply impossible to predict what could have happened and who could have turned up. Choosing the content for the event requires careful consideration of what will be most relevant and useful for international attendees. “We always start by reflecting on previous events,” says a team member. “We look at what people have found most helpful and what questions keep coming up. From practical advice on settling in, to opportunities for networking, we aim to design a programme that genuinely supports newcomers in their first months here.” Designing an event for such a diverse international audience brings its own challenges. “One of the fun but complex parts is making sure the programme feels equally relevant to people from very different cultural and professional backgrounds,” explains another team member. “We want everyone to feel welcome and engaged, which means balancing content carefully without losing its impact.”

Ultimately, ICD is a testament to the power of teamwork, thoughtful planning, and inclusion. “It’s incredibly satisfying to see attendees leaving inspired and confident,” a team member reflects. “Our goal is to make the transition into life in Denmark smoother and more enjoyable. If we achieve that, then every challenge we faced along the way was worth it.”

Through their work, The International House team helps newcomers feel at home, connected, and valued. International Citizen Days is not just an event. It is a celebration of diversity, connection, and the shared experience of starting anew in a welcoming community.