It’s important to work on your network as soon as you and your family are settled in Denmark. Karina Boldsen, chairman of International Community, offers the following advice on how to build your network:

• Join societies and networks in your local area and participate in different kinds of events to meet Danes
Danes are a little reserved and most of them go straight home after work to spend time with their families and engage in their recreational activities. That’s why it’s a great idea to join existing societies and networks if you want to meet Danes in a natural way.


• Meet other people who are in the same situation as you
A number of international clubs arrange social events where international families can meet and learn more about Denmark and Danish culture.


• Create your own profile on relevant websites
This will help you to get in touch with other international families or Danes interested in meeting families from abroad. It may also put you in contact with new professional contacts or other expats who share the same interest as you.


• Learn Danish and get to know your local area
Even though you might find it difficult to learn Danish to begin with, it really pays off.  Try getting familiar with your local area through guided city tours etc. is an important starting point for networking and engaging in local activities.


• Involve your spouse or partner in your social activities
Since many spouses and partners don’t have a job in Denmark, they often feel isolated. There are lots of communities that help partners get into networks or charity projects – and some also help them look for jobs and find relevant project work.

Since many spouses and partners don’t have a job in Denmark, they often feel isolated. There are lots of communities that help partners get into networks or charity projects – and some also help them look for jobs and find relevant project work.
• Get involved in your children’s school and spare time activities
Having children is a great way to connect to other parents. Get involved in local communities and clubs where your children are active.

• Join sports clubs and other hobby associations 
  It is an old saying in Denmark that it takes three Danes and a common interest to set up a club. Getting involved in sports or any other spare time activity of your interest is a great way to meet Danes.
  

• Sign up for cultural courses
  You may experience some degree of culture shock when relocating to Denmark. To accommodate this signing up for cultural courses is a good idea and also a great way to network. 
  

• Join your company’s social activities
Use the after hours activities and meetings in your company to get acquainted with your colleagues. You might even try to kick off some new intercultural get-togethers at your workplace.