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Discover Denmark - opportunities for postgraduate studies
Denmark is a small European country with regard to both size and population. The infrastructure is good and you are never far away from anything – be it the sea, the woods or the vibrant city life. It is a modern, democratic, knowledge-based society with an increasing post-industrial service economy and an extensive welfare system. Moreover, Denmark is a country with a global outlook and an innovative culture. The knowledge intensive sector, covering areas from biotechnology to food science and environmental protection, has a prominent position and has an excellent relationship with many Danish postgraduate programmes. Denmark’s geographical position within Scandinavia and Continental Europe has had a great impact on the culture, society and traditions for education and training. Living in Denmark gives you an experience of a modern welfare society built on Nordic and continental values – with a certain Danish touch. In a survey on foreign scientists working in Denmark, the country was reported to be a friendly and internationally oriented country with a clean environment and high safety. One student arriving in Denmark for their programme, Declan Kuch from Australia, experienced a common reaction, “I was surprised that it was safe and clean. I never felt threatened. I was also surprised that all the students in my department were trusted with their own key to the department.”
Key terms often used to describe the five million Danes are: gender equality, tolerance and an easy-going attitude towards life. The Danes are generally informal in dealing with people and quite helpful if you ask them for advice. They tend to put a lot of focus on their individual freedom as well as on the quality of their social life. As most Danes speak English, students tend to find it easy to live in Denmark, even though they hardly speak any Danish.
One key to understanding the Danes is hygge– an important element of the Danish mentality. The term is difficult to translate, but it is often inadequately translated as coziness. Yet, it is much more than that. Uncomplicated, relaxed and informal are some of the main features in hygge. It is closely associated with having a good time together with friends or family, simply enjoying each other's company without necessarily having planned how to spend time. It often includes coffee, candy and candles, but it might also just be a good time at the fredagsbar. Hyggeis all about feeling comfortable in a friendly atmosphere and it is impossible to stay in Denmark for long without experiencing hygge.
Read more about studying and living in Denmark at www.studyindenmark.dk
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