Cracking the Danish sphere on a mission to volunteer

Volunteering is a great way for internationals to immerse themselves in the local community, meet new friends, and even enhance their job prospects. They know this only too well at International House Copenhagen, where on May 3 the Volunteers Fair took place, providing 21 different organisations with the platform to present themselves and recruit new volunteers.

 

(Photo: Linckert Foto)
(Photo: Linckert Foto)

Among the organisations present was International Copenhageners, whose representative Marianne Van der Voorn spoke about the benefits of volunteering in Denmark.

 

(Photo: Linkert foto))
(Photo: Linckert foto)

Hundreds attended to find out more about the opportunities from speakers that included Phillip Loeken from Germany, who volunteered at the Copenhagen Photo Festival, and Stephanie Clemente from New York, who had great fun while giving her support to the Roskilde Festival.

 

(Photo: Linckert Photo)
(Photo: Linckert Photo)

“When you come from abroad you live in an international bubble,” Scott Allison from Scotland, who worked at Omstilling Nu, told those in attendance. “But with volunteering, it is much easier to integrate with Danish people.”

 

(Photo: Linckert Foto)
(Photo: Linckert Foto)

There was a wide choice of organisations to volunteer at, including culture houses, environmental bodies, childcare organisations, sport clubs and libraries.

 

(Photo: Linckert Foto)
(Photo: Alessandra Palmitesta)

Cornelius from Romania (right), who has lived in Copenhagen for several years, is a volunteer at WeFood, the first food surplus supermarket in Denmark, which has plans to open two more branches following a successful opening of its first store in March.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

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