Joan is an art+design student attending Smith College in Massachusetts, USA, studying abroad in Copenhagen at DIS (Danish Institute of Study Abroad) but calls Japan home.
Joan loves upcycling, community building, and getting to know people and cultures from all over the world. Her blogs feature lots of food, heartwarming host family experiences, and real emotions of living abroad. Website: joan’s view of the world.
When you live in a new place for long enough, there are things you start seeing, sometimes in a new light that challenge and change your prior impression.
After six months of living in Denmark as an international student, I began to appreciate aspects of life that initially felt like challenges when I first arrived.
I want to share 5 things that I have come to appreciate about living in Copenhagen that started as something that I wished were different.
Feeling the days getting longer
It made me feel so depressed when the sky was dark, both on my way to and from class.
I’m sure many international residents have experienced this. On the flip side, it made me value the Sun. I started to notice the days getting gradually longer each day, minute by minute, as my anticipation for spring grew.
Sharing home-cooked meals
I love eating out. It was something I did frequently in Tokyo, Japan, so not being able to do that here because of the high prices felt devastating.
But then, I realized how much power this restriction had. To get together, we had to meet at home and cook, which created an intimate connection.
The concept of community dining blew my mind as well—I love how this is the alternative to going to a fancy restaurant.
How fast the traffic lights change
At first, it was frustrating how quickly and suddenly the pedestrian traffic lights would change. Now that I understand Danes don’t cross on red, the light changes just long enough to cross, minimizing time lost for bikers and drivers.
Maybe it’s still too short for someone who cannot move that quickly, but it makes sense.
How they speak and use Danish
I knew that most Danes were fluent in English. So, it surprised me when I encountered roadsigns and grocery labels in Danish.
Sometimes it left me confused or lost, but now, I see it as a benefit because it naturally forces me to learn the language.
Whenever I have a few seconds while waiting for the light to turn green, I look around for new words to decipher.
Work-life balance
I got kicked out of the Botanical Gardens at 15:25 one day, even though it closes at 16:00. I was shocked—I guess they really value their time outside of work.
I admire how quality time at home is prioritized over profit.
The number of cookbooks and crocheting/knitting books displayed in libraries speaks for itself.
It’s also incredible how well-decorated every living room is, creating a true hygge atmosphere.
Take another view of the city
These are some examples of things I started to see from a different perspective after living in Copenhagen for a while.
I want to keep discovering this unique city from new angles; there are so many layers to uncover. I hope this will inspire someone to look at a negative aspect of living in Denmark from a fresh perspective.
Vi ses 🙂
