Andy Smith

Name: Andy Smith
Age: 33
Nationality: American
Company: Semco Maritime
Title/Education: Senior Electrical Engineer / Bachelors of Science Electrical Engineering

I ended up in Denmark because

I’ve lived all over the United States and in parts of Canada, but I’ve always wanted to live in Europe, so I started searching the Scandinavian countries for opportunities.  I ended up finding a great fit with a company here in Denmark, so I took the leap 😊 

What surprises me most about working in Denmark is

How detailed, while also relaxed, the environment is.  As an engineer, I’m used to working with highly detailed systems and designs, and the industry is no different in that way than it was in the States; however, the environment is also much more relaxed while dealing with the high level of detail.

My Danish colleagues are

Very helpful helping me settle in to the office environment, as well as generally when it comes to settling in somewhere new.  I can ask them about anything, and they are more than willing to point me in the right direction.

Life in Denmark is

Generally very good! There are times that I’m frustrated with cultural differences, but I also accept that those are just part of making a major change in your life.  No place is “perfect” but when it comes to quality of life, Denmark is one of the best.

I would recommend anybody moving to Denmark to

Learn some Danish, study some history and geography of Denmark, and be open minded towards a different way of life.  I can’t tell you how much rudimentary Danish, or knowledge of places/things in Denmark has helped me break the ice with Danes that I’m meeting for the first time.  It’s hugely helpful, and shows that you’re willing to become part of the culture, instead of standing on the outside of it.