Moving to Denmark

This blog is mainly for family and friends back in the United States, however anyone is welcome to read this blog. I thought this would be a good way for people to see how and what I am doing.

Later this year I will be moving to Denmark!!!

I was offered a PhD position at the Aarhus University in the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology. After thinking it over for about um.. 30 seconds, I said yes.

Some people ask why Denmark? And I reply why not? I could get my PhD anywhere in the United States, all I have to do is apply and let all my credentials speak for me; smart, hard working, works well with others, takes criticism well and interested in learning and doing new techniques. By becoming a PhD candidate in Denmark, I get international experience, I get to live in a foreign country, I get to see Europe!!

Yes of course there will be a few things about Denmark that will (lack of a better word) suck. The fact that everything in Denmark is more expensive, I will not have a car, I will be confused as to where everything is, I will have to learn Danish.

Which by the way, Danish is not easy. Like any Scandinavian language your vowel sounds are produced in your throat not by your lips and tongue. I have been practicing an hour every day. I attempt to read the Danish newspaper, I listen to Danish internet radio. I am doing the best I can do learn the language. I know most people in Denmark know how to speak English, but what if I run into a person that does not know English what I am supposed to do then.

So far what has been discussed with my new boss in Denmark is when I will officially start. He mentioned October 1, I am asking to delay that to Nov 1. This will give me a bit more time to work on my personal affairs, since currently I am working diligently on my thesis. (Yes, so diligently that I am stalling by making this blog.)

Next is the work and residence visa. WOW!! Not fun. Tons of paper work, passport pictures, fees and many other things. The good thing is that there is a secretary back at Denmark that is helping me with this.

Next thing on the list to do is find a place to do. Unlike most American universities where there is dorm or university apartments; Aarhus University will instead help me find a place to live. Currently since it is undecided if my long term boyfriend will join me in Denmark, I am looking for both a 100 square meter place for both of us and a 50 square meter place for me and the cat (in my profile picture). The furinture is not going to be a problem because they are giving me all this:
1 single bed (200 cm x 90 cm)
1 bedside table
1 small dining table with 2 chairs
1 floor lamp
1 table lamp
Duvet, pillow, bedlinen and towels
1 small set of basic kitchenware

Of course I will not be bring my car, so I will be biking and riding the bus or train just about every where. Which honestly I am ok with. I love riding my bike and the bus/train in Europe is much better then here in the States.


Well that is all I have going on right now about my Denmark adventure. I will keep you all posted. I love you all.

A Smart Beautiful Woman