There is no doubt about her passion for living in Aarhus. Meeting up in front of a café in the city centre for an interview, Amber Weeks immediately starts talking about the amazing things of life in Aarhus. Even the Danish weather is mentioned in positive terms on this rainy and windy, late autumn afternoon. 

Her accommodating eyes, big smile and empathetic story reveal what internationals are all about – an open, outgoing mind, a personal drive and an indomitable willpower. 

”We fell in love with Aarhus immediately. It is a clean city close to nature and everybody here is friendly and helpful. We feel very safe in an intimate environment where everything is within walking distance,” Amber starts out with an easily recognized American accent. 

Transition to new adventures
It was the urge for new adventure and meeting new people that drove Amber and her husband Adam from Cincinnati to look for job opportunities overseas. An application and a phone interview was all it took for her husband, before the couple was invited to Aarhus by Vestas in August 2008. Adam started his new job two months later. 

“Getting a job in Aarhus, we were excited right away about moving to Denmark, but we had to look it up in an atlas,” Amber admits with a slightly embarrassed smile. For the first month after coming to Aarhus, she was busy taking care of all the practical arrangements, getting settled, and experiencing the city, but she soon started to miss having a job. 

”It was definitely a transition, where I had difficulties finding my place in Aarhus. I really hoped to find somebody in the same position as I, who had succeeded in finding a job and getting an everyday life,” Amber remembers. 

Difficult in betwen
Comfortable in the warm café she talks candidly about the first impressions of life in Aarhus and the difficult first couple of months looking for a job. 

“It was a frustrating time. I was thinking that this is not going to work for me. I missed going to work every day, having colleagues and a daily routine. I got to a point, where I was willing to work with anything.” Along with job hunting, Amber started taking Danish lessons and working at a fitness centre. 

“I probably sent 50 job applications and got called in for five interviews, but most companies are looking for Danish speaking employees. That is why I started learning Danish. You have to be proactive and take initiative,” she states with a firm voice. 

“Many companies have to realize that there are international labour resources available to them right here, who can bring diversity into the companies. Many accompanying spouses are highly educated, have valuable work experience and can contribute to making companies more international. Even global companies can be more global.”

Opportunity arises
Three months after arriving in Aarhus, Amber got a job, using her background as a Chemical Engineer. She applied for a job at Arla Foods. After contacting the company a couple of times and two interviews later, Amber started in her new job.

“I love my job and my colleagues. Having a job means the world in terms of getting settled in a new place. The work-life balance in Denmark is great, and working at Arla Foods gives me the chance to get to know Danes and broaden my network,” Amber tells with great enthusiasm, but also aware of how lucky she was, finding a job in Aarhus.

“Right now it is a challenge getting work for everybody. But hiring an international already here in Aarhus is a great opportunity for companies and a shortcut to open up the company towards internationalization. I am sure that the companies will see the benefits as soon as the first international walks in the door.”

Aarhus is the future
It is time to leave the café and set off into the illuminated Aarhus centre this late autumn afternoon. At the moment, Amber and Adam live in a cosy apartment in the city centre. Both have jobs and they can now make plans for their future. 

”At first, I did not think that we would stay in Aarhus for a long period, but getting a job changed that. We have gained a sense of belonging and definitely wish to stay here in Aarhus. We are actually considering buying a house – I do not know why we should leave.”