In Århus – a city by Danish standards in any case – there is tremendous potential to lead an active life, with all the associations and leisure activities the place has to offer. What is more, forests, beaches and parks offer a multitude of ways to enjoy nature, all at no cost.

”I love the countryside around Århus and I am able to cultivate my interest in rowing as well as other outdoor activities, and can cycle home along the water. The countryside is so close to the city centre – no wonder the Århusians name their city 'the world's smallest big city'," says Viola Burau, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science at Århus University. To begin with she thought it was a bit odd that the Århusians should call their city the ‘City of Smiles’, but having lived in the city for several years she has fitted in so well that she really feel at home – perhaps precisely because of the size of this little big city.

Geet Shroff, back home in India at the moment, but who came with her husband to Denmark, found Århus and East Jutland extremely attractive. She is looking forward to moving back when she and her husband both have jobs in the area again.

”There's no doubt about it, Århus is my favourite destination in Denmark – it's a lively, colourful place and seems very cosmopolitan because there are so many internationally-minded people around. I was especially impressed by the architecture and the incredibly kind, accommodating and friendly Danes I met everywhere – integrating in Denmark will be quite easy, I am sure," says Geet Shroff.

She points out the importance of a reasonable work-life-balance in the Danes' work culture. "My husband suddenly had time to be a family man, which made him extra pleased about the job he got in Denmark. This is an aspect of the work-life-balance.”

Charles Thiam, who left Germany in early 2010 to take a job at Vestas in Hammel, agrees with her. He describes East Jutland as an attractive area in which to set up home with a family, although he is still has not got used to his working day ending at 4 pm.

"My colleagues and the whole atmosphere of the place are very open. People are polite and friendly, and my general impression is that the Danes are very open to new ideas and ways of solving problems. But I still have to get used to the idea of everybody going home at 4 pm. to pick up their children and spend time with their families. I will also have to work out how to build a social network among my colleagues," Charles Thiam smiles.

According to many foreigners who come here to live and work, learning the language is one of the most difficult things about Denmark. One such person is Geet Shroff, who is presently at home in India, waiting to get a job in Denmark, where her husband is working, does not expect to have difficulty learning the language – she quickly picked up numerous many useful expressions on her last visit.

”I’m not worried about having to learn Danish – as an immigrant you are offered many good courses, some of them residential. But I do realise that it is extremely important when it comes to getting integrated – that’s the way it is in the vast majority of countries," says Geet.

As a newly appointed lecturer at the Department of Political Science at Arhus University, Viola Burau started her career in Denmark with a language course and after seven years in this country she tutors and teaches her students in Danish, using English when doing so makes sense.

”Life in Denmark is much easier when you speak the language, because that is how you get to know the Danes best. The Danes can be a bit peculiar at times, commenting on your foreign accent. But I've learned to live with that. I have got to know a lot of people through my leisure pursuits, and I have not had to put myself out to learn the language," says Viola Burau.

The family of Charles Thiam, who will join him from Germany at some stage during 2010, has already started learning Danish back home. And all three children will go straight to a Danish school because language is the easiest way to find new friends, through e.g. leisure pursuits:

"We all play basketball and will continue to do so here in our new home. My world demands that I learn Danish quickly, which will make it more fun and much easier to talk to other players and to make new friends. My children will also start at Danish schools as soon as they arrive, and although they may be a little apprehensive, they have no objections to this," says Charles Thiam.

Both Charles Thiam, who has been working at Vestas since early 2010, and Viola Burau, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science at Aarhus University, found little difficulty finding their way around the Danish legal system.

Their only encounter with the system went without a hitch, although Charles did seek the help of International Community when he needed to get his CPR number and a yellow health insurance card.

”Being in a new country was a bit confusing, but then it always will be. I got along fine after I got my health insurance card. My workplace has also been a great help, for example when it came to taxation, which can take a while to suss out when you come from abroad," says Charles Thiam.

Viola Burau’s workplace also helped out when she needed to get her yellow health insurance card.

”My workplace didn't hesitate to offer their help when I arrived. We had a bit of trouble later on trying to find a house. You can't just move in anywhere; which part of town is most attractive in relation to leisure pursuits, cultural life, childcare, workplace, etc? But having lived in one place you get to know the city better and settle in – the same probably applies for the many students who come here from other parts of Denmark," Viola Burau says.

The Danish school system offers many possibilities to children who move here when their mother or father start work at a Danish company. German Charles Thaim, who works at Vestas in Hammel and will soon be joined by his family, decided that his children would start school in Denmark immediately and find leisure pursuits, because that is the way to learn Danish. He explains:

”My family is learning Danish right now back home in Germany, and they're a good deal better at it than I am.

My kids will attend a Danish school so that they can quickly make friends and learn the language. One of my sons will be going to an “efterskole” (independent boarding school) and the two other boys will start in so-called welcome classes at ordinary municipal schools. Leisure activities are another way of making new friends here in Denmark, and I think that will be the easiest way in a city like Århus," Charles Thiam explains. All the family play basketball, among other things, and Charles is keeping an eye on how the Århusian Bakken Bears are doing so that he can take his boys to a match.

Viola Burau, who teaches at Århus University's Department of Political Science, is sure her eight-month-old son will learn Danish very quickly – because her partner is a Dane.

”Denmark has really good day care facilities and schools, and maternity leave is also excellent. My partner is taking parental leave right now, actually. So our domestic roles have sort of been reversed; that's one of the things I like about Danish society. It means that father and child also manage to get close before our son starts attending day care and then goes on to school. It's very important," says Viola Burau.