4 Signs That I’m Starting to Settle Into Expat Life

~ Angie Leon

I’ve been in Copenhagen almost 8 months, and honestly, I’ve felt like I’ve been in limbo this whole time. Back in Philly, I had a job, friends, family, and a full schedule, but last October I put that all on hold to start from scratch in Denmark. Since I’ve arrived, I’ve felt very limited. Yes, I have all the free time in the world but also no money and rarely any social plans. It’s gotten a little lonely when the only person I see is the Viking. That being said, I don’t regret moving at all. But even though I’m really happy, it’s hard to feel like I’ve been living my best life here.

Recently though, a few things have made me believe that I’m truly starting a real life here.

#1. I finally got my dang CPR number.

I can’t tell you how stinkin’ good this is! In Denmark, the CPR number is like your social security number in the States. Without it, you really can’t do a lot. Things I couldn’t do without a CPR number: get a bank account, go to the doctor, enroll in free Danish classes, and work. Well, I’m now in the process of opening my Danish bank account, I went to my first Danish doctor’s appointment (for free), and I should be signing up for the Danish classes next week. Progress!

#2. I got my first job abroad.

When I moved to Denmark, I assumed that it would be pretty difficult for me to find a job, but I originally planned on continuing to work as a nanny. However, hardly anyone uses full-time nannies here (because the Danish preschools are so cheap). I had given up on finding a teaching job in the States, so I didn’t really think I would teach here in Copenhagen. But one day, I just started checking out which international schools were in the area. I applied to a few and (surprisingly) got a call back for an interview. I’m happy to announce that today I signed the contract! Starting in August, I will be teaching preschool at one of the international schools nearby!

#3. My circle of friends is slowly but surely expanding.

This may not seem like the biggest achievement, but if I’m being honest, this is the most important thing to me. I’m a very social person, and I loved having a really tight-knit group back in the States. A little me-time is great every once in a while, but I’d rather be spending time with friends. As I keep mentioning, Meetup has been a godsend for my social life. I’m meeting girls from all over the globe, and I’m lucky enough to have a few that I’m keeping in contact with. It’s going to take a while, but I can definitely see close friendships developing in the near future.

#4: The Viking and I are closer than ever.

The whole purpose of my move was obviously to be with my Danish boyfriend. Long distance was hard, but we made it work the best we could. Now that we’re finally in the same country, I feel like I’m getting to know him all over again, and it’s been so much fun. I’m really lucky to be able to share a home and a life with my best friend. Some days, the transition has been very hard on me, but the Viking has been incredibly supportive, and for that, I thank him.

This whole expat life has definitely been an interesting journey so far, and I’m only getting started. Now I’m beginning to make a place for myself in Copenhagen, and I’m seeing my sacrifice pay off. I can’t wait to see what good things happen in the next few months to come!

Are you an expat or in the middle of your own transition in life? When did you start to feel like the change you made was worth it?


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16 thoughts on “4 Signs That I’m Starting to Settle Into Expat Life”

  1. Moving to a new country is such an exciting thing, I’m glad things are working out for you! I’m really curious what your experience using Meetup has been. I recently moved to Los Angeles all the way from the Boston without knowing anyone other than my BF, so I’m really interested to learn about your experience!

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    1. Meetup is literally the best thing ever! I could not have survived here this long without it. I came here only knowing my boyfriend, but I was lucky enough to find a group just for women in their 20s in 30s. If I get lonely and feel like I need a little girl time, I just sign up for an all girls event!

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      1. I’ll have to give it a whirl. My boyfriend and I work very different shifts, so it can get a bit lonely in such a large city like LA! :/ What kind of events do you tend to look for?

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  2. I don’t know why but reading this made my heart swell with hope. I’ve been living the expat life for almost two years and I’m still waiting to feel settled. Every day I crave the familiar and fight the urge to buy a ticket straight for the U.S. of A. And that’s that I moved with literally my whole family. Lately a lot of things have come together for my husbands art career so I know the move was worth it for him but I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in all of this. Thank you for sharing your story, definitely gives me perspective.

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    1. That’s so great for your husband! I wish him all the best! You’ll find your place too. Even if you have to make one by yourself 😉

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  4. AAAAAAHHHH! The sacred CPR number! That is huge and what a difference it will make in how connected you feel here. I know it’s strange that a # can do that, but it gives you so much access and validates that you can be part of Danish society! Congratulations on job also!

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  6. I’m glad you’re settling in! It’s hard getting everything sorted out in a new country. Classes are also great for meeting new people. I made a friend in my integration course and it’s been nice having someone here.

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  8. Hi Angie,
    I too am in the process of moving to Denmark to be with my Dane but I am having issues with the visa portion. What visa did you have to get in the country until you got your job (congrats btw)?

    I would love to be able to pick your brain on American in Denmark life 🙂

    Thanks!

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