A Dane Abroad: Cultural differences

Living in a foreign culture is interesting for various reasons: Not only do you among others gain perspective on a foreign culture, however, also on your own culture. As such, I just had to write a post on going abroad as a Dane including personal experiences I’ve made on my abroad relocations. Because, it’s true, you don’t realize the extent of cultural differences before you travel abroad and see for yourself. In this sense, being a Dane abroad, you quickly realize that things are quite different abroad in some aspects, and that us Danes can be somewhat weird to foreigners. Let me elaborate on this by presenting you with 30 cultural differences I’ve experienced as a Dane living abroad.

1. Foreigners are usually not as isolated, reticent and restrained as Danes

2. Being approached with a ”how are you?” is just, simply, very weird for an isolating, cold Nordic person. I mean, we’re trained not to look strangers in the eyes let alone talk to them (Exaggeration, however, not far from the truth)

3. ”The Law of Jante” is definitely not part of every culture, which is a good thing if you ask me (LoJ is not a law per se, rather a set of cultural norms)

4. Nor is the concept of ”hygge”

5. Vikings may not always be as popular abroad as back home – especially not in England

6. Foreign countries rarely have rye bread – and when they do it’s just not the same

7. Nor do they have smoerrebroed (rye bread with delicious, various and different toppings)

8. In my humble opinion, they don’t have (proper) licorice outside the Nordic countries either

9. With gained perspective, equality is far along in Denmark

10. So is the environmental movement

11. However, certain Danes could learn much from foreigners and their welcoming and open hearts (here, specifically considering the current refugee crisis)

12. Bikes are not as popular abroad as in Denmark (except for in Holland/Amsterdam, of course)

13. Students outside Scandinavia don’t go to college or university for free

14. Nor do they get paid to go study

15. They do, however, not have to pay approximately 50 percent of their salary in taxes as all Danes do

16. The cost of health care abroad is expensive

17. It’s just not appropriate to put your national flag on your birthday cake abroad

18. … Or on the Christmas tree

19. Christmas is not celebrated with dinner AND gifts on the 24th of December all over the world

20. It’s not common to dance around the Christmas tree before opening gifts on Christmas eve either. In my experience, foreigners find this Danish tradition very strange

21. Nor do foreign cultures burn witches every summer on the beach

22. … Or ”shoot in” the new year on New Year’s day to receive candy (only children)

23. … Or hide candy for children to find in the highly decorated garden for Easter

24. In general, people abroad don’t throw pre-parties before going out partying/clubbing

25. … And the bars and clubs close way too early – I mean the party doesn’t even start before 1am…

26. Maybe it has to do with the viking genes, however, foreigners really can’t hold their liquor too well

27. They are, however, way better at socialising without alcohol as the center of attention

28. Foreigners generally speaking don’t find the Danish Band, Aqua, and their song, Barbie Girl, as interesting as Danes

29. They do, however, seem to find the Danish LEGO pretty neat

30. … And the fairy tales of the Danish author, H. C. Andersen (The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Nightingale etc.)

…

There you go… Some cultural differences (and facts about ’Danishness’) I’ve experienced abroad.
What about you? What cultural differences have you experienced on your travels?

xo P!

 

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