Bookings & Enquiries Signup to our Newsletter

DENMARK - TRAVEL GUIDE

Guide to living and working in Denmark

Quick Facts

  • Population: 5,432,335
  • Language: The official language is Danish. Many Danes also speak English, German or French.
  • Capital City: Copenhagen
  • Religion: Christianity: Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, Muslim 2%
  • Climate: Mild climate with no extremes of heat or cold. In the light summer months of June to August, the average daytime temperature is 66°F (19°C) and in the coldest month of February the average is 34°F (1°C). Being a coastal country Denmark can be rather wet and windy.
  • EFL teachers salary (average): The minimum is about £17 per hour, and is what most new arrivals earn. Once you are qualified you can expect to earn £25 an hour teaching in the state sector.

 If you are looking to teach English as a foreign language, don't forget to order your copy of Teaching English Abroad. This handy publication is described as "the finest directory available for ELT job-hunting." ONLY £14.99 - Order here.


 

Why is there a demand for English teachers? There is a demand for native English speakers to teach, particularly in a business context.There is little recruitment of English teachers outside Denmark, apart from the Cambridge Institute Foundation which is Denmark’s largest EFL institution with 38 branches and which specialises in English for business. Danes are enthusiastic self-improvers which means that evening classes in English are very popular. One thing that all Scandinavian countries have in common however, is a very good standard of English.

How do I go about getting a job? You will need a working permit as the Danish government has tightened up the immigration laws. Billington Recruitment Consultants www.billingtonuk.com provides a recruitment consultancy to employers in Scandinavia,  especially those looking to hire teachers of business English with some professional work experience.

It is worthwhile remembering that Denmark has one of the highest tax rates in the world, but earnings are only taxed above a certain rate.

Do I need to learn/speak the language?
Danes have English as their second language so it  is not essential to speak the local language although a little knowledge of the basics will go a long way.

What is the food like?
The original food of Denmark is usually very rich and fatty containing dairy products and beer. Potato is the indispensable vegetable of the Danish diet and can be found in all the meals of the day. Like any other Scandinavian country, bread is also a staple part of the Danish diet and can be found in every household in Denmark.

What will I do in the evenings, on days off or on my holidays?
Danes love music – from huge open-air festivals to small venues playing all kinds of music: jazz, blues, folk, salsa, pop and rock. If you want to explore Danish nightlife, chances are that you will be listening to live music. Danish cities are a shopper’s delight! Explore the traditions of Danish design and enjoy arts and crafts, furniture and designer clothes of international standard. No feature is more visible than Tivoli, the city’s much-loved amusement park and a destination for culture, socialising, and dining as much as for thrilling entertainment.

How much does it cost to travel to Denmark from the UK?
Budget airlines fly to Denmark from as little as £40 one way.

 Is Denmark safe?
You should secure your personal possessions at all times. Especially in Copenhagen and other major Danish cities, tourists can become targets for pickpockets and sophisticated thieves. Denmark promises a safe and welcoming environment where visitors can enjoy a stroll down a charming pedestrian street at any time, day or night. 

When is the best time to travel for English teaching jobs? Peak hiring season is September to December.