The potential of international students

Each year, thousands of international students from all over the world come to North Denmark to pursue higher education and start their careers. These students bring diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives, which can contribute significantly to the Danish economy and society.

Photographs: Visit Denmark

Text: Lasse Frimand Jensen

One of the key advantages of having international students in the Danish workforce is their ability to improve our society's green transformation and digitalisation. Denmark is facing a shortage of workers in specific sectors, such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and more. International students who have studied in these fields at our local educational institutions, in addition to education from abroad, gain valuable knowledge and work experience during their studies that can help to fill these gaps and meet the demands of the labour market. In the North Denmark region alone, the number of employed international residents has risen 98% since 2009. In 2020 there were 31,574 internationals in jobs, and we expect this number to continue to grow.

International students bring a global perspective and understanding of different cultures, which can help Danish companies expand their businesses internationally. Businesses in the North Denmark region have reported the presence of international employees is undoubtedly a significant advantage, mainly due to their market knowledge, cultural knowledge, and language skills.

We can also see how international students can help to boost innovation and creativity in the Danish workforce. These students often come from different backgrounds and have different ways of thinking, which can lead to new ideas and approaches to problem-solving. This can help our local companies stay competitive and drive innovation and growth.

At International House North Denmark (IHND), we help young international talent get their bearings and settle in the North Denmark region. Our mission is to retain as much talent as possible in the region. We are ready to assist international students with finding their next internship, company collaboration, and job.

Young professionals in Denmark

Young Professionals in Denmark (YPD) is an exceptional initiative for students who aspire to establish a career in Denmark after graduation. The one-year programme aims to introduce ambitious and talented students to the Danish labour market and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen field.

YPD offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to meet various Danish employers and gain insight into their respective industries. This exposure allows them to make informed decisions about their future career paths and prepare for post-graduation work in Denmark. The programme also helps to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with the necessary practical experience to complement their academic knowledge. Most participants take on student jobs and internships during their studies.

By providing a platform for students to engage with potential employers and learn about the Danish work culture, YPD is helping to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who contribute to the Danish economy.

Since working with international talents in different programmes began, 93% of the participants have secured full-time jobs after graduation. In addition, the diversity within the programme, with 78 participants from 32 different nationalities and a range of academic disciplines from engineering, social sciences and business, shows the program's ability to cater to a broad spectrum of students and employers in the region.

Student success story from a career programme

One participant, Yang Che from Taiwan, came to AAU in 2016, where he studied Design of Mechanical Systems. He graduated from a career programme, learned Danish, and was very active in the various activities the university and we promoted. He met a local Aalborg company called Liftra A/S at our Asian Business Fair and got offered an internship. After his internship, he was invited to write his master's thesis with the company and offered a full-time job after graduation.

At IHND, international students are a valuable asset to the Danish workforce and society. They bring diverse skills, perspectives, and cultural understanding that can help businesses expand globally, fill gaps in the labour market, and drive innovation and creativity. International House North Denmark and initiatives such as Young Professionals in Denmark are committed to helping international students integrate and establish their careers in North Denmark, contributing to the growth of the region's economy and society.