In this article, I’ll share my personal journey of turning the dream of living abroad into a reality. From the early planning stages to the challenges and surprises along the way, I’ll cover what I learned and what I wish I knew earlier. If you're considering making the move yourself, this might help answer some of the questions you’ve been asking.
Lets start With ;
How Did I Choose My Destination Country?
Before deciding to move abroad, I first had to ask myself a more important question: Why do I want to leave my own country? Growing up, I always dreamed of living somewhere I could feel safe, at peace, and free from toxic societal pressures. As I matured, it became clear that what I was looking for might not be found in my home country.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I finally made the decision to relocate to a place that aligned with my values—a peaceful and secure country where I could build a better future.
However, moving from Bangladesh to another country is far from simple. I had to carefully consider many factors: the visa process, job opportunities, the quality of education, my financial situation, and what I’d do after graduation.
Taking all of this into account, I eventually chose Denmark
How I Came to Denmark?
Once I had decided on Denmark as my destination, the next step was to find a university that offered a program aligned with my interests. I was specifically looking for a course that combined computer science with business, and that’s when I discovered Aarhus University.
I applied for the Master of Engineering in Technology-Based Business Development, a program that perfectly blends technology and business—exactly what I was looking for. About a month and a half after submitting my application, I received my offer letter. That moment marked the real beginning of my journey.
Following the admission, I paid my tuition fees and moved on to the visa process. Thankfully, I didn’t have to go through a visa interview, and within two months, I had my student visa in hand.
Arrrival and start of a new journey.
I was so excited and full of energy that I flew to Denmark as soon as I received my visa without even booking a place to stay. Looking back, that was one of my biggest mistakes. I hadn’t realized how difficult it can be to find housing in Aarhus, where it often takes 2 to 3 months to secure an apartment.
Fortunately, after about 10 days of searching and a bit of luck, I found a local landlord through a Facebook group. I visited the place in person, and that’s how I got my first apartment, where I stayed for the next six months.
So, if you’re planning to move to a new country, make sure you have your accommodation sorted before you arrive it will save you a lot of stress.
Finding new job
Once I had sorted out my housing, the next big challenge was finding a job. I began applying through platforms like Jobindex and other job portals, but had little success. With almost no responses, I turned to local Facebook groups to look for job postings.
Finding your first job abroad can be really tough. In my case, I did manage to land an interview through a Facebook group, but I didn’t get the job due to a lack of experience.
Luckily, about 20 days after my arrival, one of my seniors from university also from Bangladesh referred me for a position. Thanks to that referral, I finally landed my first job in Denmark.
Adapting to a New Education System
After securing job , It was high time to focus more on studies. At first The classes seemed a bit different from what i used to. I completed my bachelors from india and high school from Bangladesh. But study method in denmark is completely different from india and Bangladesh. The Danish education system focuses heavily on independent learning, critical thinking, and student participation, unlike the more exam oriented and lecture-driven approach I am used to . Additionally, Danish universities often emphasize group work and real-world application over rote memorization.
But after attending classes regularly and talking to seniors, counsellors, and regularly meeting with my supervisor, I gradually adapted. Now, I find the system genuinely engaging and I’ve been doing quite well in it.
Social, Cultural, and Environmental Change
To be honest, I didn’t face much difficulty adapting to the social and cultural environment in Denmark. The Danish people are generally very friendly and often greet you with a smile. While they tend to be reserved unless you're close to them, they are always willing to help if you ask. Communication is also quite easy—most Danes speak English fluently, which makes settling in much smoother for newcomers.
One of the biggest changes for me was transitioning into Denmark’s highly digital society. From navigating the city with Google Maps to accessing public services, everything is digital. There are mobile apps for almost everything, and public transport buses, trains is usually punctual and reliable.
Cash is rarely used here. Instead of exchanging money when you arrive, it’s better to bring a dual-currency card or set up a local bank account. Some services and public transport options don’t even accept cash at all, which can catch you off guard if you're not prepared.
The weather, on the other hand, was a bit of an adjustment. It's quite unpredictable you might wake up to sunshine, only to walk into snowfall or rain an hour later. While it can feel a bit annoying at first, over time it becomes part of the adventure.
As for the cold, I found it manageable. All homes, buses, and trains are equipped with efficient heating systems, so you stay warm indoors even during the harshest winter days.
Now, after living here for about a year, I can genuinely say I feel very comfortable in this country. Denmark has become a second home.
Conclusion
Looking back, my journey from dreaming of living abroad to building a life in Denmark has been nothing short of transformative. From navigating the challenges of relocation, adapting to a new education system, finding my first job, and settling into a completely different culture I’ve come a long way. Now, as I near the end of my studies with good grades and a stable, well-settled life, I feel proud of how far I’ve come. Denmark has offered me not just education and work opportunities, but also a sense of peace, growth, and belonging