A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Aarhus

Life in Aarhus

Education in Aarhus

Safe cities understandably have significant appeal to families moving abroad. For expats with children, the next most important factor tends to be access to, and the quality of, education. Aarhus has a great university, which is ranked among the world’s top 100 by several influential sources, as well as a business school, and several other similar institutions. If your kids aren’t old enough to make the leap into higher education, Aarhus has great public schools, as well as Aarhus Academy for Global Education (AAGE), an English-speaking international school. It is worth noting that AAGE only provides education until the age of 16, when students complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Program.

Upon completion of the Middle Years Program, there are several options available, as suggested by the international school itself. Firstly, there are two schools in the city that offer the IB diploma: Langkær Gymnasium and Grenå Gymnasium. The diploma is taught in English, making it a great option for those who have not been in the country long, or who struggle to speak, understand, and write in Danish. For teens with a knack for languages, local schools are also an option. Some parents find that it is best to send their children abroad, or back to their home country, for their final years of schooling, though the excellent options within the city mean this is a choice rather than a necessity.

Culture and Leisure

Aarhus has some great activities for culture vultures, including incredible displays of art and architecture, vibrant multinational festivals, and regular music events. The Latin Quarter is worth a visit, particularly on sunny days, as are the botanical gardens, while the numerous museums give you plenty to do on days when the weather is less cooperative. For wildlife lovers, there is a deer park in the area, while sports enthusiasts will be more than happy with the wide range of activities and events available to residents.

Safety and Security

As mentioned above, Aarhus is one of the safest cities in the world, and has an exceptionally low crime rate. Basic precautions are still worth taking, such as keeping bikes locked up, and ensuring that your purse is always within sight when you’re out and about. If an emergency does arise, the number to know is 112, as this will allow you to reach fire, police and ambulance services.

For more general information on life in Denmark, including a first introduction to the Danish Healthcare System, please refer to our article on Living in Denmark.