Aarhus Speaks - talks to inspire you
Come listen, laugh, and be inspired — your Aarhus story starts here!
What does it take to feel at home in a new country — and how can Aarhus become the best city for internationals?
Your host, Phil Hall, and our panelists are more than ready to dive into these complex and important issues.
Get inspired and join the conversation at the Aarhus Speaks stage at Rampen!
11.30 -12.15
How to thrive as an expat in Aarhus
- a conversation about the challenges of moving to a new country and how to feel at home in Aarhus.
In this first session at the Aarhus Speaks stage panellists will share real-life experiences of settling in Aarhus: the culture shocks, the surprises, and the small victories that made them feel they belong.
Malavika has lived in Denmark for five years now.
She was born and raised in India and shaped by long stays in Tanzania.
She first came to Denmark to study, but life had other plans when she fell in love with her Danish partner.
Since then, she’s been on a journey of learning Danish, building connections and shaping a life that truly feels like home.
A business woman at heart, Maria runs her family company together with her husband and another 7 passionate professionals.
Born in Peru but “aarhusiansk” for two decades, she has worked with people from all over the world for more than 25 years.
Melissa Ekin Brigante is an is an American Italian psychologist.
She lived in London for 10 years prior to moving to Aarhus in 2019.
Since 2023, Melissa has been practicing as a private psychotherapist through her company in Denmark, where she served individuals and couples from 42 different countries in less than two years.
She speaks English, French, Turkish, a little Italian and Spanish.
13.30 - 14.15
My vision for Aarhus as the best city for internationals
In this second session, visionary voices discuss bold ideas and big dreams for making Aarhus a truly international city.
As a business organisation Erhverv Aarhus uses its voice to create better conditions for companies in the area and to help make Aarhus an even more attractive city to live and work in.
International Community is part of Erhverv Aarhus, and together with the City of Aarhus and other partners, they work to develop the city as an attractive area for international employees and their families.
As Head of Aarhus International School (AIS), Robert has a very close understanding of what international families need – and what it takes to thrive and feel at home in Aarhus.
At their new campus on Dalgas Avenue, Aarhus International School welcomes 60 children in their kindergarten and 400 primary school pupils - a vibrant community including students, teachers and parents from over 40 nationalities.
Michael and his team at the International Staff Office (ISO) supports the university in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining international staff at Aarhus University.
Having years of experience in providing guidance and services for international researchers, accompanying partners and families, PhD students and guest researchers, Michael has profound knowledge of what a city should offer its international citizens.
14.45 - 15.00
Announcement of the Treasure Hunt winners
Pick up a 'treasure map' by the apples on Rampen, go letter hunting to find the secret word and hand in your map the same place. Winners are announced on the Aarhus Speaks stage (Rampen) at 14.45.
ℹ️ Please note: You must be present at the draw to claim your prize.
1st. prize: 2 x Tivoli Friheden Deluxe seasonal cards for 2026 (are also valid in late 2025)
2nd prize: Tickets to ARoS