“You’re Welcome… But You Don’t Belong” Life in Denmark as an International | 156 — What Are You Doing in Denmark?

A conversation about identity, moving abroad, and why belonging in Denmark isn’t always as simple as it seems.

What does it really mean to belong, especially in a place like Denmark?

In this episode, Derek sits down with French author and artist Aurélia Durand to talk about identity, moving abroad, and the often complicated reality of building a life in Denmark.

Drawing from her memoir Belonging, Aurélia shares her journey growing up between Paris and La Réunion, and how living in Denmark forced her to confront deeper questions about who she is and where she fits.

They explore:

Why finding work and community in Denmark can feel harder than expected
The hidden role of networks, language, and cultural “sameness”
What it’s like to be included — but still feel like an outsider
The tension between assimilation and staying true to yourself
And how living abroad can reshape your identity in ways you don’t expect

Aurélia also opens up about relationships across cultures, returning “home” and no longer fitting in, and how art became her way of processing it all.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel at home in Denmark, or anywhere, this conversation will resonate.

Aurélia Durand (guest):

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4ur3lia/

Order Belonging: https://atelieraureliadurand.com/pages/instagram

See All of Aurélia's Work: https://www.aurelia-studio.com/

Derek Hartman:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandk

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrotting

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrotting

🎟️ Get tickets for Derek and Conrad's English Stand Up Comedy Show on 26th November ➡️ HERE

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFCSH6KqKooZmSx1GJu9CWZYjX8esjl2F