International student assistant strengthens Sønderborg’s settlement efforts

Sønderborg Municipality’s settlement initiative works across the entire process of attracting, welcoming and retaining both Danish and international residents. Its activities include events, collaboration with businesses, support for accompanying family members, and partnerships with local communities and voluntary organisations.

An international student assistant plays an important role in these efforts.

First-hand insight into the target audience

The settlement initiative operates across languages and cultures. For that reason, it makes perfect sense to have an international student assistant closely involved in its activities.

She contributes valuable insights into the needs of international students, produces content and manages digital communication in English, and acts as a link to the student community. This gives the municipality access to first-hand knowledge that can be difficult to obtain from an external perspective.

“We can use her professional skills to analyse data and identify trends and perspectives that we may not previously have recognised,” says Henriette Moos Prokopek Grøndahl, Head of Staff and Development at Sønderborg Municipality.

Ambassador for both workplace and local area

As a link to the student community, the international student assistant helps spark interest among fellow students. Many of her peers ask about her job and how she got it. “She is our new ambassador,” says Henriette.

In this way, the student assistant contributes more than day-to-day operational support. She also helps raise awareness of the municipality, the workplace and the local area among other international students.

More than an international background

While an international background is a significant strength, it is not enough on its own. For Sønderborg Municipality, the focus was on finding a candidate with the right personal qualities and motivation.

Particular emphasis was placed on initiative, engagement and flexibility. An interest in Danish society and a willingness to become part of the workplace were also important considerations.

“We have gained a determined and proactive young woman who approaches her tasks with great enthusiasm,” says Henriette.

At the same time, employing international talent does require particular attention, as language, onboarding and administrative matters such as taxation and regulations can be complex. Sønderborg Municipality’s experience, however, is that the benefits of employing international student assistants outweigh the challenges.

The municipality’s experience demonstrates that international student assistants can contribute far more than task delivery alone. They can provide valuable first-hand insight into the target audience, while the right match depends not only on an international background but also on motivation, engagement and a willingness to become part of the organisation.