Do you dare to change your life?
The story of Máté: A radiologist relocating to Denmark
Are you hoping to break down the bonds of your current living situation? Are you looking for a fresh new start? Moving abroad is a brave step, but it might just be what you need! Read Máté’s story as a relocated radiologist to Denmark and get inspired!
What was your main motivation for working abroad as a radiologist?
First and foremost I was looking for an opportunity to deepen my knowledge in a subspecialty of my profession, but better working conditions were important for me as well.
Back in my home country, I would work between 40-50 hours a week. The 24-hour weekend duties were demanding, and there wasn’t enough time to regenerate after these long working hours. I didn’t have nor much free time, neither the possibility of professional development in my field of interest.
So this job offer was an excellent opportunity for me. Night duties started to be even more demanding, and I didn’t have so many opportunities for professional development in my daily work, that is when I finally decided to move abroad and continue my life there
Why did you choose Denmark?
Beforehand, the good work-life balance was very attractive. On the other hand, I was also interested in the Nordic model, how The Nordic countries are functioning.
After my first visit to my new workplace and city in Denmark on the short trip to Denmark before the language course, my first impression was very positive. Everybody spoke very well, fluent English. The workday was well organized, and they looked quite effective in their task.
The working conditions and mentality of Denmark and Danes also got me. They have a 37-hour workweek, and they take it very seriously. Work-planning is straightforward and balanced, so people don’t experience unexpected overwork hours or accumulated night duties.
Another thing that made me attracted to Denmark is the environment. Clean streets, fresh air, relatively low traffic, relaxed people on bicycles or in running shoes.
How is your experience now, when you live in Denmark?
We have reasonable working conditions, I think. With a transparent schedule, it is easier to plan private life and free-time activities. Sometimes we have quite busy periods, but these overwork hours are well appreciated and always rewarded with a free day or supplement in payment.
The workday is well organized. We have many tasks and duties, but the schedule is still transparent. The leaders and the colleagues can be flexible when it is necessary, but the workplace is quite strict and everyone accepts that.
I also have any possibility for professional development. I’ve been recently invited to a study in our department, so I am very pleased with the opportunities regarding professional development within my field of interest.
Some difficulties that Denmark can be very expensive in the beginning. Language difficulties, I mean understanding the others and correct pronunciation, is also a challenge. Also, depending on the person, social networking can be quite limited in the beginning.
What does the Danes like? (Their mentality, work culture, etc.)
Communication and cooperation are very important. They like to discuss problems and difficult tasks during work. Examining previous mistakes is also quite natural, so all members of staff have to be quite open about these topics. It is also important to take part actively in these discussions.
My colleagues at my workplace were friendly and patient, but I had to learn quickly. It is a big hospital with many patients, so it is normal, that everyone is busy and almost always in a hurry.
How do your siblings (your spouse, your family) adapt to the change?
My girlfriend adapted very quickly. She is really into the country and the local area. She is still learning the language but tries to start her own “hobby” business. We miss the family, and they miss us too, but they accept, that I am happy about this work opportunity and have a more balanced life now.
How did you like Medicolink’s intensive language course?
I found it challenging but well-built up. I’ve been prepared 100%, I think. We had native language teachers, and they organized culture-based lessons and free-time activities, so an everyday language learner couldn’t wish for more, in my opinion.
We got excellent support during the language course, I mean teaching, materials and so on. But the pronunciation was very challenging, and it demanded quite an effort.
When did you first hear about Medioclink? How did you find the company?
I found the company on the internet, and then I asked my former colleague about the experiences regarding the whole procedure. She was really positive about the cooperation with Medicolink, so I decided to get in contact with the company about three years ago.
If someone is committed to learning a new language and flexible enough to fit into a new cultural environment, Medicolink can be a good choice for a relocation procedure and a long-term partnership.
Medicolink’s staff is professional, committed, but also helpful and patient. And funny as well, especially if we think of the “Julefrokost” events.
What kind of advice can you give to those doctors who are thinking about moving abroad?
Take the language lessons and the advice of the company seriously, so the beginning in the new environment will be easier. The whole procedure demands quite an effort, but if someone is dreaming about working abroad and is flexible enough to adapt to a new cultural environment, every hour spent with language learning is worthwhile.