On a scale of integration from 1 to 10, I would say that I am… an 8. Around 10 means you are completely like a Dane, and I don’t think I am or want to be a Dane. The Danish culture, society and people are fantastic. They have, you know, a lot of respect, but at the same time I can see the limitations. And I make the conscious choice not to fully integrate myself into it.
Most of my friends are… half Danish and half international actually.
I think the best way to make Danish friends is… to have attended kindergarten with them. Because they tend to have slots for friends. I remember several years ago being at a party and talking to this guy. And we hit it off – we had a great time. So I asked him to do something together afterwards. And he said “I’d love that, but thanks. I’ve got enough friends.” As if all the seats were already taken.
The three words that I think best describe Copenhagen are… cool, relaxed and welcoming. Cool in every sense, because it’s quite cold and it’s nice too. Relaxed because the excitement you find in other cities like New York or Boston is definitely not the same here. No honking, even if there is traffic; it is remarkably cool. And so welcoming, because if you are European, the Danes are quite tolerant towards you, although they are more careful with others – for example, Syrians.
The Italian professor is currently working with Ubisoft on a player research project. He is also part of a startup working on AI and player experience.
Source: The Nordic Page