At Fri BikeShop Sønderborg, international students have become an essential part of the team. They bring fresh energy, new ideas, and real value from day one – in the workshop, in marketing, and in the team’s culture.
At Fri BikeShop Sønderborg, international students have become a natural part of daily life – and a clear asset for both the business and the team. “We’ve experienced it firsthand: international students are a tremendous resource that many companies have yet to discover,” says Kent Nissen, owner of the store. “We’ve employed many students over the years, and every single time it has brought a positive boost – both to the shop and to team spirit.”
The story began several years ago with Tom from Canada. He had just arrived in Sønderborg and walked straight into the shop to ask if there were any student jobs available. “We were short on staff, and Tom came in with energy and drive. We took a chance – and ever since, students have been a permanent part of our team,” Kent explains.
But it’s not just an extra pair of hands that students bring. According to Kent, they contribute fresh ideas and new perspectives to the business. “They bring life and renewal – even at the lunch table, where their international background sparks reflection and great conversations. It truly adds something to our culture.”
Language is not a barrier
Some companies might hesitate to hire international students due to language concerns. But at Fri BikeShop, this has never been a real issue. “One of our current students, Jakub, was able to hold a conversation in Danish after just three months. He had both the motivation and the willingness – and it pays off every single day,” says Kent.
Their contribution goes far beyond the workshop
The students’ contribution reaches far beyond the physical tasks. “In addition to helping out in the shop and on the floor, several have also worked with social media and marketing. They come from diverse academic backgrounds – and you can clearly see that in what they bring to the table,” Kent says, adding: “What impresses me the most is their independence and eagerness to learn. When they’re given a proper introduction and feel like part of the team, they truly flourish.”
International students in Sonderborg are a tremendous asset. They bring knowledge, language skills, and motivation – but in order to stay and contribute, they need job opportunities alongside their studies.
In a small company, every hire counts. By employing students in part-time roles, we lower costs, reduce risk, and build long-term talent. A student can save us over DKK 400,000 a year – and after one year, we know exactly who to hire. It’s not just a saving. It’s a strategy to attract and retain the right people. – Henrik Wendelboe, ASA Software
At Bitzer Electronics, working with students has made a real difference. Through project collaboration, the company gets to know the students’ skills and mindset – many have gone on to become full-time engineers and grown into key roles.