Having a high quality of life, Copenhagen, Denmark, is also one of the top ten most livable cities in the world. In fact, Scandinavian countries rank among the happiest countries in the world, with Finland, Denmark, Norway and Iceland outrunning every other region in the World Happiness Report respectively. Now IKEA wants to send someone to live in Copenhagen for two weeks to explore what makes its residents so happy.

What is Denmark’s secret to having such cheerful dispositions? Maybe it’s Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”), a culture that promotes cozy contentment through simple pleasures like enjoying a hot cup of coffee while reading a book indoors. And the best way to experience Hygge culture is first hand. IKEA will pay for all travel expenses, put the winner up in a Danish apartment (with IKEA furniture) and also pay them a Danish “salary.” While the contest didn’t clarify how much the salary is, the trip is valued at US$8,000, which includes the “salary, airfare, accommodations, insurance and other expenses.” You’ll also enjoy free dinners, guided tours and home visits.

“Our happiness hunter will meet many different groups of Danes as well as lifestyle experts and futurologists,” the IKEA representative says. “The goal is to prepare the happiness hunter to answer the questions: Where does Danes’ happiness originate from? And is it related to the way the Danes live and interact with each other?”

The Hygge experience will last two weeks in September and the winner will be able to mingle with locals and allow their happiness to rub off on you. A camera crew will also be onsite to film your experience and turn it into a mini-documentary. Applicants should have at least basic English-speaking skills, be 18 or older, be “curious,” have a love for travel and new cultures and a desire to find “the secret to happiness,” according to the contest page.

While it seems as though only one spot will be reserved for experiencing Hygge culture, interested participants simply need to complete a form and record a 60-second video describing why they might be fit for the job by 1 July.

Source: https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/ikea-denmark-happiness-hunter-trip-paid-to-travel