Ikea wants to send you (well, one lucky winner) on a two-week trip to Copenhagen, but there's a catch: This isn't your ordinary all-expenses-paid vacation. If you're the curious type, you might even think it's better. Ikea Denmark is hosting the global competition, in search of not just the winner, but a "happiness hunter"—someone to see what it's like living in one of the happiest nations in the world.
"We know that Danes have a strong emotional connection to their homes which they perceive as a safe space for wellness and 'hygge'" Leena Gaarde, Ikea Denmark's Country Communication Manager said in a statement. "In our large 'Life at Home' study in 2017, we asked more than 20,000 people from 22 different countries about their feelings for their home, and nine out of 10 Danes said that they feel peace and happiness when they think about their homes. That lead us to think whether happiness in reality arises from the Danes' authentic life at home."
The winner of the contest will help Ikea investigate this idea, by living in Copenhagen for two weeks the way the average Dane would. Their travel expenses will be covered, they'll have their own temporary home in Copenhagen to live in, they'll receive an average Danish salary and pay the equivalent to an average Danish tax, and they'll spend two weeks getting to know Denmark and the Danish way of living—including home visits, guided tours, talks, and dinners. They'll also receive free meatballs (köttbullar) at the Ikea restaurant, of course. And they'll have to blog about their experience for IKEAHomeView.com, and will be followed around by a camera crew who will be producing a mini documentary about the whole adventure.
Ikea is looking for applicants who are curious, love to travel and meet new people, love being on camera and in the spotlight, and are at least 18 years of age—a thirst for finding out the secret to happiness is also important, of course. A love for all things hygge can't hurt, either.
You have until July 1 to apply, so what are you waiting for? Head here to enter—you'll just need to answer a few questions and submit a video to show why you're right for the job. The winner will be announced in the beginning of August, and the trip will take place in September.
