As my time at Copenhagen Business School comes to a close, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on how much this experience has shaped my perspective, both personally and academically.
When I first arrived, I was struck by the calm and efficient lifestyle, as well as the emphasis on balance in Danish culture. Now, after living here for several weeks, I’ve come to truly appreciate the intentionality behind that pace. It’s not just about being relaxed; it’s about prioritizing well-being, sustainability, and quality of life. That mindset has challenged my own way of thinking, especially coming from a culture in the U.S. that often glorifies being constantly busy and driven. People here emphasize relaxation, whether that be going out at night, diving into the harbor on a sunny day, or just taking a walk around the very walkable city.
Academically, to me, CBS isn’t an extraordinary institution, as it simply gets the job done. The campus feels like a modern and large summer camp location with a nice library, rather than a university, and this may not be entirely objective, given that I studied here over the summer. Still, to me, it seems a little too quiet compared to the constant grind and the ongoing events that take place at my home university in College Station. The students here feel a little distant as I’ve yet to see a single student actively participate in my course. Again, it could not be very objective since my course is at 8 am and it’s filled with people who likely didn’t learn English as their first language. Still, the overall vibe I’ve gotten here is that everyone is just here for credit, or their priority is more about exploring Copenhagen rather than studying. The professor is a kind and knowledgeable instructor, and her teaching was good; however, I wish the structure were a bit better, content-wise, as it was sometimes hard to follow. For reference, I took Undergraduate Corporate Finance.
Looking back, some of my initial impressions—like Danes being reserved—turned out to be true at first, but over time, I realized that people here are warm, genuine, and incredibly helpful once you make the first move. I’ve built friendships I never expected, and those connections have been just as impactful as the academic side of this journey.
Overall, studying abroad in Denmark didn’t just expand my worldview—it made me more adaptable, open-minded, and appreciative of different ways of living. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me long after I return home.
