Studying abroad in Denmark has changed the way I look at and understand multicultural interactions. Doing business in Denmark is not only about core business knowledge, but also about understanding culture, trust, collaboration, and sustainability. Copenhagen has challenged my initial impressions of how an effective Nordic company would operate and how Danish culture creates a great business.
One lesson I learned is that everyone is equal, or what the Danes call “Janteloven.” This unwritten Nordic rule emphasizes modesty and equality. Open discussion and accountability are key aspects of Danish business practice. Instead of focusing on individual achievements, success comes from group efforts. This has changed my perspective on working as a whole. More fulfillment and enjoyment come when everyone works as a unit, instead of segmented pieces striving for first place.
On a personal level, my perspective has changed on communication. In the US, we often sugarcoat what we say and fail to get our point across, while the Danes want honesty and straightforwardness. It felt awkward in the beginning, but now I wonder why I never did it back home in the US. This way of communication quickly builds trust and an understanding of who you are speaking with, personal or professional.
The time I spent abroad has changed the way I see personal and business relationships. Before coming on exchange, I saw business relationships as competitive and reaching solo metrics. Through academic and business case studies, I learned that collaboration and trust are more powerful than completing work individually. Working in Danish social and academic settings has highlighted how having joint responsibilities and clear communication leads to stronger outcomes and happier working environments. This change in my perspective will influence the way I go about teamwork, leadership, and troubleshooting.
Looking back on my time abroad, my initial impressions of Denmark still hold; however, time has strengthened them. My first thoughts were that Copenhagen was a friendly, organized, and sustainable city, and that still holds. I did not know how important these values are to the Danes and how the country is built upon these integral values. Living in Denmark has allowed me to see how cultural differences shape the way businesses and people operate. This experience will be remembered forever and allowed me to have a global perspective that will positively affect my academic and professional career.
