Learn more about exchange opportunities at our Business School Undergraduate Global Exchange Webinar at 11am on Tuesday 8th June, 2021. Register via Zoom.
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts student Iris Chen shares her insights into the challenges and highlights of exchange at the University of Copenhagen.
Last year I was fortunate enough to study abroad at the University of Copenhagen as well as spend some time travelling around Europe. I am studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts majoring in Finance, Accounting and Political Economy, however through my spare electives I was able to enjoy subjects outside of my majors such as philosophy and Danish culture during my semester there.
Challenges and Highlights
The challenges and highlights of exchange definitely come hand in hand. The challenge of being away from friends and family gave me the opportunity to make new life-long friends from all over the world, while the uncertainty of a new environment offered the most amazing experiences and memories.
If I am perfectly honest however, my greatest battles were often fought against the weather. The preferred mode of transport in Copenhagen is the bicycle, and while I had braced myself for the cold when I left Sydney, I did not expect to cycle through hail storms. Nor did I expect to be shivering through an 8am lecture after cycling through an unexpected downpour in pitch black (the sun rises at about 8.30am in winter) and in 5 degrees Celsius.
Feeling constantly damp and a little sorry for myself, I asked my Danish friends how they coped with this on a daily basis as I never heard them complaining. They agreed it wasn’t pleasant but they all seemed to just accept it as part of their lives, noting that it wasn’t too bad or that it could be worse. While not exactly comforting, I quickly learned to always bring a raincoat and to just embrace the cold and wet, even surprising myself one day when I actually felt exhilarated from cycling in the rain.
Career Opportunities
- Learn to form relationships and find common ground with people who may have completely different experiences and cultural backgrounds
- Gain a broader perspective of the world and global issues
- Develop a strong sense of independence, resilience and often creativity when dealing with unfamiliar or unexpected situations when travelling
- Become more open and flexible from adjusting to a new environment
If you have ever come across anyone that has just returned from exchange, you’ll notice that they all have one thing in common – they can’t stop talking about it. You’ll get to have experiences that you will keep with you throughout your life and I promise you won’t regret it!
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