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“Heihei”, my name is Cornelius Berns and I have just graduated in the Master in Management at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. For a semester abroad I decided to shift it towards the end of my Master and take the Summer University Programme at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. Two intensive courses were held within 4 weeks and added valuable insights for my concentration Strategy & Organisation.
You might wonder: why did he choose little Denmark? For a country that is less than a tenth of Germany’s population and one of its direct neighbor countries, you might think it does not unveil any new cultural experiences. Sure?! Well, in hindsight I can tell, it really does and it even more surprises you!
Starting with the language: in the beginning, Danish sounded like Chinese for a German. Over time you could pick up some words and guess the context. However, within student groups English was the favored language. Viewing the linguistic differences between Danish and German as an advantage, it gave me the opportunity to enhance my English, which was also supported by the wide variety of nationalities participating in the Summer University programme. From Australia to Singapore, China, Balkan States, Middle Europe up to Canada and the US, a broad range of cultural learnings and great people came along for free with the university life.
Even though that meant not getting to know the Danish culture exclusively and thoroughly, I could take on that getting around in university, the city and the nightlife. I faced a society that is very open-minded and helpful, always seeking to make the life better for their fellows. A sincere “Hav en god dag“ wherever one goes – in the supermarket, in shops, in Café’s, people you ask for the way or talking to on the street. And you will always be invited to „come over, I show you Denmark“. Danish are proud of their country and they can! I felt comfortable, safe, welcome and integrated at all times. The group that poses the greatest threat to you are the cyclists, don’t be afraid of getting knocked by a car anymore. It will hurt less than colliding with one of these furious cyclists!
So what about food to keep you fit after a good night? There is this thing called Smørrebrød – pumpernickel bread served with an unlimited number of different sides. The variety gets you a delicious new taste with every Smørrebrød you buy. But besides there is also the great „Papirøen“, an old Paper Island that has been transformed into a food court in the very heart of Copenhagen. National dishes from all over the world are served. A place to enjoy the waterfront, socialize with a lot of different people across the globe and taste the original Danish „Økologisk“ beer or the traditional Carlsberg.
Now we come to the interesting part for those who would like to get to know more about the Danish Nightlife! Copenhagen offers a wide range of different bars, clubs and Irish pubs. Hanging out with friends at some bars located at the waterside is not a big issue at all. Especially watching the sun set The Metro takes you to every corner in the city within 10minutes if you do not want to ride the bike after a few beers for some reasons. Whatever you take, Copenhagen is one of the safest cities on earth. Wonderful pe ople have made this to a unique experience for me and I would undoubtedly do it again.
And by coincidence you meet an FS buddy that takes you home after a night out – or vice versa? Can’t remember…
If you want to know how the life in Copenhagen feels like from the perspective of a Minion, feel free to check-out our video: Minion does ISUP
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