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Tag: Going abroad

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By Federico Patino

Spring 2024

As I settle back into life in the U.S., I feel extremely grateful for having had this opportunity which completely changed my perspective on sustainability and opened my eyes to new horizons. The program gave me the opportunity to learn from top professionals in the sustainability field and to go on a field trip to a wind farm.

Denmark is a great country for a study abroad program. Copenhagen is a safe city, it's easy to get around, everybody speaks English and the culture is similar to the United States, so settling in is easy. The Copenhagen Business School has a series of campuses throughout the city. Dalvas Have, the campus where our program took place, combines modem classrooms with contemporary architecture that comes across as very Nordic. The school feels similar to a U.S. school, but yet also very different. CBS lives up to its reputation of being one of the best business schools in Europe.

My biggest takeaway from this experience is how different the European perspective on sustainability is to the American perspective. Here in the United States, sustainability is almost an after thought with very few regulations in place to force companies to be more successful. Europeans have a big sense of urgency when it comes to global warming, in part because Europe is a net importer of energy, while the United States is self-reliable. However, the effects of global warming will harm all of us, regardless of whether we live in a country that produces its own energy or not.

Taking the class made me aware of the importance of pushing U.S. lawmakers to implement more regulations so that companies become more sustainable. If the United States does not implement regulations, it might soon be too late to actually do anything about global warming. The United States should follow Europe's example and push forward regulations that promote sustainable practices.

Published on

By Federico Patino

Spring 2024

As soon as one sets foot outside the airport Scandinavia says hello with a freezing wind that goes straight into the bones. Locals welcomed me as I walked through the streets with my luggage waiting for it to be time to do the check-in at the Airbnb. Danish people are extremely happy to have foreign students in their country, everybody is happy to give directions or translate things for students. On the very first day, I could feel I was in a very different, but very welcoming country.

Immediately I could tell I was in the right place to learn about sustainability. Big wind farms are visible from the air before landing, plastic bags are nowhere to be seen, plastic bottles are very expensive, and the bicycle is the preferred method of transportation. Danes environmental consciousness is evident everywhere you look. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and stores display prices on small digital screens to minimize the use of paper.

The professor is probably the highest caliber professor I've ever had during my college career. Christian has extensive real-world experience, he is actively working with the major companies in the world to address the issues we discussed in class. When I introduced myself to the professor and mentioned I was from Miami, he started talking about how global warming will affect the city and how insurance companies are responding to it. Every conversation we had was regarding ESG, it truly was an immersive experience.

On the cultural side, I was not expecting interior design to be such a big thing in Denmark. On every comer, there is a homeware, furniture, ceramic, or some sort of interior design store. This caught me by surprise and I wanted to know more about why interior design is such a big thing for the Danes. After researching online and asking people in the streets, I came up with two answers. First of all, Ikea's HQ is right across the bay in Malmo, Sweden. So there are a lot of people in the area who work in interior design. Secondly, Denmark doesn't have many, or any, natural resources. The lack of natural resources prompted Danish people to want to improve, with design, the resources they import from abroad.

Copenhagen is an eclectic city that has something to offer to everybody. The city receives tourists with joy and enthusiasm and rewards them with a plethora of hidden secrets in every corner.

Published on

By Federico Patino

Spring 2024

Climate change will have a big impact on Denmark, and how the Danish people adapt to those changes will impact the rest of the world. Surrounded by the North Sea, Sweden, Norway, and Germany, Denmark's geographical importance can not be overstated. It sits at the gate from Europe to the Nordic countries and the Arctic. The country’s proximity to the sea and the melting ice caps make it extremely susceptible to rising sea levels.

I chose this program because it will allow me to learn from experts in a region of the world that is already suffering the severe effects of climate change. Given that I am an MBA student I tend to believe that every problem can be solved with the right investment and business plan. Hearing from the likes of Eric Pedersen, Patrick Moloney, and Kamil Raad, among others, will expose me to different approaches to sustainable investment. I hope to learn about investment solutions that may be applicable in the United States and bring back knowledge that can be acted upon.

Furthermore, I am fascinated by Denmark’s rich culture from which so many different societies derive. Copenhagen was the capital of several Viking kingdoms; the city has been an eclectic trading hub for centuries. From here the original Vikings went on to conquer all the Nordic territories. While in Copenhagen I intend to visit the The National Museum of Denmark to immerse myself in Viking history. The city’s proximity to Sweden will allow me to visit Malmo by crossing the Øresund Bridge, so I can visit two countries in one trip. In the 21st century, Copenhagen is known for being a friendly, clean, and very amicable city which is always happy to receive tourists.

The opportunity to learn from experts in a changing region combined with Denmark's dense history and the diverse multicultural scene made the ESG, Sustainable and Impact Investments Short-Term Study Abroad Program very appealing to me. It is my firm belief that this experience will allow me to expand my thinking on how to respond to global warming.

Oresund Bridge

Hochgesang, Julian. Oresund Bridge. 2021. Unsplash. Accessed 2024.

Potapenko, Maksym. Nyhavn. 2018. Unsplash. Accessed 2024.

 

Published on

By Vanessa Onwughalu

Winter 2024

As I reflect on my recent study abroad trip to Panama City, Panama, organized by the Global Business Project Panama program, a flood of memories and insights rushes through my mind. The experience was nothing short of transformative, shaping both my professional outlook and personal growth in profound ways. Here are some key takeaways from my journey: 

Confidence in Business Development and Global Ventures: 

One of the most significant takeaways from my time in Panama is the newfound confidence in navigating the world of business development, particularly for large corporations like Hilton, Boeing, Nestle Copa. The exposure to Panama's unique business environment, with its strategic location and booming economy, equipped me with valuable insights into global ventures. I feel empowered to tackle complex challenges and explore opportunities on a global scale.

 

 

 

 Embracing a Global Perspective: 

The immersion into Panama's rich culture and dynamic economy broadened my worldview significantly. From the juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers to the lush rainforests teeming with exotic species, Panama embodied a blend of tradition and innovation. This experience instilled in me a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of our world. 

The Value of Language and Cultural Immersion: 

Looking back, I wish I had known the importance of speaking Spanish before embarking on this journey. While I could engage with locals on a surface level, fluency in Spanish would have allowed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of local business ventures and forge stronger connections with the community. Nevertheless, the experience underscored the significance of language proficiency and cultural immersion in unlocking new opportunities.

Integration of Skills into Daily Life: 

Professionally and academically, the skills and knowledge acquired during the program have seamlessly integrated into my daily life. From conducting research to delivering compelling presentations, I have leveraged these newfound capabilities in various facets of my career and academic pursuits. For instance, the data analysis skills honed during my collaboration with Hilton now inform my Consulting Abroad Project in Germany, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Embracing Openness and Confidence: 

Beyond the realm of academia and professional endeavors, my philosophies and habits underwent a profound transformation. I learned to embrace openness and reject self-imposed limitations, whether in terms of geographical boundaries or personal beliefs. The experience emboldened me to consider diverse opportunities and embrace new challenges with confidence and enthusiasm. 

In conclusion, my Panama study abroad experience has been a catalyst for growth, both professionally and personally. It imbued me with the courage to navigate the complexities of the global business landscape and embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our world. As I embarked on the next chapter of my journey, I carried with me the invaluable lessons and memories forged in the vibrant streets of Panama City. 

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