New cannot come from nothing. It requires getting outside of your comfort zone and doing something that tests and challenges you. It is only from experiences like this that you can do truly amazing things.

This can definitely be said for student Alex Austin who has recently completed a summer abroad at Copenhagen Business School - the premier tertiary business institution in Denmark.

Currently in the final year of his combined Business and Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree, Alex was selected as one of 600 international students to participate in the Copenhagen Business School’s International Summer University Program.

The Library at Copenhagen Business School
The Copenhagen Business School Library

During this exchange Alex completed core work as part of his degree. But being part of this experience with 600 other international students gave him additional opportunities for friendship, networking and professional development.

"Being placed in workshops with international students from a broad spectrum of backgrounds (such as Colombia, South Africa, Qatar and Croatia) prompted a shift in my understanding of international business innovation and socioeconomic development."

Not only did Alex meet heaps of new friends but he also got to experience other cultures and learn and grow with them.

"There were plenty of opportunities to travel in Denmark provided by the Business School's Social Crew. I was lucky enough to spend a weekend travelling through Odense visiting the home of Hans Christian Andersen, as well as Aarhus, Aalborg and the beautiful Skagen Peninsula. I also took the initiative to go biking in true Danish style through the island of Bornholm to visit the stunning Echo Valley and Hammershus Castle. And who could forget an amazing weekend trip with my new friends to Germany as well!"

Alex and his new friends on a trip to Germany
Alex and his new friends on a trip to the Berlin Wall in Germany

And Alex's advice for other students?

"I strongly feel that stepping outside your comfort zone, particularly in an international context, allows you to gain a better appreciation of operating in different cultural environments. I really think this is a critical workplace skill that can only be built by going on an international exchange. It also allows you to build your skills by giving you a nuanced understanding of what constitutes 'industry best practice' between countries in the international business environment.

"Being nominated to study abroad in Copenhagen was one of the best experiences in my budding professional career. I have made new friends and mentors for life and broadened my horizons. I would absolutely encourage all uni students between the University of Newcastle, Copenhagen Business School and beyond to do so."

Want to see more of Alex's trip abroad? Check out the photo album of his trip.

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Alexander Austin

Combined Business/Innovation & Entrepreneurship student, Alexander Austin, recently returned from a summer studying at Denmark's premier business school.

Being nominated to study abroad in Copenhagen was one of the best experiences in my budding professional career. I have made new friends and mentors for life.

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