It’s been about a month since I returned home to the States after wrapping up my internship in Copenhagen. I’ve finished my first week of volunteering for MIT Camp Kesem (a camp for kids affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis), reconnected with many friends, and started up a full course load of classes.

A fun game of “Captain’s Coming” at Camp Kesem with my unit

I’ve recently learned that many students who return to their home country after living or working abroad tend to undergo what is known as “reverse culture shock” while they adjust to their home culture. I’m not sure if I’m specifically facing this challenge, but it’s been exciting and interesting to identify the differences between the two countries’ cultures and lifestyles and ways that I can incorporate lessons from my summer abroad into my daily life.

I think that the major distinguishing factor for me has been realizing how polarizing Danish and American work cultures are. Denmark is well-known for its work-life balance with a 37-hour work week, seemingly endless summer holidays, and complete separation of work and home lives. It was interesting to see how many of my colleagues would soak in the summer heat at the beach or the swimming docks directly after work. It’s quite a jarring transition from a culture that values employees getting proper rest and maintaining their well-being to one that is more focused on full-powered productivity and a hustle culture. Pretty quickly upon my return to the MIT campus, I felt the pressure to sign up for five classes, take on two jobs, and partake in my usual recreational activities. Despite this, I am proceeding with caution as I recognize that burnout is very possible, and I am making a conscious effort to reserve time for myself in many forms, such as running along the Esplanade like I once ran along the streets of Lyngby, connecting with friends over food, and getting proper sleep.

Danes are also well-known for their punctuality and organization. I’ve always done my best to be quite punctual, and I realize that it’s an important trait to have. My days have been starting at 9 and 10 AM, which is incredibly early for me, but it’s been nice to implement morning routines such as pouring a cup of espresso (unfortunately, my colleagues at Symbion are not here for coffee chats), making a morning breakfast (with less bread), and dressing up nicely even on casual days (very Danish!). So far, I’ve kept up with my class attendance and Google Calendar, so hopefully, I will maintain this habit.

What I’ve witnessed a lot about Danes is their love for nature and athleticism (even if it’s just the bike commute to work), which is an interest I’ve aligned myself with for quite a while. I was peer-pressured by a close friend of mine to sign up for the Boston Half Marathon this semester, although my longest run yet falls 6 miles short. As a result, I’ve been training semi-regularly, and I’ve loved following my route through the Esplanade, over the Longfellow Bridge, and looping back around the Harvard Bridge. I’ve also gone climbing at the Harvard Central Rock Gym, which is always a great way to problem-solve and get my heart pumping. The uplifting and motivating sense of community I get from these sports is very reminiscent of my times in Denmark and something I greatly appreciate in my life.

This semester, I’m living on the “Boston Side,” so I’ve gotten the opportunity to put my cycling skills to the test. When I’m not biking or taking the shuttle to campus, I enjoy the slower pace of walking to my classes and feeling connected to my environment, which feels very Danish to me (not sure if I’m just labeling everything as Danish at this point). The views during the walk over the Harvard Bridge are unbeatable.

Another aspect I’ve appreciated upon my return is the diverse atmosphere of MIT and the new perspectives and backgrounds brought by freshmen taking classes for the first time. This familiarity reminds me of one of the best parts of immersing myself in the Danish startup community, which is the diverse intellectuals from all around the world who are passionate and driven to succeed. 

Living and working abroad has been incredibly transformative. No amount of cultural training or planning could prepare me for what to truly expect out of a summer in Scandinavia. My time in Denmark has changed the way I view the value of solitude, guided my professional journey, expanded my global perspective, helped form skills in self-advocacy, deepened existing interests, and piqued curiosity in new areas. I’m happy to have had this opportunity and I’m left aching to learn more about the world, applying my skills in computer science to further global health.

While I don’t have any plans on returning to Denmark anytime soon, I know that this opportunity is now etched into my memories, as I navigate my student and professional experiences. When I stop by one of my favorite cafes, Vester, for Danish-inspired smørrebrød, work out, or admire the natural world, I’ll feel the connection to an unforgettable summer.

Atop one of the tallest viewpoints in Copenhagen, the tower of the Church of Our Savior