Meet Ani Nagaraj

Program and Location:

Fall, University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen, Denmark

Major/Minor:

Agbusiness Management Major, with Minors in Economics, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I wanted to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and experiencing a new culture firsthand. Studying abroad at the University of Copenhagen gave me the opportunity to gain a global perspective, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and experience a different academic environment. I was also excited about the chance to travel and immerse myself in Danish culture. Living in Scandinavia was a goal of mine personally, and Denmark really achieved that. I also wanted to see what it was like to live alone in a different part of the world.

What did you learn about yourself?

I realized that I have a deep passion for traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. Studying abroad confirmed that I want to explore more of the world and experience different ways of life. At the same time, I also gained a new perspective on the work culture in the U.S. Compared to Denmark, where there is a stronger emphasis on work-life balance, I noticed that people in America tend to have more drive and ambition when it comes to their careers. This experience reinforced my desire to live and work in the U.S., where I feel more aligned with the fast-paced, goal-oriented mindset.

What was one of your favorite parts of your program?

One of my favorite parts was experiencing Danish “hygge” culture—whether it was cozy coffee shop study sessions, biking around the city, or having deep conversations with new friends. I also loved the emphasis on work-life balance and the unique approach to education, which encouraged discussion-based learning and real-world application of concepts.

What advice do you have to future study abroad students?

Be open to new experiences and embrace the unexpected! Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to grow both academically and personally. Take the time to engage with locals, step outside your comfort zone, and travel when you can. Also, don’t stress too much about having everything planned—some of the best moments happen spontaneously. Finding friends at the start are also important! Make sure to join clubs to find people/the others also studying abroad.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

My time in Copenhagen gave me invaluable insights into international business and finance. I joined a consulting club where I had the chance to speak with various business owners, which exposed me to how businesses are built and operate in Europe compared to the U.S. It was fascinating to see the differences in entrepreneurial mindset, regulations, and work culture. Additionally, my roommate was a student at Copenhagen Business School and worked at a wealth management firm. Learning from his experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the industry and solidified my interest in pursuing a career in wealth management. The exposure to different business practices and networking opportunities broadened my perspective and strengthened my passion for the field.

In what ways did your identity have an impact on your experience abroad?

Being Indian in Copenhagen was an interesting experience because the Indian community there was much smaller compared to what I’m used to in the U.S. It made me more aware of my cultural background and how it shaped my perspective in a place where diversity isn’t as prominent. At times, I stood out more than I would back home, but it also led to great conversations with people who were curious about my background and experiences. It gave me the opportunity to share aspects of my culture while also learning about Danish traditions and ways of life.

Additionally, experiencing a different cultural environment made me reflect on how identity influences career ambitions and social expectations. Seeing the work-life balance in Denmark versus the career-driven mindset in the U.S. reinforced how my own ambitions align more with the American approach. Overall, it was a learning experience that helped me appreciate both my own background and the global perspectives I was exposed to.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely! Studying abroad was one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life. I loved immersing myself in a new culture, meeting people from all over the world, and gaining new perspectives. If given the opportunity, I would definitely do it again—there’s still so much of the world I want to explore!