Archie Manning

What international experience did you go on, and why did you choose it?

I completed a semester exchange at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was easily one of the best experiences I’ve had at university. CBS combines a serious academic environment with a very welcoming campus culture, and the city itself makes day-to-day life feel effortless.

I wanted to live the Scandinavian lifestyle I’d heard about – calmer, more balanced, and bike-friendly. CBS is ranked 15th globally for business, and that mix of the right courses, strong reputation, lifestyle, and the ability to travel easily made it the ideal choice.

How did you find your experience?

Incredible. The transition was smooth thanks to a well-run orientation and the CBS ‘buddy system’. My buddy even met me at the airport and was there for any questions in the first weeks. I settled quickly into classes, my dorm, and the city. Within days, I had a solid group of friends and a routine that felt natural.

What were some highlights of your time there?

For me, the best part was the people. I made close friends from all over the world, and we’re still in touch regularly. Copenhagen is clean, organised, and social, and most places are only 10–20 minutes away by bike, which makes the whole city feel accessible.

What was the education like? 

CBS delivered a level of quality that matched its reputation. The emphasis is on participation and application, which made learnings stick. You don’t just hear concepts; you use them in discussion, cases, and examples drawn from current business practice. Often, this led to great debates and heavy emphasis on group discussion.

How did you find the courses, teaching styles, and facilities?

The teaching quality stood out immediately. Classes were smaller and highly interactive, with excellent English. Courses were structured for dialogue, and lecturers connected theory to real-world situations. Students were engaged and keen to participate. The facilities matched that standard, with modern rooms set up for active learning. 

What were your accommodation arrangements?

I lived in a CBS Housing dorm with other exchange students, in my own room with an ensuite. Living with people in the same boat made meeting friends easy, and I’m still in touch with many of them today.

How did you find life at your host university and what did you like most about it?

The orientation is well-planned, and the buddy system helps so you feel supported from the moment you land. What stood out was the quality of everything – the teaching, the facilities, and people’s willingness to participate and contribute. There’s also a genuine acceptance of international students, so you feel included right away. 

How did you find life in your host country?

Copenhagen is very liveable. It’s easy to get around, the city is tidy and organised, and the culture feels relaxed without being slow. Being able to bike everywhere lets you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying things. The city is vibrant, with plenty of cafes and bars and lots of events, from food markets and street festivals to art shows and live music.

Day-to-day Danish life feels calm, considerate, and community minded. Socially, it is low key but warm. Conversations feel genuine once you connect. English is excellent and internationals are welcomed, so settling in is easy. Some items are pricier than Christchurch (especially coffee, eating out, and meat), but fruit and veg are cheaper, wine is similar and beers are cheaper! Copenhagen delivered the right balance of study, lifestyle, and community.

What did you get up to when you weren’t studying? 

Most free time was spent exploring the city, parks, canals (for cold plunges), and new neighbourhoods, with plenty of biking. I got involved with CBS clubs, playing sports or doing activities. I also travelled a lot, visiting 18 countries in 6 months. Highlights included seeing friends in the UK, heading into the Sahara Desert in Morocco, and visiting friends on exchange around Europe. 

What insights did you gain from your experience?

The interactive style of CBS sharpened my ability to contribute rather than just note-take. Working with a diverse cohort improved my cross-cultural communication and gave me a better feel for how teams operate when people bring different backgrounds and perspectives. 

How else do you think your international experience will help you in the future?

I now have people I can connect with from all over the world for local insight, travel tips, or corporate connections. Exchange normalises cross-border collaboration and keeps ideas flowing after the semester ends. That global network is a lasting asset for future study, work, and life.

Would you recommend for students to take part in your international experience?

Absolutely. You get strong learnings, new places to explore, and a network of friends and contacts across the globe. A semester abroad builds lasting adaptability and cultural fluency. The admin and planning take time, but the return is huge. If you get the chance, take it.

Any tips for others considering an overseas experience?

Before you go, get in contact with someone who has done an exchange (including me, happy to help!). If you are heading to CBS, choose CBS Housing so you are around a mix of exchange and permanent Danish students; it makes meeting people easy and helps you settle fast. Finally, say “yes”. Say “yes” to those travel plans, to going to the cafe across town, to the cold plunge in winter. It's the best way to make the most of your time!