Overall, I wouldn’t say that I experienced any massive culture shock. However, there were obviously differences between Copenhagen and Boston. People are much more reserved here, and I think the contrast is even more apparent coming from the US, where people are often extroverted. Small talk doesn’t really happen, and people tend to be more direct. Also, a lot of the Danish students seem to stay together in the classes that I’ve taken. However, all of this behavior seems to change at parties – there’s a huge partying culture here. Even the school campus hosts big parties and events. The student housing building that I live in also has regular events.
While these cultural differences do exist, it’s not too difficult to get used to them and adapt over the course of months. Although people are not extroverted, they have all been kind and willing to help (for example when I got lost biking home and a runner gave me directions). Also, it’s no longer surprising to hear the bar under my building holding parties every Thursday.
