Getting Oriented to Our Surroundings…

After we landed in Copenhagan, gathered our belongings and deboarded the plane, we began the process of orienting ourselves to our new surroundings. While moving through the airport as a large group, we had to learn to read the signs and navigate in an unfamiliar environment. Fortunately, most signage contained both English and Danish text which made it easier to comprehend the instructions. We also had to avoid bumping into people as we moved through the airport. It quickly became apparent that our fast paced movement was a sharp contrast to the slower paced and deliberate movement of the Europeans.

As a student studying international business, these are issues they would face when traveling internationally. Developing the navigational skills and self confidence to operate in an unfamiliar environment is key to being successful in international business. If students take the time to reflect, this experience can teach them a lot about themselves. Are they comfortable working in an ambiguous, unstructured environment? Or are they more comfortable working in a structured setting?

One piece of advice I would offer to students traveling internationally is to check out the map of the airport before they depart. Navigating airports can certainly be a challenge and virtually all airports publish their maps online. It is much easier (and less stressful!) to find your way around if you have researched the airport layout before the trip.

Copenhagen (CPH) Map. Courtesy of http://www.ifly.com/copenhagen-CPH-airport/terminal-map

After gathering our luggage, we loaded it onto a bus and began the 30 minute drive from Copenhagan to Roskilde, Denmark. We quickly noticed that it was raining. Fortunately, we had studied weather information beforehand, so we were well prepared for rainy and cold weather. Given its location in Northern Europe, Denmark tends to see temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit)

)

The drive from CPH to Roskilde was a scenic one.  Roskilde is located on the island of Zealand in Denmark. Roskilde has a population of a little over 48,000, so it is a nice sized town to begin our study abroad experience.

Our group drove from CPH to Roskilde. Along the way, we passed many windmills including this windpark.

During the drive, we discussed the importance of Wind Power to the Danish economy. Indeed, it is very windy in Denmark. The Danish have found a way to harness the power of wind and they have achieved first mover advantage in this capacity. Denmark has succeeded in bringing 28% wind power into the electricity system (http://denmark.dk/en/green-living/wind-energy/).

In order for students to get the most out of the study abroad experience, they need to be open to learning – whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself. Learning doesn’t always have to occur in a classroom. Learning and growth can happen as you are navigating through an airport, or even driving through the rain on a bus. As a study abroad student, you have to be poised for learning…

 

The Study Abroad Journey Begins…

After months of planning, our team from Sinclair began the long journey to Copenhagen, Denmark on Sunday, May 11, 2014. We met in Centerville, Ohio, formed a caravan, and drove one and a half hours to the Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. We met the study abroad students and faculty from Columbus State Community College at the terminal. The two groups had never met in person. Prior to the trip, students and faculty prepared introductory PowerPoint presentations and shared them via a common learning management system called Momentum/Desire to Learn. The teams instantly set to work getting to know one another. Everyone was excited about the upcoming trip and anticipation was high.

There was a delay departing from Columbus due to runway construction at the Toronto airport. Upon learning of the delay, faculty started working to identify alternative flight arrangements. Unfortunately, the only other option we could find was a connection flight through London. We prepared ourselves mentally for potentially having to switch gears and follow this alternative route. Following an hour delay, the flight finally departed.

Upon our arrival into Toronto, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that our connecting flight to Copenhagen was delayed also. We met the students and faculty from the other two schools; Roane State Community College and Pikes Peak Community College; at the terminal. It was great to experience the warm and gracious welcome we received upon our arrival. Now that all the teams had arrived, our large group of 22 faculty and students was ready to proceed to Copenhagen.

I believe that reflection is an important component of this initiative. Part of the learning value from a study abroad program arises from problems that occur. Yes, problems will occur and effective leaders need to be prepared for them. As a management student experiencing study abroad, it is important to reflect on the following items, “What do you do when a problem like this delayed flight surfaces? How do you handle it as a leader? How can you use these types of situations to develop and demonstrate solid leadership and problem solving skills?” As a leader, your handling of the situation sets the tone for your team.

That is a sign of a successful study abroad program. The learning starts the moment you depart for the trip…