Greetings from batch 18!

It's been a whirlwind of a year, and Batch 18 is now back in Copenhagen, ready to welcome our friends from the U.S. and Hong Kong for one final semester together. This incredible journey has been filled with new friendships, invaluable lessons, and countless unforgettable experiences.

Let’s rewind to the beginning. After being accepted into this prestigious program, we had the privilege of attending events hosted by companies like McKinsey, BCG, Bain & Co, Implement, and Polaris. These events gave us an early chance to bond with one another while gaining insights into what it takes to impress top companies. It was a fantastic start that set the stage for what was to come.

Soon thereafter, it was time to board the plane to North Carolina, after a planned extended layover in Iceland. The plane was filled with excitement and curiosity. Upon landing, we were greeted by friendly Americans from the batch who had arranged pick-ups for everyone. The Southern hospitality was in full swing from the start.

Our first weekend in the U.S. was insightful, kicking off with Professor Maddox’s renowned negotiation course. All 50 GLOBE students, representing different nationalities, participated in this class, which was filled with real-world interactions that prepared us for future negotiations in the business world. It was truly enlightening and very practical.

One of the standout experiences in Chapel Hill was our introduction to American football. The energy in the stadium during our first game was electric, and the Tar Heels did not disappoint. The city was alive with excitement, especially when we celebrated the ultimate victory—beating our rivals from Duke University. Go Heels!

Additionally, many of us took full advantage of the school’s sports facilities to stay active, de-stress, and socialize. With access to both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis courts, bouldering walls, handball courts, and much more, we found the perfect balance to complement our academic pursuits.

Before we knew it, all our other classes were underway. From Professor Shin’s engaging Corporate Finance course to Professor Sonday’s inspiring Leading and Managing class, we were immersed in learning. Outside of our studies, we explored Franklin Street, quickly making it our go-to spot for bars and restaurants.

But our semester wasn’t just about academics and sports. Many of us seized the opportunity to travel across the U.S., visiting states like Florida, California, New York, Hawaii, Michigan, South Carolina, and even the island of Puerto Rico. Each trip added a unique layer to our experience, making our time in the States even more unforgettable.

After an amazing semester in the U.S., it was time to head to Hong Kong. There, we were warmly welcomed by our Hong Kong peers, who helped us settle into our new dorms at International House 1. Navigating the hilly campus was a challenge at first, but we quickly found our way to classes like Professor Janja’s Financial Accounting course and David Lee’s China Business course.

Weekends in Hong Kong were for exploration, and the city did not disappoint. We hiked Lion’s Head and Dragon’s Back, visited nearby beaches, and soaked in the vibrant lights and culture. We also discovered the legendary Mr. Wong, who took exceptional care of us whenever we went out—an icon among exchange students.

As January gave way to February, we experienced the excitement of Chinese New Year. Some of us stayed in the city to enjoy the festivities, while others traveled to the Philippines for underwater adventures, dice games, and even a visit to an impressive shooting range.

Back in Hong Kong, midterms loomed, but we faced them together, supporting and motivating each other to achieve our best—despite the challenge of curve-based grading!

When the second vacation week arrived, it was time for more adventures. The girls embarked on an exhilarating trip around the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, while the boys took a diplomatic detour to India, visiting the Danish embassy and, naturally, getting tailor-made suits.

Amidst all this, job application deadlines were approaching, and many of us were preparing for interviews to secure great positions upon our return to Copenhagen. The advantage of being part of the GLOBE program was clear, as many potential employers were familiar with the program and had positive experiences with previous GLOBE graduates. Additionally, the GLOBE alumni network and personal mentors provided invaluable guidance in navigating the job application process.

As the semester drew to a close, we squeezed in more trips—to Japan, Seoul, Thailand, Taipei, and Sydney—before gathering in Singapore for the common study trip. Visiting the prestigious Singapore Management University, our new TREBLE program partner, and exploring companies like Visa, Mastercard, and a top asset management firm were incredible experiences that enriched us with knowledge.

Now, back in Copenhagen, we’re excited to make this the final and best stop of our incredible journey as we welcome our American and Hong Kong friends to Denmark. Here’s to the next chapter!