Sonia tells us about her experience moving to Copenhagen to work for the United Nations.
Name: Sonia
From: Vienna, Austria
Currently lives: Vienna, Austria
Role at Beyond Academy: Partnerships – Europe
Education: Master Degree in Business and Innovation management
1. Where did you go for your first living abroad experience and why?
I moved to Copenhagen, Denmark to develop my career opportunities and get some great work experience abroad. I’ve had a passion for travelling ever since I was young as we used to move around quite a bit because of my father’s career.
2. How did you make it happen?
I had just finished my studies in Vienna when the opportunity to move to Copenhagen with the United Nations arose. Its was a perfect time to start a new chapter and I just took the chance to do it. Of course, everything was not as easy as it sounds, but I had the support from friends and family and I knew that this was a great opportunity to discover another way of life.
3. How did you feel the first week you were there?
I was very enthusiastic and excited about my new environment. Every part of the process helped me settle in a little more: unpacking my boxes, discovering the city and surroundings and getting to know my neighbors.
4. What was your biggest struggle and how did you overcome it?
Going through the whole administration paperwork process in a new country was kind of a hassle. Even though most Danish people speak English, I struggled with the language at first as well as the different type of administration processes in order to get the formal paperwork done. However, thanks to a lot of nice people and friends, I managed to get everything done before starting my new job.
5. What were the top things you learned about yourself through living in another culture?
First of all, it gave me a broader perspective of seeing things and being more open-minded. Also, I was very pleasantly surprised to see that overcoming my initial fear of leaving home for a period of time was somewhat easier than I thought.
Finally, being surrounded by extraordinary people is something thats irreplaceable and makes the adventure of living abroad even sweeter. I am very happy to have made the effort to get out there and meet new people and make new friends.
6. How has your experience abroad impacted your career?
I had the chance to work at the regional office of the United Nations which was an incredible experience. I was able to expand my network in an international environment, exchanging with people from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Working on fundamental issues such as humanitarian and development projects around the world gave me a great sense of accomplishment. Sustainability is something that I strongly believe in and I was amazed to see how working together towards a more efficient and integrated way would push projects further and encourage innovation.
7. If you could go on a Beyond Academy Internship Program, which location would you go and why?
I would go for an Internship Program in Sydney, Australia, as I have always dreamt of living there. Being fully supported by the Beyond Academy program would give this new adventure a sense of greater purpose.
Interested in living and working abroad?
We offer international internship programs across 14 locations. For more experiences, expert stories and tips on interning abroad, check out our blog. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at hello@beyondacademy.com.
