Through business visits, case studies, and lectures, you will come to understand the European business environment and how it differs from the U.S. Learn how companies are impacted by local business environments, cultural differences, and trade regulations – a key insight into international business.
One microeconomics course, and one course in either macroeconomics or business at university level.
“We visited some of the most renowned companies in the world and saw inside their day-to-day operations.”
Kevin
Indiana University
Faculty
Claus Bengtsson
Master of Science, M.Sc., Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 1986 Bachelor of Commerce, B.Comm., Copenhagen Business School, 1987. Partner & Owner, Flayen Executive, Executive Search, Strategic Coaching, 2020-present Hoffmann-Associates, Executive Search, 2017-20 External Lecturer, Copenhagen Business School, 2024-present Lecturer, Niels Brock, Copenhagen Business College, 2022-present Director, Operations, COO & Sales/Services, CSO, Guldager A/S, 2006-17. With DIS since 2025.
Daniel Karpantschof Reece
Master of Laws (International Taxation, St Thomas University Miami, 2005). Founder and Managing Director of Nordeq Management A/S. CEO of the Equinor Group, 2005-2014. Expertise in cross border corporate structuring, private equity, and leadership. With DIS since 2015.
Leif H. Rasmussen
Cand.merc. (Copenhagen Business School, 1982). Head of Marketing, Faxe Brewery A/S, 1985-1989. Marketing Director, The Danish Brewery Group A/S, 1990-1996. Sales and Marketing Director, Royal Unibrew, 1997-2007. CEO and Owner, Imexpo. With DIS since 2007.
Peter Friis-Mikkelsen
Master in Law (Copenhagen University, 1991). Past Work experience includes: Partner Group Manager (2002-2005) & Business Manager (2005-2008) both at Microsoft DK; VP Sales at ScanJour A/S (2008-2011), VP Sales Europe at Medical Insight A/S (2011-2012). Current Founder/Partner at COO Consulting (2012-). With DIS since 2016.
Katarina Hejrskov
LLB & Professional Legal Studies (Equivalent of the Danish cand.jur./Masters) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Management and Marketing) from the University of Auckland. Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and accredited Mediator & Restorative Justice Facilitator (previously at the NZ Ministry of Justice). Founder and Mediator at Heron Mediation. Co-chair of International Summits at the Elder Mediation International Network and Course Aid & Legal Advisor for the Peace Foundation NZ. Expertise in conflict resolution, restorative justice and leadership. External lecturer of law at AUT Auckland. With DIS since 2021.
Short Study Tour
About this tour
Home to some of the world’s largest producers of wind turbines, toys, pork, dairy products, water pumps, enzymes, and beer, Denmark is an ideal environment to gain insight into a multitude of industries. Through visits to companies and organizations, you will gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic world of business and the challenges of competing in a global market. During Core Course Week, you will spend two days in a seminar in Copenhagen and three days in Western Denmark on a short Study Tour, exploring and analyzing how classroom theories apply to the real world environment.
To contextualize your studies and give you a well-rounded understanding of the environment in which businesses operate, you will learn about Danish history, visit important cultural sites such as the Jelling Stones and the ARoS Art Museum, and enjoy traditional Danish food.
Learning outcomes
Engage in dialogue with corporations, based or operating in Denmark, to gain an understanding of business strategy in regards to Danish regulations, market demands, and culture
Analyze and critique Danish business models in the context of their industry
Understand the Danish business environment and how it differs from the United States
Possible activities
Visit the family-owned global businesses of Lego Group, Europe’s biggest toy maker, and Ecco, the only major shoe manufacturer in the world that owns and manages every step of the shoemaking process
Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the operations of other multinational companies such as Coca Cola, SAS Airlines, Grundfos, the world’s largest pump manufacturer, Vestas, a leader within wind turbines, Viking Life Saving-Equipment, a market leader within maritime safety, and Novozymes, a world leader in bio-innovation
Visit small and medium enterprises, such as Hummel, a leading Danish sports brand, Cocio, a leading Scandinavian chocolate milk brand, and Peter Beier Chokolade, a successful line of luxury chocolate
Long Study Tour
About this tour
Northern England and Northern Wales offer some of the most fascinating stories of economic transformation in Europe. This region—anchored by powerhouse cities such as Newcastle and Liverpool, and framed by the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales—has shaped global industry, culture, and innovation for more than two centuries.
The tour will visit Newcastle, once a bastion of coal, engineering, and shipbuilding, and Liverpool, the world famous port city which connected the UK to global trade networks, making it a gateway for goods, ideas, and people. Together, these cities became engines of economic growth, centers of labor activism, and cultural icons whose influence still resonates worldwide—from pioneering music scenes to internationally recognized football clubs.
Today, the region is reinventing itself again. Students will explore how northern England is navigating the challenges and opportunities of a post-industrial, post-Brexit economy: from digital innovation and life sciences clusters to creative industries and ambitious urban regeneration projects. Along the way, you’ll experience the multicultural vibrancy, entrepreneurial energy, and natural beauty that make this part of the UK so distinctive.
This tour blends business insight with cultural immersion, giving students a front row seat to how history, policy, and innovation collide to shape modern European business strategy.
Learning outcomes
Compare the business development paths of Newcastle, Liverpool, and surrounding regions to other parts of the UK and Europe, both historically and today
Deepening your understanding of the UK—and England specifically—through direct exposure to its culture, history, and socioeconomic landscape
Strengthen your ability to apply classroom theories to real world business environments through company visits, interviews, and fieldwork
Possible activities
Go behind the scenes at a major football club, meeting with business support teams to understand how global sports brands drive local economic impact
Hear from regional development leaders in Newcastle, exploring the opportunities and challenges of operating in northern England in a post Brexit environment
Dive into how cultural heritage and business interact with a visit to the Beatles Story and meet their management team to hear how Liverpool’s historical musical history can drive current economic growth
Immerse yourself in the region’s innovation ecosystem, visiting life science labs, digital start ups, and entrepreneurial hubs to meet founders and analyze business models
Experience the landscapes that define the region, from the dramatic mountains and coastline of North Wales to the rolling hills and historic villages of northern England
Enjoy classic British cuisine with a visit to a traditional countryside pub and a local farm, learning how rural businesses adapt and thrive in modern markets
About this tour
London is a well-known center of finance and the location of some of the oldest and most influential financial institutions in the world. On this study tour, you will have the opportunity to examine the British business environment and be exposed to businesses both in financial and creative industries, such as banking, insurance, and sports entertainment. Past visits have allowed students to visit the storied courts of Wimbledon, walk the trading floor of Lloyd’s of London, and sit in the seats of diplomats and world financiers.
As Europe has unified, Danish businesses have had an opportunity to grow while in London. Therefore, you will also visit Danish businesses and institutions such as the Chamber of Commerce, to directly compare and contrast the strategic considerations in both places.
You will explore beyond London’s financial centers and enjoy its rich cultural legacy, from high tea to Hyde Park. Gaze at the movers and shakers of the past in the National Portrait Gallery, learn of the development of London as a financial capital at Museum of Docklands, visit London’s famous cultural sites, and explore the city’s diverse boroughs. Discovering the culture and historical context in which British business operates will help you help better understand London’s dynamic commercial environment.
Learning outcomes
Critically examine business models and strategies of select businesses within the financial and creative business clusters through on-site visits, and explore the development and importance of these clusters
Understand the differences between Danish and British business environments, and gain insight into the diversity of the European business environment and the challenges of creating a single European market
Become familiarized with the British business environment, and understand the influence of culture, clusters, and policy on businesses in London
Possible activities
Visit HSBC headquarters located in the new financial district
Walk through the old financial district to visit Lloyd’s of London, started in 1688 and now the world’s specialist in the insurance market, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Visit businesses within the creative business cluster of icons such as Wimbledon and the Christie’s Art Auctioneers
About this tour
This week-long Study Tour to Vienna is designed to allow you to compare and contrast different sectors of the Austrian and global economies. You will see first-hand the complex strategic planning companies undergo to achieve progress in their sector.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to experience the unique culture at the heart of Europe by visiting historical sites in one of Europe’s most charming capitals. Learning about the cultures of the businesses you visit will put them in context and will help you gain a truly global experience.
Learning outcomes
Understand the influence of industries and policy on businesses across Europe, with a focus on Austria
Learn about the Austrian business environment, and gain insight into the diversity of the European business environment and the challenges of creating a single European market
Critically examine the business models and strategies of select businesses located in Austria through on-site visits
Possible activities
Visit the Delegation of the European Union
Visit businesses in Vienna such as Bank Austria, Red Bull, Stiegl Brewery and the Impact Hub
Visit the Hofburg Palace, the Parliament and the Vienna State Opera
