I came to Denmark to study because I am in awe of how such a small country has produced many world-renowned companies, particularly in the life sciences sector, such as Novo Nordisk, Novozymes and Lundbeck. I'm curious about the systems, attitudes, and knowledge that contribute to Denmark's achievements in this field.
The academic environment is very supportive. I realised that here, they emphasise learning not only the 'what', but the 'how.' Most of the things I learn in lectures are practical. There are also various arts, sports, and career-related events organised by the student organisation that I can participate in.
The most challenging part was adjusting to the windy weather at the beginning. It is really important to wear proper layered clothing. Also, because I come from an equatorial country where day and night are the same length year-round, I must adjust my activities and sleeping schedule to accommodate the long nights of winter and the long days of summer. It is challenging but also teaches me to be more adaptive and flexible.
What surprised me the most was the many opportunities for growth and engagement in this city. You can learn, make friends, and spend your leisure time doing many activities. In the library, they regularly conduct creativity and crafts workshops. You can also learn how to build a startup by joining AU's startup hub, 'The Kitchen.' Additionally, you can explore Food and Bio Cluster Denmark in Agro Food Park Skejby, just a little north of AU. There are also many volunteer activities in the city that you can find on the Aarhus Kommune website. So, if you come to Aarhus University, your learning experience will extend beyond the campus to the entire city of Aarhus.
Biotechnology is a broad field, which is both a blessing and a curse. Many things excite me every time I learn new knowledge or specific techniques. However, it can be overwhelming and difficult to excel in all areas. That is why specialising in one particular area is very beneficial and practical. In preparing for my career, I want to hone my skills to delve as deeply as possible into one area so I can be confident in it. Moreover, career fairs are often conducted at the university or faculty level on AU's campus. These events give me a perspective on the various jobs life science graduates can pursue after finishing their degrees.
I love to relax in the hammock near Domens Café. If the wind is not too strong, I can spend hours there, relaxing and listening to music. I also love walking around the city centre in the afternoon and evening. Enjoying a sip of coffee with pastries in the local café in any season is also a delight. In winter, I love to visit Fredensgade. It is located in a small town called Hinnerup just outside of Aarhus, where every year, the neighbourhood beautifully decorates its houses to welcome Christmas Eve.
I work as a student assistant at the International Center at Aarhus University. This role involves helping international students, particularly Indonesians, with their inquiries and supporting the webinar events and programmes. I love that my work aligns with my interest in sharing information and encouraging more Indonesian students to study at AU. I found out about this job opportunity through the vacant positions listed on the AU website.
Understanding the work culture in Denmark and gaining experience in a Danish academic setting will give me a competitive edge when seeking future employment opportunities in a Danish company. Overall, this student job is equipping me with practical skills, professional experience, and a deeper understanding of the Danish work environment, all of which will be invaluable to my career.
One of the most surprising aspects is the flat organisational structure in Danish workplaces. There is a noticeable lack of hierarchical barriers, and employees at all levels are encouraged to voice their opinions and ideas. In my experience, the inclusive and collaborative approach fosters a positive and dynamic work environment.
No, I am not currently learning Danish due to my commitment to study and the fact that I find learning new languages quite challenging. Also, most people here speak English well, so I don't have to worry. However, I want to learn Danish so that I can better integrate into the local culture and community.
I am excited about what the future will bring. I hope the knowledge and skills I gained while studying at AU will help me build a successful career in the life sciences sector. I wish more Indonesians knew that Aarhus and Denmark could be great places for them to study and grow as individuals. I also hope more partnerships can form between Indonesian and Danish universities to develop and apply knowledge collaboratively.
