International Students Explore Danish Hygge

What is Danish hygge? And is it even unique to Denmark?

These questions were discussed when a group of international students attended International Week at the IBA. If you ask American student Bailee Strait, who travelled all the way from Alabama, Danes do indeed have a special relationship with hygge. While the ingredients for hygge may exist in many countries, she believes, the Danes are particularly skilled at creating the right atmosphere in everyday life to make space for it – whether alone or in each other’s company.

“We also have a laid-back lifestyle in the USA, but we struggle to make room for it in our daily lives. For us, it’s always ‘go-go-go.’ In Denmark, hygge is a concept. For example, meals are allowed to linger, and your shops close early, creating time for hygge,” she explains.

During International Week at the IBA, the main focus has been on innovation and entrepreneurship. The week began even before the students arrived in Kolding, with online lessons conducted while they were still in Hungary, the Netherlands, and the USA.

This week, they’ve gathered in Kolding to discuss business development, trends, sustainability, and culture. The week culminates in a series of presentations where a panel of judges evaluates the business ideas the students have developed in groups.

International Week is part of the Erasmus+ programme, which brings European students together for collaboration and dialogue. At the IBA, the project is further enriched by including participants from America, giving the group an even broader perspective to discuss.

“The purpose of the week is to strengthen our international collaboration, intercultural understanding, and exchange of ideas. At the same time, we have the opportunity to showcase our Scandinavian approach to innovation,” says Ildikó Antal, who heads the International Office at the IBA.

During International Week, students from the University of North Alabama, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, and two Hungarian universities – Eötvös Loránd University and Edutus Egyetem – participated.