Studying at Copenhagen Business School: A Student's Journey

Gratsiela pursued her Master’s degree in Science and Service Management at Copenhagen Business School. After discovering the programme through Online Result, she shared her inspiring journey of applying for and relocating to a university abroad.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name? How old are you? Where are you from?

My name is Gratsiela, and I am a 28-year-old student originally from Bulgaria.

Where are/were you studying and what programme? What degree and how long is your programme?

I am currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Service Management at Copenhagen Business School. This two-year programme offers great flexibility; during the second year, students can choose between completing four elective courses or undertaking an internship that provides credits equivalent to two electives.

Why did you want to study abroad?

After completing my Bachelor’s degree in my home country, I was eager to jump into the professional business world. However, I found that opportunities for young graduates were limited, and despite sending out numerous job and internship applications, I received little response.

This prompted me to look at international opportunities. Realizing my undergraduate degree lacked a competitive edge in the global market, I decided to study abroad to challenge myself, experience a new educational system, and open doors to better future prospects.

What were your main priorities when choosing your university and your programme (e.g. academics, accommodation, university services & facilities, personal & professional development, city & culture, cost & funding, practicalities, social life)?

I wanted to build upon my existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch in a completely unrelated field. My goal was to advance my career within a country known for its innovation, high-quality standards, and excellent educational reputation.

Choosing a destination where I already had a social connection was a priority. Having a familiar face nearby during the initial transition provides a sense of security and encourages you to step out of your comfort zone to embrace new challenges.

Financial independence was also mandatory. I needed to find a way to fund my education without relying on my parents, whether through tuition-free programmes, scholarships, or universities that allow students to work alongside their studies.

Finally, as someone born on the coast, the setting mattered. As Hemingway famously said, "Everything away from the sea is a province." I wanted to live in a place that offered a comforting connection to my roots.

Was this your first study choice? What other universities did you consider? What was the main reason for your final choice?

Living in Belgium at the time, I began researching universities that offered programmes in supply chain management and logistics to align with my previous academic background.

I identified several highly-rated universities in Rotterdam and Amsterdam via Online Result, but unfortunately, the tuition fees were well beyond my budget.

While there were some government subsidies available, the options were quite limited for international students. Ultimately, the high cost of living and tuition made those locations unsustainable for me.

Did you know from the start that you wanted to study in that particular country and city? Why did you choose this particular location?

I didn't let that stop me. I adopted an attitude of "give it a go"; if it doesn't work out, there are always other paths to explore.

I ultimately chose Copenhagen Business School because I had a friend in the city, I loved the atmosphere, and Denmark is home to some of Europe’s top-ranked business universities.

Did you find your study programme on Online Result? How did Online Result help you in your decision process?

After finding the university on Online Result, I reached out via email for more information. The encouraging response convinced me that the process was manageable and that support was available if I encountered any difficulties. The university’s online application portal was also very user-friendly.

Did you take a language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) when applying for the programme? If yes, which one did you choose, why and how was your experience with it?

Yes, I was required to provide proof of English proficiency. I chose the IELTS exam because the human-interactive format made me feel much more comfortable and at ease.

While the TOEFL scoring criteria can be quite rigid, I found the IELTS grading system more intuitive. After three weeks of guided preparation followed by self-study, I achieved the required score in less than a month.

What would be your advice for students from your country that consider studying abroad?

My advice is not to rush the decision-making process; your initial choice isn't your only option. Explore all possibilities and don't hesitate to contact Online Result or the university directly for guidance.

Create a priority list of what you need from both your educational and living environment. Since you will be spending at least two years in this new country, take the time to make an informed, thoughtful decision.

How did you finance your stay abroad and what financial advice would you give to future students?

I planned ahead by living and working abroad for a year prior to my studies. This allowed me to build up savings and secure a part-time job that I could easily balance with my Master’s programme.

Given Denmark's high cost of living, I was determined not to rely on my parents for financial support. By working part-time alongside my studies, I have successfully managed my finances without any major issues.

Why would you (not) recommend this particular city / university? How would you rate your experience on a scale from zero to ten (0 – It was a total disaster, 10 – I had the time of my life)?

I highly recommend studying in Copenhagen. From my personal experience, the city offers an incredible lifestyle, a vibrant expat community, and a calendar full of diverse cultural events that make daily life exciting.

The only challenge is finding housing, which is common in many cosmopolitan cities. I would rate my overall experience a 9.5 out of 10, as I am still looking for permanent accommodation! :)

Is there anything that you would do differently if you could do it over again?

Sometimes I wish I had completed my Bachelor’s degree abroad as well, as it would have provided me with even more international exposure and early opportunities.

What was the biggest surprise in your study abroad adventure?

I haven’t experienced significant homesickness because I have made a home for myself here. Once you surround yourself with great people and build a support network, you realize that you can feel at home anywhere—you just have to keep moving forward and exploring.

Were you inspired by Gratsiela's story?