Sustainable Business in Europe
Sustainable Business in Europe
May 21-May 31, 2024
- Learn how environmentalism and business come together in Copenhagen, Europe’s 21st-century epicenter of sustainability.
- Earn three hours of academic credit through completion of this program
- Program includes visits to several locations in the Copenhagen region, including a day trip into southern Sweden
The issue of environmental sustainability has been increasingly prioritized by businesses and consumers in recent years: according to a recent IBM survey, 49% of consumers have paid a premium for products branded as sustainable or socially responsible. The growing number of issues that threaten the future of our planet – including air and water pollution, climate events, biodiversity and extinctions, fossil fuel dependence and “energy insecurity”, and food/water/land shortages associated with regional population growth – create a mandate for companies to develop more sustainable business practices. If they don’t, there eventually won’t be a world for them to do business in.
A growing number of companies have risen to the challenge of creating new business models that incorporate sustainability. This allows them to operate more efficiently, achieve compliance with regulations, preserve resources, satisfy the expectations of consumers, employees, investors and the public, and capitalize on new opportunities. The Nordic countries in particular consistently rank near the top of most sustainability indices, and the Danish capital of Copenhagen is home to a thriving ecosystem of businesses that exemplify the cutting edge of modern sustainable business practices.
Founded in the 11th century, Copenhagen has been the capital of Denmark since the early 15th century. It is situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager, just across the Øresund Strait from Sweden. The Greater Copenhagen area has a population of approximately 1.4 million, nearly one quarter of the entire population of Denmark. Copenhagen has set a goal to become the first carbon-neutral capital in the world, and currently ranks third in the world in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, trailing only Scandinavian neighbors Gothenburg, Sweden, and Bergen, Norway.
Three hours of academic credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. Students will enroll in the course IBUS 500: Individual Research in International Business
Students will be housed in DIS student housing in Copenhagen. Students will be in shared student rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. A blanket, pillow, bed linen and towels are provided. Students will be provided with a public transportation pass or a bike rental for transportation between housing and the DIS classroom location.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to any KU students. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).
Faculty Director
Dr. Ravi Shanmugam will lead the program. Dr. Shanmugam teaches a variety of management courses at the University of Kansas including Principles of Management, Leadership in Business Organizations, and Business Policy & Strategy. Kelly Crane, a lecturer in marketing at the University of Kansas will be co-leading the program. Crane teaches courses such as Advanced Social Media Marketing, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, and Introduction to the Marketing Profession at KU.
Business School Scholarship
Scholarships may be available for study abroad programs. Consult the Center for Global Business Studies website for more information on study abroad scholarships for business students.