Students in Penn State Schuylkill’s MGMT 345: Cultural Intelligence in Leadership and Management recently took their learning beyond the confines of the classroom, embarking on an enlightening journey to Denmark and Sweden. This international embedded travel component is a hallmark of the course, designed to deepen students’ understanding of cultural dynamics and global leadership.
Under the guidance of Gina C. Whalen, associate teaching professor of business, students from Penn State Schuylkill, University Park, and World Campus joined together for a transformative week focused on cultural exploration. Ron Kelly, associate professor and program coordinator of criminal justice, played a pivotal role in planning and executing the trip, with Whalen noting his contributions as crucial to its success.
“His support was essential in making the trip such a positive experience for the students,” Whalen remarked.
Copenhagen was chosen as the destination for its unique blend of history, sustainability, and innovation. “Copenhagen is an ideal location for this course because it merges rich history with modern ideals of sustainability and strong cultural identity,” Whalen explained. “Students witness firsthand how cultural values shape everything from urban design to environmental policies.”
Throughout the week, students participated in faculty-led tours and hands-on learning experiences, linking theoretical concepts to real-world situations. They delved into Copenhagen’s history, architecture, and sustainability initiatives, exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Christianshavn and Freetown Christiania. The visit to the latter, notable for its alternative social structure, sparked rich discussions about culture, identity, and governance.
Whalen reflected on these moments, noting how students adeptly connected their academic learnings with the sights around them. “You could see them making connections between what they studied in class and their observations in the field,” she observed.
Among the many highlights, students visited iconic landmarks such as the Little Mermaid statue, Kastellet (a well-preserved 17th-century fortress), and the Black Diamond library, integrating insights of historical significance with contemporary design.
The itinerary also featured experiences beyond Denmark, including a stop in Malmö, where students explored Malmöhus Castle and immersed themselves in Swedish culture. Additional excursions included a tour of the innovative CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant that serves as a recreational area, and a scenic canal cruise through Copenhagen’s harbor.
For many students, this trip offered invaluable lessons in cultural intelligence that simply can’t be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. Aidan Stellfox, a first-year accounting major, shared his perspective on the impact of the experience. “It helped remove the ‘lenses’ we often wear when we read about different cultures. Instead, we were able to engage with them directly,” he said, noting the high-trust nature of Danish society as a striking observation.
“In Denmark, bikes are frequently left unlocked, and the public spaces are incredibly clean,” Stellfox noted. “It really highlighted how trust and shared responsibility influence interactions among people.”
Whalen hopes that, upon returning, students will possess a deeper appreciation of how cultural factors inform leadership, communication, and decision-making. “Cultural intelligence is an essential skill in today’s workplace,” she emphasized. “Experiences like this nurture thoughtful and adaptable leaders.”
As organizations increasingly navigate cross-cultural environments, Whalen underscored the necessity of preparing students for a global workforce. “When students observe how others live, work, and communicate, it heightens their awareness and confidence in navigating diverse landscapes,” she explained.
For students like Stellfox, the journey was both educational and transformative. “It’s a fun trip,” he said enthusiastically. “Don’t limit yourself—this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.”
