Life in Denmark – Evelina Poumpalova ’97

We are delighted to share our new Global Lives feature, for a light and fun exploration of living and working in different cultures and countries. To get us started, we are heading to northern Europe!

Let's visit Copenhagen, Denmark, with Evelina Poumpalova, class of 1997 as our guide:

At Gilleleje Harbor on the northern coast of Zealand

A Mount Holyoke alum shares her experience living in Denmark. Originally from Bulgaria, Evelina Poumpalova moved to Copenhagen for an MBA and stayed for the hygge, sea, and food...

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am born in Bulgaria, travelled the world (still missing South America though), work for the humanitarian sector, love snorkelling and learning languages.

A day out at the beach!

What first brought you to Denmark — and what made you stay? 

I came for the MBA program at the Copenhagen Business School, stayed for the hygge, the sea (still a bit cold for my taste) and the food.

How did your MHC experience help shape your life or dreams? 

It has created meaningful friendships around the world, has taught me to have an open mind and ask the difficult questions.

What’s something surprising or special about living in Denmark that people might not expect? 

Everyone speaks English, even people in their 80s or 90s.

Favourite local tradition, food, or custom you love? 

Having the Danish flag on the table to mark one’s birthday, and waving it at the airport when greeting family or friends returning from abroad. The jousting tournaments at the medieval fairs, and the summer jazz festivals, best enjoyed with a craft beer or a glass of wine (apologies to probably the best beer in the world*).

What’s a “typical day” like for you — and what part of it feels  extra  Danish? 

A typical day in winter is focused on a lot of indoor activities and lots of candles, unless it’s December when we frequent the Christmas markets. A summer day is all about the outdoors, if it is not raining.

A blue-sky summer's day in Denmark

Extra Danish - scheduling meetings/holidays by week number, e.g. school holidays in week 7 and 42, and making elderflower cordial in the summer.

What’s one small thing about daily life there that you truly appreciate? 

Not needing cash and the fact that I can manage pretty much everything about daily life from my phone/online.

What are your top 3 reasons for staying in Denmark? 

My top three reasons are the work-life balance, the focus on sustainability and affordability of organic food, and the weather.

Do you miss anything from your home country?  

I miss my friends and family.

Do you have a special tip for alums who wish to visit Denmark? 

Come prepared to bike everywhere – it is cheap, healthy and the infrastructure is great with bike lanes as wide or wider than car lanes. Also, always come on time for your appointments – not too early or too late, it is greatly appreciated.

* Editor's note: “Probably the best beer in the world” — a slogan famously associated with the Danish brewery Carlsberg.

Answers collated and edited by Delia Youssef ’15 & Silvia Maulini '80

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Please get in touch if you would like to share your country, or would like to suggest a feature!