Meet Brian Glaser

More than anything else, Brian Glaser notices unique cultural differences between his hometown of Brooklyn, New York and Copenhagen, Denmark. Glaser, 26, is in Denmark for three months on an exchange as part of the GROW program. "The biggest difference is that Danes rely on their bicycles in the same way Americans rely on their cars." says Glaser.  "My favorite memories have been of me riding my bike through narrow alleyways and getting lost among neighborhoods that have been here for hundreds of years. It's a nice way to spend your evenings when daylight during the summer extends past 10:30 p.m."

For two years, Glaser has worked as digital sales development manager for the Bonnier Technology Group in New York. There he is responsible for developing sales strategies, materials and project management for digital properties. Now in Copenhagen, he works as a strategic advertising and sales consultant for the CRM group of Bonnier Publications Denmark, where he integrates print and online sale strategies.

"Working for a variety of brands that aren't familiar to me has been quite exciting," says Glaser. It's also been fascinating to compare the similarities and differences between our two work cultures, he says. "Things can be very familiar but at the same time different. The openness and egalitarian approach to business has delighted me. I like that everyone's opinion is considered and there is so much collaboration on various projects."

But what persuaded Glaser to apply? "I love traveling and I thought this would be a great opportunity to see a new city and integrate myself into a different work and social environment," he says. "Being a tourist is fun, but really feeling like you're a part of a community is better." And what interesting detail can Glaser offer from his bicycle tours around Copenhagen? "When the traffic light flashes red and yellow at the same time, it's about to turn green!"