Mattis - CBS



Academic experiences at the partner school

1. General academic structure:

▪ The academic structure is fairly similar to the U.S. with respect to lectures and group-work, but the grading system is a bit different. The marks here are based solely on the final exam of a course. This also means that there are no mid-term exams. This less rigidly structured style of academics requires more independent study, so students must individually choose how to manage their time.

2. Classes taken/ how they compare to courses here:

▪ I took the following courses at CBS:

HE30 - Business Strategy,

HE35 - EU European Markets and Business Strategy,

HE61 - Issues in International Finance,

A20 - Danish Integrated Skills.

These courses are very similar to courses at the U of M. They really stress group-work at CBS, and many times the final exam will be an oral defense of a group project/paper. I had only one oral exam, and that was for Danish. The other three exams were four-hour written exams.

3. Advising:

▪ Registering for courses can be a little frustrating because CBS uses a very different system than the U of M. Although you pick your classes before you arrive, you may not actually be able to take all of the courses you originally register for. They don’t form and release the timetables until about a week before classes begin. Chances are you will have to change your original schedule to make sure your courses don’t overlap. So, my advice is to make sure you have a few back up courses and petition as many classes as you can before you go. It is helpful to know which courses are guaranteed to transfer home.

4. Surprises/comparison with academic environment in the U.S:

▪ The only surprise was the typical class schedule. Most classes are only held once a week for about 3 hours. This block scheduling was really convenient for me because I created a short and intense school schedule and longer weekends to travel.

Logistics at the partner school:

1. Orientation/Arrival:

▪ They have a “Welcome Buddy System” at CBS. My experience with the buddy program was satisfactory, but it really depends on buddy that you get matched with. They meet you at the airport and help you get to your accommodation. Then they should be around during your first few weeks to help you set up a cell phone and bank account, help you buy a bike, and show you around campus.

2. Housing:

▪ I was really pleased with my housing here. Most international students live in residence halls. They vary from dormitory style to more apartment style. I lived at the Svanevej residence hall. Most of the rooms are singles, but I lived in a shared room. It was a little cheaper, and I had the opportunity to get to know my Japanese roommate.

3. Meals:

▪ Copenhagen is on the list of the top ten most expensive places to live. Since the food prices are high (and I’m cheap), I mainly bought food from grocery stores and cooked in my room. The Netto is a very popular discount grocery store, and they are all over Copenhagen. The types of cuisine offered in Copenhagen are very similar to the U.S. They just have a lot more hotdog stands and kebab shops.

4. Transportation:

▪ Copenhagen’s main means of transportation is bicycles. It is really something else to see. Standing in the bike lane is seriously a bad idea. Most students buy a used bike during their time in Denmark. Otherwise you can buy a monthly, unlimited public transportation pass.

Host Country Culture

1. What were some surprises or insights you had into the culture of your host country/school?

▪ The only cultural surprises I experienced were fairly minor. I never got used to the way it’s acceptable to push through crowds or bump into other people without saying excuse me. A word to the wise, don’t eat the mustard!

2. What are your recommendations for ways that other exchange students can learn about and become immersed in the culture?

▪ I was pretty disappointed that I didn’t have more Danes in my classes, so I would recommend joining a student club of some kind or get a membership at the school gym if you want to get to know more Danish students. The gym is pretty expensive, but you can get a discount if you buy a four-month membership at the beginning of the semester.

3. Did you have the chance to learn a second language? Why or why not?

▪ I studied Danish while I was in Denmark. It’s a very difficult language to pronounce because over many years their pronunciation changed, but their spelling didn’t. CBS offers a Danish Crash Course at the beginning of each semester. I participated in the crash course and then continued with a semester-long Danish class. I would really recommend the Danish Crash Course and the evening activities. It was a great way to break the ice with other international students and get a little bit more comfortable with the national language.

Social life:

1. How would you rate your integration with other students from the host university?

▪ Almost everyone I know from Denmark I met at CBS, but there were less Danish students in my classes than I expected.

2. How would you rate your integration with other international students?

▪ This was the highlight of my experience abroad. The international exchange program at CBS is enormous! The semester I was there, there were over 600 international students. Since the exchange program is so large you have the chance to get to know a wide variety of people from many different countries. The only problem is trying to remember everyone’s name!

3. What were some of the best ways you found to make friends and meet people at the host university?

▪ The crash course week and the introduction week (especially the evening activities) were awesome for getting to know the other international students. Throughout the semester I would recommend going to the school bars to socialize. They have weekly specials at the two campus bars. The main one is in Solbjerg Plads; it’s called the Nexus. The other one in Dalgas Have; that one is called La Cable.

4. What kinds of after-hours and weekend activities would you recommend for other students?

▪ There is quite a lively nightlife in Copenhagen. I would recommend trying out a number of places before you get stuck in a rut, which I witnessed many international students do. On the weekends try planning a few day trip to other cities in Denmark. I would recommend seeing Hillerod and Roskilde. Another tip, most museums in Copenhagen are free on Wednesdays.

Other:

1. Budgeting: how much would you recommend students take with them? How much would you say would be the monthly living expenses in the city you lived in including rent/food/misc. expenses?

▪ Most exchange students pay for their accommodation by a wire transfer before arriving in Denmark. Rent varies depending on what type of accommodation you stay in. I paid about $3,200 for the four months. Monthly living expenses depend on the student. Food and alcohol are about 20% more expensive than in MN. Most students purchase a used bike for approximately $100. Traveling was my biggest expense, but I traveled Europe more than most other international students.

2. Do you have suggestions on the types of students who would be well suited to this program?

▪ I used to think that you had to be extremely extraverted to enjoy a semester abroad. Last semester I encountered a variety of personality types in other exchange students, and I think it really depends on the person and their attitude once they arrive. You can’t sit around thinking about home all the time, and still enjoy your experience. So I guess my only suggestion on the type of student that would be well suited for the program is one that is open-minded and positive.

3. Did you need a visa to enter the country? If so, how did you apply for one and how long did it take to receive?

▪ Yes, US citizens need to apply for a residence permit before arriving in Denmark. CBS will send you a package with an application enclosed. You have to mail your passport and your application to the Danish embassy in NY. They say it’ll take three months, but it’s usually less. Make sure you get your passport back before you have to depart for Denmark! If the Danish embassy hasn’t returned your passport about three weeks before you depart, call them and have them send it immediately.

4. What recommendations would you give to other CSOM students going on this program (to bring, to wear, etc.)?

▪ Bring an umbrella! You can’t go anywhere in Denmark without it. Bring a formal outfit (including shoes) for the formal welcome dinner during the introduction week.

General recommendations for study abroad:

▪ DO IT! It’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done!

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