Getting into the swing of things in Copenhagen has been way easier than I thought. ?Coming as the only student from Mays Business School was a little scary for me. I was worried about not knowing anyone and experiencing things without someone to understand how I felt. But Copenhagen has been welcoming, friendly, and a joy to live in.
Studying abroad is not only about the classes, but truly experiencing what it is like to live in a new country, getting involved in the city, and starting a new life of sorts. Life in Copenhagen is busy, but relaxed. ?Cold, but cozy. And above all friendly and inviting to me. I can’t truly describe how I feel about Copenhagen. It makes me so happy to live here and go to school. I found it easier to be involved here than at Texas A&M, which is saying something!
The exchange program at CBS organizes events weekly, and they are fun and truly a time to get to know many different people. I am also involved volunteering at a women’s shelter for prostetutes working in Vesterbro, which is something I never thought I would be doing. Being a part of the community in Copenhagen is so important, and has really allowed me to feel like I live here, not like I am visiting for six months. I am also part of a church in Copenhagen that is truly after the hearts of this city. To show them the joy and peace and forgiveness of knowing Jesus Christ. Hillsong Copenhagen has really helped me feel like I belong in Copenhagen, helping me develop a love for the people here.
Studies at CBS are new to me. The school is organized into quarters and semesters, meaning that some classes only run from September to October, some from October to December, and most from September to December. I am enrolled in one class that ends in October. This class has been exciting and moves really fast.
I enjoy the lecture style of most of my professors and the engagement Danes show in their studies. Danes read every assigned reading, and also the “suggested” reading. And there is so much reading, about 150 pages a class, I would estimate. Having the students show such dedication for their studies has inspired me to be more engaged as well. I read more here than I ever did at A&M. I also participate in lecture more. Professors are encouraging of questions, even those that contradict their teachings. At CBS, professors are at the student’s level, we call them by first name and have real discussions.
The greatest and most obvious difference between classes at CBS and those at Texas A&M is the way students are assessed. Rather than taking an exam every few weeks and submitting papers and homework assignments as well, students are simply assessed at the end of the course by various exam types. The most widely used exam types at CBS are oral exams, written exams, and individual and group project exams. While studying here, I will experience all four.
Because there is only a final, I’ve found myself so much less stressed, and more able to participate in activities outside of school. At A&M I was always on campus from early in the morning to late at night, going to three classes a day and then joining organization meetings in the early evening, then studying really late into the night for the inevitable exam I had that week or next. Instead, studying here I am able to have a much more varied schedule. I can make it home to cook dinner or even go to lunch in Malmo, Sweden. I love the freedom not having constant exams allows.
I still spend time in the library, which is a beautiful example of Scandinavian modern design! I read for classes, meet up with friends to plan trips and weekend activities around Europe and Copenhagen.
Above anything, if you are considering studying in Copenhagen, DO IT. It is an amazing experience.