Every year many students from all over the world come to Copenhagen and the other university cities in Denmark to study. 1000 of these attend Copenhagen Business School (Handelshøjskolen/CBS) to find out how you study, socialise, party and live in Denmark. Last year Jaap-Jan Peitersen was one of them.
There were numerous reasons why Jaap-Jan chose to study in Denmark: “First of all I wanted to go to one of the Nordic countries. I don’t know why, but I really wanted to experience living there. Secondly I wanted to go to a nice (big) city.
Thirdly I wanted to follow courses in English. I could choose between a lot of universities but after talking to friends, who where very positive about Copenhagen, I decided to apply for Copenhagen Business School.”
Difficult to integrate
Emdrupborg kollegiet became his home during the semester. Although the dorm is part of the Pedagogical University of Denmark, it but also takes in exchange students: “On the first floor where I lived, there were only international students from CBS. The other three floors where exclusively occupied by Danish students. We didn’t have much to do with the Danish students but we got along fine with most of them. Of course it is difficult to really integrate when you’re only living there for a few months”, Jaap-Jan concludes.
It is pivotal to receive a warm welcome when you’re an international student. Jaap-Jan felt that the Danes did a good job. “My first impression of the Danes was that they were very organized. Before I left Holland everything (courses, living, ect.) was well arranged by the International office from CBS. My buddy, the person who took care of me in the first few weeks, was very friendly and helpful. One of my most memorable events was that I was walking with a map in my hands close to ‘Parken’. I was searching for Emdrupborg kollegiet, kind of lost, and a guy came to me (without asking) and showed me the way. That was really nice. When you get to know them, the Danes are very friendly. But of course it depends on your own behaviour. It can be hard to integrate in a social group because you’re only staying for a short time but I guess that would be the same in Holland.”
Difficult to learn the language
To really integrate you need to be able to speak the language, which can be a hard task to undertake. “During the introduction period I had a crash course in Danish. After that course I decided to learn more about the language. I wanted to be able to speak (a little bit) Danish so I could order a beer. Although Danish and Dutch are both based on the Germanic language, I found it quite hard to learn. But that was mostly due to the fact that all the Danes spoke very good English. Because I couldn’t ask about things or explain something in Danish, English was the easiest way to communicate. That ruined my Danish. Besides that, I lived in a very international orientated social group. Most of the students I knew and my roommates were international students, so naturally we spoke English.
It will change you forever
The main reason for coming to Denmark was after all to study. Even though Denmark and Holland are quite similar there are still differences in the way we study. “The pedagogical systems of the two countries are comparable, apart from the fact that in Denmark there is even more group work. In Holland there is a better balance between theory and group work. It must be shocking for students (French for instance) who are used to only theoretical exams and a teacher whose word is holey. But I like that Danish teachers encourage students to think”, Jaap-Jan explains.
Though many students choose to study abroad a lot do not seize this great opportunity. Should that change? “It is definitely worthwhile studying abroad! The experiences you get from being around people from all over the world are great and will change your personality forever. After my stay abroad I would say that I’m even more open minded towards new people and cultures than before.”
So after almost 5 months in Denmark ones perception of the country may have changed. “I didn’t really have an idea about Denmark when I left home. I was just curious. The impression left behind is impressive. It feels a bit like falling in love with a country. Maybe that’s why I’ll be back again at the end of March. And if I get the chance to work in Denmark, I would move immediately”, Jaap-Jan finishes.
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