Wouldn't Live Here But a Great Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Copenhagen Business School is hyper-focused on soft skilled business. Exams were different from home and therefore challenging for me (which is okay). They have several kinds of exams: 4 hour written sit in, home assignments, and an essay with a 20 minute oral exam following the essay turn in. I think having various kinds of exams is good practice, especially if you come from somewhere where finals are usually sit-in. However, exam requirements are not clearly outlined, the professors know very little about the exam, and grading leans toward the subjective side. I have two major qualms about my academic experience here: the first is that the classes are extremely focused on theories and models and are rarely used for application. Professors say they want students to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of the course and not simply repeat it, but during oral exams ask for students to, essentially, spit out information verbatim again. My second qualm (that doesn't have a lot to do with CBS) is how grades will transfer over to my university at home. A 7 transfers to a C at home and a 4 would fail me. However, a 2 is considered passing at CBS and a 7 is the top of the bell curve. If we base and compare it to McCombs standard, that means a 7 is about a 3.2 out of 4.0. A 4 is also widely regarded as a common grade given out and is more akin to a C at home. The exchange grading system is based on European standards but does not translate properly to UT where we use a +/- system.

On-site administration of your program

Very decentralized; you never know who to email.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is limited in Copenhagen, so it's difficult to find a place. Dorms through CBS (privately owned; not owned by CBS but mediated through school) are pretty expensive, BUT it really depends on which dorm you live in. I was pretty unsatisfied with Svanevej except for the great location. The management was pretty bad and my room was horrible. Tietgen, Kathrine Kollegiet, and Holger are all great places to live apparently, though.

It is so expensive to eat out in Copenhagen and the food options are pretty dismal if you come from the USA. Sushi is great here, but avoid all other Asian foods at any cost. You will get tired of gourmet burgers and pizza which is about the only thing they can do here. Getting a meal from a Michelin chef is also awesome, but it's not something you do every weekend. There's a great street food market here though that saved my faith in this place. And Danes really do pastries and cakes well. Groceries are also cheap because there's lots of competition.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CBS has a great Buddy Program and my buddy and I got along fantastically. The Danes are an easy going culture and though they're initially a bit closed off to strangers, many introduced themselves to me first and are fun to talk to.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is free and medicine is cheap once you have your CPR number (like a Danish SSN). Only problem was that I could only really go to my doctor (assigned by the government) in a one-hour window everyday because making appointments is difficult when you don't know Danish. Medicine is centralized through a computer system that sends out your order to all pharmacies in the city. Very easy.

The biggest crime in Copenhagen is bike theft. I don't think I need to say more. I felt very safe walking alone at night, but of course, it's important to stay wary.

To be honest, no, if it was based on my program. But I met my boyfriend here and he's standing right behind me watching me type this so I'm obligated to say yes. So unless you're going to fall in love in Denmark, don't do it. Especially if you like warm weather.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities to live in in the world. The rent is high because housing is limited, transportation is (awesome but) disgustingly overpriced, my laundry is 3x the price here than back home, and eating out is barely affordable on a student budget. However, groceries are cheaper than in the States because they have discount grocery stores and many basic products (like eggs and milk) are subsidized by the government.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Introduction Weeks (Social Program) by CBS
• Europe is small so travel is easy
• Danish men are really beautiful

• Grade Transfer
• Administration
• Exam requirement communications

The Academic or Linguist