UQ Program: Bachelor of Arts/Laws
I arrived in Copenhagen in the middle of the coldest Danish winter in 25 years. Despite the cold and the dark, I fell in love with the city, with its cyclists, old towers and cosy (hygge) cafes. Being in Copenhagen from the end of December to the middle of July meant I got to see a proper change of seasons, from the freezing winter to summer with its seemingly endless hours of daylight. Danes have a proper appreciation of sunlight and definitely make the most of the long summer days, with events like the Copenhagen Jazz Festival and Distortion street parties.
KU (University of Copenhagen) is very geared to international students, with lots of activities and support available for the students who’ve come from all around the world. I studied at the Faculty of Law and took 3 subjects: International Human Rights Law, International Transport Law and Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. The academic experience was very different to UQ, my classes all had 20-30 people in them, with no lecture/tutorial distinction. There was a greater emphasis on class participation – we negotiated each week in my negation class, while my human rights course had numerous ungraded oral presentations by students. Subjects were interesting, and as a native English speaker, the workload was not terribly intense. Oral exams were a different experience, but much easier than expected and all over in 20 minutes. I had one written exam, but this was done on computer and thus the most legible and structured exam answer I have ever written.
I struggled through Danish classes as well, doing a three week pre-semester course and then taking another course over the semester. As all Danes speak perfect English, and were always willing to switch or translate, this wasn’t strictly necessary, but I would definitely recommend the pre-semester course as a way to meet people – it’s very easy to bond over unpronounceable Danish vowels.
Being in Europe of course meant being able to do things like go to Sweden just for dinner, only a quick train or ferry ride away. I quickly became very familiar with Copenhagen airport and www.skyscanner.com. The University also organises a study tour to Russia. Travelling to St Petersburg and Moscow with other international students was an amazing experience, especially the opportunities to be shown around by Russian students learning English.
Everyone who has been on exchange will encourage you to go and now I totally understand why. Whilst I was initially petrified about the prospect of spending six months in a country where I didn’t know anyone or speak the language, it was an incredibly worthwhile experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself. In the process I met lots of wonderful people from all over the world and had an absolutely amazing time.
Should you go on exchange to Copenhagen? Selvfølgelig!