Carla's testimonial

1. What made you decide to come to Aarhus to study?

I was looking for an internationally based learning environment and the programme that I was applying for seemed ideal in relation to the courses offered as well as the fact that it would allow social interaction with people from all over the world. I had also visited Aarhus previously and I really liked the city and the Danes!


2. Did you participate in Denmark Today or did you receive any other kind of help to get settled in Aarhus?

I participated in Denmark Today and I would definitely recommend it to international students. It allows one to get familiar with the city, the people and the language through the numerous activities that are offered as well as the language courses. It is also a great opportunity to meet people from all over and help each other out with all the necessary arrangements that need to be made.

It is also a good idea to arrive well before the courses start so that one does not become too overwhelmed with everything that has to be done. Also, one can choose to have a mentor- they can be useful as they know where everything is! Mine was unavailable when I needed her which is unless as they get paid for doing a job well done and that was not the case!


3. How did you experience your first month here?

My first month here was good fun. I met very nice people from Denmark Today, from my course and from my dorm. I enjoyed discovering the city during that time and as most Danes speak very good English, communicating is very easy!


4. How and where did you find accommodation?

I was very lucky to have Danish friends with contacts so I found my accommodation privately by sub-letting a room in a dorm near the university.


5. Is Denmark academically different to what you are used to? Level of teaching, methods, etc…

Yes, Denmark has its unique style. There is a great emphasis on independent work (doing the necessary reading) as well as an importance on group work (group presentations and projects). They also have oral exams which can be quite daunting at first but like everything else, it takes time and practise to get used to it. Otherwise the resources at the library are very good.


6. How are the bureaucratic procedures compared to your previous experiences? Have you experienced any difficulties in relation to the university or the local authorities?

It was frustrating not to have a CPR number in the beginning but that is simply a question of patience. Once one has this card, everything becomes simpler. Also, for some reason it took the administration a long time to give me my student card. Therefore, I didn't have access to all the facilities available.

As for the difficulties with the university, well I guess this depends on the different departments. I found that I struggled sometimes in relation to the language. Lots of information on the intranet (First Class) was in Danish and therefore inaccessible to me. Also, one is not spoon-fed here. One really has to know what they want and need and find a way to get it. There is no clear direction in this sense.


7. How would you characterise the Danish? Has it been easy for you to meet local Danes?
I strongly encourage to meet Danes as soon as possible. They are lovely people but they take time to warm up to anyone so persistence and patience on your behalf is key!

I was lucky enough to be in a class where half of the students were Danes so I got to mingle with them early on. It is easy to stick with international students and friends from Denmark Today, but if one doesn't mix with the Danes, one is missing out on the whole experience of being here. They for one will explain the 'what and what nots' of danish social life!


8. Is it easy to be ‘foreign’ in Denmark?

Being in Denmark has its ups and downs like anywhere else, but overall it's a lovely place to be. I have also had my share of funny moments with the language barrier but overall I find that every time I have something to sort out, I have been able to get the information I need relatively easily.


9. Is there something/somewhere that you would recommend newcomers to experience?
Denmark Today offers trips to the main attractions in Aarhus which is a good opportunity to explore. Otherwise, Denmark has a lot to offer and I recommend that one makes the most of it and take trips as often as one can.


10. Can you recommend any particular going-out/hanging-out places?

Friday-bars are a must. This is a good time to relax and mingle with the other students and a funny experience all round! Otherwise, there are several good bars in town such as Sherlock Holmes and the Latin Quarter is a nice place to hang out.


11. Do you have any advice that you would like to pass on to future international students?
Travel around the country- it has a lot to offer.
Get a bike which makes moving around much easier and quicker.
Hang out with Danes.