Are you
satisfied with your exchange, and would you recommend others to do the same?
Was it difficult to get the courses you wanted at the host university?
Ku offers a broad range of subjects, and I actually chose to go to the
university because it offers courses on subjects that I did not find in other
institutions that I was considering, at least in the Fall semester (e.g.
political ecology; food systems; agroforestry). Also, exchange students are
allowed to switch courses after the block (2 per semester) has started. The
second block, I went to twice the number of courses than I was going to take,
so I could see whether I liked them or not, and pick my favorites.
Are you
satisfied with the academic quality at the host university?
The university’s academic quality was good. Most of my teachers were
excellent lecturers. They presented the materials clearly, and as thoroughly as
the course pace allowed for. The students were highly engaged. Although all of
the courses I took were of masters level, I would say that the academic level
amongst my courses did vary. Dome courses were more superficial and less
challenging than others. The level of students also varied. Some of them seemed
to have very strong academic backgrounds, and others came from a more technical
background and struggled a fair amount with what university work entails. I was
glad that I could switch out of some of the courses.
How beneficial
was the Erasmus grant?
The Erasmus grant was essential, yet it far from covered all of my
expenses. Financially, there are two factors to take in account when choosing
to go to Copenhagen University: One is that the city is remarkably expensive.
Rent, food and drinks are very expensive (min 700 euro for rent in a shared
apartment). On the other hand, there is a Danish government funded program which
offers students a large amount of money (maybe 800 euros/month ?) in exchange
for min 10h/week of work (+you get paid money by your employer for work hours,
and work is well paid !). Because I got sick a number of times (including with
Covid which hit me really hard), was very invested in classes, and was also
preparing a fair mount for thesis work, I did not have the spaciousness to take
advantage of the program. I also learned about it quite late. Many of my
friends gratefully took advantage of it, and I would recommend it.
Did you obtain what you wanted by going on exchange?
Yes, I wanted to learn about specific, sometimes emergent and niche subjects, in an academically rigorous environment, with open minded and kind peers, and skilled and helpful professors. I also was able to learn a whole lot from living in the city of Copenhagen, which has much to offer as a model in terms of politics, sustainability transition, and food-related subjects which interest me.
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MSc Agroecology.
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