International students lack Viking mentality

You could go for a ride on Tivoli’s rollercoaster or try to keep pace with Danish drinkers. But for the real thrill-seekers, the Viking swim on Saturday 18 September offered an authentic celebration of the semester’s start.

Forty enthusiastic international students signed up on Facebook for the event, organized by ESN Copenhagen (Exchange Student Network).

But on the day itself, only six showed up and just two with towels. It is a good thing the Vikings did not rely on Facebook in their day.

Carly looking forward to a ´good chat with Mary´

Carly Bodkin, a science student from the University in Brisbane, was shocked to be chosen for the Crown Princess Mary Scholarship.

»I didn’t think I would get it. I wasn’t convinced that my achievements would make me stand out,« she says.

Carly believes that the secret of getting this kind of award is readiness for challenges.

More than just good grades

Mum ´insanely proud´ of Jasmine´s Princess prize

»Why did they choose me...? I guess they like people who make efforts academically and are open to the world.«

Jasmine from Australian National University, Canberra, is one of this year's Crown Princess Mary Scholarship winners. The day she received the news about her scholarship was a great day, not least for her mother: »My mum is insanely proud,« she giggles.

Speaking about the upcoming award ceremony Wednesday, Jasmine admits that she is a little nervous.

»I’ve never met royalty before,« she says, »It is a good thing I can bring a friend«.

Denmark charmed more students last year

Three per cent more exchange and guest students from overseas chose Denmark as their host country in 2009, compared to 2008. This is after year-on-year increases.

This is according to a press release by Danske Universiteter (Danish Universities, ed.).

The University of Copenhagen has seen a much greater increase than the average at the Danish universities. Six per cent more internationals chose the University of Copenhagen in 2009 than in 2008. This increase is double that of Danish universities in general.

Huge increase over five years

Guest students at Life Sciences speak out

Most aspects of student life in Copenhagen live up to the expectations of guest students at the Faculty of Life sciences. Apart from the substandard accommodation, lack of contact with the Danes and the culture shock of incomprehensible plagiarism rules, that is.

These are the findings of an evaluation conducted by the Faculty of Life Sciences.

One in five dissatisfied with housing