Studying @ CBS: Academic Experience

It has been quite some time since I started taking classes at Copenhagen Business School. Three weeks in, and I already know some differences compared to UH Manoa. I would say that, in general, it is a bit different compared to the education we get in the States.

Overlapping Classes & Inconsistencies with Schedules

First, one of the differences is the course schedules. There is a chance that you could get overlapping classes, but as long as there isn't too much and the exams aren't clashing, it is still very doable. It is pretty normal to have this problem. In addition to the overlapping, the classes change every week, meaning that if you have a class on Monday, there is a chance that you won't have it the following week. Back home at UH Manoa, you aren't able to select classes that have time conflicts, and your schedule is pretty much set for the entire semester- the same days every week.

Curriculum & Expectations

The next thing is that the curriculum and expectations are a bit different. At CBS, your final grade is dependent on your final exam. Attendance and Homework aren't included in your grade, so you must ace that final exam. The final exam formats differ for every class. I have three home assignments, which consist of writing a 5-10 page report about either a case study or topic provided by the professor and one oral exam based on a written product.

In addition to the exam formats, the grading scale is relatively different as we use a letter scale and in Europe they use numbers to grade students. I have yet to understand the grading system fully, but from what I recall, 12 is the highest grade. You have to go above and beyond to receive that grade, especially in the oral exam. Knowing what you're supposed to know won't get you the highest grade; the professors here ultimately want you to strive high, so most times, they want you to explain and defend your case (answer).

Differences at CBS

• Attendance isn't mandatory, but is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  • Your learning is your responsibility.

• There is no homework.

  • You will be provided supplemental readings. You should keep up to date with those.

• Address your instructor by their first name instead of Professor

  • It is more polite to address people by their first name.

• Studying more with exchange students than Danish students

  • This differs depending on the class you take. For example, in my Principles of International Marketing Class, many students are Danish.

• Breaks in between lectures

  • Since the class periods are quite long, you have one or two breaks in between class to get a coffee or use the restroom.

• Variety of food options at CBS Canteen

  • They have a self-serve canteen; options from lunch to dinner and also a pastry bar where you can get on-the-go meals.