Introduction to Copenhagen Business School

Source: cbs.dk

The (ostensible) reason that I am in Denmark is to participate in an exchange program at Copenhagen Business School (CBS). In the fall, Danish students come to Purdue and in the spring, we go to Denmark. The exchange is new; Danish students have come to Purdue the past two falls, and Ziyu and I are the second and third Purdue students to participate in the exchange.

The exterior of one of the four main building at CBS.

This week we have orientation, or as it is called here, "Introduction Week." During the day we have a series of meetings about studying at CBS and living in Copenhagen. Every evening, there are social activities planned. 

I've learned a number of interesting things so far, both about Danish higher education and CBS.

CBS is the largest business school in Europe with 19,264 students, which includes 2,938 international full time students. Additionally, CBS has a large number of exchange students each semester. This term, there are 490 international exchange students representing 43 countries. 60% of the exchange students are from European countries. Exchange students pay no tuition to CBS. All fees go to the home university.

Interior of one of the main buildings.

When then would CBS want so many international students when they don't profit? Other than some oil in the North Sea, Denmark has no natural resources. As a result, the Danish economy is very open dependent on trade and innovation. Internationalization is a strategic goal at CBS and Danish workers need to be able to work in a global economy. So, Danish students benefit both by having international students come to Denmark and by being able to go on exchange in other countries (and when they Danish students go somewhere else, it's free for them).

Inside the main library at CBS.

The way courses work at CBS is very different than in America. Attendance at classes is not mandatory and your grade is totally dependent on an exam at the end of the semester. The exam can be take-home, written, oral, or a combination. If you fail the exam, you can take it again to try to pass. If you don't think you'll do well in the exam, you can cancel it and take it in another term. Danish grades are assigned on the following scale: 12, 10, 7, 4, 02, 00, -3. 02 and above are passing grades. The scale was changed to this in 2005-2006 to be more compatible with the grading scales used elsewhere in Europe.