Reviews of University of Southern Denmark - Sønderborg (SDU) | Denmark

Useful | 2

fischi76

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
European Studies, Graduate, Erasmus

Housing

Type of housing: Dormitory

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: Dormitory again

Why?

The dorm was very close to the seaside and just a 15 min walk from university. There were always people around from my course.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

The dorm itself was quite old, maybe even lousy. But the experience of living very close with all my exchange friends was great!

Useful | 2

fischi76

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
European Studies, Graduate, Erasmus

Student life

Describe host city:

Student life dominates the city

Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Activities: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal social experience

Activities

Nightlife

Travel

Overall

Personal comments

The town is very small, and any place in the city center is recommendable. Extra tip: Have an apple cake with cream in the cafe!! Interesting art exhibitions in the castle and walks on the seaside shouldn´t be missed either.

Useful | 2

fischi76

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
European Studies, Graduate, Erasmus

Academic

Course recommendations

There was no choice of courses possible, it was a complete Erasmus curriculum. The only choice that was given was between an extra English grammar class and a class about Danish society and economy.

My academic experiences

Quality of courses

Variety of courses

Access to resources

Interaction with teachers

Interaction with international students

Interaction with local students

Personal comments

none

My opinion of the university assessment

Exams at end of course

Exams throughout the course

Essays and/or projects at the end of course

Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Overall

Useful | 0

fischi76

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
European Studies, Graduate, Erasmus

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: At ease in most situations

How much did you improve your the local language?

My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

Speaking Danish was not mandatory, as most people in this area speak either English or German. But the school offers Danish classes and I recommend taking them - it helps in shops and in everyday life. And it shows your interest in the host country!

Useful | 4

fischi76

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
European Studies, Graduate, Erasmus

Overall

I wish I had known...

no

In my opinion:

Most people loved it.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

3

Culture

3

Costs

2

Activities

3

Campus life

2

Party / people

2

Weather / location

3

Personal recommendation

I have to admit that some students, especially from the US, were disappointed about the academic life. Maybe it´s better to come at an early time of your studies, so the courses mean some progress to your academic knowledge. For meeting people from all over the world, I highly recommend Sonderborg.

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

3

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

3

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

3

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

3

Advanced my studies & career

4

Final comments

No matter what time you are going, always bring a rain jacket! Cheap food can be bought across the border, in Germany. There are always students with cars who will be happy to take you on a shopping tour... I highly recommend travelling, not only within Denmark but also to other Scandinavian countries.

Useful | 2

fischi76

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
European Studies, Graduate, Erasmus

Expenses

Main source of funding:

An ERASMUS grant

Other sources of funding:

Family

Work opportunities:

I didn't explore any work options

Personal spending habits

Remember that Denmark is a high-price country. Expenses in nightlife and travel were higher because there were so many possibilities to travel or go out!

Overall, Food, Travel, Nightlife:

was more expensive than at home.

Housing:

was the same price as at home.

Telephone:

was less expensive than at home.

Accessibility of student needs

Second-hand text books

Second-hand household items

Computers / Internet

Administrative

Money from home

Personal comments

You can ask the foreign exchange office beforehand, which books will be needed for the courses and try to get them at home (used or new). Otherwise the books have to be bought from the foreign exchange office and you will have to pay quite a lot of money...

University of Southern Denmark - Sønderborg (SDU)

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