Although for many, Denmark may come as a striking place to live and study, for Sjoerd and Geert, settling in was not problematic. "We immediately got used to living in Denmark. The weather is very similar to the weather in Holland and therefore this aspect did not constitute a problem for us. It was in fact quite amusing to see people all dressed up from head to toe while we were wearing T-shirts and shorts", smiles Sjoerd.
Moreover, the two exchange students also find the city a cozy and familiar place to be. "We both come from small towns in Holland and coming to Viborg feels a lot like home. We visited the historical city center as well as the main shopping area and the two nice lakes. It all looks very cozy and it feels nice to be in Viborg", says Geert.
Excellent study facilities
Although they come from a well-developed European country with a solid educational system, Sjoerd and Geert are pleasantly impressed with the study facilities at Dania. "We can see plenty of similarities with what we are used to at home. I like the way the study environment looks like and that we have access to many facilities like the gym, the study rooms, the common kitchens and so on", says Geert
Relevance in studies
The two students from Advanced Business Creation Avans Hogeschool, must enrich their specializations by taking a semester abroad. Their studies are Marketing related, with an emphasis on the creative process and entrepreneurship. Sjoerd and Geert are used to group and project work as well as to working with real-life companies. "In Holland we mainly work in groups and try to solve the problems that companies have. We are taught brainstorming techniques and creative methods. At Dania, we mainly work with Marketing related subjects, but also in groups and with solving real business issues", says Geert.
"I am very pleased with the teaching as well. In Holland, teachers are part-time entrepreneurs as well, which means they are more than qualified to teach because they have the experience of the real business world. I had the great surprise to find out that the teachers we have at Dania are also skilled entrepreneurs, and therefore I feel confident that what I am taught is entirely relevant", explains Sjoerd.
Happy with their choice
Sjoerd and Geert are very content with their choice. "I am glad that I chose Dania. The dormitory is close to the Academy and that is a big plus. Furthermore, the study environment is fresh and the teaching is informal yet highly informational" tells Sjoerd while Geert explains that "It has been a great adventure so far. I am happy with my choice, especially because of the high level of English used not only around the Academy, but in general in daily life. Overall, it is a great experience. I know it will sound like a 'cliché', but I have come to realize that going abroad is a very good choice to make! So if you have the chance to go abroad, do that!".
Erasmus+
Geert and Sjoerd are doing their Marketing studies at Advanced Business Creation Avans Hogeschool in Holland. The European program Erasmus+ financially supported their semester abroad at Dania in Denmark. An important aim of Erasmus+ is to enable as many young Europeans as possible to take a semester or do their internship abroad.
Connect with Geert and Sjoerd
The two exchange students are active on social media regarding their experience in Denmark. You can read more on Geert and Sjoerd's pages.