Exchange Report for University BSS, Joe Leung (GBUS & MARK) ​

‘Aarhus is a place to live, not just for travellers.’

Aarhus University, School of Business and Social Sciences

PART 1: Monthly Activity Log One sentence to conclude my 6-month journey? It is to live the cities I have been to, and best interact with every single individual I encounter.

August After hectic catch-up with my friends in first half of August, I departed Hong Kong with my family to Copenhagen, via Dubai on Aug 17. Directly, we travelled by DSB train to Aarhus, took us around 4 hours. (Warm reminder! Taking a train or Flixbus would be more economic ​ than a flight to Aarhus :) And store your luggage under the space between seats on train.) My lease for dorm residence at Skejbyparken started on Aug 15, and I did my check-in at International Centre. Information on transportation, advice on biking, a Lebara SIM card and other practical stuffs could be found in the information pack! Lovely welcome.

Everything settled, then I travelled with my family and friends to Odense and Copenhagen (3rd and 1st largest city, Aarhus the 2nd). On the last week, I am back Aarhus preparing for the introduction week. I organized a gathering with the Hong Kong gang in Aarhus Street Food, with 10 of us from different Hong Kong universities.

The Introduction Week was indeed the best beginning to learn about Aarhus and other exchange students. There were pretty much activities scheduled everyday - talks, games and parties at night time. The best thing is I always hang around with my new-met friends from my mentor group!

^(Red route: IC or ICL trains from via Copenhagen H to Aarhus H)(Blue crosses: Cities in Denmark I visited- Odense, Herning, Aalborg, Skagen)

September My September was a fabulous one to feel myself around Aarhus. Is was the time for Aarhus Festival as well as celebration events for Aarhus as European Capital of Culture in 2017. I spent most of the time exploring special events before the summer ends. I rode my bike to the deer park, ran into a food fair by the ocean and cycled around with my friend uphill and downhill for almost 10 kilometers - something you will never do in Hong Kong.

I started my first class on 5th, while I found the starting dates of each class different. We have to specially check each week’s schedule as there might be clashes only in particular weeks. As I only have 3 classes in the first week, I kicked off my first trip on exchange to Oslo for my birthday celebration. I stayed over for an weekend, meeting the UST exchange gang in Oslo. It was a pleasant one.

September is also more for adaptation. The international student fair and Aarhus International Welcome bring me into more support - subscribed to international facebook groups and I also took my first Danish course by LaerDansk. Group gatherings were also vital for my adaption. My US group member initiated some potlucks (i.e. picnics) at the University Park where everyone got to bring one dish from their home country; whilst my Danish mentors invited us to their home for meal gatherings and parties.

In the midst of all, I received my Danish on 20th, around 3 weeks after my registration. Then on, I could enjoy free medical service as Danish do. My September ends with a LegoLand Trip at Billund, organized by Aarhus BSS. Fantastic touch on Aarhus!

October Right after my LegoLand trip, I spent my first week in London as a student ambassador of HKUST. I travelled to different high schools in UK and presented my experience in uni. London is pretty cosy as it just feels almost the same as in Hong Kong. The workload of this month is rather less as I have no classes with presentations or mid-term tests. Though I had some interesting time on classes - the professor invited me to explain about WeChat to my fellows in my International Marketing class. Always get prepared when you might be the only Chinese in class haha!

There is a 12-day mid-term break in my schedule instead. I spent the weeks in Sweden and Iceland. Not gonna tell how great the places are, but gonna share an accident happened in Copenhagen Train Station. I got my backpack stolen while eating at the restaurant. It was in the beginning of my trip yet I am glad that I was calm enough and helping hands were around from my friend. One take-away to share was contacting the most emergent contact

first and sort help from the Hong Kong Immigration Department and Consular Section in the Chinese Embassy of that country.

I ended my October with a trip to Copenhagen, for the sake of my new passport and visiting my friends at CBS. I found Copenhagen a quite different place from Aarhus despite the fact that they are the 2 largest cities in Denmark. In the capital, more crowded, more international faces, and more touristy.

November Weather starts to get chill cold when I returned to Aarhus. I joined both the exchange fair and Halloween International Night on the first week. A nice time to catch up with all my international exchange friends who all had a great vacation and so willing to share their exciting moments. I had one of my best Halloween party as we danced the whole night in make-ups and masks.

On Nov 2, I joined the Aarhus Symposium. I wrote an essay back in September expressing my opinions on future changes in workplace, and I was admitted into the Symposium as a delegate. The Symposium focus the topics on future development trends including A.I technology adaptations and future leadership. Speakers from notable brands were invited as the panel. I had a fun day with most Danes and ended my day at the Christmas Tuborg Beer Launch party down at BSS Klubben. Christmas started its invasion in early November!

The rest of my month? I spent my time on revision, and some trips around the region. I explored Herning on myself, went to Skagen, Aalborg and with a Korean friend and travelled to Hamburg with my Singaporean roommate. It is a fast month as it goes on and maintaining a good study-life balance is vital. I started cooking almost all the time after being inspired on my October trips. The fireless electric cookers encouraged me a lot on trying myself on being a chef! Then I shall be ready for the exam!

December I started my December with the first exam in Aarhus. It was a take-home essay exam for 72 hours. Challenging as it might seem, it worked well when it allows a brief discussion among us for a better start. Ultimately, it encourages knowledge exchange. I have my last class after this exam and two more on-site exams afterwards. I spent the first half of the month in Aarhus. It gets Christmassy and I went for ice-skating several times at the outdoor rink near AROS museum. I also indulge myself as a tourist in Aarhus, visiting Tivoli Friheden and Den Gamle Bly (old town open-air museum) with student discounts. The second half of the year? I started my travel plan, to Berlin and Leipzig in Germany meeting a German friend I met last year, Nitra in Slovakia meeting my host family from last year’s AIESEC project, and Prague. My 2017 ends with a crazy countdown at Copenhagen with the Hong Kong exchange gang from Aarhus! Year well spent.

January Best start of 2018? Exam!! This month, I completed my last two take-home essay exams, one on Jan 2 and one on Jan 22. I stayed in Aarhus for both of my exams and meet my mentor group before I leave Aarhus. In between, I travelled to Switzerland, Frankfurt and Amsterdam, meeting some of my friends on exchange next semester. I also met my friend Michelle, also from UST, who is my ‘successor' for USTxAarhus. We had a great time at China Star Grill, say farewell to the lovely cantonese-speaking boss. Last night in Aarhus, I had a farewell dinner with my mentor group. Here it marked the end of my journey. Jan 25, I am back Home Kong, via Paris.

PART 2: General Exchange Information Visa Application

Non-EU students are required to apply for an residence permit for the long stay in Denmark as early as possible. I applied mine on May 3 and received by June 12. What we need to complete and bring were financial proof, ST1 form and some money. The visa fee itself costs around 2400DKK. Transactions at the centre were in cash. It is wise to bring enough cash for visa payment, around 1500RMB, while extra cash for administration fee, etc.

There are no Danish Consulates in Hong Kong, thus we need to travel to Guangzhou. I made a mistake on my first visit to Guangzhou. We should be going to “Denmark Visa application centre”, not “Visa and Consular Section” at the Embassy. Also, do check out their opening hours and special office close-down as the first time I was there, their staff were at Denmark for training and service was not available.

Despite of all I mentioned, I receive the information from friends that visa application procedures can now be performed in Shenzhen. It is advised that future students at AU to check carefully the details on AU emails and official websites.

Orientation Activities The Orientation Week was full of fun while a schedule will be sent out in the information pack and most updated version would be available on respective school websites, i.e. BSS website. We are assigned into groups and each led by 2 Danish master students as mentors. We had school tours, chill-out time with mentor groups, talks about practical information and parties at night. For me, it was one of the best enjoyable week in Aarhus when I fully experience Danish way of culture. You never knows if you opt not to join! Stay awake, active and enjoy :)

International Services & Activities International Centre (IC), IC Housing and Aarhus BSS International might probably the first ​ ​ ​ three official organizations by AU for international students. Enquiries regarding business school, like course registration and introduction week, could be directed to BSS International. All dorm issues could be directed IC Housing or the janitor of your dorm. Important to mention, Aarhus BSS offers BSS students the LegoLand trip with discount as we are taking coach with the whole gang.

Meanwhile, International Nights are hold by Studenterhus every Tuesday evening. If you like ​ ​ drinking or simply like meeting new friends from all around the globe, be sure to be there and ‘hygge’. Membership might also be a great offer to frequent visitors.

In the ‘Aarhus City Welcome’ event held for new citizens by the municipality government, I came into an organization namely ‘International Community’. I subscribed to both their ​ ​ email list and Facebook page. They organize social events for the international community and provide useful information about events happening around and practical information, for instance, they provided an English version of bus route change when I was there.

In addition to organizations, Danish loves using Facebook groups, which therefore many ​ ​ international groups are created. It is good to search for this groups and keep yourself updated. Some keywords, “Aarhus Internationals”, “International students Fall’17”, “Skejbyparken Kollegiet”(Kollegient= college), etc.

Accommodations House offers are arranged by IC Housing. Accommodations could be on or off campus, mostly the latter. There is only one kollegient next to BSS, while one kollegient next to AU main campus. Other kollegient are within 10-45 minutes of commute. We can rank our preferences of different accommodation types, including student residence, shared-facilities and subletting. And more preferences? You might want to consider proximity to BSS, private toilets, or cheaper rents, etc.

My dormitory is a student residence at Skejbyparken, in Aarhus N. Located in , my dorm is near IKEA within 15-min walk. From dorm to BSS campus, it takes 20-min downhill bike ride, or 30-min bus ride. Initially I took the bus as I am too slow with biking. As time goes on, I am off to go with bike. Lots of time saved!

Rent is paid per month via the online system by card. A deposit is charged on the second month of rent. The full deposit will only be returned in full amount when the room is kept perfectly cleaned when you check out.

Course Registration Course registration process was conducted early April, and lasts for around one week. All instructions were set in an email from AU BSS. We can choose from a list of courses. Class time will not be available until it comes near to the semester. Thus, time-slots should not be the first factor to be concerned when registering.

It is advised that courses could vary much from term to term in AU, and adequate time should be allocated to apply for credit transfer request to ARRO. I am able to transfer all 30 ECTS, 5 courses back to HKUST.

When the timetable is out, follow BSS instructions to check overlaps and perform add-drop when needed.

Teaching & Assessment Methods AU is a research-intensive university. Generally speaking, courses in AU are are similar to HKUST teaching, though without many group projects or presentations. Most courses come with intensive literature readings and case readings. Teaching materials are all online on AU BLACKBOARD, similar to CANVAS. professors majorly deliver materials, and occasionally invite group discussions, student involvement, and sometimes fun quizzes with Kahoot or Mentimeter. All 5 of my courses are assessed solely by all-assistance essay (i.e. open book, open internet), with 2 on-site and 3 take-home ones.

Aspects of Denmark (5 ECTS) ● This course goes through different topics about Denmark in terms of both history and contemporary issues. Lecturers are different from lesson to lesson. Guest lecturers from different faculties or universities are invited. On one class, a mother from Greenlandic House together with her baby gave a lecture about Greenland. Exam by four-day take-home all-assistance essay. You can opt for an assignment of essay during the semester to practise writing for the final exam.

Digital Marketing (5 ECTS) ● This course covers different aspects of digital marketing strategies and theories,for instance, omni-channel customer experience, web analytics, customer journey, etc.. There were only 6 content lectures and 2 guest lectures, with 4 hours each. Lectures are usually divided into two halves, first part with theory teaching, second part with group work. We worked in groups for a chosen company, and applied theories of the lectures into the company scenario. Some preparations were expected. Exam by 4-hour on-site all-assistance essay questions.

International Marketing (5 ECTS) ● This course covers marketing knowledge when it comes to global context. Expect some previous knowledge learnt in MARK 2120 being covered again, but leveraged into a global scale, for instance, global marketing research, market entry modes, international market selection process, global distribution strategy, etc. Exam by 3-hour on-site all-assistance essay questions.

Global Management (10 ECTS) ● This course covers mainly three major scopes of Global Management (GM), including the cultural dimension of GM, strategies and structure of MNCs, and international HR management. This course is literature and case intensive. There are discussion times which allow students to type in their answers and reflect on an online live padlet. A 10 ECTS course include many contact hours, average two 3-hour lesson a week. Exam by 8-hour take-home all-assistance essay.

Social Entrepreneurship (5 ECTS) ● This course covers 11 topics about social entrepreneurship(SE), concepts like resource gathering, funding and bootstrapping, impact and scaling, social intrapreneurship, etc. are introduced. Professors tries to provide us with a holistic view of social entrepreneurship by showing different literatures. Also on the third lecture, we are able to hear sharings from two Danish SEs, and in later lectures, investigate the theories by analysing the two SEs. Exam by 48-hour take-home all-assistance essay. My most enjoyed course out of all.

Sports & Recreation Facilities Gyms are located all across Aarhus. Student discounts are available. Biking everywhere (literally everyday everywhere) is my major sport as you will be challenged by up and down hills. It warms you up in winter time too!

Paintballing, go-karting, bowling and ice-skating are some exotic recreations that I was able to explore in town with my friends during my stay. Going for movies in cinema might be option when the price is slightly more pricey than in Hong Kong.

Tivoli Friheden (Freedom) is the theme park located in south Aarhus. One world-famous attraction is the free-fall experience. It opens only in specific days in a month. Check out for the opening days on the website calendar! Halloween and Christmas are both good timings to go :) Deer park is another fun place to go in south Aarhus. Make sure you bring either carrots or apples. They might thank you, who knows?

Another way of recreation is definitely just by cycling around safe and sound. I did trips to every tips of the harbour. Best way to explore fast!

Do check out music and cultural events regularly as well. They are authentic and the vibe are awesome.

Touristy spots? Go online and check :P

Finance & Banking (including currency/expenses)

The main currency used in Denmark is Danish Kroner DKK. Paying by credit cards is the common way, while Danish Kroner banknotes and coins are easy to recognize. I exchanged Euros in currency exchange stores in downtown. 1EUR:7.36DKK was the rate around my stay and 45 DKK was charged for administration fee.

There is a noticeable common problem across Europe. Sometimes you are required to fill in a PIN number when you pay by credit cards. Do check with your bank before you go.

I do not recommend opening a bank account. First, we need our CPR number to open an account, which the CPR was mailed to me only in late September, around three weeks after introduction week. Second, most banks (, Jyske Bank, etc.) accept applications from students staying for at least one year.

Expenses in Denmark is generally higher than in Hong Kong. Transportation cost is the most significant, 20DKK per bus ride for an hour across 2 zones. Price level in supermarkets are similar to HK; while dining out could cost around 80-100DKK. Recommendation: learn to be a good chef :)

Expenses Cost (HKD)

Air Tickets 10000

Accomodation 21000

Visa Application 2700

Recurrent expenses in Aarhus 20000

Travel 41000

Miscellaneous Expenditure 1800

Total 96,500 HKD

Social Clubs/ Networking Opportunities - Studenterhus - BSS International - Aarhus Symposium - Student Fair - Klubben

These are some occasions that you would be able to meet with people from international and Danish background. I enjoyed being with my mentor groups and extend my network in some parties. I also learnt a lot from student fairs

Health & Safety Healthcare CPR let us enjoy the extensive healthcare system in Denmark. A personal doctor would be assigned to you during CPR registration in your district, e.g. Aarhus N.

It is also good to know that dentist service is not included in the healthcare policy. My friend paid a fortune for visiting the dentist o.o

Safety First, always keep in touch with International SOS. Be well informed about incidents happening in Denmark and other European countries. Check for flight schedule change too (especially ).

Generally speaking, Denmark should be safe. Aarhus is the safest and most peaceful to me among Denmark major cities I have been to. However, accidents could happen. Personally I have bad experience in Copenhagen Central Station. Bike (or bike lamp) theft / loss of personal belongings after parties are rather common here, which worth your extra attention. Anyways, ALWAYS STAY ALERT.

Food Dine-out options Let’s give you some basic ideas about dine-out options. It costs around 50-100DKK for lunch while 80+DKK for dinner. Cheapest offer could be kebab/ all-you-can-eat buffets. Fast food could be second option (but McDonald's’ pricing could be 1.5 times of HK). Otherwise, different Danish or Western cuisines and Asian restaurants could be located in Aarhus. BSS ​ canteen is also a budget and nice option, while it runs by students. ​

Best Danish food? Ask your mentors and Danish friends!

Cooking Time! Cooking by yourself or sharing the joy is highly encouraged. I am proud to say I started my cooking life from scratch in Aarhus. This is also the best budget option.

Cooking in Danish household means cooking without fire (so far I have seen). We all used induction cookers. You can always check out discount magazines or download app ​ ‘eTilbudsavis’ to search for discounted products in major supermarkets. Tilbud is the word you ​ ​ want to look for.

Personal Recommendations Far-East Trading (near Central Station) & KFT Food Trading (near BSS) are two major Asian markets. In case you miss and need something, e.g. mooncakes/ hotpot ingredients :)

China Star Grill (near Studenterhus) is a good place to fill your stomach, especially before events at Student House! Cantonese x Danish environment available here! Pho C&P is a Vietnamese restaurant near the main walking street. Best place to teach your fellows on how to use chopsticks!

Transportation

Midtraffik is the company for Letbannen (light rail), city buses and regional buses. A 2-zoner ticket costs 20DKK and lasts for 1-2 hours, depending on whether you are using App (moilebillet) or tickets on board; while regional buses could cost up to 100+ DKK. For example, 925X bus to Aarhus Airport cost 115DKK, while 912X bus to cost 160DKK. Monthly tickets cost 360DKK for unlimited rides; 10-time bulk purchase cost140DKK. You could refer to details on the web or AU information pack.

For bikes, there are recommendations from the school, while my personal suggestion would be searching for a second-hand bike, best from mentors, or past exchange students who are selling their bikes in a rather low price. I believe a fair price would be from 800DKK-1000DKK with 3-gear and lights. Bikes in Denmark are generally quite high. Thus, it takes time to get used to it.

Rejseplanen is the app for Danish transportation; while I find Google Map quite adequate.

Climate For fall term exchange, I could barely wear my summer clothings. Mid to late August was okay hot, while it get chill cold in November. First-snow happens in early December when I went to Tivoli Friheden. Raining and wind are frequent in Denmark so waterproof jackets are must!

Communication Daily Communication Daily Communication in Aarhus/Denmark is not a problem. Most command good English. You might encounter some funny moments in supermarkets or on buses - for example, food labels, road signs, bus stops and announcements, are usually in Danish. But definitely you will nail it, with Google Translate or just ASK! :)

Free semester-long Danish courses at ‘Lærdansk’ are available for exchange students. Pay ​ ​ the deposit, and have fun! This is not credit-bearing.

Network Communication Denmark is trying to be a network friendly country, thus you should be able to find good WIFI network and reasonable priced data plans. The AU International Centre provides all exchange students with a ‘Lebara’ SIM card in the orientation pack, which you could later ​ ​ purchase monthly plans (99DKK for 30GB+10hrs). You can either buy vouchers in shops (I bought in 7-eleven) or top up online.

In AU campus, eduroam is available (log in via UST or AU account).

Cautionary Measures Everywhere in the world could be dangerous, even in Denmark. Do take my advice. Stay cautious for your belongings all the time, especially in public areas like train stations or airports. Even though Denmark is a country with high level of trust, there are still

I described Danish weather as half London weather. It essentially means sometimes it rains, sometimes it is rather sunny with perfect blue sky. You will get depressed if you do not have a long waterproof coat with hood. Umbrella? Not the viking way :P

Beware of the traffic all the time, when you cycle or walk. Beware of the snow and icy roads. You might not want a bike accident in your exchange journey! As the saying goes, if you drink, keep away from driving, AND NOW ALCOHOL = NO BIKING, please!

Other Notes

One key reminder: Aarhus BSS (Fuglesangs Allé campus) is not at the main Aarhus Universitet campus area, but one block away. (Good to request a dorm near BSS) Around 10-min bike, 25-min walk, or bus 5A to connect! Don’t get confused!

PART 3: Items to bring Essentials - passport, residence permit and other documents (better print out extra copies for border control) ​ - money (cash in Euros/Danish Kroner + credit/debit cards - with “PLUS” sign) ​ - passport photos - autumn & winter clothings (summer clothings would be not as useful after August) ​ - waterproof jacket + anti-skid boots (rainy windy weathers + people in DK seldom use umbrella) ​ - router + LAN cable (most dorms do not provide WIFI directly //costly to buy in DK, but if necessary ‘Elgiganten’ ​ might be the place for electronics) - functioning laptop (essential for exams) ​ - Adaptors and chargers

- Camera (prepare for the aurora on your checklist) ​ - Personal Medicine - knowledge about Hong Kong culture!! (Danish and international friends are eager to learn, and may ​ wanna try some Hong Kong dishes!!)

Optionals - mini rice cooker - one set of formal suit / dress (you might need it for some formal events / career fairs / competitions / parties) ​ - prepaid SIM/data cards for travelling other than Denmark (IC will provide a Lebara SIM card in ​ orientation pack, which you could later purchase monthly plan 99dkk for 30GB+10hrs) - travel set (containers that suit flight boarding) ​ - bed sheets/pillows/blankets (always available in IKEA/supermarkets) ​

Special Notes Supermarkets in Aarhus provide most necessities. ‘Normal’ or ‘Matas’ would be great shops for personal care products. ‘Flying Tiger Copenhagen’ would be a budget yet creative shop for accessories.

Words from Joe

To whom who is reading my report, I hope I would have provided you with sufficient information to gear up for an easy start in Aarhus. As for the rest, I shall leave for it for you to explore the best in this small yet big city. :)

If more information is needed, feel free to contact me via SBM Exchange Team by email at [email protected].

Mange Tak! Joe=]