Student Life In Copenhagen

Since education is an essential element of Danish society, does that mean that students have to work and work, leaving no time for play?

Student life in Copenhagen differs from that of the British' in more ways than one. For the past few years, the educational system of Denmark has improved drastically from what it used to be. Instead of the traditional primary, as well as secondary schools, students in Denmark have to go to a similar school for a period of nine years prior attending a senior secondary or business school. Other popular educational institutions like the eftrerskole and folkehojskole offer varied types of learning from the conventional education system. Also, these types encourage a higher level of independence, exploration, and creativity. The Danish government has around 14% of its expenditure targeted for education.

Even if Denmark is pretty serious about educating its society, this doesn't mean that students are expected to abhor non-education-related activities. In fact, Copenhagen considers socializing as an important aspect of one's existence. It insists that social interaction enables foreign students to meet different kinds of people and is a great way of getting acquainted with the culture of the Danish.

Student life in Copenhagen can be a lot of fun. There is even a service specially designed for international students. Several institutions have adopted the student-to-student program that aims to help make those international students feel right at home. This works like a buddy system, wherein a particular student assists the "visitor" student in getting settled, making friends, and helping him out with other matters.

Some institutions in Copenhagen may lack the typical campus facilities of other countries, but this does not mean that the student life in Copenhagen is uninteresting. Almost all institutions have committees that plan out several activities like parties, excursions, cafés, and other extra-curricular endeavors. A familiar feature of the student cafés in Denmark is their "fredagsbar". This is so much like the bar experience during Friday afternoons. You'll never know the real student life in Copenhagen unless you take part in the event.

Even campus life does not deprive students of social interaction. As it is, studies are mostly done in groups, which encourage involvement and constant communication. This is a nice way of learning and socializing at the same time.

So who says you can't mix learning and pleasure? Often, some play time promotes better learning and the student life in Copenhagen is doing just that.