"Firstly, you pretty much only hear good things about the Scandinavian educations. On top of that, AU has a pretty good ranking when it comes to the computer engineering degree, which just enforces the point. In Germany, I feel like we have a very fact-based learning approach. Exams are more about remembering facts than actually solving complex problems. But the field I am working in is very fast paced and fast changing by nature, which makes a lot of fact-based knowledge obsolete rather quickly. The way I experienced my master’s studies here at AU was way more focused on problem solving instead of memorizing details. I think it is a way more efficient and practical way of learning and I really liked that."
"Yes, and it’s very nice to have a chance to talk to the professors. In Germany you’re always very formal, you’re always addressing your professor by the last name and keeping a certain professional distance. In Denmark it´s very different from that. At first it was a bit weird when your professor comes in and says, “yeah hi, I’m Rune” and you’re like “What? No formal introductions? No last names?”, but I got used to it quickly. On multiple occasions I have had talks or sent a quick email to my professors to ask for input to this and that, and they always replied very quickly. You don’t have to wait for days or weeks or have some formal office meeting. It’s very clear, that they really want to teach and like to communicate with the students."
"I had some classes on computer science in the high school equivalent in Germany. I was part of a so called “laptop class” starting from 7th grade and we were one of the schools that tried to use computers for supported learning very early. So, I got an interest there, and have also been a big fan of gaming, so that naturally connects you to the computer world. When high school was over, I didn’t directly know what to do, so I did a social year as I was very interested in both psychology and computer science - quite the opposites. In the end I chose computer engineering and am not regretting it. At least the career opportunities are far better for this path, I think."
"My grandparents have a strong relationship to Sweden actually and I spent a huge amount of my vacation time when I was younger in their summerhouse in Sweden. I have been there a lot and I think it really fueled my love for the Nordic countries. Then I met my girlfriend during my bachelor’s and she’s from Flensburg. She wanted to study her master’s in Denmark. So, when the time came around, she actually moved here a year before me. When I was done, I was looking at Sweden or Denmark for my own master’s, but when I got accepted to AU it was pretty much a no-brainer for me."
"And I really like it here. The climate is nice, the general social circumstances. Denmark in general is nice. The whole topic about SU is pretty attractive for EU students and the jobmarket seems to hold some good opportunities as well. And then for my program specifically, I just really liked the practical aspect of it all. That it’s not just classic classroom education with hours and hours of lectures. We had a lot of workshops and practical settings with a bunch of tasks that were really leaning into what we were dealing with in theory."
"A big chunk of my studies was online due to Corona, though I did have some lectures in person. I really like the whole notion of having these popular and established student ceremonies and social activities. The annual Regatta, Kapsejladsen, for example, which is the biggest students party in Northern Europe. Or right when I started, we had the biggest Friday bar. Its great with these events. These events give plenty of opportunity to be social and create a great climate. And for me now, working at a private company, I have to say that Denmark is a great place to work. There are a lot of benefits in Denmark compared to other countries. The working culture is very open and inclusive. I am meeting great people daily. Yeah, I just really like it here."
