From Oslo to Copenhagen

Why did you decide to go to IVA/RSLIS?
I was studying Library and Information Science in Oslo and my university recommended IVA and told us how much better the school was here when it comes to Library Science. Originally, I was going to take one year at RSLIS/IVA during my Bachelor Degree but due to certain circumstances I was not able to do so. I really regretted it later, so I decided to take my Master Degree here instead.

What do you want to use your education for?
Two things, either a PhD or to work in a public library but I haven't quite decided on anything yet.

How do you experience the level of the courses at IVA/RSLIS?
The level is really high and there is good quality in the teaching. I also like the examination form that you use here in Denmark because it's quite different from the Norwegian one. We normally have between six hours or three days of written exams. We have three days to write our thesis (in 3000-5000 words). In Denmark you spend a semester writing your thesis and then you are able to defend it afterwards. It is much better. You get time to show what you can do and time to reflect on it afterwards, like what could be improved and done differently next time you do a project.





How do you experience social life at the school?
The first months I was here, I was taking very good care of by the international student coordinator. He invited the international students out and made this small group become real close, but it's been difficult to get to know Danish students. When we have classes the Danish group is sitting in one end of the classroom and the internationals in the other end. There is very little interaction. As a Norwegian who understands Danish quite well, I can easily talk to Danes in my own language and they don't have to answer me in English. Still, many Danes find it difficult to understand Norwegians and they are not used to the language, so it's even hard for me to get to know the Danes. However, I took the BOBCATSSS-module this semester and that is the first time I've gotten to know some Danes. It took me over a year.

What differences and similarities do you see in the Danish and Norwegian society?
The Danes are more laid back in many ways. Some things go really fast in Norway but in Denmark you need to learn to be patient. You have a "tomorrow" mindset while we have the "now" mindset. The bureaucracy is really slow in Denmark, and when you find a flat in Denmark, you are sometimes asked to pay rent before you can even move in. When it comes to similarities we have the same kind of humor, but it's a bit easier to talk about the differences.





How did you find housing here in DK?
I found housing by myself. First I found a dormitory in Herlev through Kollegiernes Kontor. It was exhausting to go for a ride of 1 hour and 15 minutes to school each morning. Furthermore, the closest supermarket was 2 kilometers away and I didn't have a bike back then. Two months later, I was lucky to find an apartment only 2,5 kilometers from the school, so now I take my bike instead of the bus. A girl from the Faroe Islands lives in my building and she was also a bit lost when she first came to Denmark, so we have become good friends.

How do you experience Denmark as a country?
First I didn't understand the Danish society but I could always ask the international student coordinator and he would help me understand things. Some things are very different from Norway. You have to go through a lot of bureaucracy when you come to Denmark, but it's easier for Norwegians to get into Scandinavia than for people from outside Scandinavia.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
We have our own Norwegian community in Copenhagen at the Norwegian Seamen's Church. They have a lot of arrangements for Norwegian students which aren't religious, it's more like a community house where we have student dinners, a reading room and meet friends. I also love to go to concerts in Vega or performances at the Opera House. I've been at the Opera House five times and sometimes you can get really good seats for student prices.





What do you think will be the best memory from your time here?
There are lots of things to pick between. I have met nice people here and the time at the school is something I will remember because I have really enjoyed it.

What could be improved at IVA/RSLIS when it comes to international students?
When we receive the IVA newsletter with information about important articles and meetings it is all in Danish and internationals do not understand what is going on. But I want to say that I am satisfied with the teaching here and with the help I have gotten from the student coordinator when it comes to bureaucracy.

Do you have any advice to new international students?
There are many things to consider. They must be careful when finding flats through private renters since I have heard bad stories about it. Also, they should definitely learn the bicycle rules.


Af Anne Saabye