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University of Aarhus, Denmark

MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchange Program
This program is part of the MAUI-Utrecht Exchange and is open to students from member institutions only. Interested students should contact their local study abroad coordinator regarding the application/placement process and for additional information. Application deadlines for all MAUI-Utrecht programs, including fall semester, winter semester, or academic year abroad, is in February. Spring semester placements may be available after the deadline: contact the Study Abroad Coordinator.

University of Aarhus, Denmark

•NOTE• Aarhus offers a travel grant to students from Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Students can be reimbursed for up to US$1,000.00. For more information visit: http://www.au.dk/en/is/application/grants

About Aarhus and the University

The University of Aarhus was founded in 1928 and was the first Danish university to be established outside the capital of  Copenhagen.  The University has five faculties:  Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Faculty of Natural Sciences.  Currently, 20,000 students are enrolled at the University. 

With a population in excess of 250,000 inhabitants, Aarhus is the second largest city in Denmark. It was founded around the year 900 by an unknown King of Denmark, at the time when the Vikings ruled the country.  Today, Aarhus is known as the capital of the provinces and has a thriving business and commercial sector as well as many schools and educational institutions located in the area.  The city hosts more than 30,000 students of higher education, making Aarhus a young and vibrant city.

Aarhus combines a country setting with all the advantages of city living.  Situated on the waterfront, it is never far to sunlit beaches or refreshing green woods.  In addition, Aarhus offers all the usual city comforts, such as restaurants, cafes, parks and gardens, theatres, art galleries, shopping centres, and night clubs.  Cultural events take place all year round and the city has an international reputation as a live music venue.

Forms of Study and Teaching

The University of Aarhus offers many courses taught in English, so exchange students have a wide offering to choose from. A Danish university education requires self-discipline.  This is mainly due to the fact that in most courses, students are not evaluated during the semester.  Often, the final exam or paper is worth 100% of the course mark.  Thus, it is up to the individual student to get the most out of what is offered - another reason why study groups play an important role within the system.

Another stimulating factor is the academic environment which may seem informal to foreign students.  Professors and staff members speak with the students and associate with them during breaks and professors are often addressed by their first name.

Language Requirements

Danish is the national language of Denmark.  However, English is widely used and most Danes can speak English fluently.  At the University of Aarhus, the first language of instruction is Danish.  However, in most departments, there are courses taught in English which students on exchange programmes are able to participate in.  Students do not need to be proficient in Danish (or have any Danish language abilities at all) to be able to study at the university and reside in Denmark.  As long as the student is proficient in English, they will be able to manage in both educational and social settings.  However, exchange students should not forgo an opportunity to learn Danish.  Learning Danish allows an exchange student to gain a better appreciation of the Danish culture and provides an opportunity to participate in daily life at a more meaningful level.

Course in Danish language and culture

"Denmark Today" is the title of the intensive pre-semester language and culture course for international students coming to study for a period of time at the University of Aarhus.  The course, which is held every year in January and August, is a full-time course consisting of three language lessons every morning (Monday-Friday) and a wide variety of cultural and social arrangements (lectures and excursions) in the afternoons and evenings.  The course is free of charge for all MAUI exchange students at the University of Aarhus.

The aim of the course is to provide the students with sufficient Danish language skills to be able to communicate with their fellow students and university staff and to cope with non-academic activities like shopping, visits to public authorities or to follow current issues debated in the media, etc.  The course will not necessarily enable the students to take part in academic discussions, but it will provide them with a solid platform for continuing their practical and theoretical studies of the Danish language.

Mentor programme

All exchange students coming to the University of Aarhus are offered a mentor to ease through the first weeks of their stay.  The mentor will typically be a Danish student from the same department/faculty where the exchange student will be studying. The mentor can help the exchange student to settle in, e.g. pick him/her up upon arrival and provide a key to the room where the student will be living.  Furthermore, the mentor can give an introduction to academic and social life at the university, to the city, and be the first link to the Danish student body. The mentor can also help with practical matters such as opening a bank account, going grocery shopping, registering for a social security number, etc.

Housing

The University of Aarhus finds housing for all exchange students.  Accommodation will be found in halls of residence or in private sub-lettings.  See the information grid below for more information on housing.

General Institutional Information for MAUI Students.