SEMESTER PLANS

We embark on a captivating journey into the lives of ambitious 5th semester students, as they unveil their exciting plans for the 5th semester, be they exchange, an internship or electives. The 5th semester is a pivotal point in the academic journey of students pursuing an IBP bachelor's degree. It presents a multitude of opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and the exploration of new horizons. From undertaking exchange programs in far-flung countries to engaging in internships that bridge the gap between theory and practice, and even choosing exciting electives right here in Denmark, the 5th semester opens doors to diverse experiences that shape their future paths. In this article, we delve into the minds of four 5th semester students, capturing their aspirations, motivations, and strategies as they give insights into their decisions, practical processes and expectations regarding this semester. Through interviews with a diverse array of students, we aim to shed light on the decisions they make, the challenges they face, and the insights they gain during this critical period. Through their stories, we hope to inspire and inform our readers, providing a valuable resource for those who seek to make the most of their own 5th semester adventures.

BY EMMA SOLGÅRD RASMUSSEN

What are you doing on your 5th semester?

I'm going on exchange to Rikkyo University in Tokyo. Hopefully my 5th semester will be filled with lots of food, experiences and good times and less exam anxiety.

Why have you chosen to do that instead of other possible options?

I really needed a break from the whole rat race of studying in Denmark and at CBS. Although it has been enjoyable for the most part, I'm starting to feel quite exhausted and I definitely need to recharge doing something entirely different. Studying at a University where everything is pass/fail and there is so much to experience will be the perfect remedy for my fatigue.

What are you looking most forward to on the 5th semester?

It's difficult to say just one thing, because Japan is a country with an abundance of opportunities. For starters I'm really looking forward to the culinary scene of Japan! Eating ramen, sushi, yakitori, and fried chicken every day is going to be unreal. The ones who know me knows that I'm a very keen skier, whose Instagram feed is filled with skiing content, so I can’t wait to ski the sweet sweet powder of Japan once again, nothing comes close to the quality of Japanese powder-snow. But most of all I'm just really looking forward to live (again) in a country with such a rich culture and history, that is entirely different to the one we know in the western society.

How did you decide on a location for exchange?

I spent 4 months of my first gap year living in Japan, teaching kids how to ski as well as skiing some of the best terrain there is, while eating Japanese food and drinking Japanese whiskey, basically just having the time of my life. Sadly, my roundtrip in Japan was cancelled due to Covid-19. I knew that I had to come back and instantly eyed that the exchange semester would be the perfect opportunity for me to continue my Japanese adventure. I never got to see Tokyo, and having the opportunity to live and study in the world’s largest metropolis was something I had to seize. I applied for every University in Tokyo and luckily, I got into Rikkyo.

What practical advice would you give someone who was about to apply for exchange?

My personal experience with applying for exchange did not provide me with a lot of insights and advice. I knew I wanted to go to Tokyo, so I just applied for every university in Tokyo, not caring about level of academics or stuff like that. It made it quite an easy process. So I guess my only advice is to put it all on red and hope for the best.

What should one be aware of when looking into applying and going on exchange?

I know a lot of people who are struggling with finding housing, I managed to secure my housing in the middle of march and that has really kept me sane. So I would recommend spending a lot of time in the beginning of the 4th semester looking for housing. Get that out of the way! I would also recommend just accepting the fact that exchange is madly expensive, and if you like me have a fragile economic foundation, apply for a lot of scholarships, and put some effort into the applications! I will re-enter Denmark broke as they come, but in a long life those money will matter little, so don’t stress to much about the financial aspects of exchange and don’t let it stop you from chasing a dream.