Frequently Asked Questions about Study in Sonderborg

Requirements

Who can study there?

Marquette students who are majoring or minoring in business with Junior standing may study through this program.

The fall term runs from late August to mid-December, while the spring term runs from late January to mid-June.

Do I need to know Danish?

No. Courses are taught in English, although the national language is Danish. Most Danes speak English.

Because this is a Marquette-exchange program, most financial aid generally applies. To learn more about how this program will affect your specific financial aid package, please see the Office of Student Financial Aid.

 Yes, you need to apply at least 2 months in advance for your visa. Please see the State Department Web site for more information.

No special vaccinations are needed. Visit the Center for Disease Control's Traveler's Health Web site for additional vaccination information and/or SOS international.

About the Program

Who will my classmates be?

Your classmates will be from Denmark, other European countries and the rest of the world.

On average, five clases are taken per semester. Students take modules of classes that are in various functional areas of business such as marketing, finance, etc.

On average, students earn 15 Marquette University credits.

European Community Law, International Economics, International Management, European Integration, Danish and Swedish Economics, Danish Government and International Finance to name a few.  A list of classes will be available when you apply.

Grades do not transfer to Marquette, only credits do. The Danish grading scale is based on a point system. A grade of 6 or higher counts as a passing grade. However, some courses may only be assessed as Passed/Not Passed, with no further grading. 

Upon arrival, you will be placed with a Danish family for about one week.  After that, you will move to a self-contained apartment or other private accommodations. 

Danish educational institutions have no accommodation facilities, and foreign students have to make their own arrangements with regard to board and lodging. There are, however, a number of student residence halls administered by student organizations, and foreign students are eligible for rooms on equal terms with Danish students in these halls. The residences are approximately 1.5 km from the university and offer six-month tenancy agreements.

Yes, there is an extensive orientation program at the beginning of each semester followed by an excursion program, usually to an eastern European country.

About the City

What is public transportation like?

Denmark has a highly developed and efficient public transportation system.

Denmark is the only Scandinavian country connected to the European mainland: the southern border of the Jutland touches Germany.  Otherwise, Denmark is an island kingdom. Bicycles (which outnumber the people) are the preferred method of transportation throughout the country, including the cities. Furthermore, public transportation networks of trains, buses, planes, and ferries cover most of the country. You can get a ticket to cover bus/train rides at reduced fares, as well as a monthly bus pass. 

The winters are relatively mild, with average temperatures around 35° F.  In the summer months, average temperatures are around 70° F. A raincoat is recommended for summer, and a jacket will be needed during fall and winter. 

The Danish money is counted in kroner, usually abbreviated kr.  As of January 2005 1 USD is equal to 5.9 kroners. The cost of living is fairly high in Denmark. Basic food expenses for one person are DKK 1,000 to 2,000 per month. 

Sonderborg is an attractive town of about 30,000 people on the island of Als, in the southeast of Jutland. Als is connected to the mainland by bridges. It is the largest town on the island with a large student population (about 25%) and hence a lively social life. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and discotheques. Also, the coastline is great for swimming, sailing, and angling. Visit Lonely Planet's online guide for more information.

Applying

What is the application deadline?

Program-specific applications are due by October 1 for the spring semester, and March 1 for the fall semester or academic year.

How do I apply?

Program-specific applications are available from Dr. Jamshid Hosseini in Straz Hall 101.

Required Materials for Marquette University

See the Applying for Study Abroad Page to see Marquette's requirements.

Marquette Requirements Deadline

October 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester, summer term, or academic year.