Kate Pemberton, 24, spent a semester of her undergraduate anthropology and international relations degree at the University of Copenhagen. She loved it – so when it came to choosing a master’s, the city was her first choice.
“It was exactly the kind of master’s I wanted to do, and I love living in the city,” says Pemberton, who is now three months into her master’s. “In terms of studying, it’s a lot more focused on group work and collaborating with other people. I like being part of an international community.”
As well as wanting the experience of studying abroad, the absence of fees was a big factor. As an EU student, it’s not only free for her to study a master’s in Denmark, but she’s also eligible for a government grant, available to those who work 10 to 12 hours per week. “It wasn’t a deciding factor, but it was a big help,” she says. “I don’t know how long the situation regarding fees is going to last, but I’m hoping to have finished by the time Brexit kicks in.”
Pemberton feels the experience of studying abroad has given her valuable skills. “I’ve been learning Danish, which isn’t the most useful language, but I think any language is a bonus on your CV,” she says. “Plus, employers want what moving abroad and living in a different country gives you – you become more adaptable and can survive in stressful situations. It makes you more resilient and you open yourself up to more opportunities.”
