Danish Minister of Science and Technology, Charlotte Sahl-Madsen has suggested making study abroad obligatory for Danish university students. <\/p>\n
A semester abroad should no longer be a choice, but a requirement, says the minister. <\/p>\n
But the University of Copenhagen International Office and students are not in favour of compulsory travel. <\/p>\n
With her suggestion, the Minister hopes to boost internationalisation. This is the way to economic growth and prosperity in Denmark she says. <\/p>\n
\u00bbMy great ambition is to educate graduates with a global awareness in Denmark. We must insist that the universities make sure the young people gain this awareness. They must travel,\u00ab says Charlotte Sahl-Madsen in an interview with the Danish daily Jyllandsposten. <\/p>\n
But internationalisation is not just about student mobility, says John E Andersen, director of international affairs at the University of Copenhagen\u2019 International Office in an interview with the University Post. <\/p>\n
\u00bbIt is positive that the minister is highlighting the importance of internationalisation, but it is not only a question of mobility,\u00ab he says.<\/p>\n
\u00bbForcing people is not necessarily the most effective method.\u00ab<\/p>\n
There idea is to give students skills and knowledge that they can use in a globalised world, and this can be done in a number of ways that don\u2019t involve leaving Danish soil, according to John E Andersen. <\/p>\n
\u00bbWe are not a travel agency. We feel that besides studying abroad, students can learn global skills in international companies or international study environments in Denmark, for example on courses taught in English where there are many international students.\u00ab<\/p>\n
And for full-degree students from overseas studying in Denmark, it would be absurd if they were forced to go to yet another country for a semester, he points out.<\/p>\n
The Danish student organisation, the General Student Council are also sceptical of the minister\u2019s suggestion:<\/p>\n
\u00bbForcing people is a bad idea. It is most important that it makes academic sense to go abroad,\u00ab says Mikkel Zeuthen, chairman. <\/p>\n
luci@adm.ku.dk<\/p>\n