I am Gabriel and I studied political science at Universität Augsburg in Germany

Why did you choose to apply for the MSc in Global Development?

I knew already that I wanted to study development studies. It was just a matter of choosing the right University and the right program for it. UCPH gave me the combination of a prestigious University, a comprehensive program with opportunity for exchange and field work and a new country for me to discover.

How are you experiencing the cross-disciplinary aspect of the MSc in Global Development?

My background was interdisciplinary, because I did sociology and political science during my Bachelor and a year of intensive economics later on, but I appreciated very much the anthropological part of the program and it has proven useful during my internship now. I think it is one of the greatest features of the program.

I’m Joseph, from Accra Ghana. I have a BA in Political Science and Geography and Resource Management from the University of Ghana.

What was the most difficult thing about starting the MSc in Global Development?

“The main challenge that I faced here, I think it was an internal struggle. In the beginning of the semester I lost this self-confidence this confidence I had back home. I don’t know how it happened. I just lost confidence, that maybe I couldn’t do this. No, no no, That this wasn’t me.  That maybe I should just pack my bags and get home.  And maybe this was also because I was missing home and this is the first time that I had been away, so, so far away from home. So I was like ‘Maybe I just can’t do this!’ But with time, I just told myself ‘Hey, I am one of the few lucky people to get on this programme which is really competitive and I am here and I can do this!’

I also found a lot of inspiration from my friends, from my colleagues. They were super helpful! They help me settle down and I realised that some people were extremely good in one area and if I needed help I could just go to them and ‘Hey I don’t understand this, can you help me out?’ And they were super helpful. In everything from me getting used to Denmark, to buying my first winter jacket, and everything, the little things. And especially the Danes. They were super helpful and all the classmates. So those were some people and the small Ghanaian community that I had here they also helped me settle down. They showed me areas where I can get some Ghanaian food. Which was like ‘Ah now I am finding my focus.’ And my church too, I have a Ghanaian church here that I attend. They were super helpful.”

I am from Copenhagen, Denmark. During my undergraduate I studied Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen

1. Why did you choose to apply for the MSc in Global Development?

After three years of studying anthropology, I applied for the new MSc in Global Development because I was looking for new challenges. In order to understand the complex and interlinked challenges we face as a global society, I believe we need to utilize, to a much larger extent than we do today, the potential in interdisciplinary research approaches and cross sector development initiatives. I think this program is a great step in that direction - with a diverse and colorful group of students, and with teachers who’s level of ambition certainly seems to fit the complexity of the field.

2. How are you experiencing the cross-disciplinary aspect of the MSc in Global Development?

I have only had great experiences in cross-disciplinary settings. In voluntary work, student jobs and university assignments, I have always found it inspiring to work with and learn from people with different skills. Getting familiar with several new social science disciplines is quite a challenge, especially when everything runs on a master’s level right from the beginning. But this is where your fellow students come in handy, and I am confident that the rewards will be worth the effort. We are told that it’s all about believing in steep learning curves.

3. What is the best thing about studying at the MSc in Global Development?

The academic level is high and challenging. The international student group and the motivated teachers constitute an inspiring and motivating study environment. And the interdisciplinary approach provides you with a broad and deep understanding of the issues and trends in international development.

4. What’s it like to live in Copenhagen?

I am born and raised in Copenhagen - and even though it can’t compete with the natural beauty of Vancouver or the buzz of New York, Copenhagen has a lot to offer. It’s best in the summer, but cultural activities flourish the year round. And with a small city center everything from concert halls, to cafés and nightlife is right around the corner (on bike!).

I am from Augsburg, Germany and I have two Bachelor Degrees from the Catholic University of Eichstaett. One is in European Studies, the other one in Political Science and Sociology.

Why did you choose to apply for the MSc in Global Development?

I studied political science and European Studies in my Bachelors, already there I was very interested in a course about the “capability approach” and development cooperation. We had an obligatory internship and I got lucky to get accepted as an intern at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. After that I was a 100% sure that I wanted to work in the field of development cooperation. I applied for the master because I was intrigued with the focus on economy and the good reputation of the university as well as the program. Furthermore, I got really convinced by the very practical approach when it comes to teaching methods courses. This seemed very appealing considering that I am aiming at a job in (political) consultancy afterwards.

What is the best thing about studying at the MSc in Global Development?

Besides the many challenging, forwarding courses, what especially got me was the group structure. Even though before I would prefer a lot more working individually than in groups, I got very lucky with my groups. The master is very practical oriented, with Stata, GIS and other program tools, which is very challenging. Now to do it on my own it would have been a big piece of work but working in a group, learning was actually interactive and much quicker. Also I got various informed inputs which helped me taking a different perspective on cases and even facts, changing and challenging my way of thinking. This process was also due to the cross disciplinary aspect of Global Development, so in every team there would be persons with different “backgrounds” (one of the most asked questions during introduction week by the way: What is your background?). In addition to that I think group work as such, as you have to arrange yourself with other persons and opinions, is also a very good preparation for “real-life” jobs.

I am from Beijing, China. I have a BA in Business English from Tianjin University of Economics and Finance in China.

1. Why did you choose to apply for the MSc in Global Development?

I was active in voluntary programs and interested in development issues in my school years. After finishing my bachelor degree, I worked in a non-profit foundation in China for a year. This experience showed me that I’m most happy when helping or influencing people positively - and when I get to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, working in an international non-profit organization became my career goal.

I believe, that the economic analysis’s regarding the emerging markets combined with an understanding of culturally determined perceptions as well as understanding the perceptions of the developed countries and the developing ones - which I can acquire from this program - are very helpful for my career path. And the courses as well as the field works are very attractive to me.

2. How are you experiencing the cross-disciplinary aspect of the MSc in Global Development?

It’s both challenging and exciting. It’s not easy at the beginning. We have had to deal with comprehensive academic readings exceeding our own field. We are learning to use other academic methods than we are used to and try to think in new and cross-disciplinary ways.

3. What is the best thing about studying at the MSc in Global Development?

The best thing is that I can work with outstanding young people from very diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. We have know-hows in different disciplines, we have our own strengths and weaknesses. We are often inspired by each other when trying to solve problems together.

4. What’s it like to live in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is a nice and peaceful city. I enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views here very much. People are always friendly and helpful. As an international student here, I can enjoy the same welfare, including free health care, as local people.

It’s also a fun place to live. There are so many cultural events such as art festivals, music festivals, concerts, etc. You’ll never get bored!