Prize puts spotlight on international study environment

11 February 2009

Denmark needs to be better at attracting and keeping talented students from abroad. A new prize is set to get the ball rolling when it comes to improving the international study environment at the University of Copenhagen. The 100,000 kroner annual award is sponsored by the Danish Bankers Association and will be given for the first time this November during the University's annual celebration.

“The study environment has high priority at the University of Copenhagen and it gives me great pleasure that this new award will enable us to make that extra difference for our many international students,” said prorector Lykke Friis.

Friis believes the agreement with the Danish Bankers Association presents a number of new opportunities for improving the international study environment.

“We know that many foreign students unfortunately live in a 'parallel society' without much contact with Danish students,' Friis added. “This impairs not only their learning opportunities but also their general impression of Denmark. At the same time Danish students are missing out on the myriad advantages that present themselves when different nationalities meet, such as language and friendship.”

The idea behind the new prize is to recognise an employee, student, department or faculty that has made a special impact on the international study environment at the university. The money can be used to start or improve on initiatives in areas such as guidance, information, teaching or social activities.

“We are happy to be able to put the study environment in the spotlight,” said Jørgen A. Horwitz, director of the Danish Bankers Association. “At the same time we look forward to good dialogue with the University of Copenhagen on topics such as research and education. The finance industry wants to improve its position among the international elite, and doing so requires knowledge and competency.”

The prize is part of a general partnership between the Danish Bankers Association and the University of Copenhagen that recognises the two organisations' common interests. Improved potential to attract and retain talented students and academics is a prerequisite if Denmark is to become a centre for research, education and a knowledge based business community.