CBS - Online form Travel reports

PERSONAL DATA
Your stay at CBS
Name
Gender
Age
CBS e-mail address
Nationality
Level of study
CBS study program

Muntean Natalia - Application Regular Master 2nd Round

Natalia Muntean
Female
28
namu13ab@student.cbs.dk
Romania
master
Master of Social Sciences in Organisational Innovation
and Entrepreneurship

Academic year
Semester abroad
Name of host university
Faculty/Department/School attended at the host

2014/15
Spring 2015
Baruch College
Zicklin School of Business

university (if any)

Name of city
Name of country

New York
United States

MOTIVATION
Please explain what motivated you to go on
exchange (e.g. academic, social, cultural, career,
etc.)?

I must admit I was a bit influenced by almost all of my

master colleagues going on exchange. I am an
international student at CBS and being in Denmark is
already like an exchange for me. But since I always
wanted to visit New York and an international experience
on a different continent is highly valued, in the end I
decided to apply for exchange semester.

CBS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE

How would you describe the service provided by
the CBS International Office? (e.g. information

In my view, International Office can provide more

guidance to student that it actually does. While the

meetings in september, application process, level

general requirements are send out to applicants,

of information about exchange, level of service in

sometimes what is the hardest is the small details you

general, etc.)

bump into while preparing to go abroad. Like for example,

when I was supposed to submit online my application to be
approved as an exchange student at the University abroad,
I couldn't submit it just because the system won't accept
any other version of Adobe besides Adobe Professional.
Luckily I knew a student that went to the same school one
semester earlier, so after uncounted attempts to submit
that application, it worked fine in the end. These kind
of details could be easily inserted in the mails sent out
by International Office and would help a lot making the
whole process less stressful.

Rating

CBS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM MANAGERS

How would you describe the service provided by

I received the e-mails quite fast. Within 24 hours. I

the International Program Managers (e.g.

would definitely recommend tho providing as many links as

availability, response time to e-mails, level of

possible in the communication, even if those links are on

information and assistance, knowledge about

CBS website.

destination, pre-departure meetings, etc.?)

Rating

STUDY BOARD AND STUDY SECRETARIAT

How would you describe the service provided by
your Study Board and Study secretariat in relation

Since I had enough credits from CBS and I was going on

exchange the last semester of my studies (2nd one,

to course pre-approval and final credit transfer

Spring), I was not that worried about the courses that I

(please list any suggestion on how to help future

should take. In fact, it was pretty open to what classes

students throughout the process)?

I can take abroad and I definitely appreciate that. So in

my case, I filled in the mandatory 11 courses on the preapproval form based on what I was interested in and not
necessarily related to my master major. The process
overall was not that complicated in my case.

Rating

PREPARATION PHASE
How would you describe the preparation phase

I received the papers from the host university pretty

prior to the arrival at your host university? (For

late. I sent them out around 28th of September and

example, what would you recommend future

exchange students to do in preparation for their
departure? What type of insurance did you
purchase and what about the visa process?)

received them back at the beginning of December.

Apparently I incorrectly filled in one field from the
application so it took a while for them to contact me and
correct it. So if you see you don't receive the papers
within 6 weeks maybe it's a good idea to write an email
to the host university. AS for the visa, I applied for
visa as soon as I received the papers from the host
university. I was getting my visa in Denmark and the
process was pretty fast. I had the visa interview within
10 days after receiving papers and the actual passport
within a week after. The interview was pretty easy: the
fact that you're a student from CBS helps a lot and they
don't ask that many questions (that is compared to when I
was getting a business visa for US where they asked lots
of questions before approving it). The visa is given for
the duration of the semester but because it's J-1 visa,
you can legally stay in the country for one more month
after (For ex. if you visa has an expiration date on 23rd
of May, you can leave US on 22nd of June and be fine).
INSURANCE: I purchased my insurance from www.willis.dk they have a student one on the site. For USA you'll have
to purchase the most expensive insurance which covers all
the possible costs. The company was very professional.
The process is simple and can be done within 24 hours:
you buy the insurance online and as soon as the company
gets the money, your insurance is active. So you can buy
it 3 days before the actual departure and be fine. One
important aspect here: you have to have insurance
starting the day you leave for US.

Rating

APPLICATION PROCESS TO YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY

Describe the application process to your host
university. (For example, was the process

I went to Baruch College in NY and the university has an

application process in 3 steps: 1st is submitting an

complicated or easy? Which documents did you

online application, second is sending out some documents

have to submit? Did you submit online or in hand

per post and 3rd is on CBS which also has to sent a form

copy? How did you register for courses (or

change them? Etc.)

to the university. So allow some time for papers to reach

the university per post. The Office Abroad from the host
University was helpful and replied pretty fast but take
into consideration also the time difference. The replies
might come after 24 hours. I didn't have that many issues
with the process - it went pretty smooth and CBS
submitted the needed form in time. Only thing - their
course selecting system is pretty rudimentary so you'll
spend some times browsing through the classes and
selecting them, but that's more of a technicality that
doesn't depend on the people involved in the process.

Rating

INTERNATIONAL OFFICE AT YOUR HOST UNIVERSITY

How would you describe the service provided by

The host university personnel was nice and replied as

the International Office at your host university?

soon as possible. Just be aware of the time zone

(e.g. availability, response time to e-mails, level

difference. The replies might come in later than

of information, assistance provided, etc.?)

Rating

expected.
5

ARRIVAL AT THE HOST UNIVERSITY

Describe your arrival at your Host University (e.g.
How was the introductory day or week? How did
you register for courses or change them)?

Unfortunately, I missed the introductory day. I think

it's not a big problem especially if your exchange
program has a buddy in place who can always show you
around the campus and explain how to use the systems. One
small incident here: I notified the host university that
I won't be attending the intro day, didn't receive any
reply and by arrival didn't go the next day to the
international office. I went there 5 days later.
Apparently that was a huge problem as I was supposed to
bring in the arrival confirmation that you'll fill from
the gov.ca website. It was not a big deal, but just to
avoid any discussions, pay them a visit the first days
you arrive in US.

Rating

SUBJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Course description
Name of course
Local credit

Digital Marketing
1.5

Code
Rating
Describe each subject you have taken. Describe
their strengths and weaknesses in comparison
with the subjects at CBS, the methods and quality
of teaching, attendance requirements, the
workload and the method of examination and
evaluation. What did you think of the lecturer?
How much did you have to spend on books?

5
Professor Louis Cohen was simply amazing. It's
an incredibly practical digital marketing
course where you'll learn a lot by doing. The
assignment for the whole semester was to build
a website and to drive traffic to it. So you
won't have that much of a theory but you'll
have to spend time outside class figuring out
how to bring visitors to your site. The
professor knows a lot about digital marketing
since he works in the field and worked at
Microsoft when they were developing Bing
search engine. I highly recommend this class
to all who want to get an understanding of
SEO, SEM, Adwords etc.

Course description (2)

Name of course
Local credit
Code
Rating
Describe each subject you have taken. Describe
their strengths and weaknesses in comparison
with the subjects at CBS, the methods and quality
of teaching, attendance requirements, the
workload and the method of examination and
evaluation. What did you think of the lecturer?
How much did you have to spend on books?

New Product Design and Development

1.5
MKT 9751
1
Professor Patti Devine. It was just very bad.
She kept on talking about her own problems 90%
of the class, the rest was filled in with
student presentation. The description of the
course is so good that I expected it to be one
of the best that I've selected, but it was a
huge disappointment. Didn't learn anything new
from it. The assignments were done just to
finish them and I think she didn't even
realized that students at some point didn't
care and were saying basic things she found
revolutionary. My American colleagues were
extemely disappointed since this class is part
of the MBA program for which they pay tuition.
It's just a no this class.

Course description (3)

Name of course
Local credit
Code
Rating
Describe each subject you have taken. Describe
their strengths and weaknesses in comparison
with the subjects at CBS, the methods and quality
of teaching, attendance requirements, the
workload and the method of examination and
evaluation. What did you think of the lecturer?
How much did you have to spend on books?

Greening and Growing Cities - New York City

1.5
PAF 9143
5
Samantha MacBride. A very good class on
sustainability and sustainable urban
development. Case studies were based on NY
city and the professor has 17 years experience
in the waste sector management, plus working
for municipality. The topics discussed in the
class revolve around water management, urban
development, urban gardening etc. Most of my

colleagues were working in the public affairs

sector so the discussions in class were were
interesting. Plus it's based on NYC so for me
as an exchange student it was a nice chance to
learn more about the history of the city, its
problems and solutions. As a business student,
it took me some time to get used to the public
affairs language and way of dealing with the
topics but it was rewarding in the end to step
outside my business school education. The
final assignment was to deliver a public
policy on a sustainable initiative undertaken
in a city of choice around the world. It was
not easy and it was rigorously graded. I
highly recommend this class to all interested
in sustainability and urban development.
Course description (4)
Name of course
Local credit
Code
Rating
Describe each subject you have taken. Describe
their strengths and weaknesses in comparison
with the subjects at CBS, the methods and quality
of teaching, attendance requirements, the
workload and the method of examination and
evaluation. What did you think of the lecturer?
How much did you have to spend on books?

Organizational Development and Change

1.5
MGT 9340 UUWA[58273]
4
Professor Ronny Berlin. It was half
theoretical, half practical experience.
Professor Berlin uses a lot DISC assessment so
all students will have to take it in the
beginning of the class. Based on your DISC
profile you'll be assigned to a group and
you'll have to deliver several assignments
during the semester. I liked that in our case
the class was very small, there were only 9
people, so we had the chance to talk and
debate a lot. By the end of the semester we
knew each other very well so the discussions
were frank and honest. You'll have to read 2030 pages for every class, plus read some
cases. Topics are related to change
management, organizational change, behavioral
styles of employees. It's nice if you have
some previous work experience so that you can
contribute to the discussion based on your
past. But we also had students with no work
experience and it was okay for them too. I
enjoyed the class a lot as sometimes it felt
more like a life class, than an academic one.

ACCOMMODATION
Did you know where you would be living before

The host university does not provide housing. I stayed 3

you left home? Were you able to get help from

days at some friends of mine while looking for my own

the host university or would it be better to arrive

early and sort it out yourself? In the case of the
latter, how much earlier is it necessary to arrive?
Give the name and telephone number of any
information or accommodation offices. Are there

place. I found if through a Facebook group called Gypsy

Housing (https://www.facebook.com/groups/gypsyhousing/).
It was without fees or prepaid rent in Bushwick,
Brooklyn. Since you'll be staying 5-6 months, you'll pay
a bit more than if you were to rent a place in NY for a

any particular halls of residence or residential

year. In my case, it was pretty fast and smooth. You can

areas you can recommend? Is it necessary to

also apply for a dormitory through university which is

take/buy kitchen equipment? How much was the

rent?

situated Uptown (Upper West side) where it's pretty

boring to leave. Rules are very strict for visitors; even
if you're over 21 you cannot drink ever a beer in the
kitchen just because you might influence other underaged
people etc. But if you're fine with that, the conditions
overall are decent. And it will cost you around 1100$
(compared to my 825$ rent in Bushwick). You can also look
for a place on craigslist but be careful as there are
lots of scams. Also, there is Manhattan next
(http://manhattannext.com/en/) founded by some
Scandinavian guys who can help you find a place without
paying a very expensive broker fee. Worth checking in any
case.

Rating

SOCIAL LIFE
How is social life organised? Are there any

I am a Master Student and at the host university I

particularly good venues, sports or film clubs or

attended MBA classes. People were very nice but bear in

societies etc. where it is easy to get to know "the

mind they are usually older, married, working full time

natives? How much does it cost to take part or

etc. so they won't have that much time to hang out with

become a member? What is the city or campuses

you. The exchange group would be a good option to start

like to live in/on for a student? How was the

degree of integration with local students?

making friends. I didn't enroll in any of the college

clubs so don't know how hard is to get there. Overall, in
US people are easy going so it won't be that difficult to
interact with them. Don't be afraid to ask locals for
recommendation for places to hang out or visit. Also,
based on your interests, ask people for websites to find
useful information. I am, for example, into concerts and
alternative music so a local recommended me
ohmyrockness.com to stay updated on the events. People
are nice and will definitely help you if you ask. NYC has
so many bars and places to hang out that it's difficult
to make specific recommendations. Just discover it by
yourself and make your own NYC experience. The
International Office at Baruch also organizes monthly
lunches for exchange students. That is nice opportunity
to catch up with your exchange group in case you couldn't
join their events.

Rating

OTHER PRACTICAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

Give any details regarding e.g. the cheapest/best

I flew in with Norwegian which had the lowest fare from

air ticket, insurance, work permit; local transport

Copenhagen. If you're on J-1 visa you're not allowed to

(is it necessary to allow for the purchase or hire

work during your studies. While in NYC, take 1-2 days to

of a car? How much does local transport cost?);

visit Washington - there are cheap buses that go there

things you need to take with you (e.g. birth

certificate translated to English, photos, or other

and it's a nice way to spend a weekend. Also Niagara

Falls is quite cheap and is not that far away.

documents); the cost of living in comparison with

Denmark. Which were your sources of funding?
Expenses/Income

NYC is very expensive. There is a joke that every morning

when you exit your house, your wallet instantly loses 20$
you and don't know what you've spend them for since you
are still standing on your porch. In 5 month, I spend
10000-12000$. I think the minimum you need monthly in NY
is 1400-1500$ and that is if you have cheap
accommodation. The cheapest phone subscription is 35-40$.
Don't panic about the price of the books. Many classes
don't require them and in US you can also borrow them
from Amazon for a low price. As an idea of expenses:
subway pass - 116$, cocktail in a bar - 12$, beer - 7-8$,
eating out not in a restaurant 25$. Going out for events
like concerts is quite expensive (for Madison Square
Garden the starting price is usually 80$). Basketball
matches also quite expensive. As a tip, whenever you want
to buy a ticket for an event, check groupon. com - they
might have some good deals.

Rating

IN RETROSPECT
Please list 5 things you would like to have known
before you left. This is extremely helpful to us
when updating and improving our information for
future exchange students.

- Adobe Professional for submitting the application Insurance can be bought online a couple of days before
departure. - How expensive and romanticized NY is Winter/Spring in NYC is awful and long so I'd recommend
going there in the Fall semester - Selection of the
classes takes longer than expected.

INSPIRATION
Please describe any facilities (for example a

No suggestions here. I think CBS has them as well.

student center) or student services that you have

experienced at your host university that you
would like to recommend to be adopted by the
CBS for the benefit of our students, both local
and international.

OVERALL RATING
Rating: Overall (1-5)

Rating: Academic level (1-5)