Spring 2015, Pace University
Student Report
Name of the University: Pace Univeristy
Exchange semester: Spring, 2015
I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before leaving Norway
- When and how did you receive information from the exchange university, and did you
encounter any difficulties?
I first got in contact with the exchange university over email at the start of December. They
were very helpful. Until then I got all the help I needed from the international office at BI.
Applying for a visa
- How did you apply for your visa, what did it cost and did you have difficulties?
I applied for a visa through the American embassy in Oslo. The process is quite time
consuming, and I recommend starting it as soon as possible. First I had to fill out a DS-2019
form on the home page of the American embassy, and pay $180 in application fee (SEVISfee). Then I had to book an interview at the American embassy (this cost approximately
$160), and wait for the next available appointment that was in about a month. After the
interview the embassy spend about a week handling your application before they send your
passport with visa back to you in the mail. My passport and visa got lost in the mail, and this
resulted in me having to go through the entire process again. The American embassy makes
no emergency appointments for this, so make sure you apply for your visa a good time in
advance.
Travel
I travelled with Norwegian, by plane. The prices are good if you book in advance, and I paid
around 2500 NOK one way.
Housing
A friend of my provided my housing, but you can apply for housing through the university.
Costs
Rent
Books
Food
Transport
Other
6400 NOK
200 NOK
2500 NOK
1000 NOK
1000 NOK
The semester I was abroad the exchange rate was poor, 1 USD = 8 NOK (approximatly). Rent
was by far the biggest expence. I shared a room with my friend in a small apartment we
shared with two others, and still payed approximately 6400 NOK a month.
Spring 2015, Pace University
Culture and language
Everyone speaks English. I had no problem understanding others, and as far as I know they
had no problems understanding me either.
There are many possibilities to travel from New York, to all around the United States of
America. If you decide to stay in New York there are plenty of things to see and experience.
II. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Please describe:
- The school:
Pace University is located in the financial district close to Brooklyn Bridge.
Course registration
- When and how did you register for courses?
I sent a list with the courses I wanted to the student coordinator, and she registrered them for
me.
- When did the add/drop period end?
I was asked to send in my selected courses at the start of December and could edit them up
until the second week of school.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
Any special events/holidays:
16. January
26. January
16. May
11. – 15. May
15. – 22. March,
Spring Break
Arrival
We had one introduction day. All of the exchange students met with the student coordinator,
and got all the information we needed. We also went out to eat lunch and went ice skating the
next day.
The International Office
I got all the information I needed. The international office were very kind and helpful.
Social activities
The americans are very friendly and curious about students from Scandinavia. It was easy
getting to know people. The other exchange students were funny and easy getting to know. I
learned a lot about different cultures around the world, from my fellom exchange students.
There were several activities for exchange students: movie nights, bowling, ice skating and
picnic.
Spring 2015, Pace University
III. ACADEMICS
In the classroom
The classes were small and formal. We were approximately 25-30 students in each class. You
had to attend all the lectures and there were homework for each class.
You had homework for each class, and I think the workload might have been more than at BI.
The work was somewhat easier than what I was used to at BI, and as long as you do
everything you are assigned to do I think it is easier getting good grades.
Course materials
All classes used books and powerpoints from lectures. Some also used online articles.
Exams
The exams were based on both the course materials and the lectures.
All courses used in-class quizzes throughout the semester, small assignments, presentations,
group work, class attendance, class participation, mid-term exam and final exam.
Library and technology
The school was pretty big, but all of the exchange students got a tour of the facilities first day
of school. There were many places to sit and study, a computer lab and training facilities in
the basement.
Description of courses
Course code & name
COM 200 Public
Speaking
Master/
Bachelor
Bachelor
BUS 150
Contemporary
Business Practice
Bachelor
ECO 238 Money and
Banking
Bachelor
Exam form
Prerequisites
4 speeches, midterm and final
exam.
Group paper and
presentation,
homework, midterm and final
exam.
3 exams
throughout the
semester, graded
quizzes and
homework every
week.
None.
Approved
as
Elective.
None.
Elective.
General
Requirements:
(Course or
Test: ECO 105
Minimum
Grade of D
May not be
taken
concurrently.)
or
(Course or
Test: ECO 106
Minimum
Grade of D
May not be
taken
Elective.
Spring 2015, Pace University
MGT 235 Arts and
Entertainment
Management
Bachelor
COM 114
Introduction to Mass
Media
Bachelor
Group paper,
homework,
presentation,
mid-term, 3
cases, final
exam.
3 multiple
choice exams
throughout the
semester.
concurrently.)
and
(Course or
Test: MAT 11
7 Minimum
Grade of D
May not be
taken
concurrently.)
Sophomore
standing
required.
None.
Elective.
Elective.
Being on exchange was an amazing experience. I learned a lot on both an academic, cultural
and social level. It has taught me a lot about the American culture, about myself and given me
friends for life. New York is an amazing city, and I would recommend this experience to
everyone.