When they began in January 2013, the members of the study group quickly agreed that they wanted work together.

"I don’t know whether we’ve been lucky or good," laughs Ditte Kleif. There is a clear consensus that the study group is an indispensable part of student life on the fourth semester.

Study group meetings timetabled

"At the start of the semester we plan when to meet. It’s part of our timetable," says Mattias Olesen.

They meet about three times a week and each meeting takes between one and a half and two hours. The meetings are primarily used to practice speaking Arabic, but also to complete assignments from the other subjects. The clear structure creates a good framework for student life.

Not only for exam training

There is broad consensus that the many hours in the study group are well spent – also in the longer term.

"We don’t just speak Arabic to pass the exam, we also do it so we can put the language to use after our studies," says Janus Priess.

When they practice their Arabic they do so based on their vocabulary, though they talk about many different things.

"Your confidence using the language develops differently when you practice together," says Ditte Kleif.

To Oman with the study group

Despite only knowing each other for one and a half months, the good chemistry and shared interests led the study group to buy plane tickets to Oman, where they spent six weeks of their summer holiday travelling.

"It's great combining the academic and social. Even though Oman was mostly a holiday," says Janus Priess.

This year Ditte Kleif and Mattias Olesen met up in Palestine and spent almost a month travelling there.

They all think that visiting the Arabic-speaking countries and using the language is awesome.

The study group motivates

The many meetings in the study group and the clear structure for the content of the meetings also demands a lot of its members.

"You feel a responsibility towards the group. You want to live up to expectations –that clearly motivates you," says Ditte Kleif, who also finds the security of the group important.

Janus Priess adds:

We become each other's safety net. The aim should be for everyone to get the best marks possible and to have the best opportunities they can in the future."

"We have no weaknesses"

Janus Priess is not in doubt about the group's weaknesses:

"The group has no weaknesses," he says with a laugh.

Under pressure the group admits that once in a while the meetings can become a little too cosy.

It’s important to reflect on your collaboration

But the group is happy that they can both work hard and have a laugh together.

Mattias Olesen would get bored if he didn’t have looking forward to being together with the others to look forward to.

"You need to figure out pretty quickly whether the chemistry is good. You won’t be able to stand it if you don’t hit it off."

Translated by Peter Lambourne.