DIS Pre-departure Handbook

Copenhagen DIS Copenhagen Office Vestergade 7 DK-1456 Copenhagen K Denmark Phone +45 3311 0144 Fax +45 3393 2624 Email dis@dis.dk

Spring 2012 DIS North American Office 1313 5th Street SE Ste 113 University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone 612 0140 or 1 800 247 0140 Fax 612 627 0141 Email dis@umn.edu

Copenhagen

Spring 2012

On-Site & Pre-Departure Handbook

Welcome to Copenhagen - and DIS DIS Hours of Operation Administration Monday-Friday Saturday-Sunday

8:30am - 4:30pm closed

Front Desk Mon, Tues, Thur, Friday Wednesday Saturday-Sunday

8:30am - 5:15pm 8:30am - 4:30pm closed

Front & Back Student Lounges Monday-Friday Saturday-Sunday

8:30am - 10:00pm 11:00am - 10:00pm

DIS Reference Library and Reading Room Monday-Friday 9:00am - 10:00pm* Saturday-Sunday 11:00am - 10:00pm* Librarian available 9:00am - 4:30pm (Monday-Friday) Vestergade 10 Computer Lab: Open 24/7 *Librarian assistant available

Danish Institute for Study Abroad Vestergade 7 DK-1456 Copenhagen K Denmark Phone (45) 33 11 01 44 Fax (45) 33 93 26 24 Email frontdesk@dis.dk

North American Office 1313 5th Street SE, Suite 113 University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone 1 800 247 3477 (612) 627 0140 Fax (612) 627 0141 Email dis@umn.edu

Go to

www.dis.dk

Table of Contents Map of Denmark Introduction Pre-Departure Checklist Denmark & the Danes: Copenhagen Culture Fast Facts Geography & Population Lifestyle & Customs Danish Language Government & Politics Education Weather & Climate Meeting the Danes Registering & Working in Denmark Arrival Procedures: Getting to Copenhagen Flights to Copenhagen Arriving in Copenhagen Arrival Day-itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy! Arrival Workshop Coping in Copenhagen Housing: Living with the Danes DIS Housing Options Frequently Asked Questions Transportation: Your daily commute Commuting Culture Districts of Copenhagen Communication: From phones to post Staying in touch while abroad DIS cell phones Placing International Calls Danish addresses Sending/receiving mail Custom Fees for Packages Post & Post Offices Academics at DIS Registrar Information Studying in Denmark Special program requirements Study Tours: Europe as your classroom Program-Integrated Study Tours Optional Tours & Adventure Trips Independent Travel Cultural Immersion & Student Services Danish Visiting Family Program

1 4 6 10 11 12 12 18 20 23 24 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 36 40 41 41 46 47 51 54 55 55 57 58 59 60 61 64 65 67 70 74 75 76 77 80 81

Table of Contents-continued DIS Buddy Network Sports at DIS Health & Fitness Volunteering at DIS Intercultural Leadership Award Religious Services DIS Blogs DIS Clubs & Social Events DIS Forum DIS Facilities & IT Services DIS Downtown DIS Library Studio Workspaces IT Services Financial Matters Currency & Banking Tuition & Fees Refund Policy Living Expenses Health & Safety DIS Insurance Coverage (Europaeiske) Other Available Insurance Medication in Denmark Medical Facilities: Non-Emergency Emergency Medical Facilities Security Issues Emergency Cell phone Contingency Plan Foreign Embassies Shopping: Where to Find it Grocery Goods Clothing & Misc. Facts for the Visitor: Entertainment & Accommodations Packing List Suggested Items Special supplies for AD students

82 82 83 83 84 84 85 85 87 90 91 92 93 93 96 97 99 100 101 104 105 107 108 111 112 115 117 117 119 122 123 125 128 130 131 134

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VELKOMMEN til DIS!

Discover DIS & Copenhagen...

Welcome to your semester at DIS in Copenhagen!

How do you measure a life-changing semester? I’m still not sure. You’ll just have to experience it. Practice explaining how you hear the professors are great, the program is well organized, the people are friendly, and the study tours are unique opportunities. Know that if all these expectations are fulfilled- and they will be- that you will be on your way to a wonderful Danish experience. But know, too, that they cannot even begin to describe the benefits a DIS semester or year has to offer. Those you’ll have to discover for yourself.

“

Meg Boyle Bowdoin College EPS Program, Fall 2004

The great Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen once remarked “At rejse er at leve” (to travel is to live). Soon you will travel great distances and settle into your new surroundings in Copenhagen. To get the most out of your study abroad experience, we strongly urge you to learn more about Denmark and the Danes before you depart. The more knowledge you have about the culture, history, and politics of Denmark, the more prepared you will be. Denmark’s small size and open society- where abundant information and academic resources are easily accessible, and where history, culture, design and international perspectives are integrated into everyday life- make it an ideal place to study abroad. This student handbook will provide you with information about DIS academics, Danish history and culture, study tours and travel, and practical information about living in Copenhagen.

God Rejse! (Safe Travels)

“

Wonderful Copenhagen? Before I left for Denmark my friend Matt said to me, “So yeah, you’re pretty much going to a place where everything is perfect.” I laughed at his comment, as I didn’t really think Denmark was full of perfect people. A few days later, however, I got an e-mail from my host family. They included a picture with the e-mail, and as I looked at it, I couldn’t help but think, “Oh my gosh, they are perfect.” Maybe it was their blue eyes and blonde hair, their thin frames, or even the lack of wrinkles on my host mom’s 50-year-old face--they looked like a nearly flawless group of people. Denmark, of course, is not a perfect place. No system of government or group of people is perfect. Danes pay extremely high taxes (about 70% of their income) for all of the services that they receive. Indeed, it is wrong to say that the sun is always shining in Copenhagen (literally--in my opinion there are definitely not enough sunny days in Denmark!). Like every other place, Denmark has problems, too.

“

There are postcards sold all over Copenhagen with a policeman stopping traffic so that a mother duck and her ducklings can cross the road. The text above the image reads “Wonderful Copenhagen.” To some extent, I do not think this postcard inaccurately depicts Copenhagen. To me, it is a wonderful place. And although it is not a utopia, it is still an absolutely marvellous place to spend a semester!

Danielle Sclafani Hamilton College ECH Program, Spring 2007

Pre-Departure Checklist

Below is a list of tasks and registration steps to be completed before you arrive in Denmark: DIS UPDATE: Receiving Information Read the DIS Catalog for your current semester, and review updates and information listed on our website: www.DIS.dk

Visit the DIS Forum and return often for updates. The link can be found on the DIS homepage, or at: forum.DIS.dk

Check your email regularly-DIS will send you important arrival and registration information prior to your departure.

Set your email account to accept emails from dis.dk. See page 94 for additional information.

4-6 weeks before your arrival, invoices will be issued via email to students directly or to any institutions paying for its students. Please refer to the “Financial” chapter if you are invoiced directly for DIS tuition and/or housing. Notification of DIS-arranged housing placements happens approx. 10 days prior to program start date via email from the DIS housing department in Copenhagen. Use the enclosed DIS luggage tag on your carry-on bag, so DIS students can easily identify each other on the plane and/or in the Copenhagen airport baggage claim area. Think about what you expect from DIS, your courses, your housing situation and your overall experience in Copenhagen. Read the website, catalog and this handbook to see if your expectations are realistic. If they aren’t realistic, let us know how we can help align your expectations with our reality.

Completing your DIS Registration All student registration forms should be complete. Please submit any outstanding registration forms as soon as possible to complete your file and to ensure your enrollment in desired housing, courses and study tours. Submit a current transcript (unofficial accepted) and one passportsized photo to DIS (unless your school will forward these to DIS for you).

Obtain a passport (valid at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Denmark).

Book a round-trip transatlantic flight

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Conversation with the Danes...

“It’s the people that live here who really make it wonderful. From the museum worker who literally beamed with joy when my father asked a question about Danish history, to the woman who good naturedly made fun of me when I almost lost my flip-flop on the track of the Metro, to the bus driver who gave me a five minute lesson on how to properly pronounce the name of my stop, the Danes are possibly the nicest and most accommodating people you’ll meet in Europe. They may not go out of their way to strike up a conversation with a stranger on the street, but if you put in a little effort, you’ll be surprised at just how friendly they really are.”

“

Kira Nightingale Gettysburg College BB Program, Spring 2009

Fast Facts • Full Name: Kingdom of Denmark • Capital City: Copenhagen • Area: 43,094 sq km / 16,639 sq miles • Population: 5,529,888 • 1.9 million people in greater Copenhagen • Government: Constitutional Monarchy • Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (6 hours ahead EST) • Languages: Danish (official), English, German & other Scandinavian languages widely spoken • Religion: Lutheran • Currency: Danish Krone (kr) • Country Code: 45

Geography & Population Denmark has a land area of over 42,000 square kilometers, nearly the size of Vermont. The Jutland (Jylland) peninsula encompasses more than half of the land area, stretching 360km from north to south. Its 69km border with Germany is Denmark’s only land connection to the European mainland. The rest of the country consists of some 406 islands, of which roughly 90% are inhabited. The capital city, Copenhagen, is located on the largest island, Zealand. Almost two million people live on Zealand and another 150,000 nearby on Amager Island where the International Airport of Copenhagen is located. The next largest islands are Funen, the twin islands of Falster and Lolland, and Bornholm. Denmark is bordered on the west by the North Sea and on the east by the Baltic Sea. To the north, separating Denmark from Norway and Sweden, are the Skaggerak and Kattegat straits. Sweden is just five kilometers away at its closest point, across a narrow strait called the Øresund. In July of 2000, the Øresund Bridge (Øresundsbroen), a joint venture between Denmark and Sweden, was built to link the two countries. The bridge is the largest combined road and rail bridge in Europe and connects the two metropolitan areas of the Øresund Region: the Danish capital of Copenhagen and the Swedish city of Malmö. Approximately 5.5 million people live in Denmark, making it the most densely populated nation in Northern Europe. Greater Copenhagen has a population of about 1.9 million.

Lifestyle & Customs

• No place in Denmark is more than 52 km from the sea

You may find Denmark to be quite similar to home in many ways, but there are of course a number of cultural differences. You will learn about these differences through living with the Danes during your time at DIS, and will surely accept some and reject others. Most students don’t know Copenhagen before they come, but they love it by the time they leave! Here are (just a few) things you will discover about life with the Danes...

•

Copenhagen is København in Danish, a word which literally means ‘Merchants’ Harbor’

• City of Contrasts

•

Copenhagen is sometimes called the “Paris of the North”

Copenhagen is a European continental city, more than 800 years old. Downtown Copenhagen is flooded with historic buildings and modern design influences. There is no large financial district, and so the visitor will

Did you know?

become accustomed to winding cobblestone streets that are walking/biking friendly. You will have constant access to business, politics and culture in Copenhagen. • Danish Hygge Perhaps nothing captures the Danish perspective more than the concept of “hygge,” which, roughly translated, means ‘cozy and snug.’ It implies shutting out the turmoil and troubles of the outside world and striving instead for a warm intimate mood. Hygge affects how Danes approach many aspects of their personal lives, from designing their homes to their fondness for small cafes and pubs. It is a great compliment for a Dane to thank their host for a cozy evening:

“Tak for i aften, det var hyggeligt!” (Thank you for the evening, it was ‘hyggeligt’) • Danes have a family-oriented culture. Danes view their home as a cave; a warm, comfortable place that offers an escape from the pressures and stress of the outside world. One has only to consider the amount of time Danes spend in their homes during the long, dark Scandinavian winters to realize the importance of the home in Danish family life. In the cities most people live in apartment buildings, many of which are arranged around a quadrangle with a central, green, common area. No matter where you live, you can make it your home easily. Many students live in a small community outside of the city, and attend classes at DIS in downtown. • Traditional Danish food Danish ‘hygge’ often also means being together with friends and family, eating and drinking. Whether you are exposed to a traditional meal through your Danish host family, roommate, kollegium, or folkehøjskole, you are in for a true culinary and cultural experience. There are three main meals in Denmark: breakfast and dinner are typically eaten at home, whereas lunch for practical reasons has to be eaten elsewhere and often consists of a packed lunch brought from home.

Breakfast: In the morning, Danes start the day with coffee or tea and eat rye bread or white bread with cheese or jam. Children and young people often eat milk products with cereals such as corn flakes, muesli or oatmeal. Many Danes also enjoy tasty, fresh-baked breakfast rolls with cheese or jam and wienerbrød (Danish pastry). Lunch: One of the few culinary traditions which has become an integrated part of Danish culture is “smørrebrød”. “Smørrebrød” - an open Danish sandwich - is a buttered slice of rye bread with different kinds of toppings and it exists in varieties from the simple to the luxurious. Most Danes take packed lunches to work or school - as many people do not have access to a canteen - and traditionally Danes have always put some form of “smørrebrød” in their lunch box. Open sandwiches are also served in lunch restaurants and there are open sandwich shops available at various locations in downtown Copenhagen. Sausage Stands: Another culinary experience is “Pølsevogne” - sausage stands which are found all over the city. French hotdogs (never seen in France) are very popular, or you can ask for an Italian hotdog, which is a cheese sausage with pizza sauce. But if you want to stick to tradition, ask for a hotdog with everything and you’ll get a fried or boiled sausage with ketchup, sweet and hot mustard, remoulade and raw or roasted onions. Dinner: The evening meal is called “middag”, because it used to be the big meal eaten in the middle of the day. It is eaten at home and most Danes make an effort to gather the family around a hot meal every evening. If the menu is traditional then the meal will consist of three courses: a fish or seafood appetizer, a main meat course with salad, and dessert. There will be bread on the table, and wine with all courses. Danish dinners can last up to 5 or 6 hours - so you can expect to be there for awhile! Note on etiquette: eating in the “American Style,” (cutting up your food then putting down your knife to eat just with your fork) is considered childish by most Europeans, Danes included. If you want to eat like a Dane, use both knife and fork to cut and eat in a European manner. 14

A Traditional Danish Buffet: Around Easter and Christmas or at family gatherings, you are likely to come across, “Det store kolde bord,” literally translated as, “the big cold table,” which is a buffet of overwhelming dimensions. You start with herring of different kinds (original, curried or spiced), smoked salmon, shrimp and fish fillets. This is followed by numerous cold and warm dishes including “flæskesteg” - roast pork, salami, & roast beef with remoulade and fried onions, “frikadeller” meat balls, “sylte” (made from a pig’s head), “mørbradbøffer” - tenderloin with mushrooms and onions, and hot liver pate with bacon. All of this is supplemented with rye bread and rounded off by biscuits and cheese and fruit salad. Danish Pastry: To complete your voyage though the Danish cuisine, you should try a Danish pastry. You are likely to believe that most bakery pastries are truly “Danish”, but the story goes that Swiss confectioneries arrived in Copenhagen in the 1870’s and introduced the Copenhageners to a new type of sweet breads and cakes and a long lasting relationship was established. Bakeries and confectioneries have always been popular with Danes and they have even managed to convince people outside Denmark that they are very good at making these pastries.

“Rødgrød med fløde!”: A fruit dish, the name of which is a test in pronunciation for all non-Danes. The stew is made of red currants, raspberries and black currants, which are boiled until soft. The juice is sweetened and thickened, and the dish is then served with cream or milk.

“Skål!” - The Danish Toast Danes toast quite frequently on family occasions, and the toast takes a particular form. If you are giving the Skål (pronounced ‘Scoal’) you should pick up your glass, raising it to head height, and catching the eye of someone else in company. Never fail to make eye contact during a toast- it’s a breach of etiquette!

renowned Carlsberg brewery at the forefront. Alcohol is an integral part of Danish life. The Danes are the most social Scandinavians, yet they tend to socialize within their own close group of friends. There is an avid nightlife in Copenhagen, with an eclectic mix of pubs, clubs, cafes and music venues. We know you will enjoy exploring the exciting social atmosphere in Copenhagen, but we would like you to approach this part of the culture with caution, as alcohol abuse is a serious matter. Be aware that according to DIS regulations, alcohol is not allowed on DIS premises unless it is during DIS sponsored social events. Also note that you get a cash refund when returning empty bottles to any supermarket.

Danish Design In an affluent, largely homogeneous society like Denmark’s, cultural concepts such as design, arts & crafts, and fashion are accessible to all. Danish design is beyond impressive. The fundamental attitude is liberal and the arts are for everyone, with the preferred galleries offering something to inspire even the youngest children. At the same time, Denmark is currently enjoying a new global awareness, following the growing international acclaim for Danish Design.

Did you know? If you are used to a bottomless cup of coffee, it is time for an adjustment in Copenhagen. There are no free refills in Denmark. And while tap water is generally free, there are instances of restaurants charging for it 15 kr. in one case. Be sure to ask if it’s not obvious.

Alcohol in Denmark You may notice that alcohol is part of social life in the Danish culture. In Denmark, spirits and strong beers are on sale in most supermarkets and stores. There are strong traditions of brewing and consuming beer, with the world 15

•

Holidays/Flag-Flying Days

January 1

New Year’s Day (Nytårsdag)

February 5

Crown Princess Mary’s Birthday

February 6

Princess Marie’s Birthday

April 5

Maundy Thursday (Skaertorsdag)

April 6

Good Friday (Langfredag)

April 8

Easter Day - Påskedag

April 9

Easter Monday - 2. Påskedag

April 9

German Occupation of Denmark

April 16

Queen Margrethe II’s Birthday

April 21

Princess Isabella’s Birthday

April 29

Princess Benedikte’s Birthday

May 1

Worker’s Day

May 4

Common Prayers Day - Store Bededag

May 5

Liberation of Denmark 1945

May 17

Ascension Day - Kristi Himmelfartsdag

May 17

Whit Sunday

May 18

Whit Monday

May 26

Crown Prince Frederik’s Birthday

June 5

Constitution Day- Grundlovsdag

June 7

Prince Joachim’s Birthday

June 11

Prince Henrik’s Birthday

June 15

Valdemar’s Day

June 23

Midsummer’s Eve

June 30

Princess Alexandra’s Birthday

July 22

Prince Felix’s Birthday

August 28

Prince NIkolai’s Birthday

October 15

Prince Christian’s Birthday

December 24

Christmas Eve -Danish Christmas celebrations begin

December 25

Christmas Day - Juledag

December 26

Boxing Day - 2. juledag

December 31

New Year’s Eve

Danish Language Danish (dansk) is the national language of Denmark. The Danish language, together with Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese, belongs to the northern branch of the Germanic language group- also referred to as the Scandinavian languages. Modern spoken Danish is characterized by a very strong tendency of reduction of many sounds making it particularly difficult for non-Danes to understand and properly master. While most Danes speak English, please realize that Danish is the spoken language in the workplace and in the home and that signs, menus, etc. will be in Danish. Any effort to learn even the basics such as the Danish words for ‘Thank you,’ ‘Goodbye’, ‘Hello’ and ‘Excuse me’, will be greatly appreciated. All DIS courses will, of course, be taught in English, but taking Danish Language & Culture is highly recommended for all students. While you will not end up fluent, you will have unique opportunities to observe and reflect on different cultural issues and gain a greater/deeper perspective of important features of contemporary Danish culture and society. Danish has all of the letters of the English alphabet plus three others: æ, ø, and å, which come at the end of the Danish alphabet. Here are some help with the vowels:

Danish

Pronunciation Guide

a e/ æ i o u ø

a aa e i ee o oo a er

as in ‘act’ as the ‘a’ in ‘father’ a short, flat ‘e’ as in ‘met’ as in ‘hit’ as in the ‘ee’ in ‘bee’ a short ‘o’ as in ‘pot’ as in ‘book’ before ‘n’ as the ‘a’ in ‘walk’ as the ‘er’ in ‘fern’ but shorter

as the ‘o’ in ‘open’

Government & Politics

Useful Words/Phrases Hello Goodbye See you later! Thank you Thank you very much You are welcome My name is... What’s your name? I come from... How are you? It goes well Good morning Good evening Goodnight This is an excellent dinner Thank you for the meal Thanks for a pleasant evening Thanks for last time This is fantastic Have a nice weekend Thanks, the same to you Sleep well I would like to have... I do not understand Excuse me Do you speak English Cheers Yes No Beer

Goddag/Hej (godaa / hi) Farvel (fah-vehl) or Hej, hej (hi, hi) Vi ses! (vee says) Tak (tahk) Mange tak ...(mahng tahk) or Tusind tak Selv tak (sel tahk) Mit navn er (meet noun air) Hvad hedder du? (va hi*thaa doo) Jeg kommer fra…(yiy kommer fra) Hvordan går det? (vore-dan go dih) Det går godt (day go gawt) Godmorgen (go-maw-on) Godaften (go-ahf-den) Godnat (go-nat) Det er en dejlig middag (dih air in dylee midday) Tak for mad (Tak for mel) Tak for en dejlig aften (tahk for in dylee ahfden) Tak for sidst (tahk for seest) Det er fantastisk (dih air fantastisk) God weekend (go weekend) Tak i lige måde (tahk ee lee mothe) Sov godt (so gawt) Jeg vil gerne have (yiy vil gairn hey) Det forstår jeg ikke (dih forstow yiy ig) Unskyld (un-skewl) Kan du tale engelsk? (kan doo tail engelsk) Skål (skole) Ja (yah) Nej (niy) Øl (uhl)

Common Signs Indgang Udgang Åben Lukket Toilet Politi

Entrance Exit Open Closed Toilet/WC Herrer=Men Damer=Women Police

Denmark has one of the highest per-capita gross domestic product in the European Union, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Literacy is 99%, unemployment is low (5.9%), and its social welfare programs are the envy of much of the rest of the world. Denmark is a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Margrethe ll as the head of state. The Folketing (parliament) has 179 members, including 2 elected from the Faroe Islands and 2 from Greenland. The voting age is 18 years and elections are decided by proportional representation with a 2% limit.

• Government Leaders Helle Thorning-Schmidt Prime Minister (head of government) Margrethe II Queen (head of state)

• Europe’s oldest Monarchy The Danish Royal Family can trace its lineage in an unbroken line back to Gorm the Old in 950 CE, making it the oldest monarchy in Europe. The Danes are very proud of their monarch, which remains a popular figure among young and old Danes alike. The present Queen, Margrethe II, succeeded to the throne in 1972 and is Denmark’s first female monarch since 1412. She is very much involved in spheres of Danish life outside the duties one would normally expect of the Queen. She is an accomplished artist who has illustrated an edition of Lord of the Rings, designed theater sets for several Royal Ballets, and has translated Simone de Beauvoir’s “All Men Are Mortal” into Danish. The marriage of Crown Prince Frederik to Australian Mary Donaldson was an endearing event for many in 2004. The couple met at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and their baby boy is named Christian (keeping with an old tradition: from 1523 to 1863, princes were either called Frederik or Christian). In April 2007, the couple welcomed Isabella to the Royal family. In 2011, twins, Josephine and Vincent, were born.

• The Dannebrog

• Notable Names in Denmark

The Danish flag, or Dannebrog, is the world’s oldest national flag. Legend says the first Dannebrog fell from the sky during a battle against the Estonians in 1219 to help the Danish King Valdemar to victory.

A thoroughly modern people, Danes combine their hygge with a sense of cutting-edge style and technology; think snug pub or club, drinking beer and listening to great music, surrounded by homogenously smoothlookers.

• Welfare society The Danish government operates under the “Social Welfare Model.” The principle behind the Danish welfare society, often known as “the Scandinavian welfare model”, is that all citizens have access to social benefits regardless of their social or ethnic background. Such benefits are offered through tax-funded public subsidy. Therefore, citizens enjoy extensive financial security. They are supported in times of sickness, unemployment and old age through supplementary services that help with rent payment and extensive advanced services such as day-care centers, health care and home care. A notable characteristic of the Scandinavian welfare model is its combination of high economic growth with a relatively equal distribution of income.

Did you know? • The tax ceiling for individuals in Denmark is 59% • It is estimated that, on average, each Dane rides 3km per day by bicycle. • Denmark hopes to claim the North Pole for oil exploration by scientifically proving that the seabed beneath the North Pole was a natural extension of Greenland. • According to the University of Pennsylvania’s studies of different countries ability to satisfy their inhabitant’s social and material needs, Denmark is the best country to live in. The studies show that the countries that invest the most in human and economical progress are the ones that rank highest.

Fashion, design, literature and cinema are all Danish fortés: Lars von Trier (director), Karen Blixen (novelist) and Hans Christian Andersen (storyteller and artist) are some of the more prominent names. Others Include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Susanne Bier, Movie director, Oscar winner Niels Bohr, Physicist, Nobel laureate Aage Bohr, Physicist, Nobel laureate August Bournonville, Ballet choreographer Victor Borge, humorist, entertainer and world-class pianist Georg Brandes, Critic Helena Christensen, Model Tove Ditlevsen, Writer Carl Theodor Dreyer, Movie director Peter Høeg, Writer Arne Jacobsen, Designer J. C. Jacobsen, Founder of Carlsberg Brewery Søren Kierkegaard, Philosopher Lauritz Melchior, Opera singer Mads Mikkelsen, Actor Viggo Mortensen, Actor Dan Turèll, Writer Lars Ulrich, drummer of heavy-metal band Metallica

Did you know? • Denmark has one of the world’s most extensive networks of alternative energy sources. • Wind energy provides over 20% of Denmark’s electricity, more than any other country in the world

Education

Weather & Climate

The Danish educational system is characterized by a number of principles. Nine years education is compulsory, but school attendance is not. Education is regarded as an ‘equality-promoting formative tool,’ so primary and lower secondary education are comprehensive, with no separation of pupils according to ability or social background. The “class teacher” system is prevalent, with the same teacher following the class through the primary and lower secondary school years and having a special responsibility for their pupils all around individual development.

Denmark has a mild climate with no extremes of heat or cold. The Danish climate is officially described as temperate, which may be surprising given that Denmark sits at quite a northerly latitude. It can be cold in Denmark, but winters are usually mild and precipitation is spread rather evenly throughout the year. Having said this, the last few winters in particular have been rather harsh, with Copenhagen experiencing more snowfall and colder temperatures than normal.

Some differences you may notice are: • Danish students are usually older due to taking a semester off here and there or changing majors. • Most Danes who go to university leave with a master’s degree; most courses of study at Danish universities do not end at the bachelor’s level. • Education in Denmark is free, as it is subsidized by the government through taxes, and about half of all Danish students who graduate from secondary school continue on to higher education. • Danish universities do not have central campus areas. • There is less student life at business schools and universities in Denmark than most students from North American universities are accustomed to. • Danish students are normally less concerned about class time, homework and grades • Denmark has separate schools for many fields of study, therefore there is a tendency to specialize in specific academic areas early. • College life for most Danes is not their complete identity

Copenhagen through the year... • Early autumn provides a transition between the carefree summer holiday season and the beginning of the new school year. Visitors can expect fine weather through September and early October, and November marks the beginning of cooler, cloudier weather. • The coldest winter months are January and February, when temperatures are typically around the freezing point. Snowfall in Copenhagen is less frequent and sporadic, although there may be occasional blizzards. High humidity, cold winds, and frequent sleet/ rainfall contribute to making things seem colder. In the winter, there is only about seven hours of daylight. • Spring arrives slowly in Denmark, and mid-April and early May is when to expect the Danes to come out of their winter shells, and when outdoor activities begin. Most warm, sunny days occur in late spring and early summer, and while July is one of the warmest months it is also one of the wettest. • Midsummer’s Eve (June 23) is the longest day of the year and on a clear summer day you can expect up to 17 hours of daylight- it is virtually light all through the night. What should you pack? No matter what the season, be sure to pack durable walking shoes, a raincoat and clothing that can be layered. Refer to the “Packing list” chapter in the handbook for suggestions.

Look over the chart below to get a better idea of the weather you may expect while living in Denmark: Month

Avg. Temp (C)

Avg. Temp (F)

Days of Precipitation

# Hours of Sun

Sunrise (as of 1st of the month)

Sunset (as of 1st of the month)

January

8:53 am

3:53 pm

February

8:16 am

4:40 pm

March

35.6

114

7:13 am

5:50 pm

April

6.5

43.7

179

6:52 am

7:54 pm

May

53.6

246

5:37 am

8:55 pm

June

14.5

58.1

233

4:43 am

9:50 pm

July

62.6

236

4:40 am

9:06 pm

August

62.6

220

5:25 am

9:26 pm

September

55.4

145

6:25 am

5:54 pm

October

48.2

112

7:00 am

5:11 pm

7:28 am

4:38 pm

December

35.6

8:09 am

4:14 pm

November 5

For local weather forecasts in English, please visit: www.weather.com and do a search for Copenhagen, Denmark.

A question to consider: How many international students do you know on your own campus? If the answer is few or none, read on... Many students return home from studying abroad with regrets that they didn’t meet enough locals - and DIS students are no exception. Here are a few tips to help you set realistic expectations, and get out and meet the Danes! • The University of Copenhagen, like most European city universities, has no central campus, student union or quad. Students commute and many are older and have families and jobs. You’ll need to make the effort! • Define your own comfort zone - if you stick with your DIS friends throughout your time abroad, you’re less likely to meet Danish people. • Join a DIS program: DIS Ambassadors, Sports, Volunteer, Visiting Family, and/or DIS Buddy Network. More info on pages 83-86. • Make an effort to socialize with your roommate, floor mates, neighbors, and host family. A few things to remember about the Danes...

• Conversions To change

Subtract

Multiply by

Divide by

Fahrenheit

Celcius

To change

Multiply by

Divide by

Add

Celcius

Fahrenheit

-18

36.9

98.6

104

• Time Denmark is 6 hours ahead EST. Time is measured on the 24-hour clock.

Meeting the Danes

Denmark is a multicultural society, and Danes are both welcoming and interested in meeting others. While the Danes may be difficult to get to know, they are a friendly, fair-minded and civilized people who are most certainly worth knowing. • Danes have a reputation of being quite reserved at first; they don’t say hello to strangers passing on the street, and it is therefore very unusual to be approached by a Dane. • Young Danes generally do not have a large circle of acquaintances, but rather a close circle of good friends. • Danes are not generally very comfortable meeting someone new outside a group setting, and Danes have a tendency to function best in groups, even while socializing.

• Danes are humble people who don’t boast about their achievements. • Everyone in Denmark is usually addressed by his or her first name only. You will be expected to address your instructors casually and shouldn’t be surprised when they join you for a beer or are your study tour leader. • Danes don’t have a word for ‘please’ in their language, so they may sound impolite when speaking English because of the direct translation. • Danes love to joke, and they often have a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. Be prepared for dark humor. • Similarly, Danes are often quite frank, although rarely is it meant to be insulting. They are simply used to speaking in a more direct and straightforward manner. • Danes are punctual; it is considered impolite to be even a few minutes late.

Registering & Working in DK • Central Person Registration (CPR) Number Once in Denmark, all semester/full year students will need to go to the ‘folkeregister’ or ‘borgerservice’ (people registration office or citizen services center) with their letter stating their Danish Residence Permit has been granted. Students will receive this letter after they have applied for their permit during the Arrivals Workshop. This office will register you with the Danish Government and provide you with a CPR number. A CPR number is the equivalent of a US Social Security number and the card serves as your health card, insurance card and library card. In other words, you cannot go to the doctor, have insurance or check out a library book without a CPR number. The CPR number is issued for life and will also apply should you ever return to Denmark.

After you have received your CPR number, several government forms will most likely be sent to you. For example, you may receive the following: • “Sundhedskort” (health card) - a yellow ID card identifying you to the Danish Health Authorities. This card will list a doctor in your local municipality that will serve as your primary doctor should you need medical attention. • “Skattevaesenet” or “Skat” (Tax Authorities) forms. These should be turned into the DIS front desk. If you are in doubt as to what to do with any official letters you may receive while in Denmark, please bring them to the DIS front desk for further explanation. Please do not throw them out. If they are in Danish they are most likely important! • Work Permits As a foreign student in Denmark you are allowed to work 15 hours a week. Before you obtain any kind of job it is imperative that you obtain a limited work permit. This may be done once in Copenhagen at the immigration office (Udlaendingeservice). Please note that you will be completely responsible for finding a job; DIS is unable to help find you a position. Remember that DIS is an academically challenging program; therefore, you should be prepared for a fairly heavy course workload. Also remember that you will have program-related study tours, finals, midterms, independent travel, etc., making it difficult for you to commit to any job with a rigid schedule. Even though many Danes speak English, Danish is typically an employment requirement.

• When should I register for my CPR number? Registering for your CPR number soon after receiving your letter that your Danish Residence Permit has been granted is very important! You will receive more information on how to register for you CPR number upon arrival in Copenhagen. 27

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Orientation in Copenhagen

We have tons of orientations with the program! I have to find a grocery store, learn my way around and get settled. There is so much to do. The first time I went to the grocery store I had no clue what was what. Types of meat or cheese were hard to find, I couldn’t figure out which milk was what, prices were hard to distinguish. Now I know what almost everything is. It is a comforting feeling. I can find chicken and turkey, I know the danish word for apple (aeble) and onion (log). I’ve been learning the city and the bus routes. For being a big city it isn’t actually all that bad to navigate. There are a lot of church steeples and tall markers that you can gauge your location by.

“

Some other first week impressions for you all: the Danes can drink in public, which is strange for an American girl to observe; the Danes are much quieter, a bus ride in the morning is close to silent; the Danes are incredibly punctual; the way words are spelled is not the way they are pronounced, there are silent letters and three extra vowels than our alphabet; bikes are everywhere and everyone rides them, I have seen women in long flowing skirts and stiletto heels get on a bike without any difficulty; the Danes have incredible patience for waiting in lines either at the store or in a shop.

Alanna Green University of Rhode Island IB Program, Fall 2006

Flights to Copenhagen DIS does not coordinate airfare for your semester or academic year at DIS. We recommend shopping around before purchasing a ticket. 1. Student travel agencies tend to offer discounted rates. They are accommodating when a change or cancellation is made to a flight, as they tend to charge nominal fees for such changes compared to the fees charged by most airlines and travel agencies. Try STA Travel and/ or Student Universe. 2. Internet search engines provide a quick and easy method for comparing multiple airlines at a glance, and at times special “web fares” may be offered. Try www.kayak.com. 3. Call the airline directly for concrete information, special deals and to inquire whether frequent flyer miles may be applied to the ticket. Submit your arrival Information online! When you have booked your flight, enter your flight details including airline, flight number, and arrival date and time on the arrival section of DIS Student Registration. DIS MUST have this information 30 days before your program starts to plan for your arrival!

IMPORTANT! • Purchase a Round-Trip ticket! As a signatory of the EU Schengen Agreement, Denmark requires that all Non-EU citizens enter Denmark with a valid passport (valid for three months beyond your stay) and an onward/return ticket. Non-visa free students are required to have a residence permit when entering Denmark. When securing your flight or transportation into Denmark, we strongly encourage all students to purchase a round trip ticket prior to their departure to Copenhagen.

While you can certainly purchase and travel to Denmark on a one-way flight, you are required to provide documentation verifying that you are leaving Denmark. This can be in the form of a round trip ticket, a one-way return ticket, a train ticket from Denmark, etc. Basically, you need some 31

itinerary indicating you are leaving Denmark before your Danish Residence Permit expires.

Arriving in Copenhagen Please review the enclosed “Arrival Procedures” document included in your DIS Pre-Departure packet for detailed instructions regarding your orientation and registration location on the official start date of your program. • When do I need to arrive in Copenhagen? Students must arrive in Copenhagen (Airport) between 7:30am - 3:00 pm on the official program start date of their semester program in order to be met by DIS staff members. • Will DIS provide transportation from the Copenhagen airport to my housing? Yes! Bus transportation will be provided for those students who arrive in the Copenhagen Airport between 7:30 am- 3:00 pm on the DIS official arrival day (January 22). DIS staff members will be waiting inside and outside the baggage claim area to direct students to the reserved buses. This does not apply to students staying with host families and Danish roommates, who will instead be guided to a nearby venue for registration and pick-up by their hosts. • Will DIS provide transportation into Copenhagen for me if I arrive prior to the official program arrival date? Unfortunately, we are unable to assume responsibility for your housing or transportation into the city before the official arrival day. We suggest you take a taxi (approx. $50) or public transportation into the city (approx. $7) and stay at a nearby hostel or hotel in downtown Copenhagen. Please refer to DIS Forum for Arriving Students for lodging suggestions. Students arriving early in Copenhagen will receive a special email with instructions on what to do on arrival day.

• If I arrive early to Copenhagen, may I store my luggage at DIS?

• Cell Phones

Yes, you are welcome to come to DIS during office hours and to arrange with the DIS front desk staff to store any luggage before your semester begins. This service is only to assist you the short time before and after your program at DIS. We are unable to store any luggage for long months on end while you travel! Please be aware of the following:

All students will also have the option of receiving a cell phone before or after their arrival in Copenhagen for use during the DIS program. The cost of renting the phone is included in DIS Tuition & Fees. Refer to the “Communication” chapter for more information.

1. It will be at your own risk to store your luggage in our facilities; you will sign a release form at the Front Desk. 2. You will need proper identification on your luggage - a tag on that includes your name, phone number AND when you will pick up the luggage 3. You will only be able to drop-off and pick-up your luggage during Front Desk opening hours

Arrival Day- it’s busy! Your official arrival day in Copenhagen with DIS will be busy and expectedly a bit overwhelming, especially for those dealing with jet lag. There is a lot to cover when learning about a new country- and living there for a semester or year, but we will just cover a little on arrival day and leave the rest for the arrival workshop over the course of three days! Your DIS program will begin with your arrival at the Copenhagen Airport on the official arrival day. Refer to your ‘Arrival Procedures’ sheet for detailed information. Pick up your Arrival Bag, Transportation Pass & Food Purchase Card Once at your housing, you will receive a DIS backpack filled with important schedules, handbooks, and documents related to your stay with DIS in Denmark. Make sure to read these documents and hold on to them for the future, as many of them will be able to answer your questions throughout the semester. For students who are living in DIS-arranged housing, the DIS Accounting department will provide you with a transportation pass, unless if you live within walking distance to DIS. A photo must be uploaded to student registration 30 days before the program starts in order to get your transportation pass. Students living in a Kollegium, DIS Residential Community (DRC) or with a Danish Roommate will also receive the food purchase card, which is like a gift card valid at indicated grocery store chains in greater Copenhagen. 33

• Send an Email or Call Home While you may be a bit tired on arrival day, you will definitely have the time to call or send an email home to family/friends. Ask the DIS Front Desk or your SRA if you need any assistance locating a phone/computer.

• Housing Orientations Students living with a host family or Danish roommate will be picked up and brought back to their new home. DIS will arrange transportation to kollegiums, DIS Residential Community (DRC) and the folkehøjskoler. At each kollegium, DRC and at the folkehøjskoler there will be a mandatory introduction to the facilities and services. • Dinner with your hosts / housing mates After a long arrival day, students will retreat to their new home with their host family or Danish roommate and get settled with a warm, welcoming dinner. Students living in the Kollegium, Folkehøjskoles or DRC will have a chance to socialize with other students living in their housing option with a group dinner following their introduction to facilities.

Arrival Workshop DIS holds a full arrival program planned to help you adjust to life in Copenhagen. You’ll have an urban awareness experience, seminars on DIS services and help with practical matters. There will also be social events throughout the week to help you meet your new classmates. Participation in the full workshop program in Copenhagen is mandatory for all students. Note: A detailed Arrival Workshop Program will be given to you upon arrival in Copenhagen (it will also be available on the DIS Forum for Arriving Students about 1 week before departure). Below is a list of registration information and activities you should expect to be available to you during the Arrival Workshop Program: 34

• Paying Outstanding Balances

•

All DIS program tuition, housing, study tours & fees are due by the official program start date. Students with outstanding balances may provide payment to the DIS accounting department. If you have any questions about your balance prior to your departure, please send an email to dis@umn.edu

This hunt will take you around to some of the city’s main attractions. You will travel around with a small group of students to locations around Copenhagen where guides will help you become acquainted with the essential history and cultural happenings of Copenhagen. You’ll enjoy some special treats along the way!

• Academic Counseling & Course Changes Maryn Wells, Academic Counselor, will offer drop-in hours for students to resolve any last-minute course registration issues including schedule conflicts, course changes, late registration, etc. • Cell Phones Representatives from PicCell Wireless will be available to answer questions and help you set up your phone. If you have not already ordered and received a phone through PicCell prior to your arrival, you will be able to sign up and receive a phone from the PicCell representatives. For further information please visit the website www.dis.dk/cellphones •

Apply for your Danish Residence Permit

All semester students will attend a mandatory session in which they will fill out and turn in their application for their Danish Residence Permit. Students must bring with them their passport, copy of their passport (first page with personal info on it as well as any other pages with stamps on them) and two recent passport sized photos to this session. Specific information regarding the Danish Residence Permit session will be given to you upon your arrival in Copenhagen in your registration backpack. • General Orientation Session & Workshop Students will attend a mandatory orientation session & workshop on their DIS housing arrangement, as well as receive information about practical matters such as safety at DIS, IT services, etc. • Opening Ceremony DIS will hold a traditional “Opening Ceremony” at a historical/cultural site in downtown Copenhagen. You will be welcomed by DIS Director, Anders Uhrskov, and others.

Urban Awareness Experience

• Social get-together After a long and hectic arrival workshop, DIS celebrates your first week in Copenhagen with a social get-together where you will meet all your fellow students. You can find more information about this and all the other events in your DIS Arrival Workshop Program booklet once in Copenhagen.

Coping in Copenhagen • Culture Shock As a non-Dane, on top of the practical difficulties of traveling and settling in a new country, you will have to deal with a cultural transformation and inevitably some degree of culture shock. The first day, week, or months in Copenhagen will, without a doubt, require personal adjustment on many levels. In the most general terms, the Danes have traditionally formed a very homogenous society with well established rules and unwritten codes of conduct. Your background, experiences and expectations will set you apart from those traditions. There are many non-Danes who love Denmark, and who instantly adapt to and appreciate the Danish lifestyle, recognizing and assimilating to their customs. However, not every visitor to Copenhagen will feel this way immediately-perhaps even at all, and many may have difficulties coping with Danish society or end up in conflict dealing with the pressures of adjusting to a foreign lifestyle, academics, etc. It is our aim to facilitate your adjustment and to help you become accustomed to your new environment so that you are better prepared and inspired to actively engage in the fun and challenging months ahead of you. It is our hope that our arrival workshop program will introduce you to the cultural and practical aspects of living and studying in Denmark.

â&#x20AC;˘ Mental Health Studying abroad will not fix any problems that students are having at home or at school. Students will not be able to escape their issues; they may even be amplified. Students with a past history of any mental health issue should indicate that in the medical history section of their student registration. If you are currently dealing with any mental health issues, our staff is happy to help alleviate some of your concerns and can provide local information, including English-speaking counselors if necessary. Refer to the Health & Safety chapter for more information.

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Living with the Danes...

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“When I asked my host family one day if it was true that Danes don’t eat peanut butter, they just laughed, but the next day I was presented with two jars of it. Over the next couple of weeks, more and more jars piled up in the kitchen, until my host dad joked that he would need to build a shelf just to hold my peanut butter. Or at least I thought he was joking, until I returned home one day to find a new shelf in the kitchen, with a sign hanging above it, declaring it, “Kira’s peanut butter shelf.” The shelf is still standing at this very moment, and holding up about five new jars of assorted Danish peanut butter, which were excitedly picked up from the store by my host family.”

Kira Nightingale Gettysburg College BB Program, Spring 2009

Go to

www.dis.dk/housing

DIS Housing Options The DIS housing department strives to provide you with an ideal housing match and to help you maintain healthy relations with your hosts and neighbors during your time in Copenhagen. While the staff does their best to accommodate your first preference, housing requests are subject to availability. Coming to DIS, you embark on a cultural and social experience because our housing options place you in the midst of Danish Life. Each of the DIS housing options entail various degrees of cross-cultural interaction with Danes. Each housing option has its own benefits - your choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities and we know that your living situation while abroad will impact your overall experience. If you have not already done so, read the descriptions carefully so you know what to expect in each housing option. http://www.dis.dk/Housing

• • • • •

Host Family DIS Residential Community (DRC) Kollegium (3 types) Danish Roommate Folkehøjskole

Frequently Asked Questions... • How early should I register for DIS housing? DIS puts much effort and a lot of time in making the right housing match for you. It is extremely important that you provide us with correct and detailed information on the student registration “Housing” form as early as possible. All DIS housing options are allocated on a first come first serve basis. If you choose the Family or the Danish Roommate stay as one of your priorities you are kindly requested to write letters to the housing coordinator & hosts. Please write honestly and carefully when providing us with the requested letters. Students choosing other options are encouraged to leave comments and preferences in this section.

later than one month prior to your program start date. Earlier submission is recommended as housing is allocated on a first come first served basis. Any change to or from independent housing taking place after the deadline will result in a $100 fee plus any additional direct costs. • When will I be notified of my DIS-arranged housing? Approximately 10 days prior to the official start date of your DIS program, you will receive your housing match and address via email. Please be patient for your DIS housing notification and remember that DIS guarantees housing to all students who request (and have paid for) DIS-arranged housing. • Do all DIS students receive their first housing preference? DIS does its best to accommodate your first preference of DIS arranged housing, and approximately 90% of students choosing a DIS housing option receive their first housing preference. However, all DIS housing options are subject to availability and therefore DIS reserves the right to place you in an alternate housing option. If we are unable to accommodate your first housing preference, DIS will contact you about the need to place you in an alternative preference. • Why does my home university require I choose from some DIS housing options and not others? It is a requirement of some partner institutions that participants of DIS live only in particular DIS-arranged housing options. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information. • Will my DIS housing be available to me prior to the program start date? If you arrive in Denmark before the official arrival day you will need to find your own accommodations. Your host family, roommate, kollegium or folkehøjskole facilities will not be available until the official start date. For listings of youth hostels, hotels and local accommodations within Copenhagen, please see the DIS Forum for Arriving Students and review the “Accommodations” document which will be sent by email to all students indicating an early arrival into Copenhagen.

• What is the deadline for submitting my DIS housing preference? You must submit your housing preference through the “housing” form no 41

• Will I have to pay extra to commute to and from my Danish home to my DIS classes? The cost of commuting from your Danish home to the DIS building within central Copenhagen is included in the DIS Comprehensive Housing Fee. Upon arrival in Copenhagen, the DIS staff will provide you with a transportation pass. Your transportation pass will only cover the amount of “travel zones” required for your daily commute, and any additional travel outside of your allocated zones will be at an additional cost to you. Please note that the transportation pass is not included for students choosing independent housing. The last day of housing is May 20, 2012. On this day you are to leave your room, host family or Danish roommate, unless THEY invite you to stay longer. •

Can I request a roommate or live with students from my home university?

Students can request a specific roommate on the housing form of student registration. Please note requests must be made by all parties to be considered. DIS will not consider requests larger than 3 students and a conscience effort is made to split up students coming from the same home university. Roommate requests are best accommodated in the kollegium, folkehojskole and DIS Residential Community housing options. DIS cannot guarantee roommate requests will be satisfied.

Questions? If you have questions regarding your housing preferences before you depart for Denmark, please email the DIS North American Office at: bmckel@umn.edu Once in Copenhagen, do not hesitate to contact the DIS housing department with any questions or concerns regarding your DIS housing placement: housing@dis.dk

More Housing Information... To learn about a particular housing option, including frequently asked questions, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87. 43

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Public Transportation: Not as Scary as you might think! The Metro line is only five minutes away from my kollegium (convenient when I’ve slept too late!). My commute is about 25 minutes every morning. On the Metro, no one really talks. Most mornings you could hear a pin drop. The Danes are very private, quiet people. They think the up-in-your-face, meeteveryone behavioral style of the Americans is superficial and fake. The Metro is also only four years old, so it’s much cleaner than the public transportation in NYC or Washington. They also get free newspapers right outside the Metro in the morning, so the news is more accessible than in the States. I think I’m going to start taking the bus a lot more (once I get all the lines figured out), because there’s a lot of the city I’ve been missing by always taking the fastest (and mostly underground) route. Here’s a major cultural difference: The Danes seriously do not walk when the walking light is red! (There are lights for pedestrians at every single corner...really.) Danes aren’t really in to rushing. When the light is red, nobody crosses. If there are no cars for three miles in each direction, the Danes are not movin’. If you cross when the pedestrian light is red, the crowd of twenty people who are waiting for the green light on both sides of the street think you’re being cocky, assuming you’re more important or above the law. This is a major Danish nono. I’m waiting for the green light. The Danish sneer is definitely not something I want to experience!

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Carly Whitehead Bucknell University MPP Program, Fall 2006

Commuting Culture

Airport Transfers

Studying at DIS means living as the Danes live - and getting around the city as they do. Commuting is part of the daily grind for the Danes, so be prepared to tackle the public transportation system with confidence to orient yourself throughout the city. Public transportation in Copenhagen is safe, reliable and clean, and you should value the ease and efficiency of its convenient network.

Frequently running trains link the Copenhagen International Airport (Kastrup) to the Central Train Station in downtown Copenhagen. It is also possible to take direct trains to other major cities in Denmark from the airport. The train from the airport to the Central Station takes less than 15 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. The price is approximately 36 DKK. The Metro (subway) also has service at the airport and runs more frequently than the train. The train and metro service different stations.

This may be a big change from life on your home campus, but keep a positive attitude and trust that you’ll learn to accept (even to enjoy!) commuting as a part of your daily routine. Some points to remember: • Regardless of housing placement, expect a 30-70 minute commute to DIS. • DIS covers your commuting costs from your housing to the DIS building and back, if you’ve paid the comprehensive housing fee. • Transportation passes are issued during the arrival workshop. • Always carry your train pass when traveling on Copenhagen’s public transport. A fine of 750 DKK will be imposed on passengers without a valid ticket/pass! • Our public transport is renown for its punctuality, do not be five minutes late and expect the bus to be there. • Transportation passes are NOT valid during travel break

Transportation Directory • Directions, route planners, fares, maps and more information on getting around Copenhagen can be found in English at www.rejseplanen.dk. • Bus schedules and routes can be accessed at www.movia.dk • All S-train and other Danish train schedules can be found at www.dsb.dk, Metro information at www.m.dk.

Buses One of the easiest ways to get around Copenhagen is by bus. Bus stops are clearly marked by yellow signboards with bus routes, maps, and schedule information. Buses operate from about 5am (6am on Sundays) until about 12:30 am. When asked to stop at a specific stop the driver will announce its approach, but remember all signs, streets, and stop announcements will be in Danish. Show your transportation pass to the driver when boarding, or purchase your ticket from the driver. Natbus (“Night bus”) Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in Europe, however it is still recommended that you travel in pairs or small groups. Special night buses operate from the Town Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) at reduced frequency and on a limited network after 12:30 am. If you use your transportation pass there is no additional cost. If not, the fare will be doubled. Night bus schedules may be obtained at any train station, and students should familiarize themselves with the system before using it. The S-Tog (S-Train) System S-trains are electric trains connecting the city center with the Copenhagen suburbs. The trains leave for all suburban destinations at 10 or 20 minute intervals. S-trains run from 5 am (weekdays), 6am (Sundays) until about 12:30am. You will receive a train schedule in your arrival package in Copenhagen, or you can obtain copies from any train station.

Copenhagen Metro

Free City Bikes

The newest form of transport in Copenhagen is the Metro, which is constantly being extended and has been designed to complement the S-train network. This train system connects the south and west of Copenhagen. Metro stations are marked with the red letter “M” and can easily be spotted above ground with illuminated posts. The train cars are driverless carriages with automated doors and run on frequent time schedules. Unlike the bus and train, the Metro runs 24 hours a day. Go to www.m.dk for more information.

Copenhagen has a city bike (Bycykler) system, which allows anyone to borrow a bicycle for free. There are over 2000 bikes available from 1 May to 15 December. Use of the cycles is limited to the city center. Bikes can be found at 110 widely scattered street stands in public places, including S-train stations. Find one of the free bicycles at a designated stand and deposit a 20 kr. coin in the stand to release the bike. When you’re done using the bicycle, you can return it to any stand and get your 20 kr. coin back.

Harbor Buses The Harbor Bus makes several daily crossings to and from the waterfronts of Copenhagen. These stops connect Christians Brygge with Nordre Toldbod, with stops along the waterfronts at Knippelsbro, Nyhavn, Holmen and the Royal Library. These number 901/902 shuttles operate from 6am-6:25pm throughout the year (weather permitting). Same fare rates apply. Bicycles Copenhagen is a great city for getting around by bicycle. Bicycles are in fact the most popular mode of transport in Copenhagen; practically every Dane has his/her own bike. Cyclists are well catered for in Denmark, where bike lanes are found along many city streets, and virtually all of Copenhagen can be toured by bicycle, except for pedestrian-only streets such as Strøget. Bikes can be carried on most trains and metros in Denmark in designated cars (except during weekday rush hours) at a small additional cost. Cyclists should be cautious of bus passengers who commonly step off the bus into bike lanes, and of pedestrians. Bikers should also be aware that the local police enforce the use of bike lights after dark and a fine of 500 DKK or more may be levied, if bike lights are not used. If you are interested in purchasing a bike, be on the lookout for dates when Global Student will be selling bikes. DIS will coordinate with Global Student to sell bikes early on in the semester. This organization sells bikes and guarantees a buy back price for when you return it.

For additional information, such as stand locations, visit: www.bycyklen.dk. Copenhagen on foot The inner city of Copenhagen only takes thirty minutes to walk across on foot. DIS is located in the very center of old Copenhagen- just a few short blocks from Europe’s longest pedestrian mall, Strøget, which runs right through the center of the city between Rådhuspladsen (the city hall square) and Kongens Nytorv, the square at the head of the Nyhavn canal. Copenhagen’s city streets and squares are compact, sign posting is good, and many of Copenhagen’s famous historical sites are located within close walking distance of each other. A map of Copenhagen has been included in this pre-departure packet. Taxi Services Taxis are plentiful within the greater Copenhagen area and most drivers speak English. To find an open taxi on the street, look for the lighted green “FRI” (available) sign. Taxis are often available on Vestergade (where the DIS building is located), by Gammel Torv (The Old Square), and by the Central Train Station. All taxis have the same rate, but they ARE expensive, so we do not recommend using them often. Most taxis accept major credit cards. Should you wish to pay with a credit card, let the driver know before beginning the trip. You do NOT need to tip taxi drivers in Copenhagen!

Note: Always lock up your bike! Bike theft is very common in Copenhagen. Denmark experiences over 100,000 bike thefts per year, so use a sturdy lock! 49

You can order a taxi from any local company: • • • • • • • •

Amager-Øbro Taxi (Central Copenhagen) +45 32 51 51 51 Ballerup-Værløse-Herlev Taxa (NW Suburbs) 44 85 35 35 Codan Taxi (Central Copenhagen) 70 25 25 25 Taxa 4x35 (Central Copenhagen) 35 35 35 35 TaxaMotor A/S (Central Copenhagen) 70 338 338 Taxa Selandia (Køge) 56 65 35 35 Taxinord (Northern Suburbs) 45 83 83 83 Vest-Taxa (Western Suburbs) 43 45 45 45

Districts of Copenhagen For a description of the various districts of Copenhagen and to learn what makes each district unique, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87.

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A Nod and a Smile “Something that bothered me a bit when I first got to Denmark was all the talk about what to expect from the Danes. We heard a lot about how Danes don’t talk on the S-Train, Danes are more blunt, and Danes are more reserved and not as outgoing as Americans. I think it bothered me because I didn’t think it was possible for all Danes to be this way. I generally shy away from generalizations and they nag at me. It probably also made me wonder what people say about Americans and what to expect from us. But I must say that I have had many pleasurable experiences with Danes...outgoing Danes. They exist! The past two days, as I’ve walked from my bus to my house, I have passed Danes walking in the opposite direction. Have you ever walked by someone on the same side of the sidewalk and felt like they were just calling for your attention...hoping that you’ll look up and engage with them? I felt that with these Danes. With both groups of Danes, we made eye-contact with each other and nodded. We made a basic human connection and it just made me smile big as I finished my walk home. I love those moments...when it doesn’t matter that he or she doesn’t know I’m an American...when we just relate to each other and connect with each other on a human level.

“

I’m ready for Denmark and the Danes to change the way I approach the world I live in. I’m ready to be challenged and to feel uncomfortable and to be unsure. I’m ready to do these things because I know that through them, I will only be able to face more challenges, be more comfortable in my own skin, and to be sure even when I’m unsure. Bring it on Copenhagen...let’s get to know each other a little better...

Aidan Kelley Wheaton College ECH Program, Spring 2007

Staying in touch while abroad • How often should I call home? While you are abroad, you will most likely want to stay in touch with friends and family back home. We encouraged consistent though not over frequent communication. Many students find speaking with their parents once every week or two to be sufficient. More frequent communication can actually do more harm than good. The more time you spend on Facebook, Skype and the phone with people back home, the more you will be missing out on in Copenhagen. Furthermore, staying too connected to what is going on at home will potentially make you homesick. Parents are going to worry about their students while abroad, and you can help them by following a few simple tips we’ve learned from former students. • Feeling homesick, sad, lonely? Speak with other DIS students, your roommate, host family or DIS staff in order to find support and community in your new home. Your parents will want to help, but their resources are limited and yours aren’t. Many experience these feelings, so don’t be shy. • Have a problem? Start with the DIS staff, as most conflicts are best dealt with face-to-face. If you notify your parents or home university of an issue, they are likely to contact our North American Office, who will call the relevant staff in Copenhagen, who will call you in to see how they can help. You can shorten this response time, and build independence, by finding someone in Copenhagen to discuss your situation with. We’ll include your home university or parents in the conversation if necessary.

DIS Cell Phones Communication among fellow students, Danish friends and relatives back home is an important part of your semester abroad. DIS is committed to student safety, security and convenience, and therefore, DIS has made arrangements with PicCell Wireless to supply you with a cell phone, if you choose, before you leave the U.S. or upon your arrival in Denmark. 55

As a special incentive, the standard cell phone rental fee is waived and a phone with Danish SIM card is provided free of charge for DIS students; you will only pay for the minutes that you use each month. Please be aware that DIS students are under no obligations to enroll in the PicCell phone plan; as in other countries, Denmark has a variety of service providers that you are welcome to explore on your own upon your arrival. •

How will I get my phone?

You will receive an email from DIS approximately 3 weeks prior to departure with a link to the PicCell website, where you can sign up for the cell phone services. If you sign up no later than 2 weeks prior to your departure, the cell phone will be shipped to you at your home for free (U.S. students) or to DIS (non-U.S. students). If you fear your phone will not reach you in the States before you depart, you may have it sent to DIS in Copenhagen. If you do not signed up for the cell phone service prior to departure, you will be able to speak with PicCell representatives during arrival workshop in Copenhagen and register for a cell phone at that time. •

What type of phone will be provided?

Nothing too fancy. PicCell Wireless will provide you with a free phone rental of an A+ unlocked tri-band phone, a phone number, a charger, and Danish SIM card for the length of time that you choose. The phone will be equipped with an alarm clock, voicemail, text messaging, call waiting and caller I.D. •

What are the rates?

While in Denmark, you will have free incoming calls and text messages from any number, even from the US. Outgoing call and text message rates in Denmark are reasonable – please visit www.dis.dk/cellphones for current rates. Having a cell phone while traveling outside Denmark on study tours or personal travel ensures that you can communicate in an emergency situation. However, DIS recommends using your PicCell cell phone outside Denmark ONLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY because roaming rates vary by country and can be exorbitant. A few past students have accumulated bills in the thousands of dollars by placing calls while outside of Denmark - don’t let this happen to you. You will still be able to receive text messages for free while outside

Go to

www.dis.dk/cellphones

Denmark. You can also rent additional PicCell SIM cards for other countries to which you will be traveling at a discounted processing fee to avoid high roaming rates. For more information, visit www.dis.dk/cellphones. You may also get more information at 877-235-5742 (U.S. toll-free) or info@piccelwireless.com. If you plan to bring your own cell phone from home, be sure to check if your phone will work in Denmark, the rates for placing calls in Denmark and make sure it is unlocked before leaving.

Placing International Calls We realize you will be contacting friends/family in Denmark and back home through a variety of options. We require all DIS students to have a cell phone, and recommend researching different ways to stay in touch while living in and traveling outside of Denmark. Here are basic steps to place international and local calls: From the US to Denmark: • Dial 011 • Dial 45 (Denmark’s country code) • Dial the 8-digit Danish Telephone Number

Students living with a host family or Danish roommate should ask their family/roommate before using the telephone. Both local and overseas calls are expensive, so remember to make your calls short. All direct, local and long distance calls generally appear as a single sum on your family/ roommate’s telephone bill, so it is almost impossible to split your charges from theirs. • Voice over Internet Protocol Look into downloading Skype to your computer and encourage your friends and family to download it as well. When you are both on-line, you will be able to “call” one another for free. You can also place calls from Skype to a landline or cellphone for a small fee.

Whatever your housing situation may be while in Denmark, you should become familiar with Danish addresses and street numbers to orient yourself through Copenhagen and understand the exact location of a business or residence.

From Denmark to the US: • Dial 001 + area code + 7-digit telephone number

An example of a written Danish address is: Jens Jensen Vesterbrogade 5, 2. sal t.v. 2200 Copenhagen V

Toll-free call from Denmark to the US: • Dial 00 + 1 800 XXX XXXX After you dial the number, you will hear a recording saying that the number is not toll free and you will be charged normal international dialing rates To place an international call from Denmark*: • Dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number

When answering the phone in Denmark, it is a common courtesy to immediately state your name, for example: “Det er Matt” (This is Matt).

Danish Addresses

Example (to dial DIS in Copenhagen): Dial 011 45 3311 0144

Emergency Local Danish Directory assistance Directory assistance outside Denmark

• Telephone Etiquette

Dial 112 Dial 118 Dial 113

The street number corresponds to the number on the building (5 in above example). The abbreviations below will help you read and understand the exact location of a building or residence: sal = floor m.f. = middle apartment

t.v. = to the left t.h. to the right

Sending/Receiving Mail Mailing Packages or Letters to Denmark: For friends and family wishing to send you mail while in Copenhagen, or if you would prefer to mail some of your belongings to DIS before you arrive in Denmark, use the following address: (Student’s name) c/o DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad Vestergade 7 DK-1456 Copenhagen K Denmark This address is more convenient than your DIS housing address because DIS can sign for your received packages and mail, and hold them in a secure location for you. You will have access to a DIS mailbox at the DIS building while in Copenhagen to check for important mailings from DIS, friends and relatives. Please also keep this address handy before your departure to Denmark, especially in the unfortunate situation of losing your luggage upon arrival. For most items, list the contents of packages as “used personal belongings” or “present” (ex: clothing, textbooks, etc.) so that it can be cleared through customs. You should declare an honest dollar value for the package. See the next page for specific information on packages that will and will not be assessed a custom’s fee. You should explore different options for mailing packages to Denmark (i.e. US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) If you need to insure a package that is more valuable, you may be required to declare a value. This may also affect the custom duty charges in Denmark. Charges vary. For the most up-to-date information, please contact:

If purchasing something from a company outside the European Union (typically on-line), check out Borderlinx, as they have an agreement with the Danish Postal Service (Post Danmark) which results in a lower custom’s fee. Borderlinx: http://www.borderlinx.com/m/

Custom Fees for Packages Keep these facts in mind when asking your parents to ship something from the US and when shopping on-line: • Packages below 80kr (approx. $15) in declared value will never be assessed a custom’s fee. • Packages sent from outside the European Union (EU), having a declared value of more than 80kr and not declared as a present WILL be assessed a custom’s fee (12%). No exceptions. • A package declared as a present, can have upto a declared value of 340kr (approx. $60) and WILL NOT be assessed a custom’s fee. • Packages with a declared value of 1150kr (approx. $200) or more will be assessed fees of approx. 37%. • A package declared as a present and a value of more than 340kr WILL be assessed a custom’s fee. However, you can apply for this fee to be reimbursed. See Christina Lambertsen in the Housing & Student Affairs Office to start this process. Please note students do typically receive a refund, but the processing time for the Danish Postal Service to do this is 3-8 weeks! • If a package is a present, but is not labeled as such, you can still go through the reimbursement process - see above. • See DIS Forum for Arriving Students (p. 87) for more detailed custom fees information.

International Trade Commission 800.872.8723 http://www.usitc.gov 59

Post and Post Offices

• Notary Services

There are many post offices in downtown Copenhagen and there is usually a post office near every train station. Here are the locations closest to DIS:

Notary Public US Embassy Dag Hammerskolds Alle 24, Copenhagen Tel: 3341 7100 Call for open hours and cost.

Central Station Post Office Tietgensgade 35, 1704 Copenhagen Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Central Post Office Tietgensgade 35, 1704 Copenhagen Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm City Center Købmagergade 33 Mon-Fri 10am-5.30pm Sat 10am-2pm For more information on post office locations and hours, visit: http://www.postdanmark.dk. • Stamps Stamps can be purchased from post offices and some news agents. It costs DKK 6 to mail a postcard or letter weighing up to 50 grams within Denmark, DKK 9 within Europe, DKK 11 to other countries. • Money Orders Money orders can be dispatched and received at all post offices. • Shipping Priority Packages DHL Worldwide Express Federal Expresss (FedEx) United Parcel Service 61

www.dhl.dk www.fedex.com/dk_english www.ups.com/europe/dk/engindex.html 62

“

Copenhagen as your home, Europe as your Classroom...

“I took the core course of the Biotechnology & Biomedicine (BB) program, Medical Biotechnology & Drug Development. I also took Biology of Marine Mammals, Environmental History of Europe, Health Care in Scandinavia and Danish Language & Culture. I really, really enjoyed the core class because it had a strong focus on what is happening in the current biology and biotechnology fields. Our teacher did a great job of incorporating different aspects of science in the course. Combined with the diversity of student backgrounds, her teaching kept me engaging in the class. It was a really great intrinsic class showing both the Danish side of teaching and the way Europeans are more progressive towards careers, rather than focusing on just exams.” Faye Andrews Saint Lawrence University BB Program, Spring 2009

“My favorite field study was the one to Sandholm Asylum Center in my core course Cross-Cultural Encounters in a European Context. It did a great job of putting what the asylum seekers are going through into perspective. We’ve been studying the policies and realities of asylum all semester, but to see these older Persian women sitting with their kids on the steps of their little cubicle houses in Sandholm really brought it all together. I feel like everything we do here is directly relevant to what we are learning in the classroom.” Emily Arent University of Colorado, Boulder MI Program, Spring 2009

“

Registrar Information

After the last advertised drop date it is not possible to withdraw from a course without receiving a failing grade.

Prior to your arrival in Copenhagen, please refer to the following contacts for assistance with course/registration information:

• Pass/Fail Option

• If you have any questions concerning the registration process, please contact the DIS North American Office at 1-800-247-3477 or dis@umn.edu. • For questions concerning academics, contact Megan Telzrow at mtelzrow@umn.edu.

Students are only allowed to take one course per semester on a pass/fail basis. Students who wish to take a course on a pass/fail basis must provide the DIS Academic Counselor with a written authorization from their home university prior to the middle of the semester. In order to receive a pass (P) in a course, a grade of C- or better is required. Please note that some home universities do not accept pass/fail grades.

• Register for your courses online!

• Academic Award of Excellence

At this point, you should have registered for your DIS courses through the student registration system.

In recognition of the importance we place on serious academics, we present an Award of Academic Excellence of US$ 500 each semester to a student who – according to the faculty – has performed exceptionally well during the term.

• Academic Advising Extensive academic advising is available at DIS by the individual program directors and program assistants. Maryn Wells, DIS Academic Counselor, is available on-site in Copenhagen to help you add/drop courses or offer help if you are having trouble in courses or need assistance with a learning disability. • Adding and Dropping Courses DIS will accept course additions during the first ten days of the semester under the following conditions: 1. The class the student wants to enroll in is not full. 2. The student’s final course load does not exceed the maximum credit load. Students may drop courses for approximately the first month of the semester, as long as they continue to meet the requirements of their own university for full-time study. DIS requires a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit. (Note that several home universities demand a higher course load). Changes to core courses must be made 30 days before the start of the program. This includes program changes (from SIE to PSY, for example) and core course section changes (from SIE A to SIE B, for example.)

Studying in Denmark...it’s a little different

• What’s in a (program) name?

Your DIS classroom experience will be different from what you are used to back at your home university and we would argue that this is a good thing. After all, choosing to live and study in another country means taking on a bit of a challenge, especially when facing new cultural, academic, and personal challenges in and out of the classroom.

At DIS, the Danish language won’t be the only foreign lingo you’ll have to adjust to. To abbreviate our lenghty program titles, we refer to our programs by their acronymns.

Please be willing to understand that academic systems, teaching styles, and university life may vary a great deal from your current undergraduate experience.

Architecture & Design Biomedicine Child Diversity & Development Communication & Media European Culture & History European Politics Global Economics International Business Justice & Human Rights Medical Practice & Policy Migration & Conflict Pre-Architecture Psychology Public Health Sustainability in Europe

DIS is confident that your time studying abroad will enable you to build valuable cross-cultural skills and learning competences for your future academic and professional endeavors. As long as you’re comfortable with these cross-cultural challenges and are prepared for an international learning environment, we know you will excel at DIS! • What exactly is DIS- is it a university? DIS is a non-profit, specialized study abroad program. DIS is not a local Danish university. While DIS is affiliated with the University of Copenhagen and has joint classes at other Danish Universities, you will NOT be directly enrolled in nor directly attending the University of Copenhagen. DIS courses are designed to coordinate with the US system- meaning credits, courses, grades, etc. generally transfer back easily to home institutions. • How challenging are the DIS courses? You should expect high academic quality at DIS. Academic workload can vary across programs and courses, but come to DIS expecting to be challenged. You may be challenged by different teaching styles, course topics, testing, etc., and this is beneficial to your overall study abroad experience. Students have commented that DIS courses are not as demanding as their home institution, but more demanding than they expected for a study abroad program. In short: it’s no cakewalk, but is it’s definitely rewarding!

• What is a program at DIS? DIS is subdivided into 15 academic programs. Normally, a program consists of one or two core courses and two program-integrated study tours.

For example: AD BMD CDD CM ECH EP GE IB JHR MPP MC PAD PSY PH SIE

• What are the faculty like at DIS? While DIS may not be your typical Danish university, we do offer a unique learning environment for our students by providing courses taught by local (mainly Danish) faculty who hold full-time positions in academia, government, business, and many other professions. In this way, our faculty add real-life perspectives to classroom theory. Your instructor might be a doctor, architect, lobbyist, business leader, politician, etc. that has worked in close cooperation with DIS to teach and develop their course(s). Some points to remember: • Because your DIS instructors are working professionals, they are not available with standard “office hours” that you may be used to at home. For this reason we have program assistants and academic counselors to assist you with academic consultation.

• Our site-specific course offerings set us apart from what is available to you at your home university. • Our faculty are committed and have practical experience and knowledge. They come from a different pedagogical tradition, bringing different teaching approaches to the classroom. • Many DIS faculty participate in study tours as academic tour leaders, offering professional expertise and hands-on learning experiences. Combining Big and Small: DIS tries its best to create a delicate balance between the ‘big and small’ aspects of our study abroad program. We have 30-120 students enrolled in each of the 15 academic program per semester at DIS, which enables us to offer a wide variety of programs, courses and study tours. To ensure that you will always get individual attention, larger programs are divided into two or more core course sections. • How big will my classes be? It can depend. Typically, you will be enrolled in seminar-type classes, with very few large lecture courses. Class sizes are generally around 25 students, with language classes a bit smaller at approximately 18 students. Enrollment numbers can vary across DIS programs, too. Some programs may be smaller in size (around 25 students), while others will be larger (around 100 students).

• Who will my classmates be? DIS attracts bright (average GPA 3.4), ambitious students from a broad spectrum of majors and universities. You will primarily be studying with students from over 150 universities (mostly North American). Visit the DIS Facebook Group prior to your departure to network with your future classmates!

of scheduled class, field study, or study tour sessions. There will be free travel time built into your semester. Our DIS courses will engage you in the local culture of Copenhagen through field studies and throughout Europe on program-integrated study tours. • What is a field study? Most DIS classes include course-integrated field studies in Copenhagen. These visits take you out of the classroom and into relevant sites throughout Copenhagen. Wednesdays are typically reserved for DIS field studies.

Special Program Requirements For students enrolled in the following programs, please be advised of special packing supplies or requirements necessary for your semester in Copenhagen: • Architecture & Design Programs (AD) Architecture, Information Design, Interior Architecture, Urban Design or Pre-Architecture • Child Diversity & Development (CDD) • European Politics (EP) • Global Economics (GE) • International Business (IB) Architecture & Design Programs (AD) Special Items for all Architecture & Design (AD) students to bring to Copenhagen:

• With Europe as your classroom, you’ll want to come to class...

All AD students are required to bring two examples of design work to Copenhagen. These may be in the format of your choice (slides, prints, copies) as long as they are easily legible. If you have a portfolio, bring a copy with you. As our professors here are unfamiliar with your background, these examples will be used for reference purposes by the AD faculty and thus should be recent, representative work.

Attendance & participation at all scheduled classes, field study sessions and course-related study tours are required, and you are individually responsible for all material covered or assigned in class. DIS understands that with Europe at your fingertips, you will want to travel outside of Copenhagen, but individual vacation travel cannot take place during the semester on days

Pre-Architecture (PAD) students are welcome to bring any two examples (i.e. drawings, illustrations, photographs) of previous design work for the Foundations Studio core course to Copenhagen. These examples are not required to relate specifically to architecture projects/assignments, but rather to measure your design background prior to the start of the program.

Please refer to the final chapter “Packing List” for a list of suggested design supplies to bring with you to Copenhagen. Child Diversity & Development (CDD) Danish law requires that any individuals who work with children must obtain “criminal clearance” from the state or local authorities. Since the CDD program has a required practicum, prior to leaving the United States or your country of citizenship, you will be required to obtain a copy of your background check showing a clear criminal history from your local police station, and bring it with you to Copenhagen. If you have questions, please contact DIS at dis@umn.edu. European Politics (EP) EP students are expected to wear business casual attire during their required field study and study tour sessions. Global Economics (GE) GE students are expected to wear business casual attire during their required field study and study tour sessions. International Business (IB) IB students are expected to wear business casual attire during their required field study and study tour sessions.

“

Study tours to France & Turkey “My favorite part of DIS was my two study tours, the European Culture & History program tour to France and the optional study tour to Turkey. It was interesting to visit the countries with an academic background, having taken half a semester’s worth of classes about each place. Both places were on my list of sites that I had always wanted to visit, and in that way it made my visit to them that much more fulfilling.” Erin Royals Northwestern University ECH Program, Spring 2009

“

“The travel break was so worth it. All trips organized by DIS were fabulous. I was so well taken care of and there was a great balance of group activities and free time. The food was always good and the hotels or hostels were sufficient and I would recommend signing up for as many trips as you can afford.” Bridgette Haggerty Colorado College ECH Program, Spring 2009

Prior to your arrival in Copenhagen, please refer to the following contacts for assistance with study tour registration:

tour within the first month of the program. Week-long study tours will take place about half way through the semester. Contact our Study Tour department if you have any questions about specific dates or schedules for your academic study tours.

• DIS North American Office: dis@umn.edu • Copenhagen Study Tour Department: studytours@dis.dk

• What will my program study tour be like?

Program-Integrated Study Tours

Your program study tours will be busy, well organized and exciting! Be prepared to engage in discussions and apply theories you learned in class to real situations. Expect an 8-hour day with visits to a wide variety of cultural, historical, social and political institutions. You’ll typically have evenings free to socialize and explore the city.

• Copenhagen as your home, Europe as your Classroom... DIS knows Copenhagen has much to offer when it comes to presenting you a unique destination for your study abroad experience, but we also know exposure to different areas in Europe is an integral part of your experiential learning. You will participate in two course-integrated study tours throughout the course of a semester. You will travel on one short, regional study tour to Western Denmark in the beginning of the semester, followed by one week-long study tour to an European destination(s). Program study tours are led by DIS faculty, program directors, and staff, and will provide you with direct exposure to key players and places, which are relevant to your core course. Study tours add a hands-on dimension to the course work and will help you better comprehend how theory & practice inform one another. It is also an excellent opportunity to get to know your fellow classmates and faculty members.

You’ll travel to and from your study tour destinations in a variety of ways; some will travel via bus, train, ferry, planes, or a combination of these modes. On study tours you will stay in quality youth hostels or hotels, rooming with your fellow classmates. Typically there will be breakfast included in your stay, and please be aware you might share a communal bathroom and kitchen facilities with visitors at the hostel.

Optional Tours & Adventure Trips Semester students have the opportunity to travel to a variety of locations with DIS. For a current list of tours, see the enclosed brochure and visit www.dis.dk. If you choose to participate in an optional study tour, you must also enroll in a 1 or 3-credit companion course. Refer to the DIS website or catalog for details.

• What costs are required for a DIS study tour?

• Registration

The comprehensive tuition fee covers the costs for your program study tours in Denmark and Europe. This means all lodging, transportation, site admission fees, and most meals are covered (2 meals/day). You shouldn’t expect too many financial surprises other than budgeting for your own personal expenses and one meal per day.

You will sign up for DIS optional tours/adventure trips through student registration. These optional study tours and adventure trips are at an additional cost to you though subsidized by DIS. Refer to the website for updated prices. Payment can be made via Paypal through your registration forms, or by check mailed to our DIS North American Office. Space fills up quickly - so register early! Should an optional study tour or adventure trip be closed for registration, please contact the Study Tour Department for information on how to sign-up or to be put on the waiting list.

• When will my study tours take place? Refer to the academic calendar for specific dates (found on the website). Generally, semester students will participate in their short, regional study 75

• Russia Tour- Visa Application

• Any advice for how I should plan for my independent travel?

Students participating on the Russia Study Tour will need a visa to travel to Russia. Upon arrival DIS will assist you with the application. To allow for processing, be prepared to be without your passport for up to 3 weeks. Please refer to student registration for the specific visa processing dates.

There are many options to explore when you are preparing to travel throughout Europe. Rail passes are a typical way to travel through Europe. If you want to discover a specific region, there are many varieties of rail passes, e.g. Eurail Scandinavian Pass, that you can use over a period of two months if you want to explore Scandinavia a bit further.

• Special dietary needs/restrictions Please indicate any special dietary needs such as food allergies, diabetes, vegetarian/vegan, etc. through our student registration forms prior to your arrival in Copenhagen. It is very important that we receive this information to plan meals for all DIS-arranged study tours and adventure trips. Please note that there is limited availability of kosher meals while traveling to different European cities, and we are unfortunately unable to accommodate kosher meals on study tours and adventure trips.

Plane travel is also relatively inexpensive. Some of the budget airlines that fly out of the Copenhagen airport are Norwegian, EasyJet and Cimber. Please consult their webpages for fares and schedules. For more travel resources, including air and rail carriers, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87.

Independent Travel • Is it easy to travel from Copenhagen to other spots in Europe? YES! Copenhagen is an excellent base from which to travel in Europe. The Copenhagen airport is the largest in Scandinavia, with hundreds of daily departures, and trains, buses and ferries will take you to many European destinations as well. Prices vary, but great deals are available to anyone with a little flexibility. • Is there enough time to travel? Yes! There is a 2 week mid-term break in the middle of each semester. Students may chose to participate in optional study tours or adventure trips taking place during the travel break or simply travel independently. Traveling on the weekends is not recommended for several reasons. First of all, some weekends you will need to focus on course work, which you cannot easily do while traveling. Secondly, a weekend is a very short time, especially when you have class to go to on both Friday and Monday. Lastly, the weekends are a great time to further explore Copenhagen and the surrounding area.

“

Hvor kommer du fra?

I had my first practice last night. The team DIS put me with is pretty intense. There were 12 people at practice, and except for the 2 Americans I went with, every single one was 6’2” or taller. My theory is that only tall people choose to play basketball because all the good athletes who are shorter play soccer or handball. These guys were running set plays, setting up a full court press and generally wiping the floor with our American butts. It was a little more intense than I thought I was in for, but I think I’ll keep heading to the practices, which are twice a week. When I was at basketball practice , the coach’s 7-year-old daugther started talking to me in Danish. Since everyone here speaks servicable English, I usually just do that, but I had no choice but to test my Danish skills with this young basketball prodigy babbling in Danish while she’s drawing pick and rolls on a diagram. I was shocked! Ever since the Danes introduced me to their three new vowels (Æ, Ø, Å, æ, ø, å) it’s been going down hill. This is what the conversation sounded like as I was trying to figure out what this young girl was saying: Little Girl: hvræøæå hvroøåæøæå gasljæøæå Me: uh...... Little Girl: vræøæå hvroøåæøæå gasljæøæ vræøæå hvroøåæøæå gasljæøæ Me: uh...... Little Girl: Hvor kommer du fra? (Now this is where I had an epiphany, because I learned this phrase in my Danish class; it means Where do you come from?) Me: Jeg kommer fra U... S... A. (Translated: I..... Come.... From.... U.... S..... A; the little girl’s face lights up with joy.) Me: Hvor kommer du fra? Little Girl: Jeg Kommer fra Danmark... oøåæøæå gasljæøæ vræøæå hvroøåæøæå gasljæøæ....

“

So I learned that she is from Denmark, what a shocker! Oh and I didn’t understand a single word she said from that point on.

Alex Garlick Middlebury University EPS Program, Spring 2007

Go to

www.dis.dk/Students

Danish Visiting Family Program

DIS Buddy Network

The visiting family program gives you the unique opportunity to experience Danish family traditions and values. You may share occasional family dinners, take part in various activities, build up a Danish network and cross-cultural friendships.

Become a Copenhagener

The level of interaction, as well as the activities you do together, is up to you and your visiting family. Once DIS has made the initial contact, you and your visiting family share the responsibility of arranging time together. However, we know from previous students that time flies once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in Denmark and it might be difficult to be spontaneous about meeting with the family. So we suggest that you arrange a first meeting with them as soon as you have been matched with a family, and then you can take it from there. Who is eligible for a Visiting Family? Due to the fact that students living in DIS Residental Community have required immersion programs as part of their housing option, those students will have first priority when it comes to being matched with a Danish visiting family. Hereafter students will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Students staying with a host family are expected to have a certain amount of family exposure and thus cannot participate in the visiting family program. Please remember that DIS would like as many students as possible to get to know Danes and we therefore ask you to please only sign up for either the visiting family program or the DIS Buddy Network. How do you sign up for a Visiting Family? Fill out a brief application on student registration. DIS cannot guarantee all of your preferences, but we will surely do our best! During arrival workshop, there will be a short session for all students who have a Danish visiting family or a DIS buddy. Here we will introduce both concepts and give you an idea of what to expect. If you have any questions, you can direct them to Student Affairs Coordinator, Christina Nissen: chn@dis.dk

Would you like to hang out with young people from Copenhagen, learn about their lives and share your own culture? Join the DIS Buddy Network and become part of an international network consisting of DIS students and young people from Copenhagen. Being a part of The DIS Buddy Network will equip you to enter an international community. You will, not only, improve your intercultural competencies in the classroom at DIS, but also acquire real-life experiences when interacting with the DIS buddies. How does the program work? You will be a part of a network consisting of around 10 young Copenhageners and twenty of your peers from DIS. Your network will be administered by a student from a local educational institution, so you will have the option of learning about college life in Denmark. Your network will have its own social budget, so you are in for a great experience. For more information, go to: http://www.dis.dk/disbuddy Sign up on student registration If we are unable to find a buddy for you due to the limited number of buddies, your name will, of course, be placed on a wait list.

Sports at DIS Athletics play a large part in the Danish lifestyle. Danes seem to be constantly walking, running or biking. Perhaps this high level of activity is why Denmark is consistently one of the happiest countries! Whether you are a serious college athlete or you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t played much in a few years, there will be a team for you! DIS is in contact with sports clubs across the greater Copenhagen area, and there are numerous opportunities.

Sports in Denmark operate differently than traditional youth or college sports in the States. The clubs often function as a social, as well as athletic, organization. There are no high school or college sports, but clubs that 81

function independently. In any given club, you can have members ranging in age from 5 to ... pretty old.

Intercultural Leadership Award

On all teams, you will be playing with Danes. While not all of the instructions will be in English, they will be sympathetic if you are unable to understand. It is also a great way to improve your Danish and make Danish friends! Most Danes speak English well, so communication should not be a problem.

The Intercultural Leadership Award is awarded to students who are committed to having a deeper intercultural experience within all three main aspects of their study abroad experience: Academics, Housing and Immersion Activities. You become eligible for the prestigious award by participating in various immersion opportunities and by being dedicated to having a rewarding cultural experience while in Denmark. You apply by submitting a point sheet and a short essay. Students receiving this award will be given an award certificate, a letter of recommendation from Director of DIS, Anders Uhrskov as well as honor cords to wear at your home school graduation. Cash prizes will also be given to select recipients.

If you are interested in participating, you should sign up on student registration. For more information, visit: •

www.dis.dk/sports or email sports@dis.dk

Health & Fitness While DIS does not offer any on-site gyms or fitness centers, there are a variety of options for you to explore throughout your time in Copenhagen. For a list of suggestions, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87.

Volunteering at DIS Whether you already volunteer at home or want to try something new, working with a non-profit organization in Copenhagen will bring unexpected benefits... * volunteer weekly, or once in awhile * gain personal and career experience * immerse yourself in Danish culture * meet the sometimes shy Danes * build your resume in an international workplace * practice your Danish (optional) For more information, visit: www.dis.dk/volunteer or email volunteering@dis.dk 83

Religion Ordinarily the Danes are not really a religious people, however some 92% of Danes officially belong to Folkekirken (Danish People’s Church), an Evangelical Lutheran demonination that is the state-supported national church. Fewer than 5% of Denmark’s citizens are regular churchgoers. The second largest religion is Islam (3%), followed by Roman Catholicism. Danes enjoy freedom of religion and in most of the larger cities there are places of worship for Muslims, Catholics, Anglicans and Jews in addition to the Folkekirken. • Students of Faith Copenhagen has English-spoken religious services within several denominations. At DIS, you can meet with students with similar interests on a regular basis in the ‘Students of Faith’ group. • Jewish Network in Copenhagen If you’re interested in joining the Jewish community while in Denmark, please contact Christina Lambertsen in the Housing and Student Affairs Department after your arrival in Copenhagen for more information. For additional information on Denmark’s Jewish community, visit: http://www.kosherdelight.com/Denmark.shtml. For a directory of places of worship, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87. 84

DIS Blogs! If you are eager to learn even more about the DIS student experience in Copenhagen, we encourage you to visit our website where we highlight current DIS students’ blogs, featuring their day-to-day adventures in Denmark. Students from a variety of different schools studying in a variety of majors have posted amazing stories, photos, and information about about their past few months living in Copenhagen. To follow the real-life stories of these DIS students, visit: www.dis.dk/blogs. If you are interested in sharing a blog about life in Copenhagen during your program at DIS, please stop by the library once your in Copenhagen and speak with the intern. Each week of your program at DIS, we will display the best DIS blog post on the website and DIS Forum. At the end of the semester the student with the best blog entry will win a cash prize!

Go to

www.dis.dk/blogs

DIS Clubs & Social Events DIS is committed to providing our students with a full-service program, including a large on-site staff, dedicated academic and housing departments, as well as opportunities to meet fellow students and local Danes with extracurricular clubs and programs. In the first weeks of each semester, we will have an Immerse Yourself Fair where you can learn about getting involved in some clubs or sport teams. We also believe that your cultural immersion - and intercultural development - is in your hands! We’ll provide opportunities for you to get out of your normal routine, meet new people and see new things...but the effort is up to you.

• DIS Social Events During the semester there will be a number of social events, beginning with a Welcome Party your first week in Copenhagen. Depending on when you study with DIS, DIS also hosts special events ranging from Christmas lunches, outdoor picnics, informal get-togethers with your instructors/staff, organized day trips to castles, museums, and much more. • Copenhagen Culture - get into it! DIS can help with suggestions, getting student tickets, and even directions to local attractions and events taking place within Copenhagen - just ask the friendly staff at the Front Desk for help. DIS also coordinates discounted trips to museums, castles, games, and performances within the city. Here’s what you might find around town one weekend... Royal Ballet at the Royal Theatre The Royal Opera at the new Opera House Street art gallery opening in Vesterbro Guest DJ at the nightclub Rust New band playing at the music club Loppen • Start Your Own Club Every semester, students use the Facebook Group to organize groups of runners, travel partners, museum buddies, and more. Check out the Facebook page often to see what’s available for next semester, or start something of your own! • DIS Film Club Danish films and Danish directors are world-renowned, especially for their unique Dogma style. Come see what all the hype is about. The DIS Film Club meets weekly to view contemporary Danish films (with subtitles, of course). • Choir Ever had the urge to burst out into song in Danish? Our a capella choir rehearses weekly. All voice parts and levels of experience are welcome.

Here are some opportunities to get involved with DIS:

• Student Activities Committee Become a member of the DIS Student Activities Committee (SAC) to help suggest and promote fun activities and events for you and your peers during the semester. As a SAC member you will develop your intercultural leadership skills and have the unique opportunity of having a say in what DIS offers in terms of cultural and social events. • Sustainability Task Force Become a member of the Sustainability Task Force -a group made up of DIS staff, faculty, and students who will each bring differing (yet complimentary) perspectives on sustainability to DIS as an institution. Their combined competencies and ideas will steer DIS towards greater sustainability in a comprehensive way that aims to positively affect the most people and practices. For more information, visit www.dis.dk/social & www.dis.dk/leadership

DIS Forum We would like to encourage you to access our “DIS Forum” - an online forum for DIS students that includes useful information about living in Copenhagen, travel tips and plans, housing, living with the Danes, and any other topic that interests you. You will also use Forum while in Copenhagen, so it is helpful to get used to it now. Follow these steps to access this “DIS Forum for Arriving Students” : • • • • •

Go to forum.dis.dk Click “Preview as Guest” Click “Arriving Students” under “My Organizations” On the left side, click “Files - Resources” Here you will find uploaded documents which we refer to in this handbook. The majority of the documents are in a folder called “Copenhagen Resources”.

You DO NOT need a user name and password in order to use it, just click and get started!

“

DIS is in downtown Copenhagen...

So I live 50km north of the city, which means I have a long commute and that I have to plan my time carefully to make it to my class. But that is a small sacrifice to make for the amazing sunrises (the reddest most defined line above the glistening sea), relaxing quiet time to wake up in the morning and wind down in the evening, the beautiful town of Helsingor, and the close relationship I gain with my family here. So it’s not a disadvantage at all. Instead I think it’s going to be one of the best parts of the semester! My life in Copenhagen is beginning to take form. Here is my basic schedule: Monday: 6am wake up with enough time to shower and have a “leisurely” breakfast with host family 7:30am- ish hop on the bike and fly through Helsingor including its nice walking area to the train station 8ish catch the posh regional train to Nørreport station and walk to a DIS classroom 9-11 Danish special needs theory practicum 1:30-4pm Danish special needs theory

Wednesday: anything I want to!! No classes!

“

Tuesday & Friday up a little earlier and same sorta thing 8:40am- 10am developmental psychopathology 10:20-noon Danish

Thursday: 10:50am take train to Kokkedal (about 15 min from me) 11:30-5:30pm observe/participate at Adalsparkens Fritidscenter (this is my practicum site)

And weekends are weekends. But somewhere in there I also spend 6 hours volunteering at Way Out (an organization where I hang out with emotionally disturbed/homeless/unemployed/drug addicted 15-25 year olds)...

Katie Rooney Goucher College CDD Program, Spring 2007

DIS Downtown

DIS Library

DIS is located in the very center of old Copenhagen- only two minutes’ walk from City Hall Square and the central pedestrian and shopping street Strøget. The buildings date from 1798 and are protected by the Danish Preservation Act. Here you will find: • Front Desk Services • Administrative Offices • Computer Labs • Student Lounges • Reference & Study Library • Architecture/Interior Design Studios • Some classrooms

DIS maintains a study and reference library as well as two cinemas staffed by a full-time librarian, an intern, and several assistants. The collection consists of approximately 12,000 books, 110 international journals, and over 800 DVDs in English (or with English subtitles), all related to the fields covered by the DIS curriculum.

Many DIS classrooms are located across the street from the DIS building. Some DIS courses have classes held at other universities such as: Roskilde University, University Hospitals, Copenhagen Business School & Denmark’s Design School.

As a DIS student you have full access to the major Copenhagen research libraries with whom DIS has special agreements of cooperation. These include in-person and on-line access to the catalogs and various external databases of the Royal Library (Denmark’s Library of Congress), Copenhagen Business School Library, and many other specialized libraries such as the Library of the Danish Institute of International Relations and the Library of the School of Architecture. You can access the catalogs of all these libraries, make searches, and order books from the DIS Library’s homepage, http://www.dis.dk/library.

• DIS is not a typical university campus

• DIS Library & Book Pick up and/or Exchange

You might be surprised to find that most Danish and European universities are not designed to accommodate thousands of students through a centralized campus. Instead, most Danish universities are spread out over the city or at least over several blocks nearby, with few common meeting areas, university residence halls (kollegiums), cafeterias, or sports facilities. Consequently, there is less student life at business schools & universities in Denmark than most students from US schools are accustomed to.

DIS will offer an introduction to the DIS library and other important research libraries. Students will pick up all course textbooks for registered courses. If you have an approved course change you may also exchange your books with the librarians. All DIS course books/materials are included in the DIS comprehensive tuition fee.

DIS operates from a central area on the street named Vestergade. DIS occupies buildings Vestergade 5, 7, 10 & 23. It is an ideal location offering the benefits of an urban atmosphere. You will be in close proximity to Frue Plads, where the main building of the University of Copenhagen is located, as well as the University library.

Fall & Spring Semesters Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• DIS Student ID Cards

Log on to www.library.dk to access the databases of all of the libraries in Denmark, in English!

All students receive a student ID card issued by DIS. Primarily, this card allows students to enter the secure DIS buildings at Vestergade 5, 7, 10 & 23, use printer/copy machines, check-out books from the DIS reference library, as well as receive student discounts at local businesses and museums in Copenhagen. Be sure to submit a color passport-sized photo(s) to the DIS North American Office prior to your arrival so your photo ID can be made before you arrive. 91

• Library Hours

* Opening hours may vary during Travel Break and Finals Week

Studio Workspaces Students enrolled in our Architecture & Design (AD) programs will have 24hour access to a studio space consisting of a desk/drafting table, a personal locker, lamp, drawing surface and t-squares. DIS architecture computer labs are equipped with PC computers which can run: Adobe Design Premium 5 (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc.), Microsoft Office, Google SketchUP, AutoCAD Architecture 2011, AutoDesk Revit Architecture, 3ds Max Design 2011, Ecotect Analysis 2011 and Rhino. The labs are also equipped with scanners, color printers and two 42in plotters. The studios all have WiFi access, and students are encouraged to bring their laptops.

• Will I need to purchase a voltage converter for my laptop? A converter is rarely necessary for a laptop. You should check with your computer store to see whether or not you will need a converter (US= 110 volts, Denmark= 220 volts). • What about electrical plug adapters? You will need a plug adapter with two round prongs for Danish electrical outlets. These can be found in most hardware and general goods stores (Target, WalMart, etc.) • What about wireless access?

Presentations do not need to focus on computer generated drawings. Instead, you should consider your time in Denmark as a means to develop your hand drawing and model-building skills.

DIS has a free wireless network with coverage that extends throughout buildings 5 & 7, the courtyard, and the terrace. It is highly recommended to bring a wireless enabled computer.

For a list of supplies to bring with you, please see the course web page www.dis.dk

• Will I have Internet access in my housing option?

IT Services • What is the availability of computers at the DIS building? DIS has several computer labs on-site, each equipped with Windows-based computers. Printing and copying is provided at a small fee per page. We recommend that you bring a USB memory stick with you to Copenhagen. For more information about lab hours, printing costs, software, etc., visit www.dis.dk/IT.

• Should I bring my laptop? Yes. If you already own a laptop, DIS strongly suggests you bring it with you. It is important that you ensure your laptop has ethernet capabilities. This means bringing all hardware and software associated with your ethernet card. We also encourage you to bring a laptop lock when using your computer at DIS and/or storing it in your housing.

• Will there be on-site IT assitance at DIS? Yes. Once in Denmark, there will be an IT Help Desk available for students. 93

Although some accommodations have Internet access in the rooms, it is not guaranteed. • What is the availability of e-mail? DIS does not provide you with a specific e-mail account. DIS requires that each student has an internet based e-mail account, which will remain accessible throughout your stay in Denmark to ensure that students receive important DIS related e-mail while in Copenhagen. Please submit your preferred e-mail address through the “Get Started” form in the student registration system. Since some universities restrict telnet access from unknown servers off campus, some students have had a problem pulling up their e-mail from Copenhagen. DIS strongly urges students that use a web-based email account to add the following domains to their safe zone: dis.dk, disp.dk, discopenhagen.org, online. disp.dk, exserver.dk, disforum.dk and mailnt.disp.dk.

Go to

www.dis.dk/IT 94

“

Taxes, Oh my!

“

Denmark is one of the highest taxed countries in the world and to give you a figure I will say that some individuals in certain tax brackets are expected to pay up to 70% of their income!!! Wow! And to buy a new car in Denmark it costs you the original price + (up to) 200% tax + mandatory 25% VAT!!!! WOW! So if you buy a car that is worth $15,000 in the states, you would have to buy the same car here for roughly $50,000!!! And I am NOT kidding. Hence their wide use of public transportation and bikes. My host brother said to me in a discussion about taxes “how else do you think we pay for all the services” (i.e. free healthcare, etc).

Alex Garlick Middlebury College EPS Program, Spring 2007

Go to

www.dis.dk/financial

Currency & Banking • Danish Kroner (DKK) Denmark is one of the few EU countries to reject joining the European Monetary Union. The Danish currency is the “Krone” (DKK), which is divided into 100 “øre”. Bank notes are found in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kroner or DKK. Coins are found in DKK 20, 10, 5, 2, 1 and 50-øre and 25-øre values. The international symbol is DKK, but most prices are posted as “kr.” in Denmark. Be sure to check the current exchange rate: http://www.xe.com • Exchanging Money Several money exchange offices can be found in the city center around Central Station, Rådhuspladsen and Strøget. Many hotels will exchange currency as well, but expect to pay a premium surcharge. You can exchange currency at all banks during opening hours as well. • Banks in Denmark Banks in Denmark are usually open from around 10 am until 4pm, Monday to Wednesday and Fridays. On Thursdays banks remain open later, until 6pm. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. • ATM/Debit Cards We strongly encourage you to use your ATM/Debit card with a Visa/ Mastercard logo during your stay in Denmark. You must have a four-digit PIN number to withdraw funds from your home bank account. Cash will be issued to you in local currency from the ATM. ATM/Debit cards usually have lower withdrawal fees than credit cards. Check with your home bank before your departure, as some accounts may not be accessed internationally and others may have account protection and require a travel plan. Also inquire about ATM withdrawal fees.

• Foreign credit cards Foreign credit cards, e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Euro-card and American Express, are widely accepted in Denmark, but generally not in the supermarkets. Likewise credit cards can be used in the many cash machines, set up around Danish cities. Be sure to have a PIN number for your credit card as this will be required when making purchases. Check with your credit card company for fee information on international purchases. Capital One advertises that they have no fees on international purchases. • Traveler’s Checks DIS students have not found traveler’s checks as flexible or convenient as debit/credit cards, and there is a higher commission fee charged for each check. There is no longer an American Express Office in Denmark and a passport is necessary when exchanging traveler’s checks. • Cashing Foreign Checks in Denmark During the time you are enrolled in the DIS program, DIS will stamp and endorse checks made payable to you. Please visit the DIS accounting department (DIS building, front stairway, 4th floor to your right) to have your check validated by one of our accountants. You can have a DISendorsed check cashed by the local Jyske Bank branch as long as you bring along some form of picture documentation – either your Passport, or your Driver’s License. A nearby Jyske Bank location branch can be found on Vesterbrogade. This agreement is made exclusively with our account at Jyske Bank, and will not work at any other branch offices. Checks are directly converted into Danish Kroner and paid out to you in cash. When you cash your check, the bank will charge you a fee of DKK 65 per check (US$ 11) plus 0.2 % of the amount. You will receive further information about this upon arrival in Copenhagen.

Tuition & Fees

• Pre-Departure Payment Information

• Payment Contact Information

DIS tuition payment can only be made via wire transfer, check, or money order. Please follow these payment procedures:

If you have any questions regarding payment, please contact: Mary Malone, Lead Advisor DIS North American Office dis@umn.edu or 800.247.3477 • DIS Tuition Payment Information All fees must be paid to DIS before arrival. Invoices will be issued via email to students directly, or to any institutions paying for its students 4-6 weeks before arrival. If you are invoiced directly for your DIS tutition, please follow the instructions on the next page. • Paying amounts owed to DIS in Copenhagen Once you are in Copenhagen, you may use Visa, Mastercard, cash or personal check to pay for any outstanding invoices issued by DIS. Please note that credit card transactions will be processed in Danish kroner and there is a service fee of 6.1% added to your payment. This service fee is charged directly by the credit card company and DIS does not profit from these transactions. Payment by check or cash will incur no extra fee.

Wire Transfer Den Norske Bank, New York Branch 200 Park Avenue 31st Floor New York, NY 10166 Payment via: Bank of New York, ABA # 021000018 Favor of Den Norske Bank, NY SWIFT. DNBAUS33 Beneficiary Account # 14880001 Beneficiary Name: DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad or Jyske Bank Gammeltorv 4 DK-1457 Copenhagen K, Denmark S.W.I.F.T. JYBADKKK Account # 5033-288102-3 IBAN # DK95503300028881023 Check Information Please make a check payable to “DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad” and mail directly to either our DIS North American Office (Minneapolis) or our DIS office in Copenhagen.

Refund/Withdrawal Policy 1. If you withdraw 31 days or more prior to the arrival day specified for your term of attendance, we will refund 100% of the total program cost, except the non-refundable deposit of US$ 500. 2. If you withdraw 30 days or less prior to the arrival day as specified for your term of attendance, we will refund 50% of the total program cost, except the non-refundable deposit of US$ 500. 3. If you withdraw on or after the arrival day no refund will be issued.

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Living Expenses • How expensive is Denmark? The cost of living in Denmark is relatively high, and unfortunately the US/ Danish exchange rate is rather low. Denmark is not more expensive than London or Dublin, but truth be told most items in Denmark are more expensive than in the US. All consumer sales include a 25% sales tax but displayed prices are legally required to include this, so they are always exact. • Expenditures during your first week in Copenhagen You will need approximately US $200-250 in Danish kroner during the first few days in Copenhagen for any immediate expenses, such as groceries, items for your room, school supplies, international calling cards, etc. There are money exchange offices and ATM machines available at the airport. • Personal Expenses Your personal expenses while in Copenhagen depend on your lifestyle. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate how much money you will need, as student lifestyles vary greatly. Realistically, you should anticipate spending more than you normally would at home, especially if you plan on traveling outside of Denmark during your semester at DIS. Former students reported using an average of $400/month for personal expenses.

additional tipping is required. Bartenders do not expect tips. However, tipping is a personal matter and no offense is taken if a tip is offered for exceptional service. • Free use of textbooks DIS students will be provided with all required course books and reading materials for registered DIS courses-you will NOT need to purchase these books as this service is included in your comprehensive tuition fee. Refer to the “Packing” section in this handbook for suggestions on school supplies you should anticipate bringing with you to Copenhagen. Some programs (i.e. Architecture & Design) may require special supplies for their program. Read through the “Special Program Requirements” section for more information. • Cellphones As previously mentioned, students can opt for a cellphone provided by PicCell Wireless. The rental fee for this phone is included in the DIS Tuition price. Students are responsible for paying for the minutes and text messages they use and can set up a payment plan with PicCell on-line. Incoming calls and text messages are free to the recipient. Please note calling internationally or making calls while you are outside Denmark from your PicCell phone will be expensive and will result in a large cellphone bill. Students who use their phone wisely and sparingly can expect a cellphone bill similar to what they pay at home.

• Food costs The DIS Host Family option includes 3 meals a day. The folkehøjskole option includes the evening meal. Students placed in all other options will be responsible for purchasing and preparing their own food. These students will receive a food stipend in Danish kroner to offset these additional costs. The stipend is $600 for semester students. For students who must buy their own food, DIS recommends budgeting $400/month for food expenses in addition to the food stipend. For your program integrated study tours in Denmark and Europe, DIS will provide 2 meals per day, while one meal is on your own. • Tipping Little tipping is required in Denmark, since service is included in restaurant and hotel bills. Tips are also included in the metered taxi fares, so no 101

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“

Physical Therapy

“Our school buildings at DIS are located in the old medieval section of Copenhagen. The streets are narrow and uneven. It was not more than a week of navigating these cobblestone ‘gades’ before my knee pain, dormant since high school, came back worse than ever. Forget wearing heels out dancing in clubs - I needed the elevator to get down to the metro. The first few weeks of pain were discouraging, frustrating, and sometimes physically sickening. But my weekly physical therapy appointments with Marianne have virtually erased those feelings. Marianne loves the stories about my Danish hall mates and how they tease me, yet include me in conversation and social activities, eager to pick my brain about America, politics, and college life. She also thought it was fantastic that my professor had the class to his house for frikadellar and skinke pizza, letting us see how a family lives and eats in the suburbs of Copenhagen. It soon becomes clear how much the locals seem to want to share their Danish food, traditions, and ways of life. The Danes like to hear how they are different from my friends and family at home; they take pride in it.

“

Because of my knee I learned about new stops on the metro, and that even in a system of “free health care,” painkillers will put a dent in your cash supply. I saw another layer of Denmark and got outside of the international student bubble that surrounds us at school. More than during any other activity in Denmark, I fell like I actually live here when I’m at physical therapy. I feel like a member of the neighborhood, and not as much like I am a tourist on a extended vacation. I blend in and can pretend I’m Danish for an hour.”

Molly McDonald University of Virginia IBE Program, Spring 2009

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Go to

www.dis.dk/insurance

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DIS Insurance Coverage • Health, Accident and Liability Insurance Students enrolled at DIS have comprehensive health, accident and personal liability insurance coverage through a combination of extensive Danish national health care and a policy from ‘Europæiske’ Insurance Company. Student coverage for one semester and full-year students is for the duration of a DIS semester, beginning on the day before arrival in Copenhagen and ending 15 days after the end of the program. The insurance is valid in Europe. The insurance does not cover (semester, year and summer): • Pre-existing illnesses (note: wearing glasses/contact lenses is considered a pre-existing illness) • Anything related to birth control or pregnancy • Vaccinations and regular check-ups • Allergy shots and anything connected with allergies • Dental care See the detailed insurance policy at: http://www.dis.dk/insurance • Insurance coverage during first 8 weeks of program During the first 8 weeks of a semester/full year program, DIS students are covered by the DIS Insurance Policy as it takes up to 8 weeks to become registered as a temporary resident of Denmark and to receive your CPR number and health card. During this 8 week time frame, please contact the Housing & Student Affairs Office (housing@dis.dk) if you need to make an appointment with a doctor. Should you need to make a visit to the doctor before you have a health card, you will need to pay for the doctor’s bill up front and bring the receipt to the DIS front desk for reimbursement. If you cannot pay the bill, have the doctor send it to:

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DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad Attn: Sanne Ørnebjerg Housing & Student Services Coordinator Vestergade 7 DK-1456 Copenhagen K Prescribed medicine will be fully reimbursed when you present the cancelled original yellow prescription plus the receipt to the DIS front desk. This does not apply to medicine for a pre-existing illness. • Your Danish Health Insurance Card: “Sygesikringskort” You will receive a yellow “Health Card” (sygesikringskort) within 6 weeks from the time you register with the local municipality office. During your stay in Copenhagen, you will be assigned an English-speaking family doctor in your neighborhood. Your assigned doctor’s name and phone number will be printed on the top of your health card. Doctors’ visits, hospitalization, the issuing of prescriptions, and prescribed medicine are covered by your yellow Sygesikringskort. When presenting the health card there will be no charge for medical services. Always use your assigned doctor when scheduling a medical appointment. If necessary, your doctor will send you to a hospital and/or specialist. If you are in need of medical care in a European country other than Denmark, use any doctor and retain your receipt for reimbursement by DIS. • Note for Full-Year California System Students The CSU system provides their students with complete insurance coverage; therefore you are not covered by the above DIS insurance. Please contact your coordinator for details. • Liability/Theft Insurance Students enrolled at DIS also have personal liability insurance coverage through a policy of the ‘Europæiske’ Insurance Company. Please refer to the previously mentioned website for coverage amounts. This covers students’ own personal belongings including computers, cameras, iPods, etc. in instances of burglary and theft for up to DKK 250,000. Theft without the evidence of a crime- referred to as “Simple Theft” is only covered up to DKK 5,000. Liability/Theft insurance begins on departure day for enrolled 106

enrolled program students and ends on the concluding day of the program. Please note insurance does not cover lost or stolen cash. • Reporting Theft Any theft of money, travel documents, credit cards, etc. should be reported immediately to a local police station. You will be issued a note confirming a crime has been reported, and that note will be required when filling out an insurance claim or visiting an embassy or consulate. Any items left behind on a railway train, s-tog or metro should be reported to the duty personnel at the station. Visit the DIS front desk to file a report.

Other Available Insurance • Your current insurance policy Do not cancel your current coverage while you are abroad. You may want to check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States or other foreign country can be extremely expensive. Ask whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. For more information, please contact your insurance company. • ISIC Insurance In addition to the discounts you receive if you purchase the ISIC card, you also receive emergency evacuation insurance and the repatriation insurance. Visit www.myisic.com for more details. • STA Travel Insurance Offers a broad travel protection plan package that includes travel accident & baggage protection, worldwide emergency assistance services, and medical protection. For more information on coverage amounts and purchasing travel insurance, please visit STA Travel at www.statravel.com. 107

Medication in Denmark Please note the procedures regarding medication may change since this handbook was printed, therefore, it is recommended that you visit our website for the most up-to-date information: www.dis.dk/medication • Importing or refilling prescription medication in Denmark Foreign prescriptions are not refillable in Denmark. If you have a current prescription/note from your home doctor, your local Danish doctor may issue you a Danish prescription (at their discretion). Brand names may vary from country to country, so you must be able to supply your Danish doctor with the exact contents and generic names of each medication. We recommend that you bring a supply of prescription medications (including birth control pills). You are permitted to bring a maximum of 3-month supply with you into Denmark. Bring this supply with you on the plane - do not send it by mail or it will be taken in to Danish customs’ control (applies for both prescription and over-the-counter medication) and you may be fined. Ensure you obtain a doctor’s prescription or note for any prescription to ensure a smooth customs inspection. It is also highly recommended that your medication is in it’s original container and that you bring a copy of your health (medical) history. If you require more than a 3-months supply, you will have to consult your local Danish doctor after arrival in Denmark. Please note that medication for pre-existing medical conditions (including birth control) are not covered by DIS’ health insurance in Denmark. Students are encouraged to check with their current insurance provider to see if international coverage is available. • Obtaining medication beyond a 3-month supply If you need more than 3-month supply of a prescription medication and it is available in Denmark, you are required by Danish law to obtain a prescription from your local Danish doctor after you have been issued your Danish Yellow Health Care Card. You will receive this Health Care card approximately 8 weeks after your arrival in Copenhagen. Your Danish doctor will require some paperwork, perhaps a note from your home doctor, outlining exactly what the particular medication you use contains (ingredients/generic name), because the brand name you use in 108

your home country may not be available under the same name in Denmark. If your local Danish doctor is hesitant to prescribe your medication, even though a similar prescription medicine is available in Denmark, you can ask that they seek advice from the Danish Medicines Agency (Laegemiddelstyrelsen). (See p. 110 for contact info)

Please contact the Danish Medicine Agency (DKMA) with specific questions regarding your medication during your study abroad experience: The Danish Medicines Agency Axel Heides Gade 1 DK-2300 København S Tel: +45 44889595 Fax: + 45 44889599 Email: pil-team@dkma.dk

• Legality of medications imported into Denmark The Danish laws regarding personal importation of medication were changed during the summer of 2011. Below is the procedure. Step 1: Is the medication available in Denmark? To check this, please visit this link: http://medicinpriser.dk/Default.aspx?lng=2. Under “Medicinal product” enter the name of your medication and hit “Search”. If your medication comes up, it is available in Denmark, and you may import a 3-month supply and obtain the last month’s supply in Denmark by obtaining a prescription from your assigned Danish doctor. If your medication is on the list BUT contains mind altering (euphoric) substances (typically found in medication used for ADD, ADHD and depression) you may import a 14-day supply and obtain additional medication upon arrival in Denmark with a prescription from your assigned Danish doctor. If you are unsure whether or not your medication contains mind altering or euphoric substances, please consult with your doctor, pharmacist or the Danish Medicines Agency (next page). If your medication does not come up in the search, please continue reading. Please note that several common US medications will not come up on this list, but are completely legal in Denmark. Examples of these medications are: allergy, asthma, birth control, over the counter, Pristiq, etc. Your student can bring a 3-month supply of these medications.

When contacting the DKMA, please be sure to identify yourself as a DIS student. It is recommended that you include the following information when you contac the DKMA: • • • • •

•

Dates of arrival & departure in Denmark The name of the medication in question The strength of the medication Your daily dosage That you will be issued a Danish health care card and number A statement from your doctor giving the reason for use of the medicine, the strength and the daily dosage.

More information on rules & regulations about medicine in Denmark can be found at: http://www.dkma.dk.

Step 2: My medication doesn’t come up in the search. This means your medication may not be available in Denmark. Please contact the Danish Medicines Agency (see next page) regarding the medication(s) in question and copy Ben McKelfresh (bmckel@umn.edu) from the DIS North American Office on this correspondence so DIS can offer any additional information.

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110

Medical Facilities-Non Emergency

Emergency Medical Services

Danish medical care is of high quality and is comparable to the medical care one finds throughout Western Europe. Hospitals are well-equipped, and maternity hospitals and many clinics are available. Most doctors and dentists speak English.

Copenhagen is a safe city, but accidents can happen anywhere, passports can get lost or stolen, expensive bridge work can get cracked on a glass and you never know when you might need emergency medical care.

The system for providing care in Denmark is different from that in the United States. Danish citizens and permanent residents of Denmark qualify for free hospitalization and medical treatment under the Danish National Health Service. Semester and full-year students qualify for this same level of service once registered and having received their yellow health care card. Please keep in mind that medical treatment and hospital care may require referral from a general practitioner, which often creates long waiting periods. • Allergies Students with food allergies should consider ordering food allergy cards which are available in a number of languages. When ordering food, simply present the card to the waiter/waitress to inform them of your allergies. These cards can be ordered through: www.selectwisely.com

For medical directory information (doctors, dentisits, pharmacies and pyschological counseling, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87.

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Calls to emergency services (112) are free. Dial 112 and state if you need fire, police, or ambulance services. The operator will connect you at once. State your address and phone number. Most European countries use 112 for emergency calls.

Assistance Numbers in Denmark: Emergency

Dial 112

Local Danish Directory

Dial 118

Central Police Station

3314 1448

CPH Airport Police Station

3245 1448

• Hospitals Below is a list of hospitals that offer emergency medical assistance in Copenhagen. If you need medical service outside normal business hours, please call the “Lægevagten” (emergency medical services) at Tel: 7013 0041. Nearest E.R. Amager Hospital Italiensvej 1 2300 Copenhagen S Tel.: 3234 3234 Fax: 3234 3999

Buses: 2A, 4A, 12 Metro: Amager Strand

Bispebjerg Hospital Bispebjerg Bakke 23 2400 Copenhagen NV Tel.: 3531 3531 Fax: 3531 3999

Buses: 6A, 21, 69

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Frederiksberg Hospital Nordre Fasanvej 57 2000 Frederiksberg Tel: 3816 3816 Fax: 3816 3009

Buses: 2A, 4A, 29

Hvidovre Hospital Kettegård Allé 30 2650 Hvidovre Tel: 3632 3632

Buses: 1A & 22

Most Danish hospitals have a psychological emergency room open 24 hours a day. They provide excellent and immediate service. See above for hospital telephone numbers.

Emergency Dentist: Tandlægevagten, Københavns Tandlægeforening Oslo Plads 14 (by Østerport Station) 2100 Copenhagen Ø Tel: 3538 0251 Emergency treatment Mon-Fri 8pm-9.30pm. Sat /Sun 10am-noon and 8pm9.30pm. You’ll have to meet up personally and pay a fee. Doctors office in case of emergency: Læge vagten Tel: 7013 0041* *Call this number for after-hours assistance. This office will direct you to a hospital/doctor’s office closest to where you live. Police Stations: Central Station Halmtorvet 20 1700 Copenhagen V Tel: 3325 1448 Airport Police Copenhagen Airport Tel: 3245 1448 Cell: 3363 0456 Fax: 3391 0960 113

• Emergency Psychological Service

•

Emergency Contraception:

The ‘Morning After Pill’ can be taken up to 72 hours after intercourse has taken place. The Morning After Pill is sold over the counter at local pharmacies. The Sexual Health and Contraception Clinic, operated by the association “Foreningen Sex og Samfund”, offers clinic hours. Rosenørns Alle 14 1634 Copenhaven V Tel: 33 13 91 13 Clinic hours Mon, Tues and Thurs 4pm-7pm. Preferably make an appointment by phone between 3pm-4pm on open days of operartion. •

Pregnancy Tests:

They are available at any pharmacy or Matas shop. Results immediately - if positive, go to a doctor and have it verified. •

HIV/AIDS in Denmark:

AIDS is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be an international issue. Should you need counseling or screening for HIV/AIDS while in Denmark, please contact: Rigshospitalet, Dept M Tagensvej 20 Tel: 3545 3545 (switchboard) Free hotline in Englislh: 3391 1119 • Vaccinations & Immunizations In general, no special immunizations or medications are necessary for travel to Denmark. A visitor to Denmark faces no special health risks, as the overall health conditions are excellent. Any needed immunization is available in Copenhagen.

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• Tap Water

• Crime

Tap water in Denmark is of excellent quality, and is perfectly safe to drink. Stomach aches resulting from drinking the water are very uncommon.

Denmark has a low incidence of serious crime. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching continues to increase, especially in tourist areas, and is a particular problem during the summer months.

• Drugs and Understanding the Danish Legal System For your own protection, all students are cautioned to obey the laws of Denmark. All forms of cannabis are illegal in Denmark, as are heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy and other forms of non-prescribed, mind-altering substances. To the confusion of some, the rules (regarding possession of cannabis) that apply in the Netherlands do not apply in Denmark. Possession and use of illegal drugs constitutes a violation not only of DIS regulations, but also of Danish Law. Danish police have the right to expel you immediately from Denmark if you are caught buying, using, or selling drugs. Neither DIS nor the US Embassy can assist students arrested for illegal possesion. The US State Department has stated that no assistance will be given to US Americans arrested for narcotic offenses other than providing a list of lawyers. Dismissal for the above reason will result in no refund from DIS. • Smoking While smoking has been banned in many bars and restaurants, many Danes smoke. The cost of tobacco is lower than in other Scandinavian countries, and smoking is more socially acceptable in Denmark. Unless you are in a non-smoking area, few, if any, Danes would ask you to put your cigarette out, and conversely will not expect to be asked themselves.

Security Issues Copenhagen is a safe city, but sometimes events happen around the world that can affect international students abroad. We are always in close contact with the US Embassy in Copenhagen, and provide the embassy – as well as the local Copenhagen police station – with a list of all students at the start of each semester or summer program. As standard procedure, the US Embassy issues travel advisories on a regular basis.

We immediately notify our students and pass these advisories on via email to our coordinating universities. Upon arrival, students are provided with additional emergency procedures that DIS has worked out with local authorities in the event of various threats or incidents in Copenhagen. 115

• Local Laws When you are in Denmark, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by US standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, your registered embassy (in some cases) will do what it can to help you, but DIS is unable to assist you. • Being a Minority in Denmark & Europe As a non-Danish student living in Denmark, you may be perceived and treated differently in the countries you’ll be spending time in during your study abroad experience. Generally, Danes and other Europeans respect those who visit their country. As a minority in a foreign country, you will experience and see how other cultures view US Americans and other non-natives. You may encounter Europeans who have preconceived stereotypes or have strong feelings that are either supportive or in opposition of your national identity. Expect to be challenged as a US American or minority abroad. It is important to realize that discrimination takes place in Denmark as well as in all countries in the world. DIS is proud of its student body, and acknowledges that members of racial minorities might experience Denmark from a different perspective than other students. Some tips to stay safe in Copenhagen: • Be a smart traveler, don’t walk alone at night! • Carry your DIS emergency phone number with you at all times! If you need assistance, call the local police at 112 or the DIS Emergency Phone number at 3067 1000 • Never leave valuables unattended • Make a lost document kit • Drink responsibly • Watch out for bikes! 116

Emergency Cell Phone The DIS program offers a 24-hour emergency cell phone service to all enrolled students. This emergency cell phone service is provided for your health and safety after normal business hours while studying at DIS. • These emergency numbers are to be used ONLY for AFTER-HOURS emergencies in Denmark or the US • During business hours, please call the DIS front desk or the DIS North American Office DIS Front Desk DK Emergency No. DIS NAO (US) US Emergency No.

+45 3311 0144 +45 3067 1000 (800) 247.3477 (651) 323.7316

DIS has a 24-hour emergency phone number which is communicated to students in a variety of ways. Additionally, during study tours, students are given the tour leaders’ cell phone numbers. The phones are on 24 hours a day. On study tours, students are given the phone number(s) of the US embassy in each destination. 4.

All DIS staff have a list of student addresses and phone numbers in the office and at home. Likewise, an all-student e-mail, reaching every single student’s e-mail account, is operative and known to all staff members. During all DIS study tours, staff remaining in Copenhagen have a full overview of student participants, hotel addresses, scheduled events plus a list of all tour leaders’ cell phone numbers so that they are able to locate any student immediately. The cell phones are on 24 hours a day. 5.

Contingency Plan In the event of a general international crisis or specific threats of local threats, DIS has a contingency plan in cooperation with the Danish Police Intelligence Service and the US Embassy in Copenhagen.

Communication: DIS to Students

Evacuation

Staff members have personalized evacuation plans to secure swift evacuation of all students from the building should the need arise. Staff evacuation exercises are carried out at regular intervals. Evacuation routes are posted in the main student areas, and all emergency exits are clearly marked throughout the building. Students are given an orientation on evacuation routes during the Arrival Workshop.

DIS has taken a number of measures to maintain a high level of student safety. Among these are:

1. Contact with Authorities

Access to the DIS building is restricted and requires a code which is given to students at the beginning of their stay.

DIS is included among the institutions in Denmark covered by the Security Section of the US Embassy in Copenhagen. This means as standard procedure, the US Embassy issues a full list of US DIS students, their local addresses and passport numbers to the Security Section for registration at the beginning of each semester. 2.

Security Advising

Protection

On study tours in Europe, students ride in Danish buses and are registered as Danish, not US, tour groups in hotels, restaurants, etc. Students live dispersed all over the Greater Copenhagen area, either in private homes or in student housing (kollegiums). Students living in kollegiums are dispersed among different blocks and floors.

DIS students are given printed and oral security advising upon arrival in Copenhagen. 3.

Communication: Students to DIS

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Foreign Embassies To find a specific embassy or consulate, visit www.embassiesabroad.com Temporary residents in Denmark should contact their embassy in an emergency if all other avenues of assistance have been exhausted (lost passport, accident, etc.) â&#x20AC;˘

Other Useful Websites:

The U.S. State Department has launched a website designed for students and their parents. Check out http://studentsabroad.state.gov/

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“

$3 for a grocery bag!

“I went to Netto, a local grocery store and soon realized that although 95% of Danes speak English, Danish was still the native language and everything was in Danish. My first shopping experience was like trying to solve a crossword puzzle without understanding the alphabet, which included the newly introduced vowels æ, ø and å. After what felt like hours of playing decode the food mystery, I went to pay for my groceries and realized the cashier wasn’t giving me a bag. After slight laughs from the Danish people behind me, I was told that I had to pay for the bag. With a smile and a possible recognition of my foreign ignorance of Danish culture, the guy charged me 17 kroner for the bag. I thought to myself, ‘Wow $3 for a bag! That must be a Danish thing.’ I later found out that I had been cheated and the guy probably pocketed the extra change.

“

This, among many other experiences quickly taught me that no Wikipedia article or anthropological theory can fully prepare you for a culture.”

Winnon Brunson Jr. Grinnell College MPP Program, Fall 2008

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Grocery Goods Bring kroner for grocery shopping- credit cards are not accepted everywhere! • What’s available? Going into a Danish grocery store may seem overwhelming at first, with many unfamiliar products and all the labels in Danish, but have no fear, because it is one of the best learning experiences. Take some time to look up the translations of your favorite foods, or go into a grocery store and write down the words you cannot figure out to look up later. Also, don’t be afraid to ask shoppers around you for help! Don’t be alarmed if you cannot find your favorite cake mix or Easy Mac; many Danes cook dishes from scratch, and this is a great opportunity to improve your cooking skills and learn some new dishes. Daily grocery shopping can be done in different places, ranging from discount shops to more specialized, expensive shops. Netto, Aldi, Rema 1000 and Fakta are the least expensive grocery chains, while ISO, Super Brugsen, Irma and Føtex tend to be a little more expensive, but provide a wider selection. You will also see many fruit/vegetable/flower stands on the streets of Copenhagen. These stands are great places to buy cheap produce, that are still great quality.

Denmark also has many 7-Eleven stores and they are open 24 hours. Although this chain is a definite US influence, they have been said to be a ‘savior’ to many DIS students in need of a quick stop for basic grocery items.

• Vegetarian Shopping Vegetarians and vegans should be able to get by reasonably well in Denmark. Your best bet for purchasing items is to visit local kiosks that have vegetable stands. Many products such as spices, beans, and rice can be found there. Danish restaurants and cafes commonly serve a variety of salads, and vegetarians can often find something suitable at the smørrebrød counter as well. See www.dis.dk/vegetarians for more information. For a directory of grocery stores, including organic, kosher and ethnic, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87. For an English-Danish grocery shopping vocabulary list and to see what typical grocery items cost, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87.

There are quite a number of supermarkets around Nørreport Station. There is a Netto conveniently located on the walking street, Fiolstræde, on the way to Nørreport from DIS, via Frue Plads. • General Opening Hours Grocery stores like Føtex, Kvickly, and Bilka among others are open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday-Friday. Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but check with your local store. The above listed stores are open the first Sunday of each month. Døgn Netto, Irma City, and Fakta Quick have slightly different selections than the regular Nettos, Irmas, and Faktas but are generally open until 10pm each night and for a few hours on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Go to

www.dis.dk/vegetarians

The kiosks at Copenhagen Central Station are open until 10 pm or midnight. There is also a supermarket with a reasonable variety of fresh and frozen foods open daily at the Central Station. 123

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Clothing & Misc. • Strøget- the place to stroll & shop! Strøget runs right through the heart of Copenhagen, connecting Rådhuspladsen (City Hall) to Kongens Nytorv. This winding pedestrian street has just about every shop conceivable in its path. The stretch closest to Rådhuspladsen is mainly dedicated to young fashion, and leading up to the stretch closest to Kongens Nytorv is where you will find the more exclusive stores where shopping becomes more expensive. You will also find the multi-floored emporiums of Illum and Magasin (biggest in Scandinavia) as well as a potpourri of bakeries, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and much more on Strøget. • Tiger and Søstrene Grenes-Cheap Goodies! If you are looking for notebooks, pens, travel shampoo bottles, picture frames or just a little gift to give a friend, look no further than Tiger or Søstrene Grenes, also called “All Over the World.” These stores have all types of knick-knacks for cheap prices. There are Tiger stores located all over Copenhagen, including one near DIS in Rådhuspladsden and one right by Nørreport Station. Søstrene Grenes is located on Strøget, close to DIS as well. • When are stores usually open? Most shops open at 9 or 9:30am and remain open until 5:30pm Monday to Thursday. On Fridays many shops are open until 7 or 8pm. On Saturdays most shops close at about 2pm, with some larger department stores remaining open until 4pm. Most shops are closed on Sundays. • VAT The rate of Value-Added-Tax (locally known as MOMS) is 25 percent in Denmark. Some goods, such as alcohol, tobacco carry an additional tax. Prices in Denmark already include the VAT, which is why the cost of living in Denmark will be more expensive to the visitor. For more information on shopping in or around Copenhagen, as well as a directory of some stores, please visit the DIS Forum for Arriving Students: http://forum.dis.dk For directions on navigating to these files and resources, see page 87. 125

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Dear Copenhagen, “After calling you home for nearly four months now, I have been continually charmed by nearly ever corner and every new city space that I discover. Despite being here through the bleak bulk of winter, I find that my most cherished memories will be of the outdoors, and of spending time in the public spaces that are delightfully strewn across the city. Whether it be a casual walk through Frederiksberg Plads, a romp through Fælledparken, biking down Nørrebrogade every morning, picnicking along Islands Brygge, or reading on a sunny park bench in Vesterbro, each spot and journey seems perfectly choreographed, and I am merely a guest dancer in the local Danish ballet of perfect urban inhabitance.

“

Dear Copenhagen, thank you for all of your corners, cobblestones, bike lanes, and other beautiful and emotional spaces and experiences. I hope that i will be seeing you soon, in the life and spaces of other cities around the world.”

Tiffany Chu Massachusetts Institute of Technology AD Program, Spring 2009

For information on restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, arts, entertainment, attractions and/or accommodations, please consult the DIS Forum for Arriving Students. Go to

forum.dis.dk

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Suggested Items Important documents to provide to friends/family: • • • • •

Copy of your travel itinerary and contact information Photocopy of your passport, credit/debit cards DIS Parent Contact Card Your DIS housing Information Your PicCell cell phone number (if applicable)

Carry-on Luggage: Most commercial airlines now have new regulations regarding what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on luggage. In general, there are some very important items you will NOT want to pack in your checked baggage; rather, you will want to have them handy at all times and packed in your carry-on bag: Important Documents, papers, etc • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

This Pre-Departure Guide! Passport Plane Ticket! Bring your receipt & itinerary print-out if it is an E-ticket Medication Non-DIS travel/health insurance documents* Money: Credit/Debit card and cash, if you wish Photocopies of plane ticket, passport, and debit/credit cards in case they may need to be replaced DIS Emergency Card DIS ‘Arrival Procedures’ Sheet (located in pre-departure packet) Map of Copenhagen 2 passport photos for Danish Residence Permit, you may want to bring more for ID cards, gym membership, etc. DIS luggage tag with your contact information Student ID Card from home university International Student ID card (ISIC) optional

You may also want to have a few personal items in your carry-on in order to make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Consider including items like a water bottle (empty when you go through security), a book, a toothbrush/ toothpaste and a change of clothes and underwear in case of flight delay/ cancellation.

Suggested items for your checked baggage: Less is more. Although just about everyone will caution you to pack light, packing can be a very personal process. You want to have as many comforts in Denmark as you have at home, yet you know you can’t bring everything with you. Also, part of the reason you are going abroad is to get out of your comfort zone and away from home; therefore, you will have to prepare to make do with fewer things! • Weight Restrictions! Not only does your airline have a baggage limit, but you will have a space limit at your residence in Denmark. When you travel, you probably won’t want to lug around, or pay to store, all the stuff you’ve brought with you. You are most likely going to acquire things in Denmark, including souvenirs, clothes, gifts, etc… You will need some extra packing space in order to fit in these newly acquired items. Clothing Bring clothing that can be layered due to the changing weather. Here are some suggestions: • • • • • • • •

Umbrella & Raincoat (rain can be expected year round) Shoes & Boots: Consider comfort, fashion and practicality Underwear & socks Short/Long Sleeve Shirts, Lightweight Jacket Jeans, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses Warm clothes for the winter! Sweaters and/or fleece Warm overcoat, gloves/mittens, winter hat, scarf Nice outfit for formal occasions, including study tours for EP, GE & IB students • Swimwear Bedding Students will be provided with all necessary bedding (sheets, duvet, pillow & towel) upon arrival. Packing these items is not necessary.

*DIS insurance documents will be provided once in Copenhagen. 131

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Toiletries

Additional tips

• • • • • • • •

Bring an inventory list of the items you packed in your checked baggage, in case you need to make an insurance claim on lost luggage.

Soap and shampoo Lotion Deodorant, cologne, perfume Toothbrush and toothpaste Comb/hairbrush Sun care: Sunscreen, lip balm, aloe, etc. Shaving and nail care items Other toiletries/cosmetics as desired

First-aid kit • Prescription Medication w/ doctor’s note (see Health & Safety section for more info) • Asprin/Tylenol/Ibuprofen/etc. • Bandages & antiseptic

Space-saver compression travel bags are a practical way to conserve space in your checked luggage, at a reasonable cost. Space-saver bags can be found at most department stores in the travel section. Or visit websites such as: www.storagekaddy.com Useful websites for traveling abroad, culture, and packing: • The Complete Traveler - www.onebag.com • Travelite - www.travelite.org • The Art of Travel - www.artoftravel.com

School Supplies • • • •

Backpack for class & day trips Laptop & lock (if owned) External hard drive or USB drive Note taking items (can also be purchased in Copenhagen)

Electronics & Misc. • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Converter (if necessary for small electronics) 2-3 Adapters (required for all US electronics) Sunglasses Sewing kit Pack of Cards Favorite recipes (to cook for host family/roommate/friends) TSA approved luggage lock & small lock for youth hostel lockers Camera iPod or MP3 player Journal to write about experiences abroad Paperbacks or travel guides for pleasure reading Small gift for Danish host family/roommate/friends in Denmark A few family photos (so you don’t get homesick)

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Special supplies for Architecture & Design students Students are encouraged to bring a supply of their own design materials with them to Copenhagen as these items are more expensive to purchase in Copenhagen. Please review the following list of suggested items to bring with you for your required studio and elective courses: • Basic drafting equipment- pencils, pens, erasers, triangles, lead holders and varied lead weights, etc. • A sketchbook (for field study/tour assignments) A metric scale (1:100, 1:200, 1:400, 1:500) as projects will be completed using the metric system • Basic model building equipment- scissors, cutting edge, exacto knife and blades, crazy glue, drafting tape, etc. • Rolls of trace • Media of your choice- watercolors, brushes, chalk, oil • Pastels, charcoal, sharpees, etc...

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Architecture & Design elective courses work with a variety of media. The following are media that may be required for different class sessions: Supplies for students enrolled in Information Design Studio: • • • • • • • •

Digital camera A sketchbook (size A3 or A4) Trace paper Sketching pencils Markers & pens Ruler Small cutting mat X-acto knife with blades

Shipping supplies to DIS in Copenhagen: You may want to consider packing a box of all of your studio supplies and mailing it to DIS prior to your departure. Via air-mail, this takes approximately one week, via boat- approximately 4-6 weeks. Please mail your supplies as follows:

DIS, Danish Institute for Study Abroad c/o: Your Name Vestergade 7 DK-1456 Copenhagen K Denmark

Supplies for students enrolled in Visual Journal (fall and spring) or Urban Design Journal (fall only): • • • • • • •

A sketchbook Any variety of charcoal sticks, lead sticks, oil pastels, soft lead pencils, etc. India ink and paint brush(es) 2B or softer pencil leads White chalk, white charcoal, white oil crayons, and/or white colored pencils Watercolors, paint brush(es), and water containers Turpentine, Acetone, and Gesso

Supplies for students enrolled in Digital Design Journal: • A sketchbook • A digital camera • A variety of drawing pens, pencils, and mixed media Supplies for students enrolled in Watercolor (spring only): • • • • • 135

•

A brush size 8-10 (animal hair) One A3 (approx. 30 by 42cm) and One A4 (approx. 21 by 30 cm) watercolor pad where the paper is glued on all 4 sides. Weight: 120-130 lbs. Base palette Water colors (solid or paste): new gamboge (warm yellow), alizarin crimson (cool red), french ultramarine (reddish blue), viridian (green) Earth water colors: yellow ochre, raw umber and light red (warm red) winsor blue, winsor violet and paynes grey Water container and color mixing bowls & blotting paper

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