Folkehøjskole

Folkehøjskole
Housing Handbook
Map of all DIS Housing
Table of Contents
Letter from your Housing Coordinator .......................................................... 4
What is a Folkehøjskole Like? .................................................................... 8
An Education for Life | The Danish Language and You������������������������������� 9
Adjusting to Life in a Folkehøjskole ........................................................... 12
Traditions and Activities | Differences for DIS Students............................. 13
Folkehøjskole Code of Conduct................................................................. 14
Meal Plan | Alcohol | Smoking | Visitors | Windows ................................... 15
How Do I Get the Most Out of My Commute? | Bike .................................. 18
You and Your Folkehøjskole: Maintenance and Cleaning | Keys��������������� 22
Repairs, Damages, & Missing Items | Cleaning ......................................... 23
Bed Bugs.................................................................................................... 24
Mail | Internet.............................................................................................. 26
What If I Am Unhappy? ............................................................................ 30
Moving Procedure | DIS Housing Policy .................................................. 31
DIS Code of Student Responsibility | Counseling Resources ������������������ 32
Independent Travel .................................................................................... 32
Safety and Security in Denmark | Insurance Information�������������������������� 33
Departure ................................................................................................... 36
Departure Cleaning: Standards and Techniques ...................................... 37
Reverse Culture Shock .............................................................................. 39
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Dear DIS student,
I am excited to welcome you to Copenhagen and into Folkehøjskole life!
It is my hope that your semester abroad will empower you to grow as a
person, develop new academic skills, and gain an understanding of other
cultures, and that you will return to your college with skills, memories, and
friendships that will last a lifetime.
As a resident of a Folkehøjskole, you will have plenty of opportunities to
meet Danish and international students while becoming part of a unique
tradition that has been an influential component of Danish culture for
over 150 years. I hope your experience will give you insight into not only
Danish culture, but into your own culture as well. I encourage you to make
the effort to meet new people and to make your Folkehøjskole your home
while you’re here. I also encourage you to respect the space and your
fellow residents. You will be commuting to DIS every day and participating
in group dinners and events, which may not be what you’re used to back
home. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and ask for help
if you need it.
Where you live is an important part of your study abroad experience, and
it can be tough to transition into a new environment. In this handbook you
will find guidelines that will make this transition into your Folkehøjskole as
easy and as pleasant as possible. If there is ever a problem relating to your
Folkehøjskole that you feel unable to solve on your own, please do not
hesitate to visit the Housing and Student Affairs office on the ground floor of
Vestergade 8, or to make an appointment with me directly by sending me
an email ([email protected]). Velkommen til Danmark!
Kind Regards,
Anne Skødt Møller
Housing & Emergency Response Plan Coordinator
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What is a Folkehøjskole, you ask? It is a uniquely Danish
educational experience. Students come to and live, take
classes, and participate in various extracurricular activities
at these schools. The catch is, students learn just for the
sake of learning and do not receive grades! I take classes
at DIS and receive grades, of course, but I come back to the
Folkehøjskole every night.
Some people have compared Folkehøjskoles to boarding
school, very very small liberal arts colleges, and even summer
camp. I am so incredibly happy to be living with people my age
from Denmark and from around the world.”
DIS Student Blogger, Spring 2014
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An Education for Life
that all students move in within a month
from each other, meaning everyone is
eager to meet new people!
Most likely, the Folkehøjskole
experience is unlike anything else you
have ever tried! It is not comparable
to any other kind of school you have
ever attended, as it takes the concept
of learning and flips it on its head.
Their principal task is to educate
students for life, meaning that students
go there to take their time to explore
their passions and learn about life
and culture, not to receive grades or
a degree. They are known for their
great social environment, with a lot of
planned events and daily meals, where
all students join together. The social
environment is enhanced by the fact
Though you can’t attend any of the
actual classes your Folkehøjskole
offers, you are encouraged to take
advantage of the vibrant social life and
become a part of your Folkehøjskole’s
community. Spending time at the
Folkehøjskole is very important! Make
sure to join the dinners and hang out
with the rest of the students. They will
be spending all of their time together,
so be sure to make your presence
known and meet the people you will be
living with.
What is a Folkehøjskole Like?
The Danish Language & You
A Folkehøjskole is almost like a rural campus
of a small liberal arts college in the U.S.,
but to truly understand the Folkehøjskole,
explanation is not enough.
Even though the language spoken
in Denmark is Danish, the language
barrier in the Folkehøjskole is not
as great as you might imagine. The
majority of Danes speak English quite
well. Don’t hesitate to ask people to
speak English. Most people are really
good at it but may feel a bit shy or
awkward at first speaking English
with other Danes. Also, although it is
It is a unique Danish tradition that has to be
experienced. The concept was originally
created by Frederik Severin Grundtvig, a
famous Danish priest and poet dedicated
to the idea of educating the Danish people.
The tradition plays a dominate role in Danish
culture today – more than 150 years after
the first Folkehøjskole was founded.
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a Danish tradition, not all students at
the Folkehøjskole will be Danes. Due
to the unique concept, young people
from all over the world are travelling
to Denmark to experience the life of
a Folkehøjskole. While you definitely
do not need to speak Danish to make
friends, it is a good idea to show
interest in learning some Danish words.
It shows a positive engagement in the
other students’ lives.
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There is a unique social situation in Folkehøjskoles, which is
what made my experience in Denmark so fantastic, as well
as giving me an awesome amount of cultural immersion. I still
spend a lot of my time with Danish friends that I met there.
That’s not to say it didn’t take effort, at the beginning. All of us
DIS students actively strategized on how to integrate ourselves.
We always sat only two Americans to a table to avoid making
an “American group”, but also to have enough presence that
people would speak English.”
DIS Student Blogger, Spring 2014
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Adjusting to Life in a Folkehøjskole
Traditions and Activities
Don’t forget that studying abroad is all
about new experiences, and stepping
outside of your comfort zone. You play
a big role in ensuring the success of
your housing experience. You should
be open and frank and respect the
other students and the facilities. You
should treat your Folkehøjskole as if
it were your own property. The people
Each Folkehøjskole has its own
unique traditions and activities,
including morning assemblies, sporting
events, cultural discussions, themed
parties, and community singing. The
Folkehøjskole and community singing
have gone hand in hand ever since
Denmark’s first Folkehøjskole opened
you live with will see you both as an
individual, a DIS student, and as an
ambassador for your home university
and country. When you show interest
and respect for those around you,
along with your physical surroundings,
you will also be met with interest,
openness and respect.
in 1844. For the first 50 years different
schools used different songbooks. But
at the end of the last century they all
joined forces for the publication of a
common songbook. While the songs
are, of course, in Danish, community
singing is a fun way to foster a sense of
community.
Differences for DIS Students
Since you will not take classes
alongside the other students, you
will have a slightly different lifestyle
than your peers. You will be taking
more traditional classes that will be
graded, and will require you to study,
write papers, and participate in group
projects. Don’t let this difference
become what isolates you from
the rest of the students. Past DIS
students living in a Folkehøjskole
have recommended studying in the
common areas, and prioritizing group
dinners with their Folkehøjskole
over other social engagements in
order to be included in the special
community feeling that surrounds the
Folkehøjskole.
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Living in a Folkehøjskole requires you
to use your time wisely in order to have
a positive experience. There may be
times when an academic engagement
conflicts with group dinner, or another
social activity that you would like to
attend. Know that you may not be able
to participate in everything, but that this
is okay. As long as you make an effort
to meet the people you will be living
with, and to get involved in some way,
you will have as much of an enriching
experience as your peers who both live
and study at your Folkehøjskole.
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Folkehøjskole Code of Conduct
Students in violation of these rules will face disciplinary action and
financial charges for damages caused by non-adherence.
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You are expected to inform the Folkehøjskole administration if
anything in your residence has broken or is malfunctioning.
You are expected to air your room out at least 15 min. twice per
day – especially after taking shower (i.e. open your windows).
The furniture, fixtures and other items provided by either DIS or
your Folkehøjskole must be respected and nicely kept. Vandalism
or any other kind of destruction of the property must be reported.
You may not bring tableware and other utensils from the dining
area into your room.
You are responsible for cleaning your room during your stay and
to take part in the cleaning schedule for common areas. DIS
will do a room check half way through the semester. You are
expected to clean your room according to the DIS standards.
Upon departure, your room must be cleaned and emptied of
personal belongings and trash.
Smoking and use of incense is prohibited in your room. When
smoking outside, please follow the rules set by the Folkehøjskole.
Drug use including but not limited to marijuana, hash, ecstasy,
cocaine, speed, etc., is illegal and strictly forbidden in DIS
housing, as well as in Denmark.
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Meal Plan
Smoking
As a DIS student living in a
Folkehøjskole, you will join the other
students for breakfast and dinner in
the dining hall. Since you will be in
Copenhagen taking classes at DIS
during the day, lunch during the week is
not provided. You will need to pack or
buy a lunch, but you will have access
to a shared kitchenette where you
can cook and store your own food for
this purpose. On the weekends, all
meals are included. Please note that
your meal plan will not be in effect
during your travel breaks, or during the
Folkehøjskole students’ travel break.
While the rest of the school is traveling,
you will be given a food stipend from
DIS. See your Fact Sheet for more
information.
Smoking is not allowed in DIS
Housing. When smoking outside,
please do so at least 10 meters from
entrances. However, be aware that
each Folkehøjskole has its own rules
regarding smoking and that you should
follow the strictest in place.
As part of your meal plan, you will be
asked to assist in the kitchen according
to your Folkehøjskole’s staff plan.
This is easy work and something all
residents are required to take part in,
so please do your part and help out.
Alcohol
If you choose to consume alcohol, you
must do so with the knowledge that you
remain responsible for your actions.
Alcohol misuse does not constitute
an excuse for irresponsible behavior
or misconduct. DIS expects that you
follow the strictest rules, whether
they be those set by DIS or by your
Folkehøjskole.
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Visitors
Some Folkehøjskoles do allow
overnight guests for a fee per night.
Please consult the rules for your
particular Folkehøjskole. If your guests
are disruptive it reflects poorly on both
you and on DIS.
Windows
In rain, snow, and frost, all windows
must be kept closed. Please note that
one window in your room is a fixed
window, meaning it should only be
used as a fire exit. Replacing a fire safe
seal costs 1200 DKK and will be at
your expense if broken.
Folkehøjskoles tend to be a bit isolated because
they’re a Danish institution that are specifically
tasked with helping the students “find themselves.”
For the students actually attending Folkehøjskoles,
there’s no necessity to leave. The commute to a
Folkehøjskole is long, but the time on the train can be
used to do homework, to reflect, or take a nap. The
commute is something to keep in mind if you want
to be spending every night in the city. I personally
loved living in the middle of the woods and was able
to use the commute to my benefit.”
DIS Student Blogger, Summer 2013
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How Do I Get the Most Out of My Commute?
Living in a Folkehøjskole as a DIS student means that you will have
up to a 70 minute commute each way on public transportation, as
most Folkehøjskoles are situated in rural areas. It is most likely
totally new to you to take public transportation on a daily basis, and
it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first. DIS provides
you with a transportation pass that covers the commute from your
Folkehøjskole to class, which you can of course use to explore other
parts of Greater Copenhagen.
Students from previous semesters have highlighted their daily
commute as an opportunity to get some reading done. Others have
made use of the free Wi-Fi you find on many busses and trains.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your daily commute, you
are encouraged to do something constructive or worthwhile with your
time, whether it be people watching or studying.
Bike
DIS also provides a bike for you to use for the semester. Your key
will be handed out to you during Arrival Week. If you lose the bike or
damage it in any way, you will be charged the full price for either the
damage repair or a new bike. The cost varies from 100 DKK to 3000
DKK. If your bike is stolen, you are eligible to file an insurance claim.
You can learn more about insurance in the Moving Procedure and
DIS Policies section of this handbook.
TIP:
Familiarize yourself with
the online journey planner
service
Since you will be provided with a bike, it is recommend that you
familiarize yourself with the Danish traffic code and the advice on
staying safe in traffic that DIS provides in the section on cycling in
Copenhagen on the DIS website.
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journeyplanner.dk
You can also download
this service as an app for
smartphones and tablets.
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It has been an incredible experience thus far. Hearing
so many different languages at dinner, playing volleyball
with people from Denmark, Brazil, Japan, the Czech
Republic, and Hungary, having deep conversations
about stereotypes and cultural differences, just goofing
around and getting used to other people’s way of doing
things, I could go on and on for days about the amazing
experiences I’ve had here. There are also fifteen students
from the US living here and these people are awesome as
well. We are really becoming a family and I’m starting to
get really scared of the day that I have to leave this place
and say goodbye to my friends from all around the world.”
DIS Student Blogger, Spring 2014
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You and Your Folkehøjskole:
Maintenance and Cleaning
It is important to treat your room and common areas of the Folkehøjskole with
respect. Cleaning is an integral part of the experience, and not doing so can
reflect poorly on not just you, but on DIS students and Americans as a whole.
At the same time, know that the Folkehøjskole staff is available to help you
with issues regarding building maintenance and upkeep.
Keys
You will receive your room key when you move in from the Folkehøjskole
staff. Your bike key you will receieve from DIS staff on Arrival Day. Do not
lose your keys! If you have lost your keys, please contact the staff at your
Folkehøjskole in the case of a room key and contact DIS in the case of a lost
bike key.
DO NOT CALL THE DIS EMERGENCY PHONE WITH THIS MATTER.
DIS personnel do not have extra keys, and cannot help you with this issue.
Instead, it is recommended that you try to get in touch with your roommate or
a friend from the Folkehøjskole to let you in. You could also stay in a hostel for
the night, but please be aware that most hostels are located in the center of
Copenhagen.
It is a good idea to keep you door locked at all times! If anything is stolen
from your room and it was left unlocked, your loss will not be covered by DIS’
insurance policy. Please see your Fact Sheet to read more about the fees
associated with losing your keys. On this Fact Sheet, you can also learn more
information about your specific Folkehøjskole.
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Repairs, Damages and Missing Items
Accidents happen, but all damaged or broken items in the building are to be
reported to the Folkehøjskole as soon as possible. Please do not call a repair
technician yourself, as your Folkehøjskole might have a contract with their
own company. If you are required to pay for any damages or lost items, you
will be notified by email on the next steps to take.
You will be held responsible for the state of your room when you leave.
Therefore you should be sure to check that your room is not damaged when
you move in. It is very important that you take note of any existing damages
when you move in. If you do not report any damage, it is assumed that
everything is in order and any damage noted at the end of the semester will
be attributed to you.
You are not allowed to paint your room. Holes and scratches on the walls are
also prohibited, and are seen as damages.
Cleaning
It is very important to always clean up after yourself in your room or in the
common areas. Never leave your dirty dishes or pans out, even for a few
minutes. Standards of organization, facilities and cleanliness may vary, but all
residents are responsible for keeping the common areas in good condition–
including you!
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Bed Bugs
Make sure you take the following steps:
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Move all storage, small items, and clothing found along the
under the bed out into the open.
walls and
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Place your bed and mattress, along with any other affected furniture,
vertically, so it can be treated underneath.
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Vacuum your room thoroughly along all edges, corners and cracks.
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Remove bedding and wash at 60 degrees Celsius on the same day as the
treatment.
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Seal infested luggage in a plastic bag and place it in a deep freezer for 24
hours, or wash it at 60 degrees Celsius or above, to kill any lingering bed
bugs. DIS has freezer that can be borrowed upon request.
The treatment comes in a liquid form and is in no way harmful to anything or
anyone other than the bed bugs. All corners of the affected room are treated
and the bed bugs must then walk across the poison so it is absorbed in their
bodies before they die. Bedbugs only appear when they are hungry, so it may
take a long time before they appear.
Do not wash the poison off of anything – you may only vacuum. In case of
the liquid pooling on wooden floors, you should dab the excess liquid off
with paper towels or a kitchen cloth to prevent the liquid from causing water
damage.
Since so many of our students travel around Europe during their time here,
there is a distinct possibility that some of them may at some point inadvertently
bring back bed bugs with them from their travels.
Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They are
reddish-brown and have a flat, oval body that is about the size of an apple
seed. Their bites can cause skin rashes and allergic symptoms.
Bed bugs can easily be spread when people stay in an infested place and then
return home or move to other destinations. It should be noted that “infested”
denotes any amount of bugs. Bed bugs may be spread via furniture, clothes,
bags, suitcases, etc. Possible infested areas include hotels, apartments,
subways, and movie theaters.
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When travelling, we recommend that you check your hotel or hostel room for
bed bugs before settling in. Also, check your luggage before unpacking at
home, clean bed sheets frequently, and vacuum possible hiding spots in your
room regularly.
The telltale signs of a bed bug infestation can most often be found on your
own body and in your bed. Look for rashes or bite marks that may indicate that
you have been bitten.
Also, look for tiny blood smears and bug fecal spots on the sheets or around
your bed. They can be detected by their characteristic smell of over-ripe
raspberries.
If you have bed bugs, you should immediately notify your SRA who will make
sure the exterminators are contacted, so the room can be treated within 1-2
working days. You must take the following steps for the treatment to work:
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Sleep in the room with the bed bugs to entice them into the poison.
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Make sure the room is as hot as you can stand, as this will help to draw
out the bed bugs faster.
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Hold further complaints until after 30 days. Bedbugs can hide for a long
time in cracks until they get hungry, so it can take a while before the last
bed bugs have died.
DIS does not provide a new bed or move students due to bed bugs, since part
of the process depends on a person sleeping in the room in order to eliminate
the bed bugs. If you follow the above steps after treatment, the issue should
clear up in due time.
However, DIS covers the cost of having infested rooms treated. You are
expected to follow the steps listed above in order to facilitate the eradication
of the bed bugs and to prevent the infestation from spreading further. Failure
to comply with these steps will be regarded as negligence and expenses for
additional treatment will be charged to you. The cost varies from 2500 DKK
up to 6000 DKK per room. DIS does not cover any other expenses apart from
the actual cost of the extermination.
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Mail
To have mail delivered to your
Folkehøjskole you MUST ensure that
your name is clearly posted on your
mail box. This is particularly important if
you want to receive your CPR card as
the mail service will not deliver this card
unless the recipient’s name is clearly
posted on the mail box.
Regarding packages, we recommend
that you do not have them sent to your
Kollegium. It can be inordinately difficult
to coordinate a time when you can be
home to receive the package, so you
would be taking the risk of having the
package sent back.
Packages can be sent to the
following address:
DIS
(your name)
Vestergade 7
1457, Copenhagen K
Denmark
You will receive an e mail notification as soon
as your package has been received.
Internet
You will have access to internet at your
Kollegium, provided by DIS. You will be
given a wifi router for your room at the
beginning of the session.
Removing your router from your room
is prohibited. Should you lose your
router or if it becomes damaged, you
will be billed $250.00 for the cost of its
replacement.
Note that DIS cannot guarantee your
internet works perfectly 100% of the
time. If you do experience trouble,
feel free to stop by the Housing &
Student Affairs office. Your SRA may
also be able to provide assistance or
information in case of minor problems;
however, it should be noted that SRA’s
are not responsible for resolving IT
issues.
The DIS buildings are also equipped
with computer labs with free internet
access. The labs located in Vestergade
10 and Vestergade 23 are open 24-7.
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27
Going straight from life on a remote icefield in Alaska to
my first time ever living in a city, not to mention a foreign
city, was remarkably challenging. I missed the ease of life
without keys or money or endless emails, the beautiful
scenery, the constant challenging science and perhaps,
most notably, the people. I mean, I arrived in Copenhagen
knowing no one here. I’ll be honest, it took a few days of
me questioning why I was even in Denmark before I began
meeting people and appreciating this wonderful city. In the
past month, I’ve definitely fallen in love with Copenhagen
and overcome pretty much all of that homesickness. I
definitely still have moments where I miss home, but so
far, living here has been such a valuable experience.”
DIS Student Blogger, Fall 2013
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DIS Housing Policy
DIS strives to find the best possible housing match for each student and we
work hard to ensure that you have a wonderful and hospitable stay in your
housing. We realize that your home in Denmark is where you prepare, and
recharge your batteries for classes. Where you live is also a very important
part of your study abroad experience in its own right: It should, to the extent
possible, immerse you into Danish culture.
What If I Am Unhappy?
Moving Procedure and DIS Policies
As you probably experienced as a freshman at university, learning to live in a
new environment requires some adaptation; every person has different habits
and quirks. It is therefore important to keep open lines of communication
between you and your roommate; however, If a disagreement arises in
your housing, remember that the DIS Housing staff are here for you! We
can support you by listening, discussing your concerns, anddeveloping
constructive solutions to any matter you may experience in your housing
situation.
Moving policy during arrival period
Housing & Student Affairs expects that
students give their housing a fair chance. What
may seem like a wrong match upon arrival
could turn out to be the perfect housing. This is
why we don’t make any moves during the first
two weeks of the semester
We are also more than happy to step in as the third party to mediate
discussion and help you reach a solution through dialogue. You can reach out
to us at [email protected] with your questions or concerns.
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DIS Code of Student Responsibility
Safety and Security in Denmark
The DIS Code of Student Responsibility serves to promote an environment
that fosters a safe and enriching study abroad experience for all of you –
academically and non-academically.
If for any reason there is an emergency where you require immediate
assistance or care please call 112 which is the European version of 911. In
case of a medical issue where you aren’t sure if the matter is an emergency or
not, first call one of the General Practitioner’s recommended by DIS. This info
you can find if you search “doctor” on the DIS website. If they are unavailable
or if it is after 4pm or if it is a weekend, call 1813. It’s a medical advice hotline.
In addition to telling you if you need urgent care or not, you can find out which
hospital has the shortest waiting time at the emergency room.
DIS Code of Student Responsibility is made up of three parts:
1. DIS Student Code of Responsibility (general behavioral goals and norms)
2. DIS Academic and Non-Academic policies (specific rules)
3. DIS Sanctions and Ways of Appealing (sanctions and procedures)
You are encouraged to read the DIS Code of Student Responsibility in its
entirety on our website.
Counseling Resources
As a current DIS student, you have accessibility to the DIS care team who can
advise you if you are in need of support. If necessary, DIS is also able to refer
you to an outside psychologist/psychiatrist affiliated with DIS.
If you are in need of support, send us an email at [email protected] with a brief
description of what you would like to discuss with the care team, and you will
be answered within one business day. You can learn more about counseling
on our website.
Independent Travel
You are required to provide all independent travel itineraries to DIS prior to your
departure. We will keep this information on file in case there is an emergency
while you are traveling. Inform your SRA of your trip, and keep in touch with
your family at home while you are traveling. Please also adhere to your home
institution’s requirements regarding travel.
We ask that you send the following information to [email protected] before
departing on independent travel:
•
Full Name (in the subject line)
•
City and country you will be visiting
•
Flight details, including departure time, arrival time, and flight number
•
Name and contact information of your accommodation
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In case of medical emergency, get someone to escort you to the emergency
room. Follow the following procedure:
•
Order a taxi – call 2727 2727
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Drive to the indicated hospital
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Get a receipt for the taxi journey. There is a possibilty that your taxi fare
can be reimbursed. Visit the Housing and Student Affairs office to inquire
further.
•
Report the accident to DIS as soon as possible by calling the emergency
phone 3067 1000
You can read more safety tips and information on our website.
Insurance Information
As a student enrolled at DIS, you have comprehensive health, accident,
and personal liability insurance, coverage by a combination of the extensive
Danish national health service system and a policy of the ‘Europæiske’
Insurance Company. It is valid throughout Europe, including the EU, additional
countries in central Europe, and the countries bordering the Mediterranean
Sea.
To read the terms of the policy, or to find out what steps you should take in
order to file an insurance claim, please consult our website: DISabroad.org/
insurance.
If you have any questions, please stop by the Housing and Student Affairs
office on the ground floor of Vestergade 8, or email [email protected].
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On Friday, in customary Folkehøjskole style, we had a party.
Not just any party, but a four hour dinner (which is standard
for celebration in Denmark) followed by a goodbye party. The
week had been hectic, with cleaning packing, class wrap-ups,
and for the DIS students, exams and final papers. Our principal,
Rikke, gave a touching speech, which although it was in Danish,
she had the foresight to have English copies available for those
of us who have not quite mastered the language. The moment
when she told us that she wanted to ‘express her admiration
for the DIS students, who had become an important part of the
community’ immediately brought tears to my eyes, both in the
moment, and now, a month later as I remember it.
Because of this experience, I now have friends in Japan,
Iceland, and Tunisia, as well as from many parts of Denmark. At
least one person is already planning to visit me in Nashville this
coming summer, which I look forward to immensely, I’m planning
to visit Iceland this May, and I’m sure there will be countless
other adventures to look forward to.”
DIS Student Blogger, Fall 2013
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Midterm Maintenance & Departure Cleaning
Standards and Techniques
While the end of a session can be busy, make sure you give yourself enough
time to thoroughly clean your room, bathroom, and kitchen before you leave.
Often people underestimate the time it takes to clean thoroughly.
Remember to wear gloves when cleaning, as some cleaning products
contain bleach.
Note: Your Folkehøjskole will do a room check when you’re moving out. Your
room must be in the same, clean condition upon your departure or you risk
being charged for its cleaning.
How Not to Leave Your Room
Departure
A semester at DIS is brief, and it will
come to an end before you know
it. The final weeks of the semester
are very crammed with finals and
program socials, and you may also
want to find time to see some of the
tourist attractions you have been
meaning to visit since the beginning
of the semester. As things get busy,
remember to spend time with your
friends at the Kollegium, and prepare
to depart by packing and cleaning your
room.
cleaned. All bedding, sheets, and
towels should be put away neatly in
the appropriate bags. When you leave
your room, you must lock your door
behind you. If items are missing from
your room because you left the door
unlocked, you will be charged for their
replacement.
It is your responsibility to turn in your
keys and laundry card before leaving.
If your keys are not received, the
lock will be replaced and you will
be billed. Please be aware that the
last day of housing is a firm dealine,
meaning you will not be able to stay
in your room, regardless of your flight
or travel schedule. You will receive
further information about the check-out
procedure approximately one week
before your departure.
You are expected to thoroughly clean
your room, bathroom, kitchenette,
and leave common spaces clean.
Please do not leave behind trash,
food, clothing, books, or any other
items in your room. DIS will take
inventory after you have left and you
will be billed if your room has not been
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How You Should Leave Your Room
37
Room:
•
Wipe down all surfaces and doors in your room and dust off baseboards and
lamps with a moist kitchen cloth.
•
Take out all trash from your room to the appropriate containers.
•
Remove cobwebs that have formed.
•
Sweep, vacuum, and mop the floors, including the space under your bed.
•
Pack your linen, duvet, and pillows into the appropriate bags. Please ask
your SRA about this.
Bathroom:
•
Sink, faucet, shower, drains, and floor - clean thoroughly with the scouring
pad. Pull the stopper out of the sink and unclog it.
•
Toilet - clean inside and outside. Use toilet cleaner (WC Rens) and/or vinegar
for the toilet bowl. For difficult stains in the toilet, pour in a good helping of
vinegar and let it sit for at least two hours, then scrub. Repeat if necessary.
While some of the toilets have pre-existing lime scale build ups, there is a
visible difference between this and negligence.
•
Shelves - wipe down.
•
Mirror - use windex and wipe down.
•
For any grime, mold, or other tough bathroom stains, use cleaning agent
(contains bleach).
•
If you use the shower after you’ve cleaned it, be sure you don’t leave a new
mess.
Reverse Culture Shock
your school may need peer advisors
that can prepare students for studying
abroad. By sharing your experiences,
you will keep your memories alive and
at the same time be able to reflect on
them.
You also need to prepare yourself
for returning home. There is a good
chance you will experience reverse
culture shock, and many former DIS
students report that they experience
a similar sense of confusion upon
returning as they did when they first
were studying abroad. Often they
also report that they have grown as
individuals where the people that have
stayed on campus are the same.
You are also encouraged to explore
organizations in the U.S. that work with
youth exchange. Many of them are
constantly struggling to immerse their
exchange students, and you will be
better than anyone else to put yourself
in the position of someone who has
just arrived in a new country. We hope
that you will learn a lot and enjoy your
semester in Denmark!
The best way to handle reverse culture
shock is to stay in touch with Denmark
and the people you built connections
with, and to share your expertize on
campus. The study abroad office at
Kitchen/Kitchenette:
•
Scrub the counter, sink and faucet with a scouring pad and Cif/Zefir (scouring
cream).
•
Scrub the burners/hot plates. For particularly difficult stains, use the cleaning
agent (contains bleach).
•
Wipe down the wall by the kitchenette as well as the outside of the kitchen
unit itself.
•
Clean the inside of the oven, microwave, and fridge – most people forget
this. The fridge should, of course, be emptied before it is cleaned. No food
is to be left over in the kitchen. If you wish to leave donations to the next
students, please make arrangements with your SRA.
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COPENHAGEN as your home,
Europe as your classroom
DIS COPENHAGEN
Vestergade 7
DK 1456 Copenhagen K
Denmark
Phone +45 3311 0144
Fax +45 3393 2624
[email protected]
DISabroad.org