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Orientation for DFC new Fellows. Stephen Abban 10/09-2011. Living in Denmark. Free country- people are helpful Almost everything works; even if it looks old People in Copenhagen most too fast – don’t worry if your greetings are not responded to Study the currency
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Orientation for DFC new Fellows Stephen Abban 10/09-2011
Living in Denmark • Free country- people are helpful • Almost everything works; even if it looks old • People in Copenhagen most too fast – don’t worry if your greetings are not responded to • Study the currency • Get use calling people by first names; without titles • Just ask if in doubt • Do right thing at right time- people are not racist, just principled (esp. with time) • Few words or sentences in Danish wont hurt
Living at DFC • It mostly shielded community • Make most of the opportunities and facilities • Almost everything is here • If in doubt just ask • Others will talk more about activities
Transportation • Systems are probably the most efficient in Europe • Get difference between one time tickets (validity duration), clipcard, monthly card etc • Local and regional travel www.rejseplanen.dk (plan your journey to the minute; trains and buses) • Best means of moving around is by bicycle • Flights www.momondo.com (you have a schengen visa so no need for too many visas) • Also cruises (DFDS); bus + ferries (e.g. to Berlin) • Cheap flight ahead booked ahead of time: AirBerlin, CimberSteling, Norwegian airline
Clothing • Get one set of good cold weather clothing • Also underwear tights for the cold, and good gloves • Prefer raincoat to umbrella because of wind • Fotex is Ok for most things; Bilka may be better (at Fields); also H&M • Loppemarked can be good place to get some of these • Check basement in block B for some used ones
Loppemarked (Flee market) • People dispose of things they don’t want to use anymore • Some things are relatively new • You can bargin on the price • Located are different places in the city; mostly on weekend • Everything- clothing, electronics, personal effects etc • Please buy wisely; or you will fill your room with junk
Food • General order : Netto, Fakta, Foetex, Kwickly (Superbrugsen etc) • Don’t buy from Irma (mostly organic stuff- expensive). Organic is expensive – look out for O sign. • Buy things from supermarket, not from convenience store like 7eleven, kiosk unless necessary • Central station (Afghan shops) sell tropical and oriental foods • For Ghanaians and others, also African House (www.africanhouse.dk ) • Take note of ‘PANT’ on bottles; you can get your money back when you return it
Religion • All religions and faiths are tolerated • Danes have a Christian history; but current populace is circular • Christians: • Internation Christian Community (Interdenominational; www.getintouch.dk ; Ryesgade 68, 2100 KBH) • International Harvest Church (www.ihcc.dk/ihcc2 ) • Anglican – Saint Albans (www.st-albans.dk ) • Catholic – Saint Ansgar (www.sanktansgar.dk ) • DFC Christian Fellowship – meet every two week for about 1 hour • Muslim: www.islam.dk • Closest mosque is at H.C. Orstedsvej 29C, 1879 FRB C (mostly Turkish)
News • Use internet • Some local stations from home country maybe available online • Copenhagen Post: Danish and international news in English www.cphpost.dk (can be obtained for free in certain places)
Health • Basic medicines can be bought at Matas (without prescription) • Your doctors name, phone number and address is on your yellowcard; you have to call to book appointment (contact DFC office for help) • You have to buy prescribed drugs yourself (pharmacy = Apotek). Contact counselor if you need help with cost
Studies • System of study is different; relies more on understanding concepts and discussion • You will not be expected to memorize much • Make good use of school facilities: printers, copiers; library and electronic books (also for future use)
Lets take up other matters in the discussions. Or you can ask us or the DFC office when in doubt