IPC 2014

Montebello Allé 1 Tel. +45 4921 3361

3000 Helsingør Fax +45 4921 2128

Danmark e-mail: ipc@ipc.dk

www.ipc.dk

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IPC Student Guide

Contents

History of IPC and the “Folkehøjskole” .................................................................... 4 IPC Core Values ........................................................................................................... 5 IPC Guidelines for Student Conduct ......................................................................... 5 Important Things to Know before Leaving Home ................................................... 7

Danish Climate ........................................................................................................................ 7 Health Insurance ..................................................................................................................... 7 Theft Insurance ........................................................................................................................ 8 Banks and Money .................................................................................................................... 8

What Should I Bring With Me to IPC ....................................................................... 8 Packing List .............................................................................................................................. 8 Pocket Money .......................................................................................................................... 9

Arrival in Denmark ...................................................................................................... 9 How to get to IPC .................................................................................................................... 9 Arrival at IPC ......................................................................................................................... 10

Daily Life at IPC ......................................................................................................... 10 Daily Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 10 Morning Fellowship ................................................................................................................ 10 Teacher on Duty (ToD) .......................................................................................................... 10 Class Attendance ................................................................................................................... 11 Housekeeping ........................................................................................................................ 11 Cultural Evenings ................................................................................................................... 11 Your Guests ........................................................................................................................... 12 Other Groups at IPC .............................................................................................................. 12

IPC Facilities ............................................................................................................... 12 Kitchenettes and Student Kitchen ........................................................................................... 12 Washing and Ironing .............................................................................................................. 12 The Rooms ............................................................................................................................ 12 Computers ............................................................................................................................. 13 Wireless Internet Access......................................................................................................... 13 The Office ............................................................................................................................. 13

Teachers at IPC ............................................................ Fejl! Bogmærke er ikke defineret. Other Staff Members at IPC ....................................... Fejl! Bogmærke er ikke defineret. You Know You’ve Been in Denmark for too Long if: ............................................. 13 Important Telephone Numbers ............................................................................... 15 Map of the School ...................................................................................................... 16 Map of Helsingør ........................................................................................................ 17 Personal Notes ........................................................................................................... 18

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Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to a truly international experience at the International

People’s College (IPC). You will get the chance to learn more about yourself, your

culture and the world by interacting with and learning from fellow students and

teachers from various places around the globe. If you use this experience to the

maximum, it may very well be one of the most unforgettable times of your life. You

will have lots of possibilities to discover important things about yourself as well as to

learn to appreciate and to enjoy living, sharing, studying and working together with

people whose personal and cultural backgrounds are very different from your own.

IPC was established in 1921 and since then it has been a place where

more than 60,000 students have started some of their best and most enduring

friendships. Quite a few met their future spouses too. IPC has been a place inhabited

by people whose awareness of and commitment to inter-cultural dialogue,

understanding and respect makes life a rich and rewarding road along which to

travel.

Despite the responsibilities associated with living in a multicultural

community, our former students have repeatedly expressed a common view of IPC

life: A stay at IPC leaves deep and lasting imprints on the way you understand and

appreciate yourself and your culture, as well as other individuals and their cultures.

When you are packing your bags for your trip to IPC, remember to

bring lots of jokes, stories, recipes, CDs, DVDs, photos, songs and musical

instruments from your own culture. Of course, the most important tool to bring is

a pair of super ears. Each and every member of the IPC community has her/his

individual story to tell from which everybody can learn something valuable.

A student at IPC is an active partner in a free and dynamic dialogue

among different but equal individuals. Every person has the right to free expression,

to be heard, to remain different, and to shift opinions. Different points of view at IPC

mean multiple sources of knowledge, wisdom and inspiration.

However, no one but you can guarantee that you will fully benefit from

this opportunity. Just like in so many other situations in life, what you gain here

depends on how much willpower, openness, time and energy you are ready to invest

in your stay. The more actively you participate, the more you benefit.

So let's make this term the best ever, being fully aware that each of the

previous terms for the past decades has claimed theirs to be the best. Feel at home

here as if IPC would be your home forever.

Søren Launbjerg, Principal

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History of IPC and the “Folkehøjskole” In its earliest years, IPC was a very modest place that depended a great

deal on the manual work of the students. Its founder, Peter Manniche, believed that

if people from countries that had been former enemies could live, work and study

together in the context of a folkhighschool (folkehøjskole), this would be part of a

small step towards international understanding.

Established in 1921, the college buildings consisted of a run-down manor

house, a small cottage (the yellow house at entrance) and a large farm building used

as a barn for housing horses and livestock. When you come to IPC as a student

today you don’t have to live above the farm animals or have your meals served in the

basement of the Manor house - the accommodation today is of course modern - but

the ideals of IPC are still the same as those of the founder, Peter Manniche. They

have their roots in the Danish Grundtvig/Kold (named after the inspirers)

folkehøjskole tradition but placed in the context of an international meeting place for

cross-cultural learning.

Peter Manniche’s ideals have stood the test of time and our founder

received several honours in recognition of his achievements as the leading Danish

adult educator and worker for peace and international understanding. Such

recognition included the nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by a Danish Prime

Minister; the preface to one of Manniche’s widely read books being written by Indian

Prime Minister, Nehru; an honorary doctorate from Springfield College,

Massachusetts, for distinguished services to adult education.

IPC has always been a landmark institution in international adult

education and indeed the first UNESCO international conference on adult education,

Confintea, took place at the college in 1949.

So when you come to IPC you are placing yourself in a long-standing

innovative tradition: not only will you be taking part in a folkehøjskole course, but

chances are that you could also participate in a conference with an international

perspective or meet with groups of overseas adult educators.

IPC has a colourful history: in the forefront of progressive education in

the nineteen twenties; a leading centre for the liberal education of unemployed

workers in the Depression-ridden thirties; survival, even though evicted from its

own premises for part of the German occupation in the forties - indeed right up to

the present time IPC has always been a lively place.

So, welcome to IPC. You are joining a continuing experiment in

international adult education working for peace and international friendship. Your

contributions to the life of the college are important and we wish you a life-

enhancing stay with us.

(You can read more about the history of IPC in a book written by Max Lawson: The

International People’s College 1921-96: A Celebration of 75 Years of Working for Peace

and International Friendship. The book is for sale in the IPC office.

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IPC Core Values

The International People’s College is a community where people

from all over the world live, study and work together to promote peace,

sustainable development and international understanding. As a community, it

abides by the following principles:

Respect for and openness to cultures, views, and opinions different

from one’s own (not closed-mindedness or intolerance)

Gender equality (not sexism)

Democratic consultation in matters affecting the community (not

authoritarianism)

Respect for life and non-violence (no harm to others, not force over

principled discussion)

Promotion of community and social responsibility, sensitivity to the

presence and needs of others (not selfish individualism)

Sustainability, stewardship over community resources (not wastefulness or

abuse of natural and human-made resources)

IPC Guidelines for Student Conduct

Care for each other

One of the best things you can do at IPC is to learn to care for

your fellow students. In caring for each other’s wellbeing you enhance the spirit

of the term and your own welfare.

Care for the school

IPC will be your home for a long period. Any mess you create spoils

the environment and the atmosphere of the place. As part of caring for each

other, take the time to clean up your spills, your dishes, paper, etc. The effort to

do so will earn you the goodwill and readiness of your fellow students.

Gender equality

At IPC women and men have equal rights and common

responsibilities and play an equal role in student matters. You are all

encouraged to reflect upon your gender biases and how they might affect

gender equality at the college.

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Attendance in class

Under the law covering Danish folkehøjskole, you must attend a

minimum of 28 hours of lessons per week. If you fail to attend class without

any reasonable excuse, you may jeopardise your stay at IPC or affect your final

certificate. Any absence should be agreed on with your class teacher

beforehand.

Important:

During your stay you are only allowed to travel if this does

not affect your ability to attend your chosen classes. In cases of

serious illness in your family (or activities important to your future

education or working life) permission for leave can be granted by the

principal – but only if your reasons are thoroughly documented. 2/3

of your stay at IPC are funded by the Danish Ministry of Education

and the school has to ensure that you are actually here actively

participating in our activities.

No drugs

If you use and/or sell illegal substances such as hash/marijuana on

the premises of IPC, you will be expelled. Excessive use of alcohol may also

lead to expulsion.

Noise

Be considerate about the noise you create at night because it is not

fair to disturb other students who may be trying to sleep. During weekdays

(from Sunday evening to Friday morning) any music should not exceed 40

decibel on the CD player and/or other sound equipment after 10 p.m.

Vigorous debate

IPC encourages dialogue across cultures and recognises that

conflicts may arise as a result. You are encouraged to express your views

openly and assertively. You are also encouraged to lend a listening ear to the

other party in any conflict. Threatening behaviour and physical violence are, of

course, not acceptable and may result in exclusion from the school community.

Respect for property

If you damage property deliberately or through negligence, you may

be asked to pay for the damage or be expelled. IPC property and equipment

also belong to the students who will come after you. Similarly, the property of

your fellow students should be respected. Utensils, cups, and plates from the

Kitchen and Dining Room do not belong elsewhere. Please do not remove

them. The Student Kitchen downstairs has a supply of plates and utensils

available for private use.

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Local codes of behaviour

As in any society, Denmark has written and unwritten codes for

proper behaviour. During IPC excursions to local institutions such as museums,

schools and offices, observe and show respect for these codes. Your teacher

will brief you on proper behaviour before setting off.

Danish Law

IPC students are expected to keep within the boundaries of Danish

law at all times.

Important Things to Know before Leaving

Home

Danish Climate

The weather in Denmark is very unpredictable; in the morning the sun

may shine and it is warm, but in the afternoon it may rain and be cold.

If you are enrolled for the Autumn Term the weather will probably be

nice and warm with a mixture of sun and rain for the first month, but then gradually

it will begin to get colder and windy, sometimes even stormy, ending around

December with the possibility of snow and frost. Also the daylight will be affected.

You will start with around 16 hours of daylight and end up with only 9 hours of it.

If you are enrolled for the Spring Term it is the other way round. When

you arrive, it will be cold and there might even be some snow. By March it will begin

to get warmer and hopefully end up by being sunny and warm summer weather. It is

the same with the daylight. It will start at around 10 hours of daylight and gradually

continue to increase to 18 hours of daylight.

Health Insurance

If you are going to stay in Denmark (at IPC) for more than 12 weeks,

provided that your residence permit is in order upon arrival in Denmark, you will be

covered by the Danish Health Insurance Scheme six weeks after your arrival and

registration at the local municipality. Health care is free of charge and there will be a

reduction in the price for a visit to a dentist (be aware that it is very expensive in

Denmark to see a dentist so make sure your teeth are healthy before leaving).

You will therefore have to insure yourself for your first six weeks in

Denmark. The cost of seeing a doctor is 300 DKK. Please be aware that IPC cannot

cover any costs in relation to illness including transport to doctors and hospitals.

Students coming from EU countries should obtain a European Health

Insurance Card (EHIC) before they leave their home country.

If your residence permit is not in order upon arrival in Denmark, you

will not be covered by the Danish Health Insurance Scheme and should therefore

insure yourself for the full period.

If you are staying for 12 weeks or less you will not be covered by the

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Danish Health Insurance Scheme at anytime and should therefore insure yourself for

the full period.

Theft Insurance

The school’s theft insurance does not cover privately owned articles.

You are therefore advised to insure yourself individually. The school takes no

responsibility for lost or stolen articles. The school has a safe where you can keep

money, flight ticket, passport and other small valuables you might bring with you.

Remember to take good care of your valuables.

Banks and Money

Banking hours in Denmark are usually from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on

weekdays. Banks are closed during the weekends. Please note that banks have

different charges when you exchange money. In Copenhagen you will find a FOREX

exchange, which is free of any charges.

If you need extra money while you are in Denmark, the cheapest and

easiest way to have money transferred is to open a bank account (this can only be

done if you are staying for more than 12 weeks and your residence permit is in

order upon arrival). You will need a Danish registration number (CPR number) to

open an account. It is free of charge to open a bank account in Denmark.

Another very easy way is to bring a VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS or

MASTER card with you as you can withdraw money from any cash dispenser in

Denmark with the above mentioned cards.

What Should I Bring With Me to IPC It can be difficult to think of everything when you are packing your

bags for such a long stay. Therefore we give you this packing list of things that

we know are important – based on the accounts of former students.

Packing List

Warm jacket with a hood (preferably waterproof)

Mittens, gloves, scarf and other clothes items for cold weather

Good water-resistant shoes for rainy days

Sweater or a fleece jacket

Practical shoes for cleaning and exercise

Practical clothes for cleaning and exercise

Slippers (you do not need to go outdoors to get from your room to the

classrooms)

Towels – large and small

Bathing suit (there is a swimming pool in town)

Dictionary (if English is not your mother tongue)

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Pens and pencils, other preferred stationery (for school work)

National flag, costume, music, pictures (especially important for the Cultural

Evenings, see below)

Pictures of your family and home for the Life Story sessions

Pocket Money

Former students estimate that you will need around 800 DKK per

month for your personal needs which should cover shampoo, toothpaste, soft

drinks, bus tickets, stamps, sweets, etc. But it depends very much on your own

lifestyle how much money you’ll spend on average – all the basics will be taken

care of at IPC but if you plan to go out and travel during the weekends, you

must adjust your budget accordingly.

Denmark is a fairly expensive country. For example a Coke is 18

DKK, a packet of cigarettes 44 DKK, a bus/train ride from the school to

Copenhagen and back approx. 108 DKK (or 49 DKK with a clip card), a

postage stamp to e.g. Japan 16,00 DKK, a packet of chips 17 DKK, a piece of

fruit 3-4 DKK.

Arrival in Denmark

How to get to IPC

There is a direct train connection between Copenhagen Airport, the

Central Station in Copenhagen and Helsingør. The trains run every 20 minutes so

you won’t have to wait for a long time if you happen to miss a train.

Before you board the train you

must have a valid train ticket (the price is

approximately 108 DKK). You can buy it in a

machine. If you do not have any Danish

currency, it is possible to exchange money

both at the Airport and Central Station.

Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

It takes approximately one hour from the

Airport and 40 minutes from the Central

Station to reach Helsingør Station.

When you reach Helsingør, which is the last stop, you cross

the street in front of the station and look for the sign for bus

number 801A with the destination “Vapnagård” (5). Don’t be

afraid to ask people on the street, almost everybody in

Denmark speaks English. The ticket you bought for the train

will also be valid on the bus, just show it to the bus driver and

ask him/her to stop at Den Internationale Højskole (=IPC in

Danish), or a stop called Kircksvej, located just before IPC. A

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taxi fare from Helsingør Station to IPC is around 80 DKK.

Arrival at IPC

If you arrive after 2 p.m., please go to entrance A; if it is before 2 p.m.,

please go to the office (see the map in this guide – entrance F).

You will be welcomed by a staff member and shown to your room after

you sign in. During the afternoon there will be coffee/tea and some small snacks in

the Common Room. The first meal that will be served on the arrival day is dinner at

6 p.m. After dinner there will be a formal introduction to IPC and your fellow

students. If you arrive later, you’ll find instructions on what to do at entrance A.

Please note that it is not possible to arrive earlier due to other activities at the

school.

Daily Life at IPC

Daily Schedule

7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. Classes

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Morning Fellowship

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Classes

12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Lunch

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Classes

3:45 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Classes

6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Supper

Weekend schedule differs in that breakfast and lunch are combined into a

pleasant 2-hour brunch starting at 10 a.m. and finishing at noon.

Morning Fellowship

From Monday to Friday we all meet after the first class for a

morning gathering. The Teacher on Duty (ToD) and a selected group of

students run these informal meetings. We sing a song, exchange information on

the day’s programme, make all necessary announcements, distribute mail, share

news from within IPC and from the world and raise issues that students or

staff want to discuss with the rest of the IPC community. We have a cup of

coffee/tea and sometimes different teachers or students prepare entertainment

for others.

On Mondays and Thursdays during the time of Morning Fellowship

we clean our common areas in groups. Morning Fellowship is an integral part

of the timetable and attendance is mandatory.

Teacher on Duty (ToD)

There will always be one of the teachers on duty around the clock.

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The name of the teacher and the telephone number is listed on the blackboard

in the Common Room so in case of an emergency there will always be

someone to contact.

Class Attendance

According to the rules of the Danish Ministry of Education every

student must take a minimum of 28 lessons per week (a lesson is 45 minutes).

During the first days of the term, the teachers will introduce the different

classes that are on offer. You will then compose your own timetable.

Class attendance is mandatory and a failure to attend classes can

lead to expulsion from the college. Attendance at the daily Morning Fellowship

is also mandatory.

During your stay as a student you cannot hold a job outside of the

school.

Housekeeping

Living and learning together does not only take place through

classes and social activities. It is emphasised that all students contribute to the

welfare of the community by performing certain simple housekeeping duties.

Housekeeping includes keeping your bathroom, corridor, room and toilet

clean. Twice a week and by rotation on weekends students work in teams and

clean designated areas of the school. In addition, the students in groups take

turns setting dining room tables and doing the dishes.

Cultural Evenings

On most Saturday nights throughout the term, students from a

particular country or region tell about their homes, their way of life and

customs in oral or visual presentations. These events form both an instructive

and an enjoyable part of the term and are important in the process of

furthering international understanding. Be prepared to participate and to be

creative.

Consider bringing small articles, posters or short movies from your

country to use for these presentations. National flags, costumes, slide shows

(especially those that tell a personal story), music etc. can make your

presentation more interesting. You can also display stamps, coins or handicrafts.

Students sometimes prepare a snack which shows the cuisine of their

homeland. Consider asking your embassy for help. But try not to sound too

much like a tourist brochure. Try to make your Cultural Evening a personal

presentation of what you think is the most interesting and unique about your

home country.

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Your Guests

Guests are welcome at IPC from Thursday night until Sunday

evening. You have to register your guest well in advance at the office and pay a

fee of 200 DKK per night (including the meals). In the arrival package, you’ll

receive a special leaflet with further information.

Other Groups at IPC

IPC is going to become your home during your stay there. At the

same time, it is still a lively educational institution that is open for individual

and group visitors. Please accept these guests as you would your friends’

friends. In some cases it might mean a bit of extra work when cleaning and

dishwashing, in some cases it will be pure enjoyment. Some groups come and

go, other stay for a longer period. You will hear all the updated details when

you arrive at IPC.

IPC Facilities

Kitchenettes and Student Kitchen

You will find kitchenettes in every dormitory corridor. Here you

will be able to boil water for coffee/tea and do your private washing up. In the

kitchenettes you will also find the equipment you need for cleaning your room

and toilet.

In the basement there is a student kitchen where you can cook

your own meals if you need a change from the meals that are served at the

school or if you just want to surprise somebody with a home-made cake.

Remember to keep the kitchen clean and tidy for the next students who want

to use it.

Washing and Ironing

In the basement of the school there is a laundry room with two

washing machines, a dryer and ironing facilities. The price for washing is 15

DKK and the price for drying is 15 DKK. Coins for using the washing machine

and the dryer are available at the office.

The Rooms

There are single and double rooms, which contain a closet for

clothes, some shelves, a desk, a coffee table and an armchair. One double and

one single room form a small unit with a shared toilet and a shower. This will

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be your home and you are responsible for keeping your own room, the shared

bathroom, toilet and corridor clean during your stay.

Clean bed linen is provided every second week.

Computers

There is a computer room at IPC with a few computers that you

can use anytime of the day. There is free access to the internet around the

clock. Many students nowadays prefer to bring their own laptop (= notebook,

netbook, portable computer).

Wireless Internet Access

If you bring your laptop, you can connect to the IPC wireless local

area network (WLAN). For your own convenience and security, please install

an anti-virus program to protect your data.

If you have an inbuilt network card or an up-to-date external

network card with the proper software, you can get instant access to the

WLAN.

The Office

The Office is open for the students between 10:00 – 11:00 and

between 13:15 – 14:30 on weekdays (closed during weekends). At the office

you can buy stamps, postcards, washing (15 DKK) and drying (15 DKK) coins.

You can also send faxes (the price depends on which country you are sending

to) and make photocopies (the price is 1 DKK for each copy).

The office staff will try to help you with any problems or practical

matters that might turn up to the best of their abilities. If they cannot help you

directly, you can be sure they will find somebody who will be able to assist you.

You Know You’ve Been in Denmark

for too Long if:

You find yourself lighting candles when you have guests - even if it is brightly

sunny outside and 20 degrees.

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You think there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

You honestly believe that the distance between Copenhagen and Aalborg is

long.

You find the idea walking across the street when the light is red unforgivable,

even though there are no cars in sight and it is 3am in the morning!

The first thing you do on entering a bank/post office/pharmacy etc. is to look

for the queue number machine.

You say Skål at every sip because you can't find anything else to say.

You can say ”rød grød med fløde”, ”blåbærsyltetøj”, and ”angstskrig”.

You have given up all hope of finding any logic in the pronunciation of the

Danish language.

You know the meaning of life has something to do with the word "hyggelig".

You start setting up Dannebrog (Danish flag) everywhere.

You've become the master guru of bicycle repair.

You know your teacher, doctor and/or in-laws by their first names.

You find yourself reading the subtitles even when watching something in

English.

You have given up trying to find a radio station with good music.

You no longer care about if your shoes match your outfit when invited to a

party at a friend's house. You have to take them off anyway.

You have an insurance on your bike.

You start to miss an openly corrupt government.

You no longer notice all the windmills.

You think it normal for there to be over 10 political parties to choose from.

You think it’s absurd to pay for an education.

You expect to GET PAID to take an education.

You think it’s a human right to get paid 1500€/month for being out of a job.

You think it’s normal to pay 40-60% taxes.

You are not surprised to have the closing door slam you in the face if

following too closely behind somebody. Why should you hold the door for

someone else?!?

You know the rules of handball.

Every time you're in an awkward silence, have the urge to say "jo-jooooo..."

You start to believe that if it weren't for Denmark's efforts, the world would

probably collapse pretty soon.

You have only two facial expressions, smiling or blank.

You dance around the Christmas tree singing carols.

If you are interested in knowing more about Denmark and the Danes, e.g. politics,

government, the Queen, business etc. you can find more information on the

following websites:

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www.denmark.dk – the Official Website of Denmark

www.nyidanmark.dk – the The Official Portal for Foreigners and Integration

www.um.dk – the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

www.kongehuset.dk – the Danish Monarchy

www.ft.dk – the Danish Parliament

www.eupedia.com/denmark/trivia.shtml – Interesting Facts about Denmark

www.visitdenmark.com – the Official Travel Guide to Denmark

www.visithelsingor.dk – the Helsingør Tourist Board

www.louisiana.dk – Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Important Telephone Numbers

Teacher on Duty – ToD + 45 21 63 94 30

Emergency 112

Medical Service (after 4 p.m.) +45 1813

Doctor in Daytime (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Contact the office

Dentist:

Betina Grønbæk +45 49 21 99 60

Stjernegade 22, 1.tv..

TAXI in Helsingør +45 48 48 48 48

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Map of the School

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Map of Helsingør

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Personal Notes

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