international student handbook
Transcription
international student handbook
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK Aalborg University Esbjerg - Niels Bohrs Vej 8 - 6700 Esbjerg Practical information for international students WELCOME! On behalf of Aalborg University - Campus Esbjerg, We welcome you all to an exciting and educational stay here in Esbjerg. We´ve gathered some useful information for you to make your stay here a little easier. We hope you´ll enjoy your stay. Heidi Valdkilde Jensen International student counsellor Office: A 227 hvj@staff.aau.dk Peter Kringhøj Accommodation officer Office: A227 pk@staff.aau.dk 1 Practical information for international students CONTENTS WELCOME 1 AALBORG UNIVERSITY ESBJERG 5 THE MUNICIPIALITY OF ESBJERG 5 APPLYING FOR AN EU-CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE FOR EU-RESIDENTS 5 STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE EU 6 STUDENT CARD 6 BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER 7 SCHEDULES 7 OVERWIEV OF THE UNIVERSITY 7 IT-HELPDESK How to get a user account Checking your university email Printing 8 8 9 9 LIBRARY 9 BOOKSTORE 10 CANTEEN 10 STUDENT OFFICE 11 INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 11 ACCOMMODATION OFFICE 12 ACCOMMODATION Finding cheap furniture 12 12 SIGNING UP FOR COURSES AND EXAMS 13 MOODLE 13 FOLLOWING LECTURES Academic culture 14 14 WORKING IN THE LABORATORIES 15 PROJECT HAND IN 15 EXAMINATION 16 2 Practical information for international students Cancelling an exam Failing or not showing up for an exam Exam dates Grading system 17 17 18 18 COMPLAINTS 18 PLAGIARISM 19 TUITION FEE 19 LEAVE OF ABSCENS 19 STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICE 19 TUITION WAIVERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS 20 TRADE UNIONS 21 UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS (A-KASSE) 21 SOCIAL & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Buddy The annual sports day Graduation day Danish language courses Smuthullet Student society (studentersamfundet) IDA Huset (the student house in Esbjerg) Studiebyen Esbjerg Cultural activities 22 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 PRACTICAL INFORMATION Insurance & public health care Getting in touch with a doctor Emergency Dental treatment Theft and robbery Change of address Tax Nem-ID E-boks Finding a job in Denmark Multimedia Tax Bringing your own car to Denmark Leaving Denmark 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 28 28 OTHER PRACTICAL INFORMATION Purchasing a bike Public transport Shopping Banks 28 28 29 30 30 3 Practical information for international students Paying bills Churches Public libraries Phone cards Pharmacies Smoking and smoking restrictions 30 30 30 31 31 31 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 31 USEFUL ADDRESSES AND NUMBERS 32 USEFUL LINKS 33 4 Practical information for international students AALBORG UNIVERSITY E SBJERG Aalborg University Esbjerg is a division of Aalborg University. AAU-Esbjerg offers several educations at both Bachelor and Master level. Chemical engineering, Oil and gas technology Civil engineering Electronics Information technology, IT Mechanical engineering Medialogy, MED Energy Engineering You can find general information about the University and educations etc. at www.en.esbjerg.aau.dk THE MUNICIPALITY OF ESBJERG Esbjerg is located in the southern part of Denmark at the coast of the North Sea. It´s a city of contrast, and offers an exciting combination of culture centres, art and interactive museums, special boutiques, shopping malls, as well as a rich array of cafes and restaurants. Please visit www.visitesbjerg.dk to find more information on Esbjerg. The municipality of Esbjerg also helps newcomers. Please visit the website www.energimetropol.dk for a lot of great information about being a new citizen in Esbjerg. You can also check https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/Pages/default.aspx for a lot of interesting information about coming to Denmark, living in Denmark, cross borders and leaving Denmark. You are also welcome to contact newcomer service at +45 2047 3206 and email piene@esbjergkommune.dk APPLYING FOR AN EU-CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE FOR EU-RESIDENTS If you´re staying more than 3 months in Denmark, you need to apply for an EU-certificate of residence in Denmark. The office is situated in Ribe. The address is Sorsigvej 35. You can find more information if you go to http://www.statsforvaltning.dk/site.aspx?p=5466 The registration will take place at our neighbor university one of the first days in September. You´ll get more information at the welcome reception. How to apply for the EU-certificate Fill in the OD1 form. DO NOT SIGN THE FORM 5 Practical information for international students Bring a passport size photo Bring your passport/ ID-card plus a copy of this Documentation from Aalborg University Esbjerg How to get to Ribe You can take the train from the train station in Esbjerg to the station in Ribe. From here you can take Bus No. 19 (Blue Route). Ask the driver to let you off at “Statsforvaltningen” If you go by car, it´ll take approximately 30 minutes. You´ll find Ribe south of Esbjerg. Opening Hours Monday-Wednesday: 11.00-14.30 Tuesday: 12.00-16.00 Friday: Closed When you receive the letter with your registration from “Statsforvaltningen” you´ll have to go to the “City Hall”, Torvegade 74 to get the personal registration number (CPR-number). Once you´ve received your personal registration number (CPR-number), you´re covered by the Danish Health Insurance Scheme (for more information see the chapter “insurance and public health” page 15) Please remember to send your COR-number to Ronnie Danielsen at the international office at rd@adm.aau.dk STUDENTS FROM OUTSID E EU You have received your VISA before entering Denmark. Some of you will need a stamp from the police. You´ll st find the office for foreigners in Frodesgade 70, 1 floor. They are open Monday-Thursday from 9-12. You can also call at 114 Monday-Wednesday 13-15 and Thursday-Friday 10-12. If you have any enquiries in regards to your visa please contact the office for foreigners or alternatively call the Danish Immigration Service at +45 3396 3626 STUDENT CARD The student card allows you to: Get access to the university buildings outside office hours borrow books at the library attend an examination get student’s discount on books in the AAUE bookstore get discounts on some activities in the city. You have to order the student card at www.unistart.aau.dk. 6 Practical information for international students Once you´ve returned the acceptance and arrival form from the arrival guide sent to you by email, you´ll receive and email from the international office with your username and password for unistart. BEGINNING OF THE SEMESTER At the beginning of the semester, there is a semester meeting with your fellow students and teachers. The meeting will provide information about project work, subjects, classes, etc. Usually, your supervisor is also present. There´ll also be held a welcoming reception for new international students by the international student counsellor, where you´ll be given a little introduction to life as a student at Aalborg University Esbjerg. One of the first days you´ll also meet your “buddy”. A buddy is a student who´ll help you with any questions you might have and will help you to get settled here at Aalborg University Esbjerg. SCHEDULES At www.en.esbjerg.aau.dk/for-students/Schedules/ you can find the complete collection of schedules of the lectures at Campus Esbjerg. REMEMBER: it is your job to be aware of changes throughout the semester. The schedules are integrated into your Moodle calendar. The lectures in the courses you are enrolled will be in your Moodle calendar. Therefore it is very important that you enroll all your courses as well as your project room, your semester room for your semester, and always Study Room Campus Esbjerg. The Moodle calendar can be synchronized to for example your Google calendar or Outlook (introduction can be found in Moodle Video Introduction to Moodle). ! Remember to set the dates when you view the schedules (the fall semester ends January 31st and for spring semester June 30th). OFFICIAL LECTURE SESSIONS Morning: 08:15 – 11:45 Afternoon: 12:30 – 16:00 Breaks during the lessons depend on the teacher. OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY The university is divided into several wings called “fløj” 7 Practical information for international students A. Ground floor: information desk and announcement screen, janitor’s office, library, canteen, auditorium (next to canteen) First floor: Student office, international and accommodation office, staff room, IT helpdesk, B. Basement: “Smuthullet” or the student’s bar, storage rooms First floor: class rooms Second floor: group rooms for students of the first year, printing room C. Basement: lab storage Ground floor: laboratories for biochemistry, fish technology, sampling, beer brewery, class room “Laborantskolen”, auditorium, ACABS research group, machine workshop, concrete lab, material lab, lab for fluid flow studies D. Basement: electronic microscope Ground floor: biochemistry lab, electronics workshop, lab for colloid science First floor: analytical chemistry/instrumental analysis lab E. not relevant H. Building with group rooms for students, or “H-building”. IT HELPDESK HOW TO GET A USER ACCOUNT A user account allows you to: enter the university’s internal pages access the internet from your own notebook using the wireless network to access computers connected to the AAU network access articles and books at the online library (AUBonline) print your documents read your e-mails from your AAU e-mail account You´ll find your AAU-email address at www.unistart.aau.dk. Here you´ll also find the password for the email account. We advise you to change the password the first time, you log in to your webmail. 8 Practical information for international students Aalborg university uses outlook web mail system. To access your email go to http://mail.aau.dk Before using the IT systems you have to go to www.its.aau.dk. It´s very important, you get use to check the e-mail address given by the University regularly. This is the only way you´ll get important information from your supervisor, IT helpdesk and the student office. CHECKING YOUR UNIVERSITY E-MAIL Please visit www.its.aau.dk PRINTING Please visit www.its.aau.dk You´re always welcome to stop by the IT-office at the campus. If they are not in the office, you can contact IT support either by mail support@its.aau.dk or phone 9940 2020 LIBRARY The university’s library is much larger than it appears at first sight. When you have obtained your student card you can borrow books or reserve books from other libraries than Aalborg University. It is also possible to access the university’s network with your login name and password. When you enter the online search site, you can access a large range of articles, periodicals, e-books, newspapers, etc. When you cannot access an article, ask the library staff to help you. At the beginning of the semester, a library tour will be given. It is recommended that you follow this tour (approximately half an hour) so you know how to efficiently use the facilities of the library. The library staff: Karin Kristensen Carsten Heine The online search engine of the Aalborg University Library: http://www.aub.aau.dk/ 9 Practical information for international students BOOKSTORE AAU-Esbjerg has its own bookstore where you can buy your study books or writing materials. You can get a student’s discount up to 10%. You need, however, to show your student card. For binding your project report or other large documents, you can buy a cover at the bookstore or get it for free at the student office. The bookstore can also glue the project for you. The prize is between 18-22 DKK pr. report. CANTEEN The canteen of the university serves warm and cold dishes each day. The week’s menu can be found at the entrance of the canteen The canteen is opened from Monday to Friday 07.30 to 14.00. Since 2001, a smiley system is introduced in Denmark for each company which handles food or drinks. The unannounced inspections cover all regulations concerning hygiene and other areas such as food contamination and labeling. The following smileys are used: had no remarks, or has emphasized that certain rules must be obeyed, or issued an injunction order or a prohibition, or Issued an Administrative Fine, reported the Company to the Police or withdrew an approval. When a company has achieved 4 times in a row the happy smiley, it is rewarded with the elite smiley. 10 Practical information for international students STUDENT OFFICE In order to handle your enrolment details, examination dates and other things related to your study, the AAUEsbjerg has a student office. The office is open between 08.00 and 15.00 on working days. It is located in A.216. You can contact the administration office to: Get a study room for project work Get Information about exams. Please contact the student office before you buy your return ticket in order to plan your exams. Handle information for your home university or (Erasmus) scholarship, e.g. transfer of credits when you go back to your home country. Any questions You can also write to studiekontor@esbjerg.aau.dk INTERNATIONAL OFFICE You can find the international office in room A227. The international student counsellor is Heidi Valdkilde Jensen. Her contact informations are: Office hours 8.00-15.00 hvj@staff.aau.dk Tel. +45 9940 7669 You can contact this office for any questions regarding general things about the University, information about Denmark (trips, events, etc., visa or residence permit) or whatever questions you might have. 11 Practical information for international students ACCOMMODATION OFFICE You can find the accommodation office in room A227 together with the international office. The accommodation officer is Peter Kringhøj. His contact informations are Office hours 8.00-15.00 pk@staff.aau.dk Tel. +45 9940 7672 ACCOMMODATION You have now moved into either a dorm room or an apartment, and we hope the moving in has been okay. If you have any questions, you´re more than welcome to contact Peter Kringhøj at pk@staff.aau.dk or at the accommodation office. Many students have been asking questions about the economy, so here´s a short explanation to the procedure: The 7500 DKK covers the first month rent, the deposit for the room along with a maintenance fee. When you move out of the room. You´ll get the deposit back. You cannot be sure to get it all back. It depends on the state of the room, when you move out. Moving out Important: You´ll have to give notice 3 months before you plan to move out. (We´ll help you remember) We prepare the papers for moving out and once you´ve signed the papers and given us the account number to which the deposit will be returned, we´ll send the papers to the housing association. You´ll also receive the procedures for moving out (cleaning, janitor and keys etc.) from us. You´ll have to contact the janitor a couple of weeks prior to moving out. He´ll then arrange a time with you for checking the room/kitchen and bathroom and possible costs due to damages will be deducted from your deposit (the better you treat the rooms, the more money you´ll have returned) FINDING CHEAP FURNITURE There are many second hand shops in Esbjerg, where it´s possible to find cheap furniture. One is “Frelsens Hær” The address is Ravnevej 2, 6705 Esbjerg Ø. Check the phone book under “ Genbrugsbutikker” You can also check the webpage “ Gul & Gratis” at www.guloggratis.dk. It´s also possible to find cheap furniture in the supermarket “Bilka”, Stormgade 157, 6715 Esbjerg N and in “Jysk Sengetøjslager”, Stormgade 155, 6715 Esbjerg N. 12 Practical information for international students SIGNING UP FOR COURSES AND EXAMS You have to sign up for the courses you´re following. This is done by logging on to http://selvbetjening.aau.dk/. You´ll be introduced to this by the exam office one of the first days after you´ve arrived. Your username is your emailadresse and password the same as the one you use for logging in to your webmail. You´ll receive an email, when the system is open for registration. It is your own responsibility to make sure, you´re signed up for the courses. If you´re not signed, you´ll not be allowed to take the exam. When you sign up for courses, you´re automatically signed up for exams. MOODLE Moodle is a Learning Management System (LMS). At Aalborg University Moodle is used for all on-campus studies as well as for some EVU studies. The primary aim is to give students easy and digital access to their teaching/learning materials (slides, literature links, schedules, tasks). Teachers/secretaries can send study relevant information to their students. But Moodle is and can also be used more interactive by students and staff, e.g., by using fora discussion, online assignments, feedback tools, quizzes, chats. All AAU members, who have an AAU account/email address) can automatic access Moodle. At Aalborg University a range of Moodles installations are hosted. For students admitted to chemical engineering, oil and gas technology, sustainable energy engineering, structural and civil engineering and mechanical design are to use ses.moodle.aau.dk http://ses.moodle.aau.dk/ For students admitted to medialogy, electronics and computer engineering, intelligent reliable systems, intelligent information systems are to use sict.moodle.aau.dk http://sict.moodle.aau.dk/ To login to Moddle you use your email address as username and the password to your email as password. You have to sign up for the courses in Moodle yourself, if they are not there automatically, when you sign in. You do that by using the box ¨search courses¨ in the menu to the left. Remember always to sign up for study room campus Esbjerg. This is where you´ll get information from the student office regarding exams, news etc. You can also find the schedules in Moddle. For more information and guides to using Moodle please visit moodles webpage: http://www.elsa.aau.dk/Moodlestyregruppen.9160.0.html?&L=2&cHash=b4270632fcd33a99c5e8160e50cbad88 13 Practical information for international students FOLLOWING LECTURES Lessons are given according to the schedule for your semester. If a teacher is not able to give a lecture, you will receive an e-mail from the student office. It is recommended that you check this mailbox from daily. The exact details about the lessons are found in the curriculum related to your study programme.. The amount of ECTS points for each subject Teachers who are responsible for the courses How the examination will take place Deadline for submission of projects/assignments Overview of free study activities If you would like to attend a free study activity, you can check the study guide or ask your supervisor/ coordinator. Please contact the student office if you have any questions and also if you need help to find the curriculum. ACADEMIC CULTURE The relationship between teachers and students are very informal in Denmark. So it is quite okay to ask questions during the lectures and to ask for help. You are also encouraged to make appointments with them in regards to project writing. You are expected to take initiative and be able to analyse and discuss the different topics and materials used. It is very important that you show up on time for the lectures. It is very disrespectful to be late. If you are late, then wait till there is a break to enter the classroom. 14 Practical information for international students WORKING IN THE LABORATORIES If you have a project in an engineering-related field, you are more than likely to spend a lot of time in the lab. To be allowed to work there, you need to fill in a Work Permit. The forms can be found in the chemistry lab (top floor D-wing) in front of the staff’s office. After you filled in this form you make at least two copies and have all of them signed by your project’s supervisor. One copy is for the supervisor, and one copy is for you (or your group). You always have to keep a copy of your work permit with you if you want to work in the lab. If you need equipment running over night or over the weekend, you also have to show the form at your workspace. One copy of the work permit has to go to the janitor’s office. He will make sure you can access the building and the laboratories after office hours. It is therefore, necessary to fill out your admission card number in the work permit. If you have not received this card, contact the administration office. If you cannot find the number of the card, let the janitor check it for you. Another major aspect: ask the lab staff for the health and safety aspects in the laboratory! This is mandatory for all students who work at the lab for the first time. It is also much easier if you ask them rather than finding out everything yourself. The lab staff: Dorte Spangsmark Linda Madsen Vivi Øhlin Lisbeth Skou PROJECT HAND IN The dates for handing in the semester project will be announced from the student office. It always has to be handed in before 12 AM. If you don´t hand in the project, you´ll use an exam attempt and you´ll have to wait with handing in the project till the deadline in the next semester. If you get ill and can´t hand in the project according to the deadline, you just have to get a doctor´s certificate from your doctor and plan a new date for handing in the project with your supervisor and student secretary. 15 Practical information for international students You can get the materials for binding the project for free at the student office. You can also have it bound at the bookstore for a small prize. The prize is between 18-22 DKK You have to hand in the project at the student office You have to upload the project in the digital project library at www.projekter.aau.dk. You have to bring the receipt to the student office, when you hand in the project. Check list for project hand in: Hardcopies to supervisor/supervisors and the censor Softcopy to the student office Receipt for upload For bachelor´s and master thesis – the form “titel of final exam” EXAMINATION After you have followed the lectures you´ll have an examination to assess your work. This can be done in several ways: written examinations with the duration of 3-4 hours written projects on a specific topic oral presentations project exams portfolio exams It depends on the lecturer and the curriculum which kind of examination will take place. The teacher is obliged nd to inform you about the exam and aids allowed for the exam on the 2 lecture of each course. The exam dates will be announced when the schedule is published. Always remember to bring your AAUE’s student card with you into the examination. You have to be in the examination room 30 minutes before the exam starts. If you´re late, it is up to your student secretary to decide, if you´ll be allowed to take the exam. One special note about written assignments/projects: the lecturers are very punctual when it comes to deadlines. Even handing it over a couple of minutes after the deadline is not accepted. About written exams: ask well in advance what aids are allowed for the exam. Sometimes, only a numerical calculator is allowed, other times a graphical calculator may be used. The examination room is announced in the exam plan. When you enter the examination room, you find a colored paper with the official details for your teacher and the censor. This form is in English, and you can ask the surveillance team in the room for help. Fill out the form before the exam begins. For written exams you´ll have to be in the room 30 minutes before the exam begins.. If you need to leave the room during the exam. During the exam you can only leave the room to go to the toilet. You´ll then have to contact one from the surveillance team by raising your hand. You´re not allowed to get up before having contacted one from the surveillance team. 16 Practical information for international students Oral exams are in general much shorter than written exams: mostly 20-30 minutes. You have to show up at the examination room 30 minutes prior to your exam. It depends on the teacher and on the subject what questions are asked. Sometimes, you have the possibility to prepare the questions before (a couple of weeks in advance). Before you enter the examination room, you pick a question which you can prepare (in most cases 20 minutes) in another room. When the time is over, you enter the examination room and answer the question. The advantage of an oral exam is that you receive a mark immediately. Project exams: For a normal semester project each student has 45 minutes to present the project. So if 3 students are writing together, the exam will last 2 hours and 15 minutes. All students are in the room during the whole exam. For a Bachelor thesis exam and Master thesis exam, each student has 1 hour to present the project. The exam results will be published in STADS. For written exams the teacher has 4 weeks to rate the assignments. CANCELLING AN EXAM It is possible to cancel an exam. The latest is three days before the exam. Otherwise it will count as an attempt. You have to reassign from the exam in STADS-selfservice. If that is not possible, then contact your student secretary. If you get ill it is of course possible to cancel the exam on the day. You have to contact your student secretary by phone or email. You also have to get a sick note from your doctor and hand it in to the student office within two weeks after the exam. A sick note costs around 200-300 DKK. Without the sick note, the cancellation will count as an attempt. FAILING OR NOT SHOWING UP FOR AN EXAM/ REEXAMINATION If you fail or do not show up for an exam it counts as an attempt. If you´ve failed an exam you´ll be able to sign up for the re exam which is normally planned a couple of months after the ordinary exam. To sign up for reexamination, you have to fill in a form, you can get from the student office. If you haven´t showed up for the exam, you´ll not be able to sign up for the re exam. You can apply to the study board to be allowed to take the 17 Practical information for international students re exam despite having attended the ordinary exam. But most likely you´ll have to wait till the next ordinary exam. Please ask the student office for any further details. We advise you to read the examination policies very carefully, as it is the students own responsibility to be familiar with the rules in regards to examinations. You can find the examination policies here: http://www.en.tek-nat.aau.dk/Official+documents/Program+rules+and+curricula/Rules+and+regulations/ EXAM DATES Exam dates are announced when the schedules are published. Project exams will be announced four weeks before the exam the latest. The exam plan is published in MOODLE. You have to reserve the whole of January and June for exams. Please contact the student office before you buy your home ticket as it isn´t possible to reschedule an exam. You might end up losing money if you can´t get your ticket refunded. GRADING SYSTEM In Denmark we use the 7-point grading scale 12: For an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant material, with no or only a few minor weaknesses 10: For a very good performance displaying a high level of command of most aspects of the relevant material, with only minor weaknesses. 7: For a good performance displaying good command of the relevant material but also some weaknesses. 4: For a fair performance displaying some command of the relevant material but also some major weaknesses 02: For a performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance 00: For a performance which does not meet the minimum requirements for acceptance -3: For all performances which is unacceptable in all respects. COMPLAINTS If you wish to file a complaint in regards to an internal or external examination, an exam result or other matters, you have to send a complaint in writing to the faculty office. For complaints in regards to exams, the complaint has to be sent no later than two weeks after the exam or the announcement of exam result. The appeal must be in writing, with stated reasons and signed. For more information, please go to: http://www.enrolled.aau.dk/student-administration/complaints/ The email for the faculty office is:teknat@adm.aau.dk 18 Practical information for international students PLAGIARISM Aalborg University has very strict rules in regards to plagiarism which can lead to expulsion. Plagiarism is the presentation of another´s work as one´s own. This also includes copying portions of texts from text books and articles without quoting the source. Please ask the student office for any further questions concerning this matter. To get more information go to www.plagiat.aau.dk TUITION FEE It´s very important to remember to pay the tuition fee at the stated time. If your payment for some reason will be delayed please contact Eva Marie Schäfer at ems@adm.aau.dk. For more information go to www.internationaloffice.aau.dk LEAVE OF ABSCENS If you are a full-time student at Aalborg University and you consider taking a break before completing your studies, you may choose to apply for leave. You must apply for eave via STADS-selfservice. For more information, please go to www.enrolled.aau.dk STUDENT COUNSELLING SERVICE The decentral study guidance service helps students with issues related to studying at Aalborg University Esbjerg. The decentral study councilors are students already studying at the university. They can help you with the following topics: Dispensations Change of Study programme Problems with team work Leave Choice of master programme Internship Maternity or paternity leave Personal issues Merits Contact E-mail: de-studvejl@esbjerg.aau.dk Phone: +45 9040 7658 19 Practical information for international students Opening hours Monday 11:30-12.25 Wednesday 12.00-12.25 Thursday 12.00-12.25 You´ll find their office in room H115 in the H-buiding You are always welcome to stop by the international office as well, if you have any questions. You can also contact student counseling service http://www.srg.dk/Default.aspx?AreaID=58 which is an institution under the Ministry of Science, Innovation and higher Education. You´ll find the office in Esbjerg at the following address: Kongensgade 77, 2th 6700 Esbjerg Phone +45 70267500 Email: esb@srg.dk TUITION WAIVERS AND SCHOLARSHIPS New students who have registered for a full-time study programme at Aalborg University but who are not nationals of an EU/EEA country will be charged tuition fee. For full list of tuition fees please see http://studyguide.aau.dk/apply/tuition Aalborg University does, however, grant tuition waivers to non-EU/EEA students. The faculties of Aalborg University were awarded 51 tuition waivers for September 2012. 20 Practical information for international students Students cannot apply for the tuition waivers but will be nominated by the faculties of Aalborg University when they apply to Aalborg University. For other scholarships, please visit http://studyindenmark.dk/study-in-denmark/tuition-fees-and-scholarships The Danish state educational support (SU) SU is generally only awarded to Danish residents. But you can apply for equal status in so far as the state educational support is concerned. You may be granted equal status according to Danish rules EU law For more information, please visit www.su.dk TRADE UNIONS Trade unions are professional associations who work on common goals such as higher pay, rules governing hiring, firing etc. All in all with the goal to improve the working conditions for their members. They can give you advice about pay, employment conditions and any questions you might have in regards to your job. For more information go to www.careers.aau.dk – “about to graduate” UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS ( A-KASSER) If you don’t have a job after graduation of your B.A. or M.A. degree, you are entitled to receive unemployment benefit from an “A-kasse” if you are a member . An A-kasse is an unemployment fund, from where you can receive 13.600 DKK (before tax) pr. month. Membership fees are usually around 450 DKK pr. month. Most professions and trades have their own specialized A-kasse. You can see a list at www.careers.aau.dk of some of the unemployment funds that are relevant for AAU-students. Go to www.carrers.aau.dk and choose “about to graduate” to get more information. You can become a member while you´re studying (often for free) or sign up or within 2 weeks after graduation to be entitled to receive the unemployment fund. It will take 3 weeks after graduation before you are entitled to get the funding. Be aware that the unemployment fund is paid in arrears, so you´ll get the first payment approximately 7 weeks after you´ve signed up for the A-kasse. Unions and unemployment funds are two independent instances. So you can easily be a member of an unemployment fund without being a member of a union. 21 Practical information for international students SOCIAL & CULTURAL AC TIVITIES Studying will take a lot of your time. But you´re probably not here to study all the time! In order to socialize, there are lots of opportunities to take your mind off from school a bit. BUDDY In order to welcome and help new international students get a good start at Aalborg University, the University offers a Buddy service. A buddy is a Danish or international student who- on a voluntary basis- functions as a contact person and will help an allocated international student during his/her first days and perhaps months at Aalborg University. THE ANNUAL SPORTSDAY Every year in September the university holds a sports day. There´ll be different kinds of competitions and will finish off with a party in the evening. GRADUATION DAY For those obtaining a degree from here, there´ll be a formal graduation ceremony either in the end of January or end of June depending on when you´ll be graduating. DANISH LANGUAGE COUR SES The council of Esbjerg offers free Danish classes. You can check www.laerdansk.dk for more information. You´ll recive a registration form from the international student counselor, when you arrive at Aalborg university Esbjerg. The classes are normally held to afternoons every week. It takes place at our neighbor university – the yellow building to the right of the entrance to Aalborg University Esbjerg. 22 Practical information for international students SMUTHULLET AAUE has its own student bar called Smuthullet. Every Friday afternoon the bar opens the doors to every student at the University. There´s no closing time for this bar: It is open from 12.00 until the last student leaves. The bar offers an opportunity to interact with the Danish students. You can play a game of pool, darts, table soccer, card games, etc., or you can have a relaxing drink at the bar (non-alcoholic drinks are also served. Tip: If you´re going with a group, or planning to go more often, you can by a beer card (“ølkort”)This card is valid for one semester, is good for 10 beers, and costs DKK 100,- In the end you save about DKK 20,- with this card. STUDENT SOCIETY The student society organization holds event throughout the year. They usually posts events around at the campus and you can also check their site on Facebook. Search for studentersamfundet Esbjerg. IDA IDA is a union for engineers. If you become a member as a student, you´ll be able to participate in many interesting events at the campus or in the city. Please contact our IDA-contact Alex Westphal Iversen for more information at alex@stud.ida.dk IDA is also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdaPaaAaue HUSET (THE STUDENT HOUSE IN ESBJERG) The place downtown is formerly known as “the student´s house”, and is located next to the city´s library. It has been completely renovated in 2008 and is open for all students in Esbjerg. “Huset” allows students to work during the day and relax during the evening and to socialize with other Danish and international students On the ground floor, you can study during the day. There´s a bar, where you can buy warm or cold drinks. In the evening you can socialize with other students, and forget about school and homework for a moment. Tip: Tuesday evening is a special evening, where “Huset” is open until 22.00; it´s a nice opportunity to go as a group. The top floor is usually open on Friday evening and during the weekend. There are lots of things to do round the house. It is also possible to organize something with a group of people. In the past several students have performed with music, dance etc. The amount of equipment the students can use is very extensive: microphones, projectors, screens, internet access etc. For more information, join the Facebook group, check the website or just drop by some day Facebook: search for Huset I Esbjerg” Web page: www.husetesbjerg.dk. Though it´s only in Danish, but it can give you an overview of what is happening there. 23 Practical information for international students STUDIEBYEN ESBJERG This is a local organization with representatives from all the educational institutions in Esbjerg. They organize several events and acts as a source for information for upcoming and current students. They also offer information in English. Click on the flag in the right upper corner. Facebook: search for Studiebyen Esbjerg Web page: www.studiebyenesbjerg.dk CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Esbjerg is the 5th biggest city in Denmark with close to 85.000 inhabitants. The city was founded in 1868 and is therefore one of the youngest cities in Denmark. You can find a lot of information about Esbjerg and the surrounding areas if you visit the Tourist Information located in Skolegade 33 (Close to the main square in the centre of Esbjerg) They´re open weekdays from 10.00-17.00 and Saturdays from 10.00-13.00. You can also visit www.visitesbjerg.dk for more information. Esbjerg can offer various music and cultural arrangements. At The Music House (Havnegade 18) in Esbjerg you can experience everything from ballet, opera and comedy shows to pop/rock concerts. You´ll also find the famous musical venue “Tobakken” which used to be an old tobacco factory. They´ve renovated the old buildings with respect for its history and is now visited by both national and international artist. Every Thursday evening from around 20.00 at the Academy of Music (Kirkegade 61) the music café is open. Here students from the academy will entertain with different genres. The entrance is free. There are free concerts at almost all the cafés in the city centre Thursday nights. Every year in august there is a festival week in Esbjerg. There are more than 185 events around the city. There is a variety of pop/rock/jazz/opera concerts, sport events and art exhibitions. It is a week full of life. 24 Practical information for international students In July there are free concerts every Wednesday night in park behind the music house. For more information regarding cultural activities, sports etc. please check the Esbjerg brochure given to you in your welcoming folder or go to www.visitesbjerg.dk and www.energimetropol.dk PRACTICAL INFORMATIO N INSURANCE & PUBLIC HEALTH CARE For your own sake, we advise you to take out a proper travel insurance for the full period you plan to stay in Denmark prior to leaving your home country. A general travel insurance will cover you against expenses in connection with illness, injuries, medical and dental treatment and usually also in case of theft. If you are staying in Denmark on a residence permit, i.e. you are staying in this country for at least three months, you are automatically included in the Danish Health Insurance Scheme which gives you the right to free medical treatment by general practitioners and in hospitals. When you register at the Civil Registration Office (The city hall, Torvegade 74, 6700 Esbjerg) you will receive a personal registration number, which also serves as your health insurance number. After your registration you will receive a health insurance card. Remember always to bring the card along when you see your doctor or your dentist. The name, address and phone number of your doctor will be printed on the card. Please note that it may be a good idea to take out a personal insurance to cover e.g. the first 4 to 6 weeks you spend in Denmark, as medical treatment is free only from the moment you have received your residence permit which may take some weeks after your arrival. If your stay in Denmark will last less than three months, you are not automatically covered by the Danish Health Insurance Scheme. The rules applicable vary according to nationality. GETTING IN TOUCH WITH A DOCTOR If you need to see your doctor, you can phone your doctor typically in the morning to make an appointment. The name and telephone number are written on the yellow card. It´s free to visit the doctor, when you´ve received your personal registration number and the yellow card. Always remember to hand in the yellow card to the civil registration office at the City Hall when you leave Denmark. If you need to consult a doctor outside regular office hours (between 16.00-08.00) weekends or public holidays, you have to contact the doctor on duty (lægevagten). Phone 7011 0707. You must only contact the doctor on duty in case of acute illness. You need to call the doctor before going to see him/her. Lægevagten is situated at Sydvestjysk Sygehus (Finsensgade 35, 6700 Esbjerg) to the left of the entrance to the emergency hall. 25 Practical information for international students EMERGENCY In case of an emergency dial 112. Ask for an ambulance, the police or fire-department. State your name, address and the telephone number you´re calling from. Stay by the phone until your information has been confirmed. If you need emergency treatment you can contact the emergency room at Sydvestjysk Sygehus. Phone: 79182137, which is open day and night for injuries incurred within the last 24 hours. DENTAL TREATMENT STAYS EXCEEDING THREE MONTHS: Dental treatment is subsidized, but the amount varies according to the treatment given. You are advised to ask the dentist in advance what the treatment will cost you. Dental treatment is fairly expensive in Denmark. You must always remember to bring along your yellow health insurance card STAYS SHORTER THAN THREE MONTHS For foreigners staying in Denmark less than three months dental treatment is not subsidized. You are therefore advised to take out personal insurance to cover possible dental treatment. When contacting a dentist you´ll be required to pay cash HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH A DENTIST You are free to choose your dentist. Please look in the telephone directory under Tandlæger. Please note that you´ll usually have to make an appointment in advance. If you need to contact a dentist during weekends or public holidays, the dentist on duty can be reached by dialing 65 41 45 51 between 9-12. THEFT AND ROBBERY Should you be exposed to theft, violence or rape, you should contact the police immediately. The phone number is 76 11 14 48 or just 114. CHANGE OF ADDRESS If you change address during your stay in Denmark, please notify the national Register by going to the City Hall. You can also purchase a moving folder “flyttemappe” if you go to the post office. In this you´ll also find the form for the National Register. TAX Everyone in Denmark has a tax card. Most people are allowed to earn approximately 35.000 dkr/y (3000/mo) without paying tax at all. But everyone has to pay 8 % AM (a fee to the government). In order to have a salary paid the salary office at your working place needs your tax-info. If the salary office for some reason does not have the appropriate info they will automatically withhold 55% of the salary for tax. There are several types of tax-cards in Denmark but for students who will not exceed the 35.000/y a “ fri-kort (free-card)” must be activated and the info on the fri-kort must be given to the salary office. 26 Practical information for international students To get the tax card you have to go to the tax office. You´ll find the office in the city of Ribe, south of Esbjerg. It takes approximately 30 minutes by train. The address is Sorsigvej 35 Opening hours: Monday: 10.00-16.00 Tuesday to Friday: 10.00-14-00 To get information on Tax and why you´re paying tax go to https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/Pages/Taxmatters-and-what-taxes-are-spent-on.aspx?NavigationTaxonomyId=77c7d0b9-2133-4085-9ee5-d6d134fd8b28 NEM-ID NEM-ID is a common secure login on the internet. You have to use it for netbanking, taxservice and other public services in Denmark. You can use your NEM-ID from any computer. NEM-ID consists of a user ID, a password and a code card (One time passwords) When you log on, you first enter your user ID and password and then the code from your code card. The code card is a little card the size of a credit card. You can get the NEM-ID via Citizen service centre (go to the “borgerservice” at the Town Hall in Esbjerg) As soon as you have your Danish cpr-number, you can order the NEM-ID For more information go to www.nemid.nu E-BOKS Eboks is a common secure electronic mailbox, where you´ll be able to receive mail from the municipality, regional authorities, banks, insurance, energy and phone companies. If you get a job, most companies will on send your pay slip to EBOKS instead of sending it by regular mail. You have to have your NEM-ID to create your E-BOKS. Go to www.eboks.dk and choose “new user” Then you´ll find a guide to become an E-boks user. FINDING A JOB IN DENMARK It can be difficult to find work in Denmark, as most working places requires the ability to speak Danish. But some students succeed in finding work. For tips on where to look for jobs, how to write an application, you can find useful information at www.workindenmark.dk There are several job sites, where company posts vacant positions: www.jobzonen.dk 27 Practical information for international students www.jobindex.dk www.stepstone.dk You are also welcome to contact the career centre in Aalborg at http://www.careers.aau.dk/ MULTMEDIA TAX This is the tax paid in order to use anything that displays a multimedia signal, such as a radio, television, smartphones, laptops. If you have a television in your common area, someone living in the house is responsible for the payment of the multimedia tax on it. The price for the multimedia tax is 2200 DKK pr. year. It is mandatory to pay this fee. You risk getting a fine, if you don´t pay. In Sct. George, there are no signals for televisions in the rooms. You will have to pay for this in order to get signal, and this automatically signs you up for the multimedia tax. If you want to sign up for a television signal please contact the accommodation officer for more information. In Hedelundvej, there are already signals, but this does not mean that the multimedia tax has been paid, this still needs to be paid separately. BRINGING YOUR OWN CA R TO DENMARK If you´re bringing your own car to Denmark and you have a Danish personal registration number (CPR-number) you have to contact “SKAT” regarding registration of your vehicle. You have to do this within 14 days after your arrival. If you get stopped by the police, they can give you a fine, for not having registered your car. The address and opening hours for “SKAT” is Adgangsvejen 3, 6700 Esbjerg. Opening hours: Monday: 9-16 Tuesday-Friday 9-14 LEAVING DENMARK You´ll have to go the National register at the City Hall to hand in your yellow card and to fill in a form stating you´re leaving Denmark. OTHER PARCTICAL INFORMATION PURCHASING A BIKE This means of transport is used the most. Bikes can be purchased from previous students (check Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/332648870081458/ or from the police auction www.bruunsauktioner.dk. Check “kommende auktioner” in the left bar You can also check www.guloggratis.dk and choose “2-hjulet transport” and then “cykler” 28 Practical information for international students A new bike costs between 1000 -4000. Often you can find cheap bikes in the larger grocery stores such as Bilka, Kvickly, COOP, Super Brugsen. The Shop T. Hansen also has cheap bikes. Check www.thansen.dk. Some bike shops in town sell used bikes. Look in the phone book for “cykelhandlere” Various fines can be given for several misdemeanours. There are several bikes that are stolen, so it is important to be careful where bikes are obtained from. It is also very important to have lights on your bike, both at the front (white light) and the back (red light), as well as reflectors on the wheels and pedals. PUBLIC TRANSPORT YELLOW BUSES: inside of each bus you can find a schedule for free, check the time schedule of your bus up front – they have irregular time, be careful about weekends and public holiday days. Also ensure that the bus you are traveling on is moving in the correct direction. You can also check the time table at www.sydtrafik.dk Once the bus arrives, check the front, which gives the name of the end destination, to see if it matches the direction in which you want to go. It is possible to buy a single ride ticket for 20 DKK, which is valid for 1 hour. You can also buy a monthly pass is 330 DKK, which must be bought at the station. You can also buy a single ticket via your telephone. Just send a text to the number 1408 where you write from where you want to go to where you want to go. Then you´ll receive an SMS, where you have to confirm the ticket. You just show you text message to the bus driver. To make sure the ticket is valid, remember only to order the ticket a couple of minutes prior to your trip. It is only possible to pay with cash in the bus BLUE BUSES: these travel to slightly further distances. The ‘X’ buses are direct buses Be aware that the bus stops only display the time of departure, not where you are or what direction you are going. Each bus has a stop in the central station at some point (the change of drivers takes a few minutes) TAXIS: Usually has a starting fee of ~ 28kr. Total cost quite expensive. The “Maxi taxi” comes in handy if there is a large group of people traveling or if persons have a large amount of luggage Esbjerg Taxa Tel. 75 14 45 00 TRAINS: Train schedules can be found, and tickets purchased, at the train station. Opening hours of office: Mon - Fri 8:00 - 18:00, Sat 9:00 - 15:00, Sun Closed Main Tel. 70 13 14 18 70 13 14 18 – open all weekdays 9:00 - 21:00 Again for train rides it is also possible to buy a 10-ride klippe-kort which will give some discount Once the office closes, tickets can be purchased from the automated machines. There is also a screen showing times of all arrivals and departures to and from Esbjerg. Information on train travel can also be found at www.dsb.dk NB! Many students like to travel to Aarhus to visit. Please note that in Aarhus, you have to enter the bus from the back (not the side where the driver is). Also, the buses in Aarhus only accept coins You can find cheaper train tickets if you search for “orange billetter” at www.dsb.dk If you´ll be travelling a lot by train, you can buy a Wild card which will give you up to 50% discounts for tickets along with other discounts. The price for a wild card is 185 DKK pr. year. You have to be between 16-25 years 29 Practical information for international students to be able to buy the wild card. For more information go to http://www.dsb.dk/om-billetter-ogkort/indland/kort/unge-og-studerende/wildcard/ There are also the“uddannelseskort”, but it is only for students who receive SU. SHOPPING Grocery chains Rema 1000, Fakta, Fotex, Netto, LIDL, Føtex, Bilka: usually open til 9 pm weekdays and weekends Clothes & personal items (in the centre): open until 5:30 pm during the week, open until 3pm on Saturday. closed on Sundays In the pedestrian street “Kongensgade” and the streets around, you´ll find more special shops. These shops are open Monday-Thursday 10.00-17.30, Friday 18.00, Saturday 10.00-15.00, Sunday closed BANKS To open a bank account in Denmark you need to have your Danish personal registration number. After having received this from the National Register at the City Hall you can go to the bank. There are many different bank chains here in Denmark. The biggest are Nordea and Danske Bank. You can choose any bank you wish. Most of the chains are represented in the pedestrian street in the city centre. Banking hours are from 9.30-16.00, Thursday to 17.00. On Saturdays and Sundays all banks are closed. Credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurant. There are only a few supermarkets, who only accepts the special Danish debit card “Dankort” Cash points for withdrawal of cash on credit cards can be found outside most banks in the city centre and shopping malls. If you´d like to open a bank account without having received your CPR-number, please contact Heidi at the international office. PAYING BILLS One option is to receive the bill in your mail box and go to the post office to pay it. This incurs a bill of about 25 DKK from the post office. This also includes a 30-39 DKK charge to receive the paper bill in the mail It is therefore advantageous to have online banking. There is still a charge of 30-39kr to get your bill in your mail box and pay online. There is the option to tick ‘ Tilmeld PBS’ in order to have your bills paid automatically online. After the first payment through online banking, you will therefore not receive another bill in your mailbox and it will just be paid automatically. You can ask the bank on how to get “PBS” CHURCHES The Danish State Church – Folkekirken- is protestant (Evangelical Lutheran) but Denmark has complete freedom of religion. In Esbjerg several religious societies are represented, for instance Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, Pentacostal, Muslims and Buddhists. 30 Practical information for international students PUBLIC LIBRARIES The main library in Esbjerg (Hovedbiblioteket) is situated next to the student house (Huset) and both near the railway station. The address is Nørregade 19. It´s free to borrow books and you can have most for one month. If you don´t hand back the books in time, you´ll be charged a fee. Your yellow card works as library card. There are several small libraries around Esbjerg. Check the phone book under “Biblioteker” PHONE CARDS There are several phone companies to join, some being: -3 -TDC -Telia -Lebara -OneMobile If you already have a mobile phone, you can enter any of the grocery shops, gas stations or Arab stores and purchase a chip, phone credit and phone cards at the cashier. Phones can also be bought at these places not gas stations though for persons who do not have mobile phones. You do not need a CPR number for this pay as you go number. If, however, you wish to get a postpaid subscription, this does require the CPR number. PHARMACIES There are four pharmacies in Esbjerg: Esbjerg krone Apotek, Kongensgade 36, 6700 Esbjerg, 7512 9211. Open 24 hours. If you come after 6 PM they charge a fee. Neptun Apotek, Kongensgade 79, 6700 Esbjerg, 7512 8077. Open Monday-Thursday 9.00-17.30, Friday 9.0018.00, Saturday 9.00-13.30 Jerne Apotek (nearest one to Hedelundvej), Strandby Kirkevej 80, 6705 Esbjerg, 7512 2177. Open MondayThursday 9.00-17.30, Friday 9.00-18.00, Saturday 9.00-13.30 Sædding Apotek (Sædding centret), Tarphagevej 54, 6710 Esbjerg V, 7515 2037. Open Monday-Thursday 9.0017.30, Friday 9.00-18.00, Saturday 9.00-13.30 SMOKING AND SMOKING RESTRICTIONS It is prohibited to smoke in all indoor public places. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS st January 1 : New Years day (nytårsdag) Thursday before Easter Sunday: Maunday Thursday (Skærtorsdag) Friday before Easter Sunday: Good Friday (Langfredag) 31 Practical information for international students Monday after Easter Sunday: Second day of Easter (2. Påskedag) Fourth Friday after Easter: (Prayer Day (Store bededag) 40 days after Easter: Ascension Day (Kristi Himmelfartsdag) Monday after Whitsunday: Second day after Whitsun (2. Pinsedag) th June 5 : Constitution day (Grundlovsdag) th th December 24 -26 : Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Second Day after Christmas Most stores are closed these days, but some grocery shops will be open. USEFUL ADDRESSES Catholic Church- Skt. Nikolaj Kirke Kirkegade 58. Mass: 16.30 on Saturdays and 10.00 on Sundays. www.Sanktnikolaj.dk Cinema – BioCity Esbjerg www.kino.dk Gl. Vardevej 66 Tel. +45 7013 1211 Danish Immigration Service- Udlændingestyrelsen www.newindenmark.dk Ryesgade 53, DK-2100 Copenhagen East Tel. +45 33 963626 Dentist on duty- Tandlægevagten Tel. +45 6541 4551; Opening hours: 09.00-12.00 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays Doctor on duty- Lægevagten Region Syddanmark Tel. +45 7011 0707; Opening hours: Monday-Friday 16.00-08.00. Weekends and holidays 24/7 Emergency Medical service - Sydvestjysk Sygehus Tel. +45 7918 2137 Emergency Dial 112 for ambulance or police In case of an emergency dial 112. Ask for an ambulance, the police or fire-department. State your name, address and the telephone number you´re calling from. Stay by the phone until your information has been confirmed. Hospital - Sydvestjysk Sygehus Finsensgade 35 Tel. +45 7918 2000 Esbjerg railway station- Esbjerg Banegård Jernbanegade 35 32 Practical information for international students Tel. +45 7913 7500; http://www.dsb.dk Esbjerg turist information - Esbjerg turistkontor Skolegade 33 Tel. 45 7512 5599; http://www.visitesbjerg.dk Ferry to Fanø - Fanøfærgen Dokvej 5 Tel. +457023 1515 Main Library in Esbjerg – Esbjerg Hovedbibliotek Nørregade 19 Tel. +45 7616 2000; http://www.esbbib.dk USEFUL LINKS Information for enrolled students: www.enrolled.aau.dk Information about going abroad, tuition fee, sholarships etc: www.internationaloffice.aau.dk Facts about daily life in Denmark: http://www.enrolled.aau.dk/daily-life-in-denmark/ Frequently asked questions about living in Esbjerg: http://www.en.esbjerg.aau.dk/International+Students/Frequently+asked+questions/ For information about studying in Denmark, scholarships etc.: www.studyindenmark.aau.dk Finding curricula´s for technical educations: http://www.ses.aau.dk/til-studerende/studieordninger/ Finding curricula´s for medialogy, electronics and IT-educations: http://www.en.sict.aau.dk/Current+Students/Study+Curricula/ The Danish Immigration service: www.newindenmark.dk Information from the municipality about life in Denmark: www.borger.dk 33