IPC 2014

Montebello All 1
3000 Helsingr
Danmark

Tel. +45 4921 3361

Fax +45 4921 2128
e-mail: ipc@ipc.dk
www.ipc.dk

IPC Student Guide

Contents
History of IPC and the Folkehjskole .................................................................... 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! Bogmrke er ikke defineret.
Other Staff Members at IPC ....................................... Fejl! Bogmrke er ikke defineret.
You Know Youve Been in Denmark for too Long if:............................................. 13
Important Telephone Numbers ............................................................................... 15
Map of the School ...................................................................................................... 16
Map of Helsingr ........................................................................................................ 17
Personal Notes ........................................................................................................... 18

Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to a truly international experience at the International
Peoples 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.
Sren Launbjerg, Principal

History of IPC and the Folkehjskole

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 (folkehjskole), 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 dont 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)
folkehjskole tradition but placed in the context of an international meeting place for
cross-cultural learning.
Peter Manniches 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 Manniches 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 folkehjskole 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 lifeenhancing stay with us.
(You can read more about the history of IPC in a book written by Max Lawson: The
International Peoples 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 Peoples 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 ones 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 others 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 folkehjskole, 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.

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 schools 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 youll 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 Helsingr. The trains run every 20 minutes so
you wont 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 Helsingr Station.
When you reach Helsingr, 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 Vapnagrd (5). Dont 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 Hjskole (=IPC in
Danish), or a stop called Kircksvej, located just before IPC. A
9

taxi fare from Helsingr 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, youll 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.
8:30 a.m. 10 a.m.
10:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.
11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
12:45 p.m. 1:15 p.m.
2 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
3:45 p.m. 5:15 p.m.
6 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

Breakfast
Classes
Morning Fellowship
Classes
Lunch
Classes
Classes
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 days 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.
10

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, youll
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
12

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 Youve 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.
13

 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 Skl at every sip because you can't find anything else to say.
You can say rd grd med flde, blbrsyltetj, 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 its absurd to pay for an education.
You expect to GET PAID to take an education.
You think its a human right to get paid 1500/month for being out of a job.
You think its 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 Helsingr 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 Grnbk
Stjernegade 22, 1.tv..

+45 49 21 99 60

TAXI in Helsingr

+45 48 48 48 48

15

Map of the School

16

Map of Helsingr

17

Personal Notes

18

19