Copenhagen: Information for Parents

Program Director:
Naomi Githae  
Assistant Director
Office of International Programs
Phone: 410-617-2477
ngithae@loyola.edu

Thank you for your interest in our study abroad programs! The goal of this page is to help you better understand the Denmark semester study abroad program and highlight distinguishing features and components that will interest you as a parent. More detailed and updated information are given to your son or daughter in information sessions, academic reviews, workshops, and pre-departure orientations. Please also discuss this with your son/daughter who might be able to fill in some of the gaps. Please know all information is given to the students and we ask students to share it with you.

Sending students abroad is a partnership with students, parents and the university. We realize that you will have questions and if our website or your son/daughter cannot answer those questions, we will be happy to discuss the study abroad process and program information with you. Please keep in mind that due to the FERPA federal regulation (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), we will not be able to discuss specific information regarding your son/daughter; however, if your son/daughter is willing to sign a waiver form indicating the specific information to be shared with you, we will be more than happy to discuss specific matters regarding your son/daughter.

We hope you find this information helpful in assisting your son/daughter to accomplish his or her goal of learning, living, and serving abroad.

Background

Loyola University Maryland and Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) have had a relationship for over 15 years. DIS is a government-recognized, high-quality study abroad program established in 1959. All DIS courses and academic programs are all taught in English.

DIS students are from American universities in their third or fourth year of study and benefit from straight-forward credit transfer to their home school. Altogether, some 160 American and other universities and colleges constitute the DIS network of partner schools.

Travel to Copenhagen

Students make their own arrangements for travel to Copenhagen. We strongly suggest that student use a travel agent as they may offer assistance should events alter itineraries at the last moment. Loyola University Maryland uses Frosch Travel International in Baltimore, MD. Alice Wilcox at Frosch handles all of Loyola’s arrangements and can be reached by email at alice.wilcox@frosch.com or by phone at 410-433-9300.

Students fly into Copenhagen via Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Program staff meet the students arriving before 3pm on the official arrival day in the baggage claim area of the Copenhagen Airport. After collecting their luggage a bus takes them to registration site. Students who arrive after 3 p.m. will be required to take a cab to the registration site.   

Please make sure your son/daughter is at least three hours early to the airport for proper check-in and to go through security. Students should carry with them:  their passport with visa, money, ATM card, credit card, any prescription drugs they might need, and clothes in case your luggage gets delayed.

Airlines/Baggage

Airlines have lately been changing flight schedules and routes so baggage fees or benefits cannot be guaranteed. Students should check the DIS Academic Calendar to see what date they should leave the United States to arrive in Copenhagen. 

It is very important that your son/daughter check the airline website to make sure that their luggage complies with the weight restrictions and number of bags included with their ticket. International flights are very strict about luggage size and weight and it is something that can change weekly, so checking the website periodically is highly suggested.

On-Site Support

Loyola University Maryland relies on the professional Residence Life & Housing staff of DIS. DIS holds a full arrival workshop planned to help students adjust to life in Copenhagen. Students will have intensive Danish language lessons, seminars on DIS services, and help with practical matters like transportation passes. There will also be social events throughout the week to help students meet one another. Participation in the full orientation program in Copenhagen is mandatory for all students.

DIS offers a 24-hour emergency cell phone service to all students. In the case of a serious health or safety emergency regarding a student currently at DIS, students or family members may contact the DIS US Office or in Denmark Office. Students receive emergency contact cards including these phone numbers in their pre-departure Packets and are asked to share copies with their parents.

Housing in Copenhagen

There are many different types of housing available to students who participate in this program.  Students may choose from homestays, student apartment living, or two types of European style dorms. 

Each facility is different and will allow varying levels of contact with Danes and other non-U.S. students. Parents should discuss these options including their financial implications with their son/daughters. Whereas the housing cost will remain the same: location, pre-paid meals, food stipends, and local travel passes differ widely by the choice of housing.    

Benefits*

Students will have all grades, credits and course transfer back to Loyola University Maryland. Loyola financial aid applies. Local transportation from residence to academic institution is covered. A study tour to another country for a week as part of the academic program is included in the tuition and fees.  

Money and Banking

The cost of living is among the highest in the world in Copenhagen. Parents should be advised that food, services and entertainment is significantly higher than Baltimore.  

We do not encourage students to open up a Danish bank account. It is best to keep using their U.S. bank account. Students should  have access to their U.S. bank accounts through ATMs throughout Europe. You should check with your bank to make sure that the student’s debit/credit card will work overseas, and find out what fees are associated with using the account internationally. Students in the past have recommended withdrawing the maximum allowed from ATMs while in Copenhagen, and keeping their cash in their bedrooms while bringing out only the amount that they need each time they leave home. This will save on ATM fees.  Credit/ Debit cards are not as widely accepted in Denmark as they are in the U.S. People tend to use cash more frequently for small and large purchases.  Students should make sure that they are signed up for web banking for all accounts that they will be using overseas. That way they can monitor any fees that are being charged, as well as know their balance in American dollars.  Please be advised that even though Denmark is a part of the European Union it does not use the Euro. Check www.xe.com for the current currency conversion for the Danish Krone (DKK).    

Expenses

Living in Europe for four months can be very expensive. It seems that most students who studied in the spring 2012 semester spent from $4,000–$7,500. It is very important that students are conscious of their money from the very first week. 

Insurance

All Loyola University Maryland students must have medical insurance that covers them while they are abroad. Loyola University Maryland can suggest a policy that will cover your son/daughter while abroad if your current medical insurance does not cover them while abroad.

Visa

 Loyola University Students who have a U.S. Passport are considered 'visa free' and will enter Denmark as tourists and will apply for a Danish residence permit after arrival in Copenhagen. Loyola students who do not have a U.S. Passport will need to apply for a residence permit prior to departure from Copenhagen.  Once DIS has received your passport number, the DIS North American Office will be in direct communication about your next step.

Once in Denmark, all visa free students will apply for a residence permit, upon arrival in Copenhagen you will receive the necessary application/paperwork and there will be an orientation session that will offer assistance in completing the application for your Resident Permit. 

Odds and Ends

 US Department of State information on Denmark 

• Official Website of Denmark   

*Please keep in mind that study abroad information, dates, benefits, and fees are subject to change without notification. You are encouraged to contact the Office of International Programs directly for the most up-to-date information regarding any study abroad programs offered at Loyola.