2017 Trip - Important Information
Flight Information
We have reserved a block of tickets with Delta/KLM. We will depart MPH by coach bus for JFK at 8:00 am on Saturday, February 18, 2017 and return to MPH the following Friday, February 24. We will have a brief layover in Amsterdam on both trips. All times below are local to the airport (Amsterdam and Copenhagen are 6 hours ahead of Syracuse).
Outbound (2/18 - 2/19)
- Depart MPH 8:00 am (coach bus) — Arrive JFK 2:00 pm
- KLM flight KL642 (equipment: 777-200) JFK 5:55 pm — AMS 6:55 am
- KLM flight KL1127 (equipment: 737-800) AMS 10:00 am — CPH 11:25 am
Return (2/24)
- KLM flight KL1126 (equipment: 737-800) CPH 10:00 am — AMS 11:30 am
- KLM flight KL641 (equipment: 777-200) AMS 1:30 pm — JFK 3:55 pm
- Depart JFK 5:00 pm (coach bus) — Arrive MPH 11:00 pm
On the day of the trip the the flights may be tracked by following the link below:
Link: Flight Tracker
Climate
Denmark has a temperate climate with no extremes of heat or cold, the mildness of which is largely conditioned by the generally westerly winds and by the fact that the country is virtually encircled by water. Denmark's climate is really quite mild for its northern latitude, but it is often windy and can rain with little warning. Be prepared for variable conditions and remember to dress for cold and wet weather in the winter. February temperatures hover at the freezing point. The average high temperature in February is 36°F and the average low temperature is 28°F.
Link: Sorø's Current Weather
Currency and Shopping
The Danish currency is the krone, which is subdivided into 100 øre. The exchange rate hovers between 5 and 6 kroner to the dollar and the current exchange rate can be found using the calculator below. Currency can be converted at the airport when we arrive.
Prices in Denmark are slightly higher than for similar goods in Syracuse, but are comparable to those in any large American city. Denmark charges a 25% VAT (value added tax) on all goods, which can be refunded to American travelers for any individual receipt of at least DKK 300 (about $43). More details are available in the link below.
There is an ATM near the school, but in the past we have had some trouble with bank cards working in ATMs . Debit and credit cards are accepted everywhere. If you plan on using a debit or credit card please be aware of the following two items:
- You MUST know you PIN, as retailers use PIN security instead of signatures.
- Contact your bank/card issuer ahead of time to let them know of your travel plans.
Although it is rare, in the past students have had their purchases denied by their credit card company because the company didn't know about the trip and assumed the card was stolen.
Link: Currency Converter
Link: VAT Refund
Electricity and Voltage Conversion
Denmark uses the European standard voltage of 230V, which is twice the North America standard. You will need a voltage converter to change the 230V into a usable 115V. Voltage converters are widely available at many stores or online. They cost between $20 and $50 depending on options, but the low-end $20 converter should meet your needs.
Many electronic devices have built-in converters and can automatically adapt for European or American voltage. However, even if this is the case you will still need a plug adapter to use the outlet.
Link: Danish Electric Sockets
Language
The official language of Denmark is, unsurprisingly, Danish. English is taught from an early age and Denmark is a popular destination for British tourists, so most people speak at least a little English. Your students hosts speak almost flawless English, in many cases with an American accent. As a guest in their country it is only polite to make an effort to learn their language. The link below will teach you some useful Danish phrases to help you on your day-to-day adventures. There's a free smartphone app called Duolingo that teaches languages, including Danish, through games.
Link: Useful Danish Phrases
Link: Duolingo (iPhone)
Link: Duolingo (Android)
What to Pack
- Your PASSPORT (must be valid through August 2017)
- Money for shopping
- A voltage converter
- A cellphone for family communication while in the US
- A camera
- A gift for your host family
- Clothes for a week
A Note on Clothes
Blue jeans will immediately identify you as a tourist, so avoid them. A clean shirt and khakis will take you almost anywhere but it is always a good idea to pack at least one nice outfit in case there is a need for it. Since the weather in Denmark is so variable, plan to dress in layers and have wet-weather gear. You'll also want comfortable shoes since we'll be doing a lot of walking. You should be able to do laundry at your host home so you won't necessarily need to pack a week's worth of clothes.
Cell Phones
While we are traveling in the States, cell phones will be useful for keeping families up to date about our progress. Odds are, however, that your phone won't function while overseas. Denmark uses GSM voice technology for its cellular networks; most phones from Sprint and Verizon use CDMA technology, which means they won't work at all in Denmark. AT&T and T-Mobile phones use GSM technology, but may need to be unlocked to accept a Danish SIM card. Check with your carrier to see if your phone will work. You may also be able to rent a world phone from your carrier.
Host Gift
It is traditional to take a small gift to your host family as a sign of thanks for taking you in. This does not have to be expensive. Real maple syrup or peanut butter are always appreciated because they are not particularly common in Europe.
Luggage Restrictions
Delta allows one carry-on bag and one personal item with you in the cabin, and one checked bag up to 50 lbs. If your bag exceeds the weight limit - even by a little - you will be charged an excess baggage fee of $100, so make certain that you check the weight before you leave home. More information from Delta may be found below. It is also a good idea to check out TSA regulations before you pack.
Link: Delta Carry-on Baggage
Link: Delta Checked Baggage
Link: TSA Traveler Information
Over-Packing
It's an easy thing to do, especially if you are an inexperienced traveler. Odds are that you won't need most of the items that you pack. A good rule of thumb is to lay out everything you plan to take with you, including money, then pack only half the clothes and double the money. A great website on traveling light is OneBag.com, linked below.
Link: OneBag.com