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Denmark: Education, Weather & Stay |
Introduction
Denmark, also known as the Kingdom of Denmark, is the smallest country in the Nordic group of countries. This Scandinavian nation (though not located on the Scandinavian peninsula) shares its land borders only with Germany in the south. The closest neighbors of Denmark include Sweden and Norway, who are also a part of the Scandinavia. The country also shares its borders with Baltic Sea and North Sea.
The country is officially a constitutional monarchy and counted amongst one of the oldest monarchies in the world. Denmark is also a part of the European Union and one of the elected members on the prestigious United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The Queen is vested with executive powers. The prime minister and his cabinet colleagues exercise all the executive powers on behalf of the Queen. The monarch, however, is only a theoretical head. The prime minister is the actual head of the government.
Denmark is a modern market economy. The country chiefly exports food and energy and has a surplus balance of payments and a foreign debt that is nil. The national currency of the country, Krone is fairly stable. Although a member of the European Union, the country in a September 2000 referendum, decided not to join 12 other EU members in the Euro zone. Nevertheless, its currency remains pegged to the euro.
Climatic Conditions in Denmark-
The climate of the country is temperate with winters not too cold and summers not too warm either. The mean temperature during winters is 0.5o C and during summers it is around 16o C. The country experiences strong windy conditions during winters. The month of September, October, and November witness heavy rainfalls. There is an average of 170 rainy days in the country.
Summer stretches from May to August. The climate during this time is pleasant. Summers in the country are also known for long days and very short nights. The country witnesses dark and short days for months as the sun rises only a little above the horizon.
Education Scenario in Denmark -
The education scenario in the country is fairly advanced. The high standards of education, a greater weight on commitment from both the institutional and personal point of view, interdisciplinary studies and project work, puts Danish higher education in top league. As part of the government’s initiative, the higher education sector in the country is witnessing tremendous institutional transformation, which is expected to not only provide Danish higher educational institutions an edge but also make them better and larger. The reforms, to be taken up during the next two years, are likely to see institutions, especially the university/college level ones being consolidated to form large entities. Plans to improve the quality of education further on the college/university sector are on the anvil.
The higher education courses offered in the country have well defined pattern and unique qualities. The courses offered at such level have a professional orientation and there is a continuous emphasis on cooperation between teaching and research.
One of the main features of the Danish higher education is that students are encouraged to work together in groups wherein they take part in discussions and develop the habit of working independently. This is an altogether new approach to study, which has both positive and challenging aspects.
Staying options in Denmark
The housing scenario in Denmark is not too prospective. At present there are more applicants for housing than the available accommodation. Nevertheless, students can get accommodation in university-affiliated dormitories, rented rooms, or rented apartments. There are private residence halls available. Dormitory accommodations normally consist of single or double furnished rooms with shared kitchens and recreation facilities.
Private accommodations include shared flats, home stays, or single private room. Rooms in big cities are small and availability of shared facilities varies from place to place. Students can also be in contact with programme coordinators or be in the lookout for advertisement in local newspapers.
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