Basic Health and Safety

In this section, you will find information on how to stay well while in Denmark and while traveling to other countries. The process of wellness starts before you go abroad with a visit to your doctor. You may need to get inoculations to protect you from various illnesses before traveling. You will also learn some tips about food and water safety.

Planning for a Healthy and Safe Time Abroad: Learn all you can about the health and safety issues of all the countries where you plan to study and travel. This includes reading about the cultural and political climate of those countries, as well as learning about how others view people from your country, race, ethnic group, religion, gender and sexual orientation.

Planning for a Healthy and Safe Time in Denmark: Preparation for your time in Denmark should include an understanding of the current political, cultural and religious events of the country as well as the region, and an awareness of the social climate. Students are advised to be alert to their surroundings, and be particularly aware of any health and safety advisories for the areas in which they will be studying.

Getting a Balanced Perspective on Health and Safety in Denmark: In order to gain a more objective perspective on how safe travel to Denmark is, view the health and safety reports on Denmark from a variety of sources. We have provided a table below with links (on the left) to the Australian, Canadian and British governments’ country advisories on Denmark. On the right side of the table are links to those same governments’ perspectives on safety in the United States, which you can use to compare health and safety issues in Denmark and the United States.

	Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Denmark	Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: USA
	Canada: Consular Affairs - Denmark	Canada: Consular Affairs - USA
	United Kingdom: Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Office - Denmark	United Kingdom: Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Office - USA

Top Ten List of Health and Safety Issues: Visit this page to see the top ten health and safety issues you should be aware of before you depart for Denmark and the other countries to which you may be traveling.

• Illnesses, Diseases, and Inoculations: Find out about the various illnesses that might be more common in Denmark or the regions and countries to which you will be traveling. Get the appropriate shots and pills, and take the appropriate medications with you if your doctor thinks it's necessary. Find out about any potential side-effects of shots and pills that you may take. For more information on illnesses that may be prevalent in Denmark, please see the CDC link in the Resources section of this Handbook.
• Physicals and Check-ups: Get a complete physical, eye exam and dental check-up before going to Denmark. While health care is generally good in Denmark, the quality of dental and medical care might be different in the various countries or regions you may visit. Also, care could possibly be more expensive than in the United States, or your health insurance may not cover your medical care abroad as well as in the U.S.
• Can You Drink the Water?: Find out if water is generally safe to drink in different regions of Denmark and in the countries to which you will be traveling. To avoid risk, many travelers drink bottled water. Remember that ice can also be unsafe, as well as the water you use to brush your teeth.
• Food Safety: Poor refrigeration, undercooked meat, and roadside/outdoor vendors could pose problems related to food contamination. If you get diarrhea or food poisoning, remember to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. As with any illness, consider seeing a doctor if your condition worsens. Give your body time to adjust to new types of foods you will be eating.
• Laws and Codes of Conduct: Make yourself aware of both the rules and regulations of your study abroad program sponsor, and the local laws and customs of Denmark and the countries which you will be visiting. Understand that you will not only have to conform to the legal system of Denmark, but also obey the codes of conduct required of program participants. Also recognize that certain laws may vary from region to region or even city to city.
• Mental and Physical Health: Consider your own mental and physical health issues when applying for a study abroad program, and make all your necessary health information available to your program's administrators in the U.S. and abroad so they can assist you with any special needs, or advise you on the risks you might face. Study abroad may include both physical and mental challenges for students, so make sure you establish a support network of program administrators, family and friends who can help you.
• Prescriptions: To be cautious, get a doctor's signed prescription for any medication you have to bring with you to Denmark, and get it translated into Danish. However, if you can, take a supply large enough to cover your stay while abroad, just in case you can’t fill your prescription while abroad. Contact the U.S. Embassy in Denmark or your program administrator/advisor to find out if and how much U.S. prescription medication is allowed into Denmark. Also include a copy of your prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. Bring an extra pair of glasses.
• First-Aid Kit: Consider a well-stocked first-aid kit as a first line of defense. Some items to include are: sunscreen, bandages, flashlight, sterile pads, insect repellent, adhesive tape, aspirin, antacid, anti-diarrhea tablets, anti-malarial medication, extra bottled water, feminine protection, condoms, rubber gloves, etc.
• Fitness and Exercise: Try to get fit in the time you have before departing for Denmark. A healthy body can help you fight off illness and recover faster if you do get sick. Even though it may be harder to follow a structured workout routine, try to stay fit while in Denmark. Exercise also helps to increase energy levels and combat depression. Get a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. Without access to a car or public transportation in Denmark, you may have to do quite a bit of walking. Break in your shoes before you go.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep your program staff and your emergency contacts at home and in Denmark well informed of your whereabouts and activities, and provide these people with copies of your important travel documents (i.e. passport, visa, plane tickets, traveler's checks, and prescriptions, etc.).
• Air Travel: When you travel by air, drink a lot of non-alcoholic fluids, stay away from caffeine, eat light, and stretch often to avoid jetlag. Many airlines are now required to show an in-flight video of stretching exercises you can do on the plane in order to avoid the potential formation of blood clots, which can be caused by cabin pressure. A direct flight is usually easier for most travelers, but flights broken up by stops can also lessen jet lag.
• Transportation: Accidents involving in-country travel, whether by air, bus, train, taxi, car, etc., are a major cause of injury to students abroad. It is important to understand what the safe modes of travel are in Denmark and in the countries to which you plan to travel. For more information on transportation in Denmark, please visit the U.S. Department of State.

  • Bus: Buses are used as a secondary means of transportation as most people prefer using the train. While you will certainly have bus access while in the cities as well as on long-distance trips, people generally travel by bicycle, train or car. Eurolines runs regular service between the major cities in Denmark (Copenhagen, Aalborg, Hanstholm, Ârhus, Høje Taastrup, Århus, Odense and Nykøbing Falster) as well as between Denmark and other European countries. Eurolines offers student and senior discount passes, as well as 30 and 60 day passes.
  • Train/Metro: As with other Danish services, the international and domestic rail service is clean, fast, efficient and generally excellent. It is a popular way for many locals and visitors to see the country, though more expensive than the bus. Danish State Railways is the main private rail company, and along with other companies, has extensive routes across the country connecting the mainland (Jutland) and Denmark’s islands. Danish State Railways (DSB) offers discounts on rail passes, though you may find the various Eurail options to be more attractive for travel in several countries.
  • Air: As with rail services, you can expect quick and comfortable service when flying within Denmark. Because the country is small, you can reach most major cities in about half an hour. Several flights are usually available daily. International flights will likely fly into Copenhagen, the largest airport in Denmark. You can also fly out of Denmark to neighboring countries for a sizeable discount. For a list of discount airfare providers, see Air Travel: Denmark. Expect airfare to be quite a bit more expensive than bus fare.
  • Boat: Denmark has historically grown prosperous from its sea trade – as a result, it has a very developed system of ships. Ferries and cruise ships operate daily, acting as connecting transportation between the main Copenhagen transportation hub and the Jutland, as well as being the end in themselves. If you’re more concerned with taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Danish seascape than with getting to your destination in a hurry, travel by ship might be a good option for you. For more information on the ferry and cruise services available in Denmark, visit Ship Travel: Denmark.
  • Bicycles: Denmark is famous for its flat terrain, which has allowed the bicycle to become a popular and widespread means of transportation. The country is laced with well-paved and labeled bicycle paths, which also makes biking much safer. You can find out where to rent a bicycle at a Visitor’s or Tourist Center; many hostels also rent bicycles for about 40 DKK a day or 200-225 DKK a week (plus a deposit). If you’re interested, Bike Denmark offers several self-guided tours.
  • Cars (Driving): Driving in Denmark can be just as pleasant as travel by other means. Just keep in mind that you will be driving in an unfamiliar setting and you will have to be more alert than usual. The roads and signs in Denmark are in excellent condition – even back roads are paved – and bridges and ferries connect the islands to each other and the mainland. Car ferries will transport your car for a reasonable rate and bridges/roads are free. Insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles (insurance is typically included in the cost of your rental, but ask the rental agent to be sure). You should obtain full coverage insurance when doing any driving in Denmark. If a driver is involved in a vehicle accident resulting in damages or injuries to another party, the driver may be arrested and detained by Danish authorities until a settlement is arranged with the injured party. Furthermore, depending upon the extent of damages or injuries to the other party, you may face charges filed by the Danish judicial authorities.
    
    For more health and safety information about driving abroad, the Association for Safe International Road Travel offers road travel reports, seasonal hazards, safety tips and common driver behaviors for travel abroad.
• Alcohol and Drugs: Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad can increase the risk of accident and injury. Many study abroad accidents and injuries are related to the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad. Violating drug laws in Denmark may result in very serious consequences. In some countries you may visit, being found guilty of violating drug laws can result in consequences as serious as death.
• Setting an Example: Set a good example. Remember you are like an ambassador for your U.S. college or university, as well as your culture and country. Behave in a way that is respectful of others' rights and well-being and encourage others to do the same.