Newsletters Spring 2011
UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CLUB NEWS, WEEK 1
Dear Internationals,
The year 2011 is still very new, so with this UIC Newsletter receive some extra good wishes for a most enjoyable New Year!
I trust you got it started all right, and already feel you are back into the challenges of the usual busy everyday life you lead.
And with the persistent cold and white Danish winter it is for many of us essential to be well informed about the weather forecast, or if any delays or cancellations are occurring on the trains to Copenhagen, or whether some road construction – if not the snow - is causing traffic jams and the like. There is a website – in Danish - with helpful news of this kind, turn to - It can help you be prepared! For it seems winter stays with us..
This UIC Newsletter will not be as usual with a lot of information about ‘what’s on in and around Aarhus’. But mainly give some information on seminars, meetings, and courses, which are offered in English at AU or in Aarhus in general, as it is time to sign up! Also included is what to expect at the UIC this month.
B DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AND THE PRE-IB
Anyone interested in information about these new programmes in the greater Aarhus area are invited to a meeting at the Langkaer Gymnasium 12 January from 7.30 pm to 9 pm.
Place: Langkaer Gymnasium, Kileparken 25, 8381 Tilst. Tel: 8624 2011,
IB coordinator Rikke Hupfeld on
HR AU
Offers again a one-day course which puts focus on the Danish work culture.An issue very useful for foreign staff to become more familiarized with. Apply no later than 31 January, see further details on
FOLKEUNIVERSITETET = The Danish University Extension Aarhus again offers some excellent seminars in English with the following titles:
The Danish Monarchy 14/2
Is there a recipe for export success? 24/2
Danish among the world’s 7000 languages 10/3
Technology, work and mental models 31/3
USA’s influence on the world and Denmark 4/5
From Nordic mythology to Christianity 12/5
Læs mere om Folkeuniversitetet in English
They all take place at AU, but sign up for one or all of them at the International Community. Free for all AU staff & spouses, but limited seats available, see detailshere
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
Is also important to be updated on. Different meetings, seminars, excursions and more are offered most weeks of the year. AU is a member here, so you can participate for free. See all details on
EXPATINDENMARK
It is free to join their meetings or to turn them for more information, and for assistance to apply for a job and more. Note the Consortium for Global Talent is holding a seminar at the Aarhus School of Business, AU Thursday 27 January. Look up more details and how to sign up on the websites and
UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CLUB (the UIC)
Here the Informal Meetings start next week Wednesday 12 January at 10 am to 12 noon at the Faculty Club, 1st Floor, Building 1421 on Fredrik Nielsens Vej (next to the Student House). Informal Meetings will continue through January e.g. also 19 January and 26 January.
But from 1 February – a Tuesday - the official program will start and from then on the UIC meetings will take place at the International Centre, Building 1650, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4 on AU Campus. More details on the website - or mail me for more information.
This weekend there are beautiful New Year Concerts at the Concert Hall, buy tickets. Or you can look into the Antique Flea Market at the Ridehuset, which is across the street from the City Hall. It is a quite unique market, taking place both Saturday and Sunday, each day from 10 am to 5 pm, admission DKK 40.
If you need exercise after the Holidays you can join the Aarhus Free Run. It is a free activity, which is taking place every week year round on Tuesdays only. So you have a couple of days to decide, whether you like the idea or not! Some 50 people come and all ages and run in groups or as you like. Meeting place: Tangkrogen, at the Bear Sculpture on Filtenborg Square, where Dalgas Avenue ends.
The next UIC Newsletter goes out next Thursday.
With this information the best wishes for the weekend in Aarhus or wherever you might be!
Venlig hilsen / Best regards
Gitte Haahr-Andersen
UIC Organiser
International Centre
Aarhus University
Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4, bldg. 1650
DK-8000 Århus C
Phone: / +45 3069 8483
Email: /
UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CLUB NEWS, WEEK 2
Dear Internationals,
When compared with December, January is less hectic. And beginning a new year is like being given a whole lot of time. To one’s surprise the calendar is not yet filled up. A large number of us are also determined to leave more time open e.g. try our best not to book it fully. But after a few days many realize it is not that easy not to get into the same situation. There are quickly so many commitments pending. – But keep the goals high. Insist on being in charge of your life’s agenda!
I wish for everyone that this year will be a period with a higher success rate with regard to enjoying being busy and at the same time continuously improving our planning so that the everyday tasks do not become too demanding.
A good piece of advice learned already some years ago, is to leave time for a walk, some biking – simply some time not planned and but devoted time outside. Experts also consider it very healthy and stimulating to move. It is a good way to mind your mind! Fresh air gives way for new ideas, easier decision makings and the like.
Now it is up to each of us to decide which kind of exercise you will go for!
Some new year thoughts – and then it is time to look into some things of general interest and at the bottom of the mail the specific suggestions for the weekend:
INFORMATION OF GENERAL INTEREST
GET A FREE HEALTH TEST AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
A free health test and a session with a professional health ambassador availableat several of the libraries in Aarhus. Starting Monday 10 January everyone can get a test and get inspiration on how to improveone’s personal health; the project goes on for five weeks. In addition to the health tests there are lectures and debates on healthy living at many of the local libraries, and these are free of charge as well. The project is part of Aarhus Municipality’s health strategy 2009-2012. Studies show that in Aarhus 37.000 citizens are inactive and 71.000 are overweight! Free tickets can be booked or picked up from 17 January. You can get more information about the activities at your local library or on
REPORT POTHOLES TO THE MUNICIPALITY
Now as the snow melts away the impact of the long and cold winter shows clearly on the paved roads and bike routes. Extensive damages are obvious, and not making commuting easier. The Municipality has already for some time started filling in the potholes, but for one it is not the best time of the year to do, and secondly the workmen are assigned a huge job, as Aarhus has some 1250 KM of roads/streets and around 500 KM bike and pedestrian paths to maintain! The municipality, therefore, asks the public to report of potholes that you consider time to repair. Some potholes need attention sooner than others, here your help can be crucial. So report on this link
SUPPORT CHARITY BY GETTING A CAR WASH
At Shell on Randersvej, Aarhus N and Shell on Grenåvej 150, Risskov a campaign is running from 11 January to 2 February in support of the Cancer Association. Each car wash during this period Shell will donate DDK20 to help the Cancer Association pursue research, counseling and more.
‘SYNG FRA DEN BLÅ’
Sing songs from the Blue Song Book is one of the most popular events at the Concert Hall, Musikhuset, and takes place this Saturday at 2 pm.People gather to sing from the blue ‘Højskolesangbogen’, the Danish Folk High School Song Book. The Danish tradition of ‘højskoler’, Folk High Schools, goes back to Grundtvig, who believed in “a school for life”, where all social classes could meet and learn, especially through lessons in Danish history, language and song. In many ways, the thought of ‘højskoler’ and general education emerged simultaneously with the demands for a new Danish constitution (it came in 1849). And given it is such an old tradition it has long proved to be of much importance also today. Alone the fact that there today still exist some 74 Folk High Schools. The world’s oldest – and consequently Denmark’s first Folk High School was founded in 1844 and still exist. It is Rødding Folkehøjskole in Southern Jutland. Let me also add that Testrup Folk High School, founded in 1866 – and one of the NFS Grundtvig schools - is some 12 KM south of Aarhus and well worth a visit. It holds a number of open evening lectures or song evenings open to the public and great to join. They also welcome visitors. Look up more on Wikipedia or
Join the singing this Saturday and get a chance to learn the Danish classics. Free admission.
At the Café at the Concert Hall, Musikhuset , Thomas Jensens Allé, 8000 Aarhus C
NATIONAL PARK MOLS BJERGE (MOUNTAINS)
A wonderful nature park some 35 min drive from Aarhus, and great to enjoy winter or summer. Hilly area with great walking paths, exhibition and more. Great views – also for example on the Three Hills, Trehøje, you can see the sea in any direction. Bring your thermos! – Let me remind you that AU has a vacation cot in Femmoeller (five mills), which you can rent, like the AU places, when you have have worked here for 2 yrs. -
I feel pretty sure that many of you have already been there, and most likely taken some beautiful photos. Some you might like to share with others. The National Park is seeking more photos and also old ones, so that changes over the years, with respect to people, village life and nature life, can be exhibited for present and coming generations to learn from. Have any, please mail them to – and more information can be looked up on
AARHUS MUSIC FESTIVAL: FREE CONCERTS 13 to 22 JANUARY
From 13 January you can experience a massive amount of free concerts at the four regional venues in Aarhus: Train, Voxhall, Musikcaféen and Atlas. A broad range of different modern music genres will be represented, such as pop, rock, jazz, folk, indie and electronic music from 18 different local artists and bands. All concerts are free, so keep yourself updated on the websites of the four venues or here:
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY AT STUDENTERHUS AARHUS
Every Tuesday Studenterhus Aarhus has International Night, where up to 300 internationals (mostly students) enjoy each other’s company. The International Group at Studenterhus Aarhus plans introduction seminars for newly arrived international students as well as parties through the year. Most events start at 8 pm. Participation is free.
Studenterhus Aarhus, Nrd. Ringggade 3, 8000 Aarhus C
More information on
CRAZY CHRISTMAS CABARET – OH MY GOTH!
18 to 21 January you can enjoy the annual Christmas Cabaret at the Concert Hall, Musikhuset. The show is in English and combines English humour and Danish satire, this year it is said to be horrifying! Tickets are DKK190 to 300. Address: The Concert Hall, Musikhuset.
SPECIFIC WEEKEND SUGGESTIONS
Thursday 13 January
7.30 pm: Bakken Bears vs. Svendborg Rabbits at Atletion – NRGI Park. The two leading professional basketballteams in Denmark meet in an exciting match. Tickets are DKK60 for adults, DKK35 for students and children below 17 years. Tickets can be bought on spot one hour before tipoff. Address:Atletion - NRGi park, Stadion Allé 70, 8000 Aarhus C
More information on
Friday 14 January
2.45 pm: PhD Day: 400 young researchers meet Friday at the annual PhD Day at Aarhus Faculty of Health Sciences. The young researchers will get an opportunity to exchange experiences and also give short presentations of their research projects. The programme also include an inspiring Lecture by Nobel Laureate John Walker. Sir John E. Walker, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1997, the same year as AU Nobel Laureate, Professor Jens Chr. Skou will lecture on how and what made himbecome part of the science elite.
Auditorium 1 in the Lake Auditorium, University Park, 8000 Aarhus C.
More information on
3 pm: At Åby Library children from different institutions in Aarhus exhibit paintings, sculptures and other artworks they have made themselves.
The opening of the exhibition will be celebrated with speeches and the 12-year old Peter Tække will play the violin. Address: Åby Bibliotek,Ludvig Feilbergs Vej 7, 8230 Åbyhøj.
Free admission.More information on
7 pm: Learn how to dance swing. Have a free lesson of swing dance and get a glimpse of what swing dancing is all about when ‘Kom og Dans’ has open house at Sct. Annagades Skole. Free admission. Address: Sct. Annagades Skole, Skt. Anna Gade 38,8000 Aarhus C. More information on
Saturday 15 January
10 am to 5 pm Antique Flea Market at the Ridehuset, with 40 new stalls this weekend.
Place: Ridehuset, Vester Allé 1, 8000 Århus C. Admission DKK40.
2 pm: “Syng fra den blå” one of the most popular events at the Concert Hall, Musikhuset, takes place this Saturday, as people gather to sing from the blue ‘Højskolesangbogen’. See more information above. Free admission.
Address: the Cafe at the Concert Hall, Musikhuset, Århus C.
9 pm Tumbleweed Orchestra plays a free concert at ‘Fairbar’. ‘Tumbleweed orchestra’ is known for their fine melodies and happy sunshine stories.
More information at:
Fairbar, Nørre Allé 66, 8000 Aarhus C
Sunday 16 January
10 am to 5 pm Antique Flea Market in Ridehuset, with 40 new stalls this weekend.
Place: Ridehuset, Vester Allé 1, 8000 Århus C. Admission DKK40
1 pm: The local artist ‘Pearl’ plays a free live concert at Musikhuset. ‘Pearl’ finds inspiration in her African heritage and plays a mix of soul, r’n’b and reggae.
Musikhuset Aarhus, Thomas Jensens Allé, 8000 Aarhus C
More information at: and
Monday 17 January
All day (10 am – 8pm): “Anne Frank – a story for our time”. At the main library this exhibition tells the story of holocaust through two parallel stories – the story of Anne Frank and the story of how WWII affected Europe. The exhibition is developed by the Dutch Anne Frank’s House. Free admission.
Hovedbiblioteket, Møllegade 1, 8000 Aarhus C.
More information at:
5 pm After work concert by Carsten Knudsen on Ukulele, a small string instrument. Music by J.S. Bach and his own compositions. Address: Risskov Church (Kirke), Solbakken 2, 8240 Risskov, free admission.
Venlig hilsen / Best regards
Gitte Haahr-Andersen
UIC Organiser
International Centre
Aarhus University
Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 4, bldg. 1650
DK-8000 Århus C
Phone: / +45 3069 8483
Email: /
UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CLUB NEWS, WEEK 3
Dear Internationals,
It is not spring yet, but the mild weather reminds us of the fact that it will be coming … sooner or later. The sun is out today and the daylight stays with us longer day by day, which is very promising. And it surely affects our minds and our initiatives…
This week’s UIC Newsletter again brings a small fraction of what actually happens in the city of Aarhus. Even so there is fairly good selection for you to choose among. Provided you have time for the activities, either it is a free concert or a refreshing walk, it is here ready to make use of.
In Aarhus a bike is very convenient. Most places easy to ride and besides, easy and cheap to park almost anywhere! If you need a bike at a reasonable price please note that the auctions (the old police auctions) resume, see more details below. - Perhaps you do not know how to ride a bike – or dare not do it – then join the lesson which takes place Monday in Hasle at the library, see more details below!
And it is due time to sign up for the Official opening of the International Centre 1 February at 12.30 to 2 pm, see more details below.
Now follows some things of general interest and at the bottom of the newsletter the specific suggestions for the coming days:
INFORMATION OF GENERAL INTEREST
SIGN UP FOR THE OFFICIAL OPENING AT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
You are invited to participate in the Official opening at the International Centre, where UIC Meetings will take place from February.
1 February from 12.30 to 2 pm all are invited to Rector Lauritz B. Holm-Nielsen and International Director Christian Thorn’s speeches and the following buffet.Also there is time to see the great facilities.
Please sign up as soon as possible to Ulla Gjørling – and if it is easier mail me
LARGEST NATIONAL 2-DAY EDUCATIONAL FAIR IN SCANDINAVIAN CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 30
Education with no limits is the slogan for the fair that opened Wednesday and continues all day Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm. All educations are represented and counselors are ready to assist. At Scandinavian Congress Center Aarhus. More details on . Free.
THE RENOWNED POLICE AUCTIONS WITH CHEAP GOOD BIKES ARE SOON BACK IN BUSINESS – BUT NOW CONTINUED BY A PRIVATE COMPANY!