FAQ - OBOC New York City 2023
Due to limited organisational resources, we will be unable to answer all of your questions individually. For that reason, we’ve compiled an extensive FAQ page, with all the questions we thought you might have. Please make sure to carefully read the information on this page, to find an answer to any question you might have. It's your responsibility to be aware of all the conditions that apply.* In the rare case where a question would go unanswered, you can email us at the email address at the bottom of this page. Questions sent via Facebook, Instagram or the registration form will go unanswered.
1. CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM
2. DATES, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
3. SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION
4. COVID-19 RELATED QUESTIONS
5. TRAVEL, HOUSING AND LIVING IN AMSTERDAM
6. STUDIOS
7. OTHER PROGRAMS
8. GENERAL CONDITIONS
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
1. CONTENT OF THE PROGRAM
1.1 What is the Countertechnique?
Countertechnique provides tools for body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think about the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. Within a clear structure of exercises, the Countertechnique class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible.
By continuously and sequentially directing and counter directing parts of the body through space, Countertechnique allows the moving dancer to work with an ever-changing dynamic balance. This dynamic balance reduces the pressure on the overall body structure and can be changed at any given moment. The consistent use of the counter direction in all movements is key to the technique; both the awareness and application of this principle is trained throughout the Countertechnique class.
The Countertechnique theory is organized around two principal notions: the ‘toolbox’ and ‘scanning’. The toolbox is the systematically organized collection of tools for body and mind with which Countertechnique works, often visualized as a virtual map that dancers carry with them. Scanning defines the process of dancers continuously and actively observing their mindset and body in order to choose the most appropriate tool(s) from the toolbox for the situation they find themselves in. Scanning allows dancers to make active use of the toolbox in their daily practice of training, rehearsing and performing.
Countertechnique was developed by Anouk van Dijk throughout her thirty year career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher. Over the last twenty years, the knowledge and experience she gained – in constant dialogue with her dancers – was gradually transformed into a detailed theoretical system and a teaching method, which now together form the Countertechnique system.
Countertechnique is taught all around the world by 44 Teachers, who trained with and are certified by Founder Anouk van Dijk, Master Teacher Nina Wollny and/or Senior Teacher Elita Cannata in the Countertechnique Teacher Training program (CTTT).
1.2 What is the OBOC?
Working for ten full days with Countertechnique Founder and Artistic Director Anouk van Dijk, Senior Teacher Joy Davis, Countertechnique Teachers Rosanna Tavarez, Kira Blazek-Ziaii and Francesca Dominguez, and Alexander Technique expert Tom Koch, will give you an all-encompassing view into the theory and application of Countertechnique into your dance practice.
The OBOC encompasses an extensive variety of classes and workshops, that all look at different aspects of your daily life as a dancer, and help you understand and apply Countertechnique to these different situations. Daily Countertechnique classes and Practical Tools sessions will be run by Anouk van Dijk and Joy Davis. You will develop specific skills in the Shifting Attention, Seeing and Sensing sessions. In addition to this, Kira Blazek-Ziaii will offer insights in Anouk van Dijk’s rich repertoire. Rosanna Tavarez and Francesca Dominguez will run additional Countertechnique classes in their lush and distinct styles, and Alexander Technique teacher Tom Koch will introduce his specific approach of Alexander Technique for dancers, in both plenary and individual sessions. As creative workshops that run throughout the second week, Anouk van Dijk will invite you into her artistic process, and Joy Davis will run an interactive improvisation and composition workshop. The OBOC will conclude with a sharing of the various workshops.
Through these programs of physical practice, theory and discourse, creative workshops and reflection, participants will gain a set of practical tools that they will be able to draw from and apply in their daily dance practice and through performance seasons.
1.3 Who will be participating?
The OBOC Intensive is aimed at professional dancers and advanced dance students interested in pursuing a long, healthy and successful career in dance. First time participants will gain a detailed introduction to the distinct elements and methodology that form Countertechnique, while returning participants will have the opportunity to deepen and expand their understanding.
We always carefully compose a balanced mix of experienced and earlier career dancers, as we believe regardless of age, background or experience, everyone can offer inspiration to others, and the mix makes it truly interesting. Similarly, we make sure to include participants that have no or limited Countertechnique experience, and those that have already taken frequent Countertechnique classes, or have done OBOC’s before.
The OBOC operates in an intimate setting and offers spots up to approximately 60 participants. For morning classes, participants will be divided into two groups, based on their prior experience with Countertechnique. Most afternoons, these groups will be mixed up, in either two or three new groups, depending on the type of session or participants’ choice of workshop. Although normally OBOC will include several plenary sessions where all participants work together, to ensure a safe and spacious work environment, most of the program will run in groups.
Participants in previous editions have come from all over the world, adding the additional benefit to the OBOC of building an international professional network for yourself.
1.4 What will I get out the OBOC?
You will be gaining a set of practical tools that you will be able to draw from and apply in you daily dance practice, as well as in performance and creation processes.
The Countertechnique method is not about copying or imitating a specifc movement or intent, and it is not tied to any particular style. Countertechnique is a task-based approach that aims to provide useful information to dancers, which can also be applied to other movement forms or practices. OBOC invites you to take more initiatives in your own on-going development, to become less judgmental about yourself, and to realize your potential. The OBOC also offers strategies to prevent and manage injuries, and will bring a stronger sense of purpose and self-agency, and more fun to your dancing life.
1.5 How is it different from taking a regular Countertechnique class, or a workshop?
A regular Countertechnique class is aimed at warming up and fine-tuning your body, preparing it for rehearsal or performance. The information, analysis and modes of application that you get provided with during the OBOC will give you extensive additional knowledge that will help you to work on a much more refined and deeper level in a regular Countertechnique class or workshop, and will offer a wealth of information that you can apply to other classes or artistic practices as well.
1.6 How is it different from taking any other summer workshop or intensive?
As one of the very few intensive workshops in the world, the OBOC will not give you a taster of different styles and techniques, or solely practicing someone’s choreographic repertoire: it’s aimed at delving deep into the Countertechnique movement system for two weeks, and will send you home with practical tools that you can apply in your own daily dance practice. Countertechnique is about empowering dancers, and the information and practice you gather during the OBOC is guaranteed to be of great benefit to your own career.
1.7 Are these specific Countertechnique teachers different than other Countertechnique teachers near me?
All of our Countertechnique teachers have been trained and certified by Founder Anouk van Dijk herself, so the classes that they teach offer information in line with the Countertechnique methodology. Working with Founder Anouk van Dijk herself for two weeks, as well as the rest of the OBOC faculty, will give you access to a very different level of knowledge, expertise and experience. Anouk van Dijk has developed the system over the last 25 years, and trained all 44 certified Teachers. She initiated OBOC in 2006, and since then has curated an annual program that offers a cohesive way of incorporating new information, and transferring this knowledge to different aspects of the dance profession. Joy Davis took her first Countertechnique class at the American Dance Festival in 2006, became a certified Countertechnique Teacher in 2012 and has been teaching classes and workshops for dance companies and universities extensively throughout the USA; she joined the OBOC Faculty for the Montréal edition in 2019 and became a Senior Teacher in 2021. Kira Blazek-Ziaii similarly has been involved with Countertechnique since 2006, also becoming a certified Teacher in 2012, and followed her second training in 2016; she was also a dancer in Anouk van Dijk's work, assisted her as a rehearsal director and has been on faculty at UNCSA for the last six years.
1.8 Where can I find more information about the faculty?
Please find more information about Anouk van Dijk’s work as a choreographer online. To get an impression of her work, we recommend watching trailers of An Act of Now (2012), Complexity of Belonging (2014), Depth of Field (2016), Rule of Thirds (2016), and Common Ground (2018) for Chunky Move, Distant Matter (2019) for Staatsballet Berlin, Touch (2020) for Münchner Kammerspiele and and her most recent work, Out of the Blue (2021) for Skånes Dansteater / Malmö Opera. Joy Davis is a dance artist and educator steeped in the practices of Countertechnique®, improvisation, and performance; she received an MFA in Choreography and Performance from Smith College, and has been an Associate Professor of Dance at Boston Conservatory at Berklee since 2016. More information about her extensive career as an artist can be found on her website. Rosanna Tavarez is one of the most sought-after Countertechnique teachers in the US; she has completed her second Countertechnique Teacher Training in 2021 and is on faculty at CalArts School of Dance. She is a performance artist and creates her own dance-theatre work in Los Angeles under the moniker LA DANSA DANSA. Francesca Dominguez became a certified teacher in 2021, but has been teaching extensively since then in New York amongst others at the Juilliard School of Dance, Gibney and Gibney Pro. Tom Koch has worked with some of the world's most famous dance companies, choreographers and dancers in the world, including William Forsythe's Ballet Frankfurt; more information about his practice on his website Tomsterdam.
1.9 Will I get to work with all the different faculty members?
Yes! During the two week OBOC, you will be able to work with all faculty members in various settings.
1.10 Will there be a presentation at the end?
The OBOC will have an informal presentation moment of the creative workshops at the end of the second week, with as purpose to share internal experiences. Closer to date we will decide in what capacity this will be taking place.
1.11 If I do the OBOC, will I receive a certificate?
There is no certificate at the end.
1.12 Do I get to take something home after the OBOC?
Besides the experience from the Intensive itself, you will get access to a PDF with a summary of Countertechnique and Alexander Technique information that has been shared with you during and/or after the OBOC. This is for personal and private use only, and you are not allowed to share, multiply or publish these materials or their content with others in any shape or form, or through any platform.
1.13 After I complete the OBOC, can I share my experiences with others?
We encourage all participants to share their experiences and insights, but we’re very strict in allowing only teachers who have successfully completed the Countertechnique Teacher Training to teach Countertechnique to others. Teaching Countertechnique requires very specific teacher perspective on Countertechnique, as well as a detailed pedagogical understanding of what happens during class – neither of which are taught during the OBOC in any way. The OBOC is exclusively aimed at learning to understand and applying Countertechnique as a dancer, and after completing the OBOC you therefore can’t claim for any of the classes you teach yourself that you are teaching or incorporating Countertechnique in any way.
1.14 Is the OBOC getting documented?
Elements of the OBOC will be recorded on video and through photography. By confirming your place in the OBOC, you consent to these registrations and any use for future marketing purposes. We do not provide materials to any of the participants, other than what is published online through our website or social media. Participants will not be allowed to make audio or video recordings of (parts of) the OBOC for any purposes.
2. DATES, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
2.1 When does the OBOC 2023 in New York City take place?
The OBOC 2023 in New york City takes place from Tuesday 13 June to Saturday 24 June. The program consists of ten full days, running from 9.30am to 6pm, with a one hour lunch break in the afternoon, and 15 min intervals between sessions. There will be no program on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 June.
2.2 How many places are available?
We will accept a total of approximately 60 applicants.
2.3 How can I apply?
You can apply until Sunday 29 January midnight (all time zones) using our online registration form: https://form.jotform.com/223154741519354. We will not accept registrations sent to us by email or post.
To be included in the selection process, you will be required to complete the registration form online and pay your registration fee. We will not accept payments of the registration fee via other ways other than what’s offered on the registration page.
All questions need to be answered in English. As our English-speaking faculty will do the selection of the participants, information submitted in any other language can unfortunately not be accepted.
Please make sure that all text files you upload are PDF or Word only, and all image files either JPG or PNG. Pages, Txt or other text formats are not accepted by the registration system, nor are other image formats.
Once you have completed your registration, you will receive an automatic email confirmation that your application will be included in the selection process.
You will hear about the outcome of the selection procedure by Thursday February 9th at the latest.
If you're on the waitlist: invitations to people on the waitlist are not expected to be sent out before Tuesday February 21.
Individual application updates cannot be provided until February 9. Our team is not able to provide any individual feedback on applications for participants who are not selected or who are placed on the waiting list.
Summary of Important Dates:
- Wed 4 Jan - Applications open
- Sun 29 Jan - Applications close
- Thu 9 Feb - Applicants receive notification
- Sun 19 Feb - Deposit needs to be paid to secure spot
- Tue 21 Feb - If spots are available, first invitations to waitlist applicants are sent out
- Fri 31 Mar - second payment is due
- Fri 12 May - third and final payment is due
- Tue 13 Jun - start OBOC NYC
- Sat 24 Jun - final day OBOC NYC
2.4 How much does it cost to participate and what’s the payment process?
The full cost for the intensive is 1,475 USD. A one-time registration fee of 25 USD is required for all applicants.
After the selection process has been completed, on Thursday February 9th, the selected applicants will be offered a spot in the OBOC. They will have to pay a 275 USD deposit by Sunday February 19 to confirm their participation.
From Tuesday February 21, applicants on the waitlist might be provided with an invitation to attend. They will also need to confirm their participation and pay their deposit within three days after notification. Invitations to people on the waitlist can continue to roll out until the start of the OBOC.
2.5 What payment methods and payment plans are available?
Payment is split into a 275 USD deposit, a second payment of 600 USD by 1 April and a deadline for a final payment of 600 USD by 13 May. Following the confirmation of your spot in the OBOC, you will receive an email with payment link for your deposit; this will be repeated for your second and third payment. Payment of the registration fee can only be completed via PayPal, accepting payments via credit card and PayPal accounts only.
2.6 Are there any scholarships available?
There is a limited number of scholarships available for the OBOC; on the application form you can express the level of support you'd like to apply for. Applying for financial support does not guarantee receiving it, and we therefore strongly encourage applicants to seek funding from multiple sources, independently from their scholarship request. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of financial need. If scholarships are provided, by default they will cover only 25-50% of the participation fee; only in exceptional cases will a scholarship cover 100% of the participation fee. Scholarships apply exclusively to the participation fee; all participants are responsible for covering their own travel, housing and any other expenses. Recipients of partial scholarships will be required to pay the $275 deposit, and will have the scholarship amount deducted equally from the second and third payment.
2.7 Do I get a discount as a returning OBOC participant?
No discounts are provided to attendants of previous OBOCs.
2.8 What is your refund policy?
All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If a participant withdraws before the payment deadline, no further payments are due.
If the organizers cancel the OBOC before the start of the event, a full refund of the participation fee (minus 25 USD administration fee) will be made available to the participants. In any scenario, the participants at all times remain fully responsible for any and all other expenses related to their participation in the event. We strongly advise all participants to obtain travel, health and/or cancellation insurance in case of injuries or any other reasons for cancellation, including Covid-19.
2.9 I’m not sure yet if I’m free / have the money / etc. Should I apply anyway?
We appreciate that there are many reasons why you might not yet be able to 100% confirm your participation at the moment of application. However, we encourage everyone with interest in the OBOC to at least apply. If you have to drop out, at least your profile is on our radar, and we’ll take that information into our consideration when processing applications in future years.
2.10 What should I do if I’ve accepted my spot, but find out later that I can’t attend after all?
You should notify us immediately via email, classes@gibneydance.org.
2.11 Are there other OBOCs taking place in 2023?
In 2023, there will be another OBOC in Amsterdam from 29 July - 8 August. If you wish to be considered a full candidate for both events, you'll have to apply separately to both the OBOC NYC and OBOC Amsterdam. If you wish to be considered only as a waitlist candidate for OBOC Amsterdam, you can register your interest on the OBOC NYC form.
3. SELECTION AND PARTICIPATION
3.1 Do I need prior experience in Countertechnique to be selected?
There’s no formal requirement to have prior experience with Countertechnique. Each year, about half the group has limited or no experience with Countertechnique, and half has moderate to extensive experience with Countertechnique.
3.2 How will you be selecting participants?
We’re always very careful to select a balanced mix of experienced professionals and dancers in the earlier stages of their career. Similarly, we make sure to select a group of participants that have no or limited Countertechnique experience, and a group that has already taken frequent Countertechnique classes, or done OBOC’s before.
Within those categories we will select candidates on the basis of their motivation letter, CV and video, as well as their level of education and professional experience. As best we can, we look to put together a group that’s balanced and diverse in terms of gender, age and cultural background as well.
We will prioritise 'dancers-with-a-mission', those who have a clear motivation statement and who we think will benefit most from the information offered. Countertechnique was originally developed for professional dancers who need to be operating at the top of their game, so this is also a consideration in the selection process.
3.3 What kind of video would you like to see from me?
Please send us a dancer's reel, which clearly shows you dancing. The video you send us needs to include footage of yourself dancing in a studio setting, be it improvised and/or set choreography. If you include excerpts of a performance, please send us material that shows you individually, not as part of a group. If you're sending material that has you in a duet or trio, make sure to supply information that allows us to identify you easily in the video (e.g. costume colour), and make note of this in the Additional Information box at the end of the form. Selecting material that is easy for us to assess is your responsibility; if we need to make significant effort to identify who you are in the videos you have sent, we will simply not include the video in our selection process.
3.4 How do I send you my video material?
We only accept video material via links on Youtube or Vimeo. We do not accept links to materials that need to be downloaded, or viewed on non-mainstream platforms. If you’re concerned about privacy: do NOT use a password on your video, but instead change your video's privacy settings to ‘private’ (Vimeo) or ‘unlisted’ (Youtube) before sending us the link. Please also make sure you provide us with the actual viewing link, and not the web address of your video's Settings page.
3.5 How do I send you my photo material?
We ask that you send us JPG’s, with a maximum size of 1 MB per photo. Send us one headshot, and one dance photo - please do not send us more.
3.6 How do I send you my CV and motivation?
We ask that you send us a Word document or PDF only, with a maximum file size of 5 MB.
3.7 Can OBOC and Gibney offer accessibility accommodations for disabled artists?
Please contact us directly at classes@gibneydance.org so we can discuss your specific needs. Venue accessibility information from Gibney is available on their website, here.
3.8 How good does my English need to be?
English proficiency is not required, though a thorough understanding of English is strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the program. All of the information shared during the OBOC will be exclusively in English.
3.9 What is your position on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility?
Inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) are core tenets of Gibney and central to our mission, vision, values, and daily engagement with our community. Gibney is committed to advancing its programming, services, and the dance field at large through these lenses and acknowledge that continued organizational learning and growth are required to do so effectively. Find Gibney's full IDEA statement on this webpage. These values are shared and fully supported by Countertechnique.
3.10 I can’t make it to one / more day(s) of the OBOC. Is that a problem?
Yes, it is. We will prioritize applicants that commit to being present for the whole duration of the OBOC Intensive. If you can't please feel free to still apply, and we can put you on the waitlist for if any spots become available. Please be upfront about your availability; we reserve the right to deny access to those who show up at the OBOC and turn out not to be able to meet their full time commitment.
3.11 I can attend the full two-week period, but I'd like to attend (part of) the OBOC as an observer. Is that a problem?
Yes, it is. We do not allow observers in the studios. All attendants will be required to fully participate as a dancer in the OBOC, or otherwise leave the space.
3.12 I'd like to make video / audio recordings of (parts of) the OBOC, is that a problem?
Yes, it is. We do not allow the OBOC to be recorded by participants in any shape or form. We will make video and photographic recordings ourselves, for archival and marketing purposes, which will be published online and through social media, and which can be shared by participants.
3.13 I would like to receive a confirmation letter, for the purpose of a funding application - is that possible?
Upon making your deposit, you will be provided with a confirmation letter.
3.14 If I'm not selected, can I receive feedback?
Unfortunately we do not have the resources to provide feedback on individual applications.
4. COVID-19 RELATED QUESTIONS
4.1 What are the current travel restrictions for New York City?
There are currently no travel restrictions in place.
4.2 How would any Covid-19 restrictions affect the OBOC itself?
All participants will be required to adhere to Gibney’s COVID-19 safety policies and procedures. Please review Gibney’s most up to date policies here: https://gibneydance.org/plan-your-visit/. Additional measures, specific to OBOC, such as daily testing, can be required if this is considered an appropriate measure to contribute to a safer environment and a incident-free completion of the event. Gibney will reserve the right to adhere to any government advice in the future.
4.3 What happens when I can't travel or participate because I or someone close to me has COVID-19?
We're unable to take responsibility for the circumstances of individual participants in relation to COVID-19, or any other injury or occurrence preventing you from attending, either before, during or after the OBOC. We strongly advise everyone to inform themselves properly on the restrictions that apply in general on travel and on Covid-19 in the United States, and we strongly advise everyone to take out travel, health and/or cancellation insurance, including Covid-related circumstances.
5. TRAVEL, HOUSING AND LIVING IN New York City
5.1 What’s NYC like?
New York City is like no other city in the world. Check out more info about the city here.
5.2 Will you assist in finding housing?
All participants in the program must arrange for their own accommodation. There are many accommodating options, ranging from youth hostels to AirBnB to hotels, located either on Manhattan or in one of the other boroughs. Sharing an apartment is a fun and economical way to stay in NYC. As soon as invited applicants confirm their application, we'll be setting up a closed Facebook-group where you can connect to other participants to discuss housing options in advance of the OBOC.
5.3 What are the public transport options?
There's various public transport options near the Gibney studios on Union Square.
For information about public transport in NYC, visit the New York City Transit website.
Find a guide to how to get around in NYC on this website.
5.4 What visa and passport conditions apply to the USA?
Citizens of many countries can enter the USA without a visa after receiving approval of their application under the Visa Waiver Program. For other countries, there are visa requirements that involve a more elaborate application process. In all cases, check the requirements for your nationality online, by clicking on this link. Please make sure to do your research well in advance of your arrival.
5.5 How will I stay in touch with the other participants during and after the OBOC?
As soon as applicants start confirming their spots, we'll set up a closed Facebook group which will allow participants to connect. During the OBOC, this Facebook group will also serve the purpose of sharing information about the day to day program. If you are not on Facebook, we will find a solution how the information can be passed on to you.
5.6 Insurance
For both domestic and international participants, please make sure you have an up-to-date travel / health / cancellation / liability insurance. We will not be responsible for any accidents, injuries, medical bills, ilnesses, cancellations, loss of property or any associated costs linked to such events which may occur in relation to the OBOC 2023.
6. STUDIOS
6.1 What are the studios like, in which the OBOC will take place?
The OBOC will be held at Gibney in New York City. We will be using three spacious studios, measuring 44′ x 69′ (Studio 1), 34' x 53' (Studio 5-2) and 32′ x 49′ (Studio 4), plus a smaller studio for Alexander Technique classes only.
6.2 Where are the studios located in New York?
They are located at 890 Broadway (Union Square) on Manhattan.
6.3 What’s the connection to public transport?
The studios are easy to reach by public transport.
6.4 What facilities are around?
The studios are located in a busy part of town, and there are cafes, restaurants and supermarkets in the area.
7. OTHER PROGRAMS
7.1 How does the OBOC relate to the Countertechnique Teacher Training (CTTT)?
The OBOC and the CTTT are entirely separate programs, containing different information. The OBOC is exclusively developed for dancers, the CTTT is a program developed for those considered eligible to become Countertechnique teachers themselves. As participating in the CTTT requires, however, to be able to apply the Countertechnique principles comfortably in your own dancing, attending the OBOC is a prerequisite to participating in the CTTT. If, therefore, you intend to apply for the CTTT in 2023 or 2024, attending the OBOC in New York City or Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to meet that basic requirement.
7.2 Once I’ve done the OBOC, will I automatically qualify for participation in the CTTT?
No, you will not. There are a number of selection criteria in place for the CTTT, which can be found on the webpage about the CTTT. Attending at least one OBOC is one of them.
7.3 When will the next CTTT take place?
The next CTTT will take place in Amsterdam from 10-24 August, 2023.
8. GENERAL CONDITIONS
8.1 Faculty
Gibney and Countertechnique reserve the right to adapt the faculty and groups in case of sickness, injury or force majeure.
8.2 Daily schedule and studios
Gibney and Countertechnique reserve the right to adapt the program, daily roster and studios in case of sickness, injury or force majeure.
8.3 Cancellation
Changes including but not limited to faculty, program, daily roster, studios and groups due to sickness, injury or force majeure do not result in any financial compensation to the participants, other than those specified on 2.8.
8.4 Waiver and Release of Liability
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver and Release of Liability document before start of the OBOC.
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
I've read all the information above, but my question is not answered anywhere. How can I reach you?
If your question is urgent, relating to our program and you've read all the information above to verify it is not answered on this page, then you can get in touch with us at classes@gibneydance.org.
* We are providing this information to the best of our knowledge. However, the full responsibility for making any arrangements regarding your individual situation remains with you. We do not claim that the information on this page is complete or applicable to any situation, nor do we accept any claims regarding events, actions, or damage resulting from consulting this page. This information is only provided as a service to make it easier for you to get started, but should not be considered to reflect the full details of your individual sitatuon, for which you exclusively remain responsible.