WHAT TO TAKE?

The exchange school will advise you what to take, but this should include the essential items of school uniform, i.e. your own pair of school shoes, a pair of trainers, a towel and a swimming costume. Casual, but tidy clothes are worn for most social events; quality jeans and t-shirts are considered acceptable for daily out of school use. Shorts, sandals and t-shirts are recommended for casual summer wear. Clothes and shoes should be readily available at western-style malls and shops, but price may vary considerably between countries.

The exchange student may need to bring a US$500 deposit, to cover incidental medical expenses, school excursions, music lessons and other items not covered by normal academic fees. This needs to be paid in cash on arrival to the school Accounts department, and a receipt will be provided. Whatever portion remains of the deposit will be refunded in full at the end of the exchange period. The visiting student will need a supply of pocket money for personal and incidental expenses. For reference, you should find out the cost of a Big Mac meal, a Starbucks coffee, and a peak period cinema ticket. It is a good idea for the visiting student's family and the host family to establish communication and set boundaries. While an informal dual monetary system operates in Peru, with the US dollar accepted in most places, it will probably not be the case in other countries. You should find out the safest and/or most convenient way of taking money with you. This may be in cash or traveller's cheques.

The student may only take expensive electricals if they accept full responsibility for them. Such items can be broken or stolen, especially if displayed in public areas. The Markham College laptop may NOT be taken out of the country without the express written permission of the Warden. Even then, permission will only be given if the school is assured that you accept total responsibility for insuring the laptop against damage and/or theft, and agree to replace the laptop at your own cost in case of irreparable damage, depreciation or loss. The exchange student must abide by the same code of practice that applies to the students of the host school, which will normally include a cross-campus ban on gaming, chat, access to inappropriate or offensive websites, accessing unauthorised areas of the Intranet and hacking.