Your first day abroad: from the airport to your residence

The first day in a new country is the most exciting of all. To keep it stress-free, it helps to know what to expect. Here is the standard meeting and arrival procedure used at most schools and camps abroad.

1. Meeting at the airport

When you land, a school representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals area. How will you recognise them?

• They will be wearing the school uniform.

• They will be holding a sign with the name of the school and your name on it.

The representative will take you to your transfer (a school bus, taxi or minivan), and from there you will travel to the school.

What if you can’t find anyone?
Don’t panic. Go to the information desk (always marked with a large INFORMATION sign). Hand the staff member your admission document and ask them to call the phone number on it. A few phrases in English will help:

• "Please call, I am lost".

• "I can't find the representative, please call".

• "My phone doesn't work, please help to call".

Tip: many airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service for an additional fee. In this case, an airline staff member personally escorts the child to the school representative.

2. Arriving at the school and getting settled in

When you reach the school, staff will greet you. They will give you a tour of the campus, show you your room, the dining hall and the classrooms, and explain the daily routine.

An essential step: as soon as you arrive, you will be helped to call your parents, so they know you got there safely.

3. Accommodation: residence or host family

• If you live in a residence on campus: everything is usually within walking distance. If the residence is some way from the school, a school shuttle runs every morning and evening.

• If you live with a host family: you will be given detailed instructions with the route to and from school.

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4. Travelling on excursions

Excursions are often part of the programme. You travel by comfortable bus, minivan or train, always accompanied by school staff. Listen carefully to your chaperones and follow their instructions.

Etiquette on public transport:

• Don’t play music at high volume.

• Don’t hold loud conversations.

• Don’t leave litter behind.