Your first day abroad: From the airport to your residence

The first day in a new country is the most exciting of all. To make it stress-free, you need to know what to expect. Here we describe the standard meeting and arrival procedure that applies 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 institution.

What should you do if you can’t find anyone?
Don’t panic. Go to the information desk (it is always marked with a large INFORMATION sign). Hand the staff member your admission document and ask them to call the phone number listed on it. Here are a few phrases in English that 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 will personally escort the child to the school representative.

2. Arriving at the school and getting settled in

When you arrive at 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 that they know everything went smoothly.

3. Accommodation: Residence or host family

• If you live in a residence on campus: Everything is usually within walking distance. If the residence is located far from the school, a school shuttle will run every morning and evening.

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

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4. Travelling on excursions

Excursions are often part of the programme. Travel takes place on comfortable buses, minivans or trains. Students are always accompanied by school staff. It is important to listen carefully to your chaperones and follow their requests.

Etiquette rules on public transport:

• Do not listen to music at a high volume.

• Do not have loud conversations.

• Do not leave litter behind you.