Guide to Comenius Individual Pupil Mobility - European ...

Section 5: Guidance for pupils and parent(s)/guardian(s)
Tips for participating pupils
Prior to departure
Make sure that you have understood the practical details and the rules of conduct. If you are
unsure about something, ask questions in the training sessions and be in touch with your
contact teacher at your school.
Make sure that you have made all the necessary arrangements concerning passport, tickets,
medical arrangements, insurance (you need to get a European Health Insurance Card) etc.
Make sure that you are registered with the compulsory Comenius Group Insurance Plan at the
latest one month before departure.
Learn as much as possible about your host country before you go (customs, government,
legal matters, history, language etc.). If possible, contact people from your host country who
live in your neighbourhood.
Learn about your own country’s history and heritage. Being aware of your own country’s
traditions and values will make it easier to adapt to those of your host country. Collect some
information about your country (leaflets, CDs, etc.) that you can show or give to teachers and
classmates in the host school.
Contact your host family before you go, to introduce yourself and get to know more about
them.
Think about things that you want to accomplish during the stay and how to achieve them.
Think of ways to handle homesickness during the stay (e.g. think of the benefits of the
exchange; start learning something new; improve your skills in an activity you like; meet new
people; use opportunities you would not have at home, etc.)
If possible, get in touch with former exchange students and ask them to share any
experiences that might be valuable for you.
Your school and the host school will prepare a learning agreement for your stay abroad. Make
sure that you know what you are expected to learn during your stay abroad, what will be
recognised by your school and what will not.
Attend the compulsory pre-departure training organised by the National Agency in your
country.
During the stay
Attend the compulsory on-arrival training organised by the Comenius National Agency in the
host country.
Remember that you are expected to act responsibly and not to take any unnecessary risks.
You are required to follow the rules of conduct set out in the parental consent form and those
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