National Profile - ICYE

Practitioner) to whom you can go, should you have any health problems. Registeringwith a GP is completely free in the UK as part of the National Health Service. If you areprescribed any medicine you may have to pay for the prescription yourself (£6.50) – thismay be refundable from your Health Insurance so make sure you keep all receipts. It isbest to register when you first arrive to avoid any delays if you need to see a doctorurgently in the future.5.3 Checklist–what you need to do before you leave yourcountryPlease ensure that you have:A valid passportAppropriate Entry Clearance / Visa (contact your local British Consulate orEmbassy if you have any queries)A police certificate - this is a certificate issued by the police confirming that you donot have a criminal record. (Please see point 4.3 – Suitability of Character)Proof of home address (for example a bill/bank statement)An Original birth certificate – this is necessary for your CRB check once you are inthe UK.Driving Licence (if you have one)Sent two written references to ICYE-UKCorrectly issued flight ticket and that your flights are confirmedA sleeping bag – this is essential, as you will need it for your on-arrival campWarm clothes and good shoesAll your ICYE papers - including this National ProfileSmall gifts from your country to give to people in your project / friendsMusic and games from your country for the campsSome information about your own country: pictures, brochures, maps, books,coins, recipes, etc.Do not bring too many things with you to the UK – YOUwill have to be able to carry your own luggageeverywhere!When you arrive at the airport you will have to carry your own luggage to the camp:this means up and down stairs and for long distances between the station and the campitself. Afterwards you travel on your own or with other volunteers by train to your projectand again you will need to carry your own luggage.Exchangees often arrive with a year’s supply of toiletries – these are heavy and can bebought very cheaply in the UK. Just bring what you need for the camp and buy morewhen you get to your project. Warm winter clothes can be bought cheaply in secondhandshops all over the UK.Backpacks are easier to carry and more convenient to store than suitcases. If you bring asuitcase make sure that you can carry it comfortably. One piece of advice is to packyour bag and then take out half of the stuff – you’ll still have more than you need!12