What security measures does GIC Argentina take to ensure the safety of my child? At GIC Argentina we make every effort to ensure the safety of our program participants. Among the measures we take are:

- We have on-site coordinators in the 4 locations where our programs are offered. Our coordinators have experience studying abroad and are available 24/7 to help students enjoy their stay. During the student's first week in Argentina, our coordinators will give them an orientation and help them get acquainted with the city.

- We provide students with a cellular phone at no extra charge during their stay in Argentina. You will be able to easily reach your child by calling or by sending free text messages. Students will have preprogrammed into their phone the speed dial number of our onsite coordinator.

- We provide students with a "pre-departure information pack" and "travel check list" in order to help them get ready for their trip. Included in this information are safety tips.

- Upon arrival, students are provided with an extra info pack that also includes maps of the city, guides, maps of public transportation, discounts in stores, emergency phone numbers, etc.

- We have a long standing established relationship with a trusted and reliable taxi company that students can call at anytime (including in any emergency) or if they do not feel comfortable using public transportation.

Some of you may have concerns that your child will enjoy the freedom of experiencing a new country and culture and decide not to come home or concerns that they will decide that further study or employment is no longer for them now that they have a taste for travelling the world. Well don't fear! In our experience, participants come back more determined to do well at university or in finding employment as they realise how priveleged they are to have these opportunities open to them.

Many parents ask themselves: should I have my child give me a Power of Attorney before s/he departs? If your child is of the age to have his/her own financial accounts, it is advisable that you have him/her sign a Power of Attorney form giving you or whoever is design at ed, the ability to administer his/her finances during their time abroad, including tax returns, cashing checks, withdraw ing money from the student's checking account, etc.

Yes, you can come visit your child. If you are planning to do so, we recommend you let us know ahead of time and we can help you with the arrangements. We also recommend that you come at the end of the program. By then you will have an excellent tour guide. In most cases, parents cannot stay in the same homestay as their child or in the student residence, however we will be happy to help you arrange your housing in a hotel nearby.

1. Become familiar with the program your son/daughter has selected.
2. Discuss safety, health and insurance, and emergency procedures.
3. Make sure you have a valid passport; in case of an emergency which requires you to travelling abroad, it will expedite your travel. (Note that your child must also have a valid passport.)
4. Make a copy of your child's passport and legal documents. Keep them in a safe place.
5. Discuss behavioral issues with your child.
6. Discuss independent travel plans and activities with your child.
7. Have your child's flight itinerary handy.
8. Make sure you have the following contact information easily accessible. -GIC Argentina office phone number and email. -Your child's email address. -Local contact information, including your child's mobile telephone number, other local numbers and mailing address. -Make sure your child provides you with this information when he/she arrives at the host location.
9. Make sure GIC Argentina and your child has your correct contact information, including office and home phone numbers and email.
10. Stay in touch with your child on a regular basis.
11. Review and understand GIC Argentina's Terms and Conditions regarding behavior. Keep in mind that your child will be living under a different set of cultural norms, laws and social expectations.

Your child's programs can be paid before departure or in Argentina upon arrival. Payment can be made in cash (US$ or AR$), credit card or by a bank wire. We will send you specific instructions regarding payment once the registration process is complete.