Travel Information for Switzerland
Transcription
Travel Information for Switzerland
Solothurn, 15.09.2015 Travel Information for Switzerland Swiss-Indian Classroom 1. In brief Time difference: Switzerland is on Central European Time, which is one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time, and 4 ½ hours behind Indian Standard Time. From the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, Switzerland uses daylight saving time (summer time) and is 3 ½ hours behind Indian Standard Time. Currency: Swiss francs CHF (often abbreviated Fr) 1 franc = 100 Rappen (German) / centimes (French) 1 CHF = 66 INR 100 INR = 15 CHF Traffic: Switzerland drives on the right Country dialling code: Power supply: +41 230V, 50Hz, similar to India Sockets: Type C: Emergency numbers in Switzerland: and Type J: General emergency calls: 112 Fire service: 118 Police: 117 Ambulance: 144 Representations: Embassy of India Kirchenfeldstrasse 28 CH-3005 Bern +41 31 350 11 30 Fax: +41 31 351 15 57 [email protected] www.indembassybern.ch Consulate General of India E Floor, 9, Rue du Valais, CH-1202, Geneva + 41 22 906 86 86 Fax: + 41 22 906 86 76 [email protected] www.pmindiaun.org After office hours/in emergency only: + 41 78 819 96 38 1 2. General travel information 2.1 Languages Switzerland has four national languages: German (spoken by 63.5%), French (22.5%), Italian (8.1%) and Romansh (0.5%). They are spoken in four different language regions, but have the status of official languages at national level. Chart: Linguistic regions of Switzerland. Source: Wikimedia Migration means that many other languages are also spoken in Switzerland. English and Portuguese are the most common of these. In addition to a second national language, Children learn English at school. Most of the Swiss population is able to communicate in English to a greater or lesser extent. 2.2 Society The resident population of Switzerland was 8.237 million at the end of 2014. In 2013, the Swiss economy was the third-strongest in the world. With its trading and financial services industry, the service sector is the largest segment of the economy, although tourism and manufacturing are also important. Switzerland is well known for the production of luxury goods such as watches, jewellery and Swiss army knives, as well as speciality goods like chocolate and cheese. Swiss wages – and living costs – are among the highest in the world. Rent and daily living expenses are considerable. Switzerland has a tight mesh of social security schemes, such as oldage, survivors' and disability pension provision, as well as unemployment insurance. Despite this, even in Switzerland there are people living in poverty. 2.3 Politics Switzerland is a direct federal democracy. The country is divided into 26 cantons. The electorate elects the parliament at municipal, cantonal and national level, and is also able to vote on laws proposed by parliamentarians. The people can also launch popular initiatives to introduce new laws or amend existing ones. These referenda are held four times a year. 2 Switzerland's government is not led by a president or a prime minister. Instead, the government consists of the Federal Council, a collegial body of seven individuals, who are each elected for a four-year term of office. The cantons are essentially organised in the same way as the Confederation. Each canton has its own constitution, its own legislative and executive authorities, and its own courts. The cantons also have their own parliaments and cantonal governments. All government tasks which the federal constitution does not confer upon the Confederation fall within the authority of the cantons: schools, the police, cantonal tax law, the constitution of the courts, healthcare, and planning and construction law, etc. 2.4 Religion Christianity remains the most heavily represented religion in Switzerland. This is one of the reasons that shops and businesses are generally shut on Sundays (there are exceptions at railway stations, petrol stations and at tourist destinations), and why you will hear church bells ringing (almost) everywhere, every day, sometimes several times a day – and especially on Sundays and public holidays. Over time, however, religion in Switzerland has become just as diverse as the cultures and languages of its population. These cultural and religious shifts have been the subject of occasionally heated political debate. In a November 2009 referendum, a constitutional amendment banning the construction of new minarets was approved by 57.5% of participating voters. For an overview of religious communities in Switzerland, presented especially for guests from abroad, can be found on this website: http://www.religionslandschaft.ch/en/welcome/ 2.5 Tradition and customs Cultural life in Switzerland revolves around a large number of local events, customs and traditions. Those best known outside Switzerland are yodelling, the alphorn, the "Jass" card game and cheese-making. In reality, however, the country has a much richer and more varied culture. The Basel Fasnacht, or carnival, is one of the best-known customs. Held every year, usually in February, this festival begins in the early morning, at 4.00 am, with what is known as the Morgenstraich. Another tradition that is known throughout Switzerland is Sechseläuten. Held in Zurich, it celebrates the end of winter and involves a parade and the burning of an effigy of a snowman, the Böögg. Western Switzerland, meanwhile, has its Fête des Vendanges winemakers' festival in Neuchâtel, which lasts for three days and closes with a spectacular flower parade. Schwingen (Swiss wrestling), Steinstossen (stone putting) and Hornussen (which resembles golf) are all typically Swiss sports. 2.6 Education system In Switzerland, education is a government (cantonal and/or federal) responsibility from the beginning of compulsory education up to and including tertiary level, including universities and vocational education and training. Responsibility for education lies primarily with the 26 cantons. The cantons and the federal government each have their own responsibilities for postcompulsory education. The majority of students in Switzerland complete compulsory education at a state school in the municipality in which they live. Roughly 5% attend a private school. A detailed presentation of the Swiss school system can be found here: http://www.edk.ch/dyn/16342.php 2.7 Geography / climate / seasons Switzerland is centrally located in Europe and has no direct access to the sea. The country has a total surface area of 41,285 km2. Switzerland will be familiar to many Indians thanks to images from Bollywood films, in particular those of Yash Chopra. Snow-capped peaks, steel-blue lakes, thick forests and brightly-coloured meadows are all part of the landscape, which may also include vineyards, ranges of hills, or crop fields and grazing land, depending on the region. 3 The Alps, which stretch from west to east with peaks of up to 4,000 metres, divide the country's climate. While the country north of the Alps has a moderate, middle-European climate, that south of the Alps is more Mediterranean. North of the Alps, the average temperature is 1°C in January and 17°C in July. Average temperatures in the south are are 2-3°C higher. There are great differences in the seasons in Switzerland. The autumn, from September to November, is when the fruit ripens, the leaves colour, and there is frequent rain. In the winter, from December to February, temperatures are often below zero, especially at altitude. There may also be widespread snow. The spring, from March to May, is when the trees blossom and the countryside turns green again. The winter can return again for a time in April, and there can also be summer temperatures in May. In summer, from June to August, temperatures rise to between 25 and 30°C, although it may be even hotter during the height of the season. The temperature can vary depending on the altitude. We recommend having a pullover, shoes with good grips, sun cream, sunglasses, and an umbrella or a light rain jacket with you. 2.8 Health A world of new experiences, unfamiliar food, a change of climate and the time difference can all take their toll. To combat this, ensure that you get enough rest and that you drink enough fluids. If you wear glasses, bring a spare pair with you, and also write down your prescription in case you lose your glasses or break them. Getting new ones won't be a problem. If you rely on certain medicines, bring enough supplies with you from home. In Switzerland, you will need a doctor's prescription for many medicines that are freely available in India. There are few health risks in Switzerland. In an emergency, you can go to any doctor's practice or hospital. If the matter is urgent, call an ambulance on 144, or the REGA helicopter rescue on 1414. You will need the latter especially if you are somewhere inaccessible or have had a very serious accident. Pharmacies can be found in every town and city. They are also able to treat minor wounds and insect bites. Swiss citizens are required by law to take out health insurance. In the case of emergency or illness, this insurance will cover most of the costs of medical treatment, medicines and care. Patients from outside Switzerland are advised to check with their own insurer what costs will be covered, before they begin treatment. 2.9 Immunisations You do not have to have any particular immunisations before entering Switzerland. Immunisations for infectious diseases are required only if the person travelling has spent time in an infected area in the 14 days prior to entering Switzerland. 2.10 Security Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime; however, crimes of all types do occur. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the most common. Always keep your wallet and luggage with you in busy places such as the airport, railway station, city centre and in the train. In cities and larger towns, women are well advised not to be out alone after dark. Please remember that you need to be properly equipped to go walking in the mountains. If you don't know the area, do not attempt steep slopes on your own. The basic rules are not to take risks, not to push yourself, and if in doubt, to turn back. 2.11 Clothing There is no dress code for leisure clothing in Switzerland. Young people, in particular, are heavily influenced by American glamour, and may dress in quite a revealing way. However, since Swiss society is very multicultural, you are just as likely to meet traditionally-dressed Muslims and Africans. 4 In other words, in Switzerland, you can dress the way you are comfortable. However, please remember that it can be cool, even in summer. You should therefore bring a warm jacket, pullover, and closed shoes. These are essential on any trip to the mountains. 2.12 Visa requirements Please refer to the special information sheet on visa requirements for Switzerland. 2.13 Means of payment There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that you can bring in to or take out of Switzerland. We recommend that you bring US dollars or euros. You can change money at the airport, at major railway stations, and at banks. All common credit cards are accepted in Switzerland. You will find cashpoints and/or banks in almost all towns and villages. People in Switzerland do not normally pay by cheque. 2.14 Value-added tax (VAT) A VAT rate of 8% applies to most goods and services in Switzerland, and is generally included in tagged prices. A reduced rate of 2.5% applies to certain everyday consumer goods such as foodstuffs, non-alcoholic beverages, books, newspapers, magazines, medicines, and also to tickets for sports and cultural events. Overnight hotel stays (incl. breakfast) are taxed at a special rate of 3.8%. You may request a refund of the taxes you paid on goods when you leave the country. To qualify for a refund, goods purchased must have a minimum value of CHF 300. For information on the conditions governing tax exemption and on the necessary documents, go to the website of the Federal Tax Administration: http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_privat/04342/04353/04358/index.html?lang=en 2.15 Telephones / wireless internet Mobile phones are widespread in Switzerland. If your phone is not restricted to a particular provider (with a SIM lock), a low-cost option is to insert a prepaid card from a Swiss network provider. To buy a Swiss SIM card, you will need your passport and a copy of your visa. Major prepaid providers include Migros M-Budget, Coop Mobile, Aldi Suisse Mobile, Yallo, and Lebara. Mobile network operators such as Swisscom and Sunrise also offer prepaid cards, but please note that tourists are not able to buy prepaid cards from Salt. Prepaid cards can be bought and loaded with credit in many places: at kiosks, in supermarkets (Coop, Migros, Aldi) and at Asian, Indian or Arab grocery stores, as well as in consumer electronics outlets (Interdiscount), at the post office or at the train station. Your host family is sure to be able to help you buy a card. Many larger towns and cities offer free wireless internet. Free wifi can also be found at railway stations and in trains, in shopping centres, and in some restaurants and hotels. 2.16 Public holidays The only national public holiday is 1 August. Other public holidays are governed by the cantons. All of them recognise New Year's Day, Ascension Day and 25 December as holidays, and shops and other businesses remain closed. Most recognised cantonal public holidays have Christian origins. Corpus Christi, the Assumption of Mary, All Saints's Day and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception are celebrated only in Catholic cantons. 2.17 Gender and sexuality Men and women are equal before the law in Switzerland. Relations between the sexes are relatively relaxed. It is normal to kiss, hold hands or exchange other gestures of affection in public. 5 Young women, in particular, dress in a very revealing way, but this should not be interpreted as an invitation to touch. It is normal for young men and women to make intense eye contact and to flirt casually, but this should not be interpreted as an invitation for anything else. The age of consent in Switzerland is 16, meaning that individuals can have sex with anyone older than them, but at this age not with anyone more than three years younger. Most teenagers in Switzerland have lost their virginity by the age of 17. Homosexual acts are legal in Switzerland, and the constitution explicitly prohibits government discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. It has been possible to register same-sex partnerships since 2007. By contrast, forced marriages and marriages between minors are not valid. 2.18 Special legal provisions Light alcoholic drinks, such as beer and wine, can be sold to young people from the age of 16. The age limit is 18 for all other alcoholic drinks, such as spirits. Tobacco goods (cigarettes) can be bought in almost all cantons from the age of 16, although some cantons have an age limit of 18. Smoking is banned in Switzerland in most restaurants and bars, as well as in enclosed public spaces, such as schools, railways stations, public offices, etc. and at work. Possession of drugs of all kinds is forbidden. The consumption of narcotics is generally punished with a fine, regardless of the drug in question. Cultivating, consuming and dealing in cannabis is also prohibited in Switzerland. Since 2013, the possession of up to 10 grammes of the drug has been subject to a fine of CHF 100, although the new regime applies only to adults. Young people under the age of 18 will continue to receive a youth caution. In some places, littering in publicly accessible places such as streets, parks and squares is punishable by a fine. All drivers and cyclists must abide by the rules of the road. Many places have radar to monitor compliance with speed limits and red lights. Those who break the rules can expect to receive a hefty fine. 3. Out and about 3.1 Travel documents and emergency information It is worth having all participants fill out an emergency information sheet, stating their personal details, passport and visa numbers with the date and place of issue, contact address in India in case of emergency, health insurer, etc. In addition, make copies of all of the participants' important travel documents (passports, visas, flight tickets, etc.) and keep everything separately. Make a note of the address and telephone number of the closest Indian consulate, and carry it at all times. If a passport is lost or stolen, notify the nearest Indian consulate immediately. 3.2 Communication in the group Make sure that you have host family contact information for all participants. It can also be helpful to set up a shared WhatsApp group. If possible, have all participants give you their mobile phone numbers, in case anyone gets "lost", or does not appear at the meeting point at the agreed time. 3.3 Transport Even with a group of 20-25 people, you can still travel around in Switzerland using public transport (train/bus). Groups do need to make seat reservations, however. You can do this directly at the ticket counter at the railway station, or call the 24-hour Rail Service on 0900 300 300 (CHF 1.19/minute from a Swiss landline). Further information is available from this website: https://www.sbb.ch/en/leisure-holidays/groups.html 6 For tourists travelling around Switzerland extensively by train and bus, it is worth buying a Swiss Travel Pass, which is an all-in-one ticket for trains, buses and boats throughout the country. The Pass costs CHF 374 for 15 days for young people under the age of 25. The Swiss rail and bus network is well developed and safe, and can be used by children and young people alone, without being accompanied by an adult. However, in view of their lack of local knowledge, we would still ask you to make sure that your students do not travel around on their own, but are accompanied whenever possible by Swiss students. 3.4 Drinking water The water at most public fountains and water points is drinkable and checked regularly. Instead of buying expensive mineral water, it makes sense to carry a water bottle and refill it often. The only time you should not do this is if there is a sign reading "kein Trinkwasser / eau non potable". 3.5 Clear rules Under Swiss law, young people in Switzerland are granted rights and freedoms at an early age. The age of consent is 16, and this is also the age at which young people are permitted to drink alcohol and buy tobacco products (in some cantons). There are no laws on when young people are allowed to be out in the evening – these rules are set by parents. From the age of 16, young people are also free to go to cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs, amusement arcades, and internet cafés. We therefore advise setting rules of conduct with the host school and host parents in advance. 3.6 Crisis communications With today's communications technologies, it may be assumed that the participants will keep in touch with their families in India (via text message, social media and Skype, etc.) while they are in Switzerland. This can sometimes be problematic if rumours begin to circulate in India about illnesses, emergencies, or things not going to plan. Talk to the participants about what will be communicated, how and by whom. You should also draw a crisis communications strategy in advance with the school's management team. 7 4. Dos and don’ts in Switzerland Visiting a new country with an unfamiliar culture can lead to problems that are generally caused by misunderstandings or ignorance of certain ways and customs. Simply being aware of certain dos and don’ts goes a long way to avoiding situations that can be frustrating for both host and visitor. 4.1 Eating and drinking - Switzerland is like many other cultures in that sharing a meal is one of the key elements of living together. Since both parents often work, in some cases quite a distance away from home, lunch is frequently eaten out. - Table manners are very important to many families: not eating before everyone is at the table, waiting to eat until the hostess begins, waiting to be asked instead of serving yourself, not leaving the table before everyone is finished, not talking with your mouth full, keeping both hands above the table and not putting elbows on the table. It is probably best to observe the family's habits. - The Swiss consider eggs – and sometimes fish – to be vegetarian so please ensure that you specify no eggs or fish when you place a vegetarian meal order. - Glass, paper, metal and organic waste is separated in private homes and often also in schools. - Most take-away meals come with a great deal of packaging, which must be disposed of in the public waste bins that are available everywhere. - Burping or spitting at the table is frowned upon in Switzerland. - In Switzerland, household chores are usually shared by everyone. It is therefore appreciated when guests help to set the table, bring the food in, and help to clear and wash up. - Most Swiss people are uncomfortable with visitors just dropping in. It's best to call in advance and ask if it is OK to stop by. Before going through the door, ask whether or not you should take your shoes off. - Alcohol is a traditional and firmly rooted part of Swiss culture. Young people may drink wine and beer from as early as 16. The Swiss often meet after work for a beer or glass of wine, and alcohol is also often served with a shared meal. However, you can always refuse alcohol without anyone thinking badly of you. - If you are invited for a meal, it is customary to take a small gift with you, such as a bottle of wine, chocolate or sweets, or flowers. Be aware, though, that not all flowers are appropriate. Red roses should be saved for romantic partners! - The Swiss like cheese, and not only in the form of fondue or raclette. Cheese is hard to digest, however so start with small portions only. 4.2 Communications - Most Swiss speak reasonably good English. They can often be reserved with foreign guests, but are happy to provide information or help in other ways. - The Swiss like their formal greetings: stretching out their hand, they say “grüezi” (Swiss German) or “bonjour!” (French) for hello. In the western part of the country, in particular, when meeting a friend they may kiss them three times: right cheek, then left, then right 8 again. The latter exchange is for women greeting women and men greeting women. You may stick with a handshake, if you prefer, but refusing to shake hands is considered rude. - Meeting people: in smaller towns and villages, it is normal to say hello to people you pass in the street, even if you do not know them. This is rare in cities and larger towns. - On the telephone, you first say hello to the person on the other end of the line, then you say your name. Only then do you begin the actual conversation. - It is normal to say please ("bitte" / "s'il vous plait") and thank you ("danke" / "merci"), and considered rude not to. - Remember that, in Switzerland, shaking your head means "no" and nodding denotes a "yes". Swiss often misunderstand Indians in this respect. - It is not common practice to address business partners by their first names unless invited to do so. - The Swiss generally write the numeral "1" like the Indian "7" whereas their "7" has the stem crossed through. In addition, they use a point to separate centimes from francs when writing prices. 4.3 Shopping - Porters are a rarity in Switzerland. You are expected to carry your own bags in hotels, stations, cabs, coaches etc. Similarly, you will not be guided to your table in Switzerland. Waiters, cleaners, shop assistants, porters, etc. are treated with the same respect as other professionals. - Prices in Swiss shops are generally fixed and it is not possible to bargain. In shops, goods once opened are considered sold. - With the exception of those at railway stations and airports, as well as in tourist areas, shops remain shut on Sundays and public holidays. On weekdays, they will generally be open between 9.00 am and 6.30 pm, although there is some cantonal variation. - Tipping is not necessary in Switzerland as service charges are included with the bill. However, it is common – though by no means obligatory – to leave a little something extra in restaurants, taxis, etc. 4.4 - 4.5 Photography You can take photographs almost everywhere in Switzerland, but leave your camera or phone in your bag at outdoor swimming pools and lidos, at the circus, or at the theatre or opera. Some museums and churches ban photography, but there will generally be clear signs if this is the case. Transport - Tickets for public transport must be purchased before boarding – especially in trains and trams. In some cases, tickets must be punched at the machines at bus/tram stops. - As in most European cities, buses in Switzerland do not stop automatically at all designated stops. If you see your bus coming, wave to indicate that you want to get on. Similarly, there are buttons in most buses to indicate that you want to get off. Press it the moment your stop is announced. If no one presses the button, the driver will simply pass your stop. - Always let other passengers get off first before getting on. Many Indians have the unconscious habit of pushing their way in as soon as the train or bus stops. You can save yourself 9 dirty looks and irritated noises from your fellow passengers by being aware that Switzerland does things differently. - In Switzerland, as in most northern European countries, loud mobile phone conversations on buses and trains are frowned upon. - Always stand on the right when using an escalator. The left side is left free for people in a hurry who want to walk or run. - Swiss people can be almost pedantic about traffic rules. If a traffic light is red, they will wait, even if there are no other cars in sight. - Pedestrians have right of way on pedestrian crossings, but when crossing the road it is still safest to wait until the cars have actually stopped. 4.6 Manners and behaviour - Punctuality is a serious issue in Switzerland and appointments are expected to be kept. Trains, buses and boats depart punctually as per their timetable. If you have arranged to meet someone, you are expected to be on time. The rule applies equally to professional life, dealings with the authorities, and private events. If you find yourself running late, call right away to tell the other person. - Discipline is the order of the day in Switzerland. Expect to find it in queues, at counters, etc. - Switzerland is a law-abiding country. Rules and regulations are strictly followed, with lawbreakers being penalised. - The Swiss are very clean and expect all litter to be disposed of only in the rubbish bins provided. Littering in public places is an offence. Some places have different containers for various types of waste such as glass bottles, aluminium cans, etc. - Like the British, the Swiss person's home is their castle. This extends to their well-tended gardens, with flower beds and fruit trees. Do not pick fruit or flowers from anyone's garden! 4.7 Religion - You must avoid loud conversations in churches. - Men should remove any hat or other head-covering when entering church. - As they go in, Catholics will sprinkle themselves with holy water and cross themselves in front of the altar. You do not have to do the same if you are not a Christian. - Obviously, smoking, eating and drinking are all prohibited in church. Turn your mobile phone to silent or, even better, switch it off entirely. - Only the clergy are permitted to enter certain areas of the church, such as the sanctuary or sacristy. These will generally be marked with signs or closed off, and you should respect this. 4.8 - Hygiene Squat toilets are not common in Switzerland. Foreigners are expected to respect common Western toilet etiquette: to sit on toilet seats rather than to squat on them, to flush the toilet and to throw used toilet paper in the toilet and not in the waste bin. In some cases, foreign tourists have also been accused of defecating in the shower. 10 - 5. Toilet users are expected to use toilet paper. You will find no shower, bucket or mug of water to wash yourself. However you will almost always find a brush next to the toilet for cleaning the bowl. Sources and useful links For more information, please refer to: - Swiss National Tourist Office: www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/ - Switzerland for Movie Stars (brochure): www.filmlocation.ch/uploads/indian_films.pdf - Swiss authorities online: www.ch.ch/en - Swiss education portal: www.educa.ch/en - Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education: http://www.edk.ch/dyn/11553.php - Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (on Swiss-Indian relations): www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/representations-and-travel-advice/india.html - Maps of Switzerland from the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo: www.swisstopo.admin.ch/internet/swisstopo/en/home.html - 50 Years of Indian Cinema in Switzerland: http://www.newlyswissed.com/50-years-indiancinema-switzerland/ - Promotion of Switzerland’s image abroad – Presence Switzerland: https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/das_eda/organisation_deseda/generalsekret ariat/praesenz_schweiz.html 11 6. Packing list Find out your baggage allowance – number of items and weight – from your airline. Economy class passengers are generally limited to one piece of checked luggage of around 20 kg in weight (the limit on Indian Airlines is only 15 kg). You will also be able to take one piece of hand luggage no larger than 55 x 30 x 20 cm, and no heavier than 7 kg (some airlines have a limit of 10 kg). 6.1 Clothes Pullover / fleece / thin jacket Long trousers / skirt Shorts (May to September) T-shirts (long and short-sleeved) Full-length pyjamas Underwear Socks Hat / other head-covering Scarf / shawl Bag for dirty washing Sturdy shoes Sandals (May to September) Shower sandals Trainers Swimsuit / swim shorts Hand towel / beach towel Washcloth 6.2 Toiletry bag Toothbrush Toothpaste* Soap* Shampoo* Moisturiser* Sun cream* / after-sun lotion* (May to September) Deodorant* Pocket mirror Tissues Personal hygiene items for women Contact lens solutions and case Personal medicines 6.3 Documents (plus copies) Passport (valid for at least a further six months) Currency wallet Proof of insurance (health insurance) Cash (euros / US dollars) International credit card 12 6.4 Other items Daypack Luggage labels Project materials Paper / pens/pencils / diary Addresses Travel games / playing cards Book / magazines Torch Penknife* Mobile phone USB stick Camera (Rechargeable) batteries Chargers Sunglasses Glasses & prescription Host(ess) gifts (e.g. spices, tea, etc.) 6.5 Travel first aid kit (for the group) Check with your partner school if they already have a travel first aid kit that you can use. Plasters Poss. gauze / compresses / bandages Antiseptic cream* / disinfectant spray* Clinical thermometer A product to treat insect bites A product to treat stomach problems / nausea Painkillers (paracetamol, no aspirin) Nasal spray* A product to treat sore throats* / coughs / flu-like infections 6.6 For the teacher in charge (for the initial contact visit, in particular) Letter of introduction from the school principal expressing support for the project Information about your school (brochure, etc.) Photos and video and/or sound recordings to give an impression of your school and your daily lives (check device compatibility!) Camera Tourist information about the area in which your school is located, including posters Messages from your students (initial contact visit) Relevant planning and teaching documentation, holiday plans and information about the education system (initial contact visit) Gifts – especially ones with a link to your school and its setting. Bring more than you think you will need, as you may meet more people, enjoy more hospitality, and receive more gifts yourself, than you expect. * Liquids, knives and sharp objects must be transported in checked-in baggage. 13 ch Stiftung für eidgenössische Zusammenarbeit Dornacherstrasse 28A Postfach 246 CH-4501 Solothurn Tel +41 32 346 18 00 Fax +41 32 346 18 02 [email protected] www.chstiftung.ch 14