Returning: Departing your Host Country

Donate your unwanted belongings

At the end of your exchange period you will find that you have accumulated a great deal of 'things' some of which you will want to keep and some of which you will not want to keep. As there are people in need everywhere in the world donation is an excellent way to get rid of items you don't need anymore and or items that simply won't fit in your suitcase. Donating unwanted items will also reduce the cost of shipping items home, or having to pay for excess baggage.

If you are interested in donating items, you should contact the International Department or the residence hall/dorm advisor on your host institution. They will be able to assist you in locating a thrift store within the community. In addition to donating to a thrift store, you may be able to give some of your unwanted items to your fellow students.

Just because you can't fit something in your suitcase, or don't want something anymore, doesn't mean that it can't be of use to someone else. Donation is a great alternative that allows you to help someone in need!

Shipping items home

If at the end of your exchange you find you have accumulated too much to fit into your suitcase, you may want to ship some items home. Before you decide to ship these items, it would be a good idea to look at the cost of taking excess baggage on the flight with you, as in some cases this can actually cost the same as shipping. If excess baggage is too expensive, or if you intend to travel after your exchange and do not want to carry the luggage with you, then shipping is your best option.

When deciding what to ship home, it is essential that you are aware of a few things:

• How long it will take for the items to get back to Australia

Shipped items can take a few months to arrive in Australia . Do not ship items you will require immediately upon arriving home.

• Make sure your items are insured for their entire value

If your package is lost during shipping and is insured then you will be able to purchase replacement items. If your items are not insured then you will be left out of pocket.

• Do not ship valuable or sentimental items home

If you ship valuable or sentimental items home you risk having them stolen or lost during the journey.