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TGS Accommodation Guidelines
TGS provides a variety of accommodation according to the program and university requirements or requests. Interns are usually accommodated in 3-bedroom apartments in secure condominiums, while hotels are usually used for study tours, on a twin-share basis. Volunteer programs and some portions of study tours outside of larger towns or cities may require homestay in smaller villages or hostels. TGS staff personally inspect all accommodation, including hotel, homestay, or hostel. Students are advised during orientation how to report any issues with cleanliness, maintenance, or security.
The following are in compliance with COVID-safe S.O.Ps for 2022. (These are subject to change based on the updating of the guidelines issued by the Malaysian government and relevant agencies).
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Provide evidence of Negative report for PCR Covid sample collected between two days to one day prior to undertaking international travel (January)
Download the MySejahtera app to scan QR codes for entering any premises
Provide evidence of 2 vaccinations and booster shots for COVID.
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Mandatory to wear masks outside the home
Frequent washing of hands with soaps & sanitizers
Always maintain physical distancing- 2 to 2.5meters
Self-isolate immediately upon feeling unwell and immediately advise TGS
Should a program participant begin to feel unwell, they should inform TGS immediately and self-isolate and monitor their condition using rapid antigen testing kits, which are available at any pharmacy. Should symptoms continue and a student test positive, they will continue to self-isolate for 7 days form the positive test. TGS will provide assistance with medical support should it become necessary.
Should other students in the accommodation feel the need to find alternative temporary accommodation, they will do so at their own cost.
Should a student not be able to return home due to a positive PCR test, they may have the option of remaining in the accommodation unless the lease is up or the unit needs to be sanitized for a new group. if this is the case, TGS will assist the student to find alternative temporary accommodation at their cost until they are clear to travel.
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Each apartment usually has three bedrooms (3 BR) and two basic bathrooms (one ensuite).
Interns are housed in their own room. Apartments are equipped with security access, Wi-Fi, and usually a swimming pool and gymnasium.
Apartments are provided with hot water available, linen, towels, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, toaster, fridge and usually a washing machine. TGS also provides a portable fire extinguisher for emergency. Kitchens offer stove tops and microwaves for cooking (not usually an oven in SE Asia) however interns will find it is cheaper to purchase local food than to cook. Interns are advised on arrival about laundry facilities where they do not exist inside an apartment, local supermarkets, and local food options.
All apartments have 24-hour security guards and entry via access cards. Each intern has their own keys, and usually their own bedrooms are lockable, depending on the premises.
Interns are accommodated according to their host location and close to public transport. At times, the apartments will be shared with other programs or universities interns.
Usually apartments are unisex unless specifically requested otherwise. Care is taken for example to ensure Muslims do not share with those of the opposite sex.
Accommodation is sourced in bulk for groups as required, with payment made in advance. Should an intern choose to quit the TGS arranged accommodation, they will do so at their OWN cost, with NO REFUND given.
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Hotels are usually 3-4 stars, depending on the budget of the program, usually in a central location, with access to local food options and a supermarket or mini mart. TGS works with a range of sites in the destination cities to ensure needs are met including cleanliness, security and safety, and discounts for laundry services and dining options.
Hotels are based on twin-share unless advised otherwise for city-based study tour.
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Homestays are either with families, or dorm style community houses with lockable door.
Homestay/hostels will have a minimum of two students per home, or up to 4 sharing a dorm in rural areas.
TGS requires an accommodation assessment completed for all homestay, hostels or field sites to ensure compliance with OH&S requirements, safety and security, cleanliness and general comfort (attached).
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Interns are required to pay an AUD $200 bond via PayPal no later than one week prior to arrival. This will be refunded within 2 weeks from departure, provided the apartment is left in the manner expected upon checkout (See below). Interns are advised of the conditions pertaining to the accommodation and sign an agreement upon check-in to acknowledge them. (attached)
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The refund of the AUD $200 deposit is subject to the condition of the apartment on departure. The refund is processed via reversing the original PayPal payment.
In the week prior to departure, interns are reminded of the processes for checkout, and for ensuring the apartment is left clean and tidy. This includes:
Stripping beds and leaving linen and towels folded on top
Removal of all trash, including emptying of refrigerator
Replacement of any damaged or lost kitchen utensils/items
Keys and access cards handed back
TGS will accept unwanted clothing, unopened groceries or toiletries, and any other unwanted goods for donation to local migrant refugee communities TGS reserves the right to deduct costs for repairs or extra cleaning from the Security Deposit should any of the below be encountered upon checkout. The balance will be returned via PayPal transfer approximately 2 weeks after departure.
Deductions will be made for:
Damage to the property or furnishings – costs incurred in repairs.
Loss of security pass card - chargeable at RM100.
Replacement of keys/lock change. Lost keys are chargeable at RM50 each.
Electricity not to exceed RM300 per month per apartment. Any extra will be deducted from deposit with the deduction divided among the tenants.
Any complaints or disputes pertaining to the refund process must be made in writing to the TGS Director.