How does GIA’s gem lending system work?

Students taking the Gem Identification course who live outside the United States and who will not be using a GIA Student Workroom for practical assignments are charged a $2000 International Stone Shipment Fee for the stone sets that will be loaned to them, along with their initial course payment. Stones are sent on loan for specified periods of time. Due to continuously changing customs regulations beyond GIA’s control, it may not be possible to ship Gem Identification stone sets to some locations outside the United States.