First off...Congrats on your internship! That's awesome. About your camera choice, I don't know that I'd take a new $500 P&S. You might opt for an older model instead. No worries at all then about storing gear during working hours, and if it ends up missing , so be it. Once someone sees you shooting with a P&S, they'll know you have it and just wait until the right time. Those big SLRs might look more intimidating to someone on that side of the world and would stay away from it... or they'll steal it too and use it for a door prop. Point is, I'd hate to waste big money on something I settled for. I'd bring your good stuff and put the moneyon a new lens, or when you come home, use it to replace the camera someone stole. Canon 1D markII for $560 was at KEH for awhile. A Canon refurbA1100 for $96 might be a decent thought too and you could buy a couple just in case.


Hope this helps,


Greg