Studying abroad is one of the most fulfilling and exciting adventures a college student could ever experience. Traveling to another country and exploring a new culture is exhilarating. But first, a lot of planning and organizing needs to take place. Look over what you need to pack for your study abroad trip so that you can have the best time.
Passport and Photocopies
You can’t get into another country without your passport, and you definitely can’t get back without it. Keep your passport inside your purse or closed handbag. Don’t place it inside your large suitcase because you need to have it on hand.
Make some copies of your passport just to be on the safe side. Place the copies in a separate location from your passport for safekeeping. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your passport or renew it.
Proper Attire
What’s the weather like for the trip? What’s the season? Find the answers to those questions, then pack accordingly. You should also research the area’s culture because you don’t want to dress in an offensive way.
Pack a few professional clothes, too, because this is a study abroad trip, and you never know if your advisor and teachers will want you to attend a more formal event.
Toiletries and Backups
Travel-size toiletries are your friends but won’t last long, so you’ll need to bring a couple of backups. By the time the backups run out, you should be settled enough in your new temporary residence and can go buy new toiletries from a local store.
The brands you’re used to for these items may not be the same in a different country, so check with the locals to be sure you’re getting the correct items. Pack any medications you’ll need and ask your doctor to supply you with extras as well.
Journal and Postcards
This is the trip of a lifetime, and you need to document every minute of it. Naturally, you’re going to be taking a lot of pictures, but you should try to write down the things that happen too.
Pictures can’t capture every moment or emotion. Use the journal to write those things down. Bring along some stationery and cardstock paper to make your own postcards. Use these items to update your friends and family back home about what’s going on.
Local Currency
Bring enough cash to convert to the local currency. Having cash on hand will be a little easier and safer than using a credit or debit card.
Before leaving your home country, contact your card provider to let them know you’re going abroad. If you do not contact them and they see international charges, they might assume your card was stolen.
Power Adapters and Converters
Finally, you need to think about your electronics. Electrical outlets look different in other countries, and they won’t accommodate the chargers for your electronic devices. Bring power adapters and converters that will allow you to continue using your devices while abroad.
Make sure the voltage charge works for the plugs and the outlets in the country. Ask your teacher or advisor what type of charge you need to purchase.
Don’t leave your home without making sure you’ve packed everything you need for your study abroad trip.
