How to Study Abroad: Part 5-Packing

There are some things that may seem obvious to bring and other things you may think you need but can really go without. Then there are the things you won't think of bringing but will REALLY wish you had. So now you can benefit from my experiences as you frantically go through all or your stuff trying to figure out just how you're going to manage to get everything within the baggage weight limit (a daunting task, I know).

First, stick to the basics. You're only gone for a few months so you can live without a lot that you're used to having. Pack your standard set of clothes; if you're a girl and typically into dresses, pack about 8-10 dresses and the cardigans/accessories to go with them. If you're a guy into wearing running clothes all the time, well, try to get into jeans or something else...most other countries don't accept running gear as standard in public. You can do it, just be prepared to get some strange looks depending on where you go.

Second, creature comforts. You're going to be gone for a few months so you're going to want things to get you through you homesick moments. It'll happen. There'll be a moment when you really crave your favorite snack, or you'll miss your dog. While it shouldn't be the bulk of your packing make sure you bring enough creature comforts to get through your adventure.


Third, be culturally appropriate. Some cultures have strict dress codes you'll want to adhere to. You might also need to prepare for a weather pattern you're not used to. Know these things ahead of time so you aren't taken by surprise when you arrive to somewhere cold in the middle of winter wearing shorts and flip flops (hey, that's typical winter weather in California!)...or vice versa (no need to overheat in Africa just because it's a blizzard back home!)

So what exactly would I pack if I were going again? Let's take Korea; it was more versatile since I got there in winter and left in summer:

Clothes:

• 3 pairs of jeans
• 3 pairs shorts
• 4 sweaters
• 2 sweatshirs
• 3 cardigans
• 2 long sleeve tops
• 8 short sleeve tops (mix of dressy, class appropriate, weekend appropriate)
• 3 skirts
• 4 dresses
• 1 nice dress
• 1 pair dress pants
• Socks etc. for 2 weeks (trust me on the 2 weeks thing)
• 2 jackets (1 winter, 1 lightweight/spring rain appropriate)
• 3 sets exercise gear
• 2 sets pjs
• Bathing suit (2 if you're going somewhere you expect to do a lot of swimming)

Accessories, Etc:

• Makeup
• Jewelry
• Toiletries for 4 months(or however long you'll be gone) (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, soap, etc. Everything you use in your daily routine...ladies, don't forget your products. You might not be able to find what you want in a foreign country. Or it could all be in a foreign language)
• Shoes: sneakers, boots, sandals, heels (most versatile pair), flats, casual/everyday walking shoes (currently I have boat shoes, chucks or non running sneakers, or something to that effect would also work) (make sure at least one pair has traction for snow/rain)
• Hair accessories (hair ties, headbands)
• Sunglasses
• Bug spray
• Body spray/perfume
• Sunblock
• Over the counter medicine (pain killers, allergy medicine if you use it)
• Travel toiletries (I figure 1 weeks worth should do...this goes in your carry on, maybe bring an extra set in your checked luggage for on your way home)

School Supplies & Electronics:

• Laptop (& charger, internet cord, case)
• IPod (& charger, headphones)
• Camera (& charger/batteries, sufficient memory cards, cable to connect to your laptop)
• Backpack (or whatever you use to carry your school supplies)
• American cell phone & charger (so you can call/text people when you land home in the States...or where ever you're from)
• Flashlight (& batteries)
• Converter for electronics
• CDs & DVDs

Other:

• Pictures from home for yourself
• Pictures of home to show to new friends (might be the same as pics for yourself, might not. I like to use my iPod to show my new friends, and then I have a photo album of home for me)
• Wheat thins & American candy (or whatever your favorite snacks are...could mean oreos, hot sauce, ketchup, etc. These will be different/unavailable where you go, I promise. So do yourself a favor and just bring some with you for when you really miss it)
• Room decorations (posters, mementos, etc.)
• Souvenirs from home to give your new friends (like postcards that you can write a note on when you give it to them)
• Special things to make you feel at home (if you still have a blankie, stuffed animal, some little luck charm...totally not judging. If I was judging it wouldn't have made this list)
• Plane entertainment (books, magazines, diaries, sudokus, coloring books, what ever will keep you entertained)
• Gum (to chew on the airplane)
• List of important phone numbers, addresses (so you can call people in emergencies or send post cards)
• List of people who get souvenirs
• List of must see & do things
• Phrase & culture book (translator, dictionary, something to help you navigate the language)
• Towel
• Bag/pouch to carry your stuff in while you traipse around the country/city

Really Important Stuff:

• Passport
• Credit Card/Debit Card
• Insurance information
• Flight Itineraries
• Proof of departure/reason for stay/address of stay/in country contact information (some countries won't let you in without this information!)
• A sense of adventure

With that said, I also have a few things

NOT to Bring

• Pillows, bedding (takes up too much room, just get it there. Besides, this is very often provided for you. Make do for your first night)
• Laundry detergent (your stuff might not even work in the machine you have access to)
• Liquids (other than toiletries, they'll likely explode in your bag anyway)
• Breakables (...because they'll break)
• Gaming consoles (this might seem obvious, but still)
• Anything you haven't used in the past year

This might seem like a LOT of stuff...and it is. I think it's TOTALLY worth bringing the second checked bag If you'll be one place for most of your stay. And you might be wondering where you'll fit souvenirs on the way home. Well, I've built in the solution for that: don't bring home any souvenirs (jk!!!). Don't bring home toiletries. Seriously, you can get them when you return home.

Note: if you're a shopper, cut back on clothes that you pack. In Korea, Italy, a lot of other places, there is good shopping and you'll pick up extra then not have room to get it all home later.

Naturally, this list should be adapted to your own personal needs & where you'll be (and if you're a guy then a lot of this can just be taken off...). But it's good to have a list to go from anyways. Hope it helps!

^.^ KM