Packing for an international trip can be daunting. You don't want to lug around heavy bags, yet at the same time you aren't sure what you will be able to purchase in a foreign country. The below links might be helpful as you think about what to bring with you.
Books
- A foreign language dictionary
- Foreign language phrase book
- An address book with e-mail addresses of friends and important contacts at your university
- Travel journal/diary
- Guidebook in English
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Clothes
- Waterproof walking shoes
- Flip-flops
- Socks and underwear
- Shorts
- Skirts/pants
- Shirts
- Sweater/sweatshirt
- Warm clothes (hat, gloves, scarf, long underwear, etc.)
- Light jacket
- Bath towels, wash cloths
- Bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Belt
- Hat
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Medicine and Toiletries
Keep in mind toiletries can be purchased overseas.
- Prescription medication: this could be expensive or difficult to obtain, so bring an extra supply. You must carry all prescriptions in the original container that includes the dosage and doctor's name. Do not take prescription medicines out of their original container.
- Copies of prescriptions, including eyeglasses
- Contraceptives
- Toothbrush, toothpaste
- Soap, shampoo (to save space, bring travel size items and purchase more once you're settled in)
- Comb, brush
- Cosmetics
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Small First-Aid Kit
- Aspirin
- Tissues (travel size packs)
- Tampons/pads
- Razor/razor blades
- Eyeglasses/contact lenses
- For women, yeast infection medication
- Any American toiletry that you can't live without!
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Essentials & Documents
- Passport/visa
- Plane/train tickets
- Medical Insurance Card and Coverage Plan (please make sure to read this first)
- Student ID, ISIC
- Photocopies of your passport, travel documents, traveler's checks, and credit cards packed in a different location from the actual documents
- Hostel membership card
- Money belt/neck wallet
- Money/Traveler's checks
- Credit cards/ATM card
- Phone cards
- Backpack with internal frame/book bag
- Camera, film or large memory card, camera battery
- A small gift for your supervisor or host family, if applicable
- Electricity converter kit
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Miscellaneous
- Music player
- Batteries
- Any food you can't live without
- Pictures of family and friends
- Clothes hangers
- Flashlight
- Sewing kit
- Bed sheets for hostel
- Luggage locks & tags
- Alarm clock
- Sunglasses
- Phone numbers of family and friends (in case you can't remember them without your cell phone!)
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