Packing Tips

Here are some tips and basic guidelines/considerations to follow when starting to pack:

• Economy: Keep in mind you probably won't need your three favorite pairs of jeans. We’ve never heard of any student who has complained about taking too little. You are likely to accumulate additional possessions while abroad so pack light!

• Weather: Keep in mind the climate of your study abroad location when packing—check with students recently returned, or look at a guidebook to see what kind of weather you might expect.

• Travel: How much traveling will you be doing while abroad? Do you really want to lug around several suitcases? (Probably not!)

• Luggage: When packing, keep in mind that you will have to carry your own luggage: Do not pack more than you can carry and fit in the trunk of a SMALL taxi! Check with the airline you have chosen for luggage allowances. Remember that you may have to get from the airport to the train station and on to your study abroad center or meeting point by yourself. Because postage rates abroad are significantly higher than those in the U.S. are, it will be more expensive (often double) to ship things back to the U.S.

• Backpack: Often students want to do independent traveling on weekends or holidays, we recommend daypacks for these adventures-- a bag big enough for a change of clothes and a few necessities, but small enough that you don’t mind toting it around all day.Also make sure that your bag is STURDY -- You wouldn’t want to spill your belonging in the middle of a crowded Tokyo intersection....Often manufactures will offer lifetime warranties on their equipment. Finally, make sure you purchase combination locks (no keys to lose!) to secure the many compartments that packs are famous for.

• The Packing List:

• Clothing (the bare minimum)
  
  1 Light weight jacket &/or raincoat
  1 Lounge outfit/sweat pants
  1 dress outfit for theater/formals
  1 bathing suit gloves, hat, scarf (for most study abroad programs)
  1 pair of long-underwear (e.g. silk)
  2 pairs of pajamas (summer & winter)
  1 pair of jeans
  1 pair of khakis
  1 or 2 skirts (men substitute another pair of pants)
  1 or 2 dresses (men substitute a suit)
  1 cotton sweater
  1 dark cardigan sweater/sports coat
  2 blouses/shirts
  2 pairs of shorts
  several t-shirts/summer shirts
  1 weeks worth of socks
  1 weeks worth of underwear
  1 or 2 belts
  
• Shoes

1 pair of dress shoes
1 pair of VERY comfortable walking/hiking shoes (waterproof preferred)
1 pair of casual shoes/loafers
1 pair of slippers
1 pair of flip flops/sandals

• Accessories

  ** Accessories help round out a seemingly sparse wardrobe. A belt or scarf adds a lot to an outfit and packs easily. However, do NOT pack expensive jewelry or clothes as these will mark you as "wealthy" --an invitation to crooks – and get lost in your travels.

• Bath & Toiletries
  
  1 towel
  small travel size toiletries (optional)
  Anti-Perspirant
  Glasses/Contact Solution
  1 toothbrush
  1 travel size manicure set
  1 hair brush
  1 Shaver
  1 month of menstrual supplies

• Prescriptions

  **Please look at your country-specific Guide for recommendations and warnings about taking prescribed drugs into your host country.

• Miscellaneous

  Sunglasses
  Umbrella
  Journal (even if you don’t keep one in the US, we highly recommend taking one)
  Walkman and a sample of your favorite American music.
  Language dictionary &/or currency converter
  Small amount of stationary and a list of family/friends addresses
  Travel alarm clock
  A few photos of family and friends
  Travel Guide
  A small sewing kit
  A few of Mom’s recipes – to make for friends or your host family.
  Small gift for your host family
  Camera
  Film
  Batteries

• Day Trip Packing List & Safety Tips

  A sturdy backpack
  1 neck pouch/money belt (discreet is best)
  International Student Identity Card (optional)
  International Youth Hostel Association Card (optional - see www.hiayh.org)
  Eurorail (or other rail) pass (optional)
  Guidebook
  Electronic or paper translator/Phrase book
  Prescriptions, Glasses, Contact Solution
  Camera, film and batteries (buy before you leave the U.S. – it’s more expensive abroad)
  Walkman
  Travel Alarm clock
  Small Compass
  Small first aid kit (you can make it yourself in-country)
  Small sewing kit
  Laundry musts: small tube of soap (e.g. Shout or Woolite), cord for laundry line (can use dental floss), and a flat rubber drain-stop for doing your laundry in a sink.
  A door-stop for extra security in hostels
  Travel journal
  Sleep Sheet – you can purchase one or sew together two sheets sleeping bag-style
  Towel
  Swiss Army Knife
  Small flashlight and batteries
  Flip flops
  Walking shoes/boots
  2 complete outfits
  A few safety pins (just in case)
  Bug repellant (e.g. Avon Skin So Soft) and sunscreen
  Sunglasses

  The above list does not cover the list of documents that you will be required to take with you on your study abroad program. Also please note that though the list is comprehsive it is not complete.

  Source: IES Website www.iesabroad.org