My daughter is studying in Florence this semester, which meant a lot of planned packing was completed. If you or a member of your family is planning on studying abroad, I have some terrific tips that make packing for an experience of a lifetime much easier.
1. Passport
If you don’t have a passport yet, apply now or in plenty of time prior to your departure date. It’s important to note, some countries require that your passport has been valid for six months before entering. If you already have a passport but it expires during the time you’re abroad, apply for a new one before you leave. Remember to make copies of each page of your passport and store them in your luggage in case of emergency.
2. Visa
Depending on where you’ll be studying or staying abroad, some countries require visas. This enables you to enter and travel within a particular country. Apply ahead of time! The process of gathering all of the relevant information is tedious and might take some time for the Consulate of the country you’re going to be living in to process. Don’t wait on this one and remember to make photocopies of the visa stamped inside of your passport.
3. Colored Copies of Passport Photo
I’ve mentioned this tip before in my packing video, but to reiterate, in the event you lose your passport or it gets stolen, make sure you have four colored copies of your passport photo. This will expedite any renewal of your passport. Of course, also have black and white and colored copies of your passport in your purse, your backpack, your carry-on luggage and in your checked luggage. I know that seems like a lot of copies but trust me, you’ll thank me should you ever lose your passport. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Medications
Work with your doctor and insurance company to dispense prescriptions for the number of months you’ll be abroad. This is a process; so don’t wait until the last minute. Keep all medications in their original containers and make copies of written prescriptions in the event you need additional medications abroad. Bring copies of your medical insurance card or an insurance plan card through your school.
5. Study Abroad Information
Keep a file of all contact information of the school you’ll be studying at with arrival information, emergency contact names, phone numbers, addresses and email addresses. Bring this information in your carry-on for easy access.
6. Currency
Bring at least $200 worth of the local country currency you’ll be living in. Some U.S. banks might not have this local currency readily available, so plan ahead and order the currency prior to your trip.
7. Cross Body Wallet
This is a must-have accessory! I know it’s not the most fashionable item, but it’s the most functional. Stash your credit card, passport, driver’s license, student id and local currency inside and strap it across your shoulder before heading out. This way it will be easy to grab money or your passport from the wallet, which can be hidden under a fashionable coat.
8. Computer
The school that you’ll be attending may have a computer lab equipped with desktop computers and Wi-Fi, but if they don’t, remember to bring your personal computer along with an adapter AND a converter. You’ll need an adapter to plug into the wall and a converter to convert the voltage of electricity. Adaptors and converters can be purchased at REI.
9. Identification Tags
Put your contact information on them and attach them both outside and inside of your checked and carry-on luggage. You can find some fashionable ones here. I recommend writing the address of where you’ll be staying abroad so in the unlikely event your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do, it can be delivered to your local address. Just remember to change your address when you pack up and come back home to the US of A!
10. Camera
This will be your photo journal of all the wonderful places you’ll be experiencing. And don’t forget a selfie stick! This is the new rage!
And, as always, remember…pack half of what you think you need, and twice as much of a positive attitude! And if you need help shopping or packing, Just Ask!
Happy Travels,
