The mantra of the international student is: avoid over packing at all cost. Some can complain about forgetting some things at home, but then it is always easier to buy provisions when you have arrived than transport things you do not really need back home (which will cost a lot of money) or worse, carry heavy and bulky luggage everyplace you go. Incidence of thievery usually occurs due to the fact that a traveler gets tired out of holding his/her bags, puts them down, and then leaves them alone.
Students on study abroad programs should be specially heedful of their documents and identification, and any other basic papers that will bear witness to their legal stay in the foreign land. Make sure that your passport and visa are securely situated in your traveling bag, ideally in an interior sack. You can also buy a money bag to hold your airline tickets, money, travelers checks, credit cards, ATM cards, International Student Identity Card, Hostel membership card, and Travel Pass, and place it under your clothes. You should also take a Xerox copy of everything significant and keep it in an totally independent location.
Then comes the more intriguing portion: packing your clothing. It is understandable that you want to look smart - after all, you are unaccompanied in a unique land and you want to be liked by the people as well as additional younger students on a study abroad program like you. But if you can do this by combining one 'formal' outfit, two pairs of long pants, 3 to 4 cotton t-shirts or blouses, 2 pairs of shorts, a skirt (for girls), and 3-4 polo shirts (for boys) - you are en route to enjoying the travel experience of your life! You can even add a trendy swimsuit for beach destinations on weekends. It is also necessary that you partake in not run out of clean socks and underwear, so take at least seven pairs of both things. A good tip is to bring dark colored apparel as dirt does not become immediately obvious on them (sounds distasteful, but you will see...) and the most comfy pair of shoes you have for all the perpetual hiking and running around that you will do. Leave those killer heels in your closet!
You should also be aware of the weather of the country you are going to. Sudden changes in temperature might give you 'a cold', so bring medications for common diseases. You will also need to bring sunblocker, a light-weight rain jacket, insect repellant, a hat, and a water bottle for out-of-door trips and sightseeing. You might bring toliet articles, but if you definitely need to diminish your load, you may decide to acquire them when you arrive as most items are readily offered in major cities. Women who favor a certain type of tampons or pads may bring a months supply, and men should do the same with their shaving gels and razors. When you have packed what you think is pertinent for you to survive in a foreign country, try lugging your luggage around the block and up and down some considerable and steep stairs. If you cannot carry it all without help, re-check and rule out the least significant things.
International Study Abroad program alumni can be the greatest information roots that
you will find. If you happen to know a student, you can ask that individual what else
you would necessitate for your adventure. Always Remember that your
luggage is your
little bit of home in the foreign town, so do your absolute best not to lose any of
it.