When it comes to studying abroad, students often focus on getting into their university and securing their visa. As a result, they often forget to prepare important things for their trip.
To avoid forgetting any essentials, it is best to start planning and preparing early. This includes determining what weather to expect in your study abroad destination and packing the appropriate clothing.
Toiletries
Unless you really need them, leave the oversized shampoo and conditioner bottles at home. Instead, bring travel-size toiletries in a reusable bottle that can be easily refilled at your study abroad destination.
Similarly, consider leaving the heavy makeup bags at home and opting for a multipurpose travel-sized bag that will take up less space. Also, don’t bring excessive amounts of clothing. Instead, go for light and comfortable running shoes and a couple of pairs of shorts or flip flops. If your new destination is known for rain, consider bringing a waterproof umbrella.
It is recommended that you carry a journal to document your study abroad experience. This can help you reflect on the good and the bad times and will be an invaluable souvenir years down the line! Also, a small notebook and pen is a must for taking notes. Don’t bring anything culturally inappropriate, as that could be seen as an appropriation rather than appreciation and it might cause problems for the local community.
Books
It’s no secret that studying abroad can be a life-changing experience. This change often brings challenges, especially when it comes to finances. For that reason, it is important to be prepared with some financial wisdom. A book like The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel can help you become a financially-savvy traveler.
Studying abroad also means long train rides and flights, which make it perfect for expanding your mind with a good book. Luckily, there are many great books that will do just that! A good option is to read Brene Brown’s “Boundaries”, a guide to living courageously and wholeheartedly. Another great pick is Thoreau’s “Walden”, an account of his time living deliberately in the woods.
When packing your books, make sure to pack them in a suitcase or backpack that has plenty of compartments and zippered pockets. This will help to keep them from getting squashed or damaged in transit. Also, remember to roll your clothes instead of folding them: this will save space and prevent wrinkles.
Passport
When you are preparing for your study abroad, most of your focus is on selecting the right university, getting admitted there and securing a visa to travel. While a lot of these steps require your complete attention, you must remember that packing for your travel is also very important and should not be left until the last minute.
Consider the climate of the destination, and the time of year you will be visiting. If you are going to be travelling to a colder location in winter, it will require a lot more layers and accessories than when traveling to a summer destination.
Dressing according to the local culture is extremely important. Your university should be able to provide you with specific cultural information for the country in which you will be studying abroad. This will help you avoid offending the locals by wearing inappropriate clothes and will allow you to fully enjoy your experience abroad.
Money
If you’re planning to study abroad, you probably have some financial worries, but don’t let those concerns prevent you from making the trip of a lifetime. Fortunately, there are ways to make studying abroad more affordable, including taking advantage of student credit cards and finding a high-interest savings account.
Having a reliable and functional phone will help you navigate your new country and stay in touch with family and friends back home, as well as combat loneliness. Make sure your phone is powered up and has a data bundle so you can explore your new surroundings on Google Maps without running out of power.
Try to avoid bringing valuables with you, as these are more likely to get lost or stolen while traveling. Instead, leave any expensive jewelry at home and purchase more modest versions while you’re abroad.
Camera
A good camera is one of the most important things to carry when traveling abroad for studies. A camera can help you capture and keep memories of your study abroad experience that you’ll cherish forever. Photos also make great posts on social media and blogs and can help your friends and family back home follow along with your study abroad adventures.
A camera that can handle a variety of shooting styles is ideal for students studying overseas. A versatile camera like the Sony a7 IV delivers excellent image quality for both stills and video. It also features a robust autofocus system and an extensive selection of lenses.
When packing a camera or other expensive items, it’s crucial to use a protective case or backpack for security. This will ensure that your equipment doesn’t get smashed or stolen when being loaded into luggage for a flight or while being transported by bus or train.
Music
Modern conveniences can be a real boon when you travel abroad for studies. The ability to take your favorite music with you wherever you go thanks to cutting edge technology means that there’s no need to leave your stateside musical pursuits behind. This is a great way to stay productive and focus while you study abroad.
If you are a music major, study abroad may be a great opportunity to explore new styles and broaden your musical perspective. For example, studying abroad in West Africa gives students the chance to learn how African rhythms leverage patterns that are not typical of Western music.
Studying abroad is an incredible experience that many students describe as life-changing and career-enhancing. The benefits of studying abroad are far-reaching and can be applied to a variety of majors and fields of study. But before you embark on your trip, here are a few important things to consider.
