Study Abroad Tip
Don't Over Pack
It is not an exaggeration to allege that your packing ability might either 'make or break'
your study abroad time. After all, you will be residing in a fresh
nation for a large amount of time and your luggage is all that you will
have from home. However, combatting the impulse to pack almost all the contents of
your closet can prove to be more arduous than you think. That is why it is most effective if
you set up a plan of your travel plan* along with the activities that you will
do, and use that as a cornerstone to decide what you should or should not bring.
The mantra of the international student is: avoid
over packing at all cost. Some may
complain about forgetting some things at home, but then it is universally better to
purchase supplies when you have arrived than transport things you do not really need back home
(which will cost a lot of money) or worse, carry leaden and bulky
luggage
everyplace you go. Incidence of thievery oftentimes takes place because a traveler gets tired
of carrying his/her suitcases, places them down, and then leaves them unaccompanied.
Students on study abroad programs should be especially careful of their
documents and identification, and any other important documents that will establish
their legal stay in the land. Make sure that your passport and visa are
firmly positioned in your bag, ideally in an inside pouch. You can also acquire
a money bag to contain 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 clothing. You should also take a Xerox
photocopy of everything important and keep it in an completely different location.
Then comes the more exciting portion:
packing your clothes. It is understandable
that you want to look good - after all, you are alone in a new
country and you need to be liked by the inhabitants as well as additional university students on a
study abroad curriculum 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 on the way to getting the travel experience of your life! You
can even add a trendy bathing suit or bikini for beach destinations on weekends. It is
also crucial that you partake in not run out of fresh underwear and socks, so take at
least seven pairs of both. A good tip is to bring dark clothing as dirt
does not become instantly visible on them (sounds coarse, but you will
learn...) and the most comfy pair of shoes you have for all the incessant
hiking and running around that you will do. Leave those uncomfortable stilettos at home!
You must also be knowledgeable of the climate of the country you are going to.
Sudden changes in temperature can give you 'a cold', so take medications for
common maladies. You may also need to bring sunblocker, a light-weight rain jacket,
insect repellant, a hat, and a water bottle for outdoor trips and sightseeing.
You ought to bring toiletries, however if you really desire to lessen your cargo, you might
decide to purchase them when you arrive as virtually all things are readily offered in
large cities. Female travelers who favor a particular kind 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 exist in a foreign
country, try carrying your luggage for a few blocks and up and down some considerable
and steep staircases. If you just can not transport it all without assistance, re-check and do away with
the less necessary items.
International Study Abroad program graduates can be the greatest information references that
you will find. If you know a traveler, you can ask that person what else
you could really need for your excursion. Always Keep in mind that your
luggage is your
small piece of home in the foreign town, so do your downright best not to lose any of
it.
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