Packing for study abroad

How much and what you pack will depend a great deal on the location and duration of your study abroad program. A yearlong program in Germany calls for a different type of clothing than a six-week program in the Dominican Republic. As a rule of thumb, always pack sensibly and lightly. Keep in mind that while overseas it is perfectly acceptable to wear the same outfit a few times in one week. Choose clothes that you can mix and match in order to utilize a minimum number of items. Also, weather can vary quite a bit throughout the day and from town to town, so take clothes that are good for layering.

Remember you are going to have to carry whatever you pack, so practice carrying your bags with the items you plan to take before going overseas and adjust accordingly. When you fly, you will be limited to two pieces of checked luggage and one carry-on bag. Your carry-on bag should contain all the necessities to live for one or two days in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost.

Packing tips specific to your program will be provided at your orientation; however, here are some more helpful guidelines for all study abroad students:

• Pack sensibly and lightly.
• Do not take jewelry or other items of value. It is advisable to take an inexpensive watch.
• Take comfortable walking shoes. You will be walking a lot!
• Take bedroom/house slippers. In many cultures it is unacceptable to walk barefoot in the house.
• Take an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contacts. Take enough contact solution to last for the duration of the program.
• Take enough prescription medication to last the duration of the program. Keep prescriptions in their original, labeled containers.
• Take your own towel and washcloth. Some programs may require you to bring bed linens as well. Ask your Study Abroad coordinator for details.
• Take a small, battery-operated alarm clock.
• Take photos of family, friends, or the Ohio State campus to share with the new friends you will make abroad.
• Take small items typical of Ohio State, Ohio, or the United States to give as gifts.
• Electrical service is not identical throughout the world. If you plan to bring any electrical appliances (e.g., hair dryer, electric razor, radio), you will need to take a voltage converter and a set of adapter plugs. For a worldwide electrical guide, go to kropla.com.
• Take personal hygiene products.
• Consult the web site of your airline to find out specific luggage allowances. You are normally allowed two pieces of luggage, weighing 50 pounds (22.5 kgs) on international flights; however, luggage allowances can change with little prior notice. Also be aware that luggage allowances for domestic flights within your host country may be less.
• Consult the web site of your airline or the U.S. Department of State web site (travel.state.gov/travel) for up-to-date information on restrictions on specific items allowed in checked and carry-on luggage.
• The web site journeywoman.com provides country-specific packing recommendations for women.
• Don’t forget to pack an open mind and a sense of humor!

Many students ask if they should take their laptops overseas with them. You can take your laptop if you have the right converters to adapt to the local electrical currency and are willing to find a place to print your work. If you are thinking of bringing your laptop, consider the following:

• Your laptop should have its own multi-voltage transformer/converter. Inexpensive transformers will not work for computers and can damage your computer.
• Have your computer insured, as laptops are high-risk theft items.
• Carry your computer with you on the plane as a carry-on; do not pack it in your checked luggage.
• You might not be able to find anyone at your university who can help you with computer problems.
   
  

Copies, copies, copies

Before you leave the United States, it is vital that you make copies of the following items:

• Your passport information page (page with your photo)
• Any special immigration papers
• Airplane ticket and train tickets (if any)
• Credit/debit card information
• Any other important documents

Carry the copies with you in a separate place from the originals. Store the copies in a safe place, separate from the originals—in your room or in a hotel safe. Also leave a set at home with your family.

HTH Global Assistance Services will help students who have lost important documents such as passports by providing instructions for replacement. This benefit is available to students for the duration of their study abroad program. To obtain assistance from outside the U.S. call collect +1-610-254-8771.