Studying Abroad: an amazing, yet somewhat stressful experience. Prior to your departure, you need to have everything packed and ready to go. It is not like you can just turn the car around and grab what you left at home because you are literally on a different continent, separated by thousands of miles of oceans. What do you exactly need to study abroad?
Here are the 11 must haves before you pack up and set sail for this one in a lifetime experience.
1. Appropriate Clothing
Every country has very different weather. Make sure you know what the forecast will be and dress accordingly.
2. Proper Currency
Even if you may be staying in one country, the currency may differ place to place. For example, Northern Ireland accepts Pounds, while the rest of Ireland accepts Euros.
3. Electrical Adaptors
Not all electrical outlets are like the ones we have here in the U.S. Make sure you grab an adaptor so you can charge your phone and other electronics at night.
4. Passport
Honestly, this is your life crammed into a small booklet. Do not lose it. Do not take your eyes off of it. Also, it is very important to keep other forms of ID with you, and the essential cards such as your insurance, and your credit card.
5. Plane Tickets
*Arrives at Airport and forgot plane ticket at home* Remember your plane ticket folks, or your study abroad trip will be a little delayed.
6. Prescriptions & Vitamins
Check to make sure that your prescription is legal is other countries, or even if it is carried in other places. If not, make sure to let your doctor know how long you will be abroad and get the appropriate amount before you leave.
7. Sanity
The process up to leaving to study abroad can be quite stressful. Make sure you stay calm and collected even though you may just want to break down and cry. You will get through it, and you will have the time of your life.
8. Journal
Certain study abroad trips may require a little writing, so make sure to pack a journal to keep record of your entire trip.
9. Electronics
Phones, cameras, laptops, IPADs: do not keep your head buried in your phone the whole entire time because you will miss out on soooo much. However, use them to take pictures, and to keep your family updated on your trip.
10. Patience
Patience, young grasshopper. It may be a process getting your passport, packing all of your stuff, purchasing your plane ticket, but at the end, it will be so worth it.
11. Toiletries
Stay clean, and make sure you read the guidelines for plane about carrying certain toiletries. "Make sure to floss three times a day while you are there!" -Your Dentist.... OKAY.
Once you cram these 11 things into a suitcase, you will be ready for that amazing study abroad trip and to create memories that you will never forget. Bon Voyage!
