Blog

Packing for a semester or year abroad can be challenging. Especially when you have that gut feeling that you must be forgetting something! That’s why we’ve put together a handy printable checklist of the items you will need for your journey. This list includes many items that are obvious, but also some things you might not think of. When it comes to packing, especially for a tour with Up with People where you travel to a new city every week, less is more. We recommend taking only one checked bag and a backpack or duffel bag for daily use.

The following is a suggested pre-departure study abroad packing checklist. Up with People study abroad students will also receive a printable pdf with some additional items to pack from their Up with People counselor.

To Download And Print The Following Study Abroad Packing List Click Here.

STUDY ABROAD PACKING LIST

THE ESSENTIALS

• Originals & one photocopy of the following important documents (and leave a second photocopy at home)
• Your Passport (must be valid for at least six months after the completion of the program), photocopy the photo page and all critical document information
• Your tourist visa(s), if applicable
• Your credit or debit card(s) – front and back
• Your health insurance card or certificate – front and back
• Your driver’s license or other primary photo identification

NON-CLOTHING ITEMS

• Prescription glasses/contacts
• Medications and prescriptions you take regularly
• Alarm clock (battery operated or solar; not a plug-in clock)
• A watch or time-telling device
• Plug adaptor(s) for electrical items (check for international voltage and electrical outlet information)
• Toiletries – toothpaste/brush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, sanitary items
• Water Bottle
• Host family thank you cards (if you are staying in host families like participants in Up with People)
• Personal items to share about you & your home with host families

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Camera, camera battery and charger
• Technology: cell phone, laptop, tablet and/or e-reader

CLOTHING ITEMS

• Underwear (two weeks’ worth)
• Socks (two weeks’ worth plus a pair or two of wool socks)
• Undershirts
• Thermal underwear
• Long sleeve shirts
• Short sleeve shirts
• Sweatshirt/ hoodie (2-3)
• Sweaters
• Jeans/ Khakis (2-3 pair)
• Shorts
• A belt or two
• Tunic shirts or dresses (for girls)
• A set or two of workout clothes
• Pajamas
• Swimsuit (for those going to warmer climates)
• Coat/Jacket (We recommend at least 2 – one for cold weather, and one that is water resistant)
• At least one nice outfit for formal occasions
• Flip flops/ sandals of some sort
• Sneakers/ dress shoes/ boots/ rain boots
• Cold weather gear (i.e. gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)

For more information about Up with People’s multi-country study abroad program visit UpWithPeople.org.