Almost without exception, less is better! Exchange students rarely wish they had brought more stuff with them— they usually wish the opposite! Focus on packing what you know you will need and leave out anything you think you might need.
Each host country and region are different. Get packing advice from your host family, in addition many host countries offer packing advice in their Welcome Booklets or FAQ sheet, which are available on your Dashboard under Program Resources.
Essential Packing Tips
It is not possible for AFS to tell you exactly what you will need for your AFS program in your host family’s specific location. Instead, we give you some tips and questions designed to help you find out what you will need to pack. Review the tips below and on the next page to guide your research.
- Pack 7 - 10 days’ worth of versatile layers. It is impossible to pack for your entire experience; You’ll be able to wash your clothes and buy unforeseen necessities in your host country.
- Ask AFS alumni what they wish they had and had not taken with them.
- Plan to buy clothing and toiletries in your host country; it is one way to experience local life, support the local economy, and you’ll bring less from the U.S.
- Pack in a carry-on bag that can double as a day bag or school backpack.
- All items of value (electronics, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.) pose a risk for theft abroad. Whatever you bring, guard it carefully.
- If you are bringing gifts for your host family do not wrap them until you arrive; Customs officials may open them.
Host Family Gifts
DO bring a gift for your host family, but make sure it is:
- culturally appropriate
- not fragile
- not too expensive
- representative of you, your family or your hometown (ex: calendar of places near your town, non- perishable food that is made locally, etc.)
- Age-appropriate for any host siblings you may have
Please don’t wrap your gifts before travel as they may be opened by customs officials in transit.
Medication
All prescription medication must be recorded in your AFS application. Any medications prescribed after the application has been submitted must also be reported to your Study Abroad Specialist.
As a reminder, failure to disclose any prescription medications, physical or mental health conditions may result in the early termination of your AFS program.
- Pack all prescription medications in your carry-on bag, in the original container, with a copy of the prescription.
- For each medication make sure to find out from your host country’s embassy/consulate...
- whether your medication can be legally brought into your host country.
- how much of your medication can be brought into the country; amounts may be limited
- whether your medication can be obtained locally in your host country or legally shipped internationally if you need more while you are abroad.
Clothing
Find out what clothing is appropriate in your host country.
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Clothes worn in the U.S. are not always culturally appropriate everywhere else.
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Buy clothes in your host country to fit in with local fashion trends.
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Avoid wearing revealing, sleeveless tops or ripped and faded clothes upon arrival; more conservative clothing will likely make a better first impression.
School Uniforms (Varies by Program)
- Uniforms are common in many schools around the world. You are responsible for the cost of any school uniform items.
- Your everyday clothing will receive less wear (and last longer) if you will be wearing your school uniform five days a week, so you can bring less!
Laundry
- Some places may run laundry more than in the U.S. and some less; where water is expensive and scarce, clothing may be worn several times before washing.
- Bring items that are easy to care for and can be mixed and matched.
- You may be expected to wash any delicate clothes by hand.
Climate - research typical climate and season changes in your host country and pack accordingly;
- Do bring one set of climate-appropriate clothing for more formal events.
- Be economical when packing shoes, which take up a lot of space and can be heavy.
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment
- Find out if you can pursue any sports and/or musical hobbies while abroad; doing so, when possible, can help you get involved right away and make friends more quickly.
- Check with your Study Abroad Specialist, the Sending Travel department, your airline and/or your host family about the feasibility of bringing a musical instrument or sports equipment (possible to bring on flight, if appropriate to play in host family's home etc.).
Technology
Cell Phones
- U.S. cell phone use overseas can be expensive; the phone may not even work! Please consult your wireless provider to understand any international fees.
- Check with your carrier to see if you can unlock your phone and if the phone will work in your country with a sim card that you purchase locally.
- If your phone will not work/be unlocked, you can purchase a cell phone after arrival. This is usually a more expensive option.
Music, Videos and Headphones
- Be wary of tuning out.
- Use music to connect with host friends/family, or further your language immersion.
- It may be considered rude to wear headphones in certain circumstances.
Laptops
- Wireless internet may not be available in your host family’s home or there may be restrictions.
- Find out from your host family/school if you have access to a computer.
Photography
- Other cultures may have a different idea about when it is appropriate to take a photo.
- When in doubt, ask your host family for guidance.
Shipping Items Home
It is common to have more coming home than when you went on exchange; some students choose to ship things home. Keep in mind that shipping internationally can be an expensive and lengthy process. Postal services in other countries are not always reliable. Never mail anything valuable or fragile if you can avoid it as packages may be subject to rough handling and can be susceptible to theft.