What To Pack For Your year Abroad

Packing List

Getting ready to pack can be stressful but don't worry! We have a list of everything you will need during your exchange year.

We are seeking volunteer host families for 2023

Please let us know of any families you think have the willingness and resources to help one of our exchange students. Exchange students come from one of these countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Paraguay, South Korea, Spain, and Vietnam.

Learn more about how you can help an exchange student in 2023!

What to Pack For Your Exchange Program in the US?

Are you getting ready to study abroad and don’t know where to begin packing?! We have your back! Be prepared for your time in America! Print off the below list and check off each item as you pack your bag. Your host family can’t wait to meet you!

Clothing Checklist:

Underwear (two weeks’ worth)
Socks (two weeks’ worth plus a pair or two of wool socks)
Thermal underwear (for those going to colder climates)
Long sleeve shirts
Short sleeve shirts
Sweatshirt/ hoodie (2-3)
Sweaters
Jeans/ Khakis (2-3 pair)
Shorts
A belt or two
A set or two of workout clothes
Pajamas
Swimsuit (for those going to warmer climates)
Coat/Jacket (I 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 (good if you’re going to a warm climate)
Sneakers/ dress shoes/ boots/ rain boots
Cold weather gear (i.e. gloves/ mittens, hat, scarf)

Toiletries Checklist:

TSA Compliant Toiletry Kit /1-quart zip-top Ziploc bags
Toothbrush
Feminine products (two weeks worth’s)
Brush/ comb
Contact lenses and solution
Glasses/Sunglasses
Makeup
Over-the-counter medicines
Tissues
Enough prescription drugs for the length of your stay (You need to make sure you are allowed to bring them into the country and that you have documentation, either the prescription or a doctor’s note)

Extras Checklist:

$300 in local currency
Purse/ wallet
Important documents (passport, visa, insurance card, itinerary, plane tickets, DS2019, etc.)
Outlet adapter
Cell phone (you probably won’t be able to use it in your host country, but it’s invaluable if you’re stuck in domestic airports and need to contact someone for delayed flights, etc.)
Laptop and charger (don’t forget, you’ll need an outlet adapter for the plug on your charger to work)
Camera w/cords and charger
Backpack (for daily use and as your carry while traveling)
Water bottle/ Nalgene bottle (since the Nalgene bottle is plastic, it’s a lot easier to get through airport security)