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Packing List for Semester or Year Long Studying Abroad

Packing List for Semester or Year Long Studying Abroad

Pack less than you want. I guarantee you will buy lots of new shoes, clothes, souvenirs, which will mean your trip home will be extra challenging.

Just remember, if you forget something, you can absolutely pick it up in your destination! 

I lived for a year with one suitcase and a carry-on, which was already too much. If I can do that, so can you! Think of it this way, you have to carry all your stuff from point A to point B. If it is too challenging for you to do that, you are bringing too much.

DO BRING:

  • Passport and any documentation required for customs. I recommend getting a golf pencil or tiny pen and put it in with your Passport. Often when you fly internationally, you will need to fill out documents for arrival. This just comes in handy.
  • Clothing – NOT TOO MUCH!
  • Computer – put this in a computer case that is waterproof
  • Camera – I highly recommend bringing a nice point and shoot. It is easy to bring just a phone, but a nicer camera will be very valuable.
  • Don’t bring too many shoes. Remember not to over pack.
  • Women – I recommend bringing your own feminine products. This is because many countries use different products, often much more expensive.
  • Journal to take notes, write about your experiences, in cas you need paper.
  • Adapters
  • Medicine

DO NOT BRING:

  • Do not bring electronics without a proper adapter.
  • Shampoo/Conditioner any other hair/toothpaste unless you are picky because you can buy everything at your destination
  • Too many shoes
  • Don’t overpack

DON’T PACK TOO MUCH!

Funding Study Abroad

Funding Study Abroad

Why do you think you can’t afford to study abroad? This is no longer an excuse and should not be the only reason stopping you from studying abroad.

Let me fix this for you really quickly and be nice and frank. You absolutely can study abroad no matter what. Nowadays, study abroad is very much a part of our culture and university experiences and there are great ways you can fund your study abroad experience.

Another way to look at it – if you need gen eds, classes for your major, etc., you are going to be paying for these at your home university anyway, you may as well just do it elsewhere for a little. It is worth taking out more loans to go, I can absolutely guarantee this.

Here are some hacks on how to fund your study abroad experience.

Government Funding

You may not know this, but often FAFSA and other government loans will cover your study abroad costs. Work with your University Study Abroad Office to apply government loans toward your study abroad.

Private Loans

Sallie Mae and some of the other common private loans are now beginning to offer loans for study abroad students. Check out to see if your program qualifies for this.

Languages

Often, many majors require languages as general education. The easiest way to find scholarships and grants for your travel studies is to learn a language. Common languages have less scholarships, however, you may be able to secure scholarships through your language departments at your college. Each Language study abroad has their own requirements, so make sure to do some research before applying to these scholarships.

Less commonly taught languages can often be fully funded by grants or scholarships (FLAS/FulBright/Boren).

Scholarships

Study Abroad Offices will often award scholarships through the office. Departments are always a good way to start looking as well.

If you are adventurous, take a look at this site to see 65 scholarships for studying abroad. Google some of these scholarships and see if you are eligible.

Less Common Locations

Many uncommon study abroad places will likely have huge funding opportunities. For example, when I worked at the Study Abroad Office at my University, there was a donor willing to give full rides for all students traveling to South Korea – this averaged to about 3 students a year. See if your Study Abroad Office knows of any of these opportunities

Donations

Sign up for a GoFundMe account, do a car wash, ask family to donate money for every A you receive the semester before, write a blog abroad and get sponsored, etc. Get creative, there are many ways you can have people donate to y

STA Travel

You can often find cheaper flights to your location with this websites like STA travel geared toward students.

Budgeting

Begin to save as soon as you decide you will be studying abroad. There are odd jobs that you can pick up and set some money aside so that you can fully enjoy your time abroad.

 

How did you fund your study abroad?