Packing

Plan ahead when it comes to packing

Consider what you truly need and what you can purchase once you arrive in your host country. It's wise to pack lighter than you anticipate, as you'll probably buy souvenirs and other items during your stay.

Packing suitcase

Carry-On Luggage

You are typically allowed one carry-on, which must fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment, in addition to a personal item (laptop/purse/briefcase/camera). Check your airline’s carry-on size restrictions in advance. Certain items are restricted from carry-on luggage. For an up-to-date list of restricted items, check the Transportation Security Administration website. As a general rule, if an item is difficult to replace, it belongs in your carry-on.

Recommended carry-on items:

  • Medications—prescription and over-the-counter
  • Everything you would need at the airport—wallet, passport, credit cards, and tickets
  • Eyeglasses & contacts
  • A change of clothes
  • Valuables—such as a laptop, camera, mobile devices, or jewelry
  • Contact numbers
  • Money – U.S. dollars & currency of your host country

Checked Luggage

Check with your airline for current details regarding weight and size restrictions, excess luggage, and overweight luggage fees, as this information varies from airline to airline. Put your name, address, email, and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality.

General Tips

  • Only pack what you can manage to carry on your own! Don’t overdo it! Take out everything you want to bring and remove half of it. (We’re not joking.) If you are only traveling for a short amount of time you may want to remove even more. Only pack what you can easily carry.
  • Keep toiletries to a minimum—most essentials can be purchased abroad.
  • Roll your clothing—it saves a ton of room in your suitcase.
  • Leave extra room—you will be buying souvenirs, gifts, and clothing abroad. You could pack some snacks from home that you’ll eat while abroad to create extra room for souvenirs. 

Clothing Tips

  • Choose clothing that respects the culture of your host country. Inappropriate attire can be disrespectful and may make you feel uncomfortable or draw unwanted attention.
  • Consult your program provider and guidebooks for guidance on appropriate clothing.
  • Consult with your program leader if participating in a UMD instructor-led program.
  • Pack lightly and plan to re-wear clothing.
  • Utilize laundry facilities, especially if you are participating in a long-term program.

Cell Phones

There are three main options for cell phone plans while abroad: buying an international plan with your domestic provider, buying a physical SIM card abroad, or buying an eSIM card. If you are using a SIM or eSIM, your phone must be unlocked before you leave the country. Plans vary, so do your research prior to purchasing.  Keep in contact with family back home using free internet applications such as Zoom, Skype, Facebook, What's App, Marco Polo, FaceTime, or Google Hangouts.

While connecting with folks back home is a positive and grounding aspect of being abroad, remember that you are abroad to learn about a new culture by being immersed in it. It can be difficult to maximize this experience if you never break away from home. So don’t forget to get out there and make new friends.

Everyday Dress

You are no longer in the hallways of UMD, so you will not be able to wear pajamas everywhere. We encourage you to dress to blend in. Students around the world dress in a similar fashion with a few exceptions depending on the location. The clothes you take with you should be well-fitting, neat, and clean. Depending on the location, dress neatly for dinner, and don’t forget a fashionable outfit for going out.

Special Occasions

There may be instances where you will need to wear something a little dressier than your normal attire. Plan to bring one nice outfit.

Medication

For information regarding bringing medication abroad, see the Health Information page. 

Electrical Appliances

Verify the voltage and frequency used in the country you are studying in, and purchase a converter before leaving. The U.S. uses 100-127 V at 60 Hz, but many other countries use 220-240 V at 50 Hz. You must use a converter for electrical appliances such as a curling iron, hairdryer, etc. Some items may be able to automatically convert the voltage and frequency. Check the owner’s manual or the device specification label.

In many countries, plugs are different than those used in the U.S. (type A and B). To plug items into a socket, a plug adaptor will also be necessary. Adaptors can be purchased individually or in a travel package. Oftentimes, these travel packages also contain converters. These are available at stores selling electronics or at specialized travel shops and should be purchased prior to leaving the U.S. Alternatively, you may wish to purchase electric appliances once abroad. Even when using a converter, some appliances such as curling irons and hair dryers do not work efficiently.

Computers & Devices

Many students have found laptops, tablets, or smartphones useful. Keep in mind you may need adaptors and converters in order to charge your devices. Check ahead to find out what sort of computer and internet access you will have while abroad.