The months and days leading up to your big “Bon Voyage!” can come with a whirlwind of emotions.  Excitement, stress, nervousness, fear, and waves of both happiness and sadness will come and go at an increasing rate the closer you get to your departure date.  Lucky for you, many people have been in that situation before you and so you should have someone to turn to for advice.  If you have no immediate friend or family member with international living or study abroad experiences, most universities have pre-departure orientations, informational sessions, and program advisors available to talk to you about your concerns on a one-to-one basis.

And then, of course, you have Voy!™  You will surely have a lot going through your mind during your final days stateside and every less thing you have to worry about will make these days go by that much smoother.  However, the last you want to do is forget something vitally important.

To help out, we’ve put together a quick list of things you should double check before you leave:

• Pack light!
  • Avoid bringing a hundred things you will never use and that you simply don’t need.  Depending on the country, you will most likely be able to purchase most items upon arrival.  Of course, there are SOME harder-to-acquire items that are good to have on hand.
  • Don’t forget school (or work if you’re teaching or interning) and climate appropriate attire!
    • What is the climate of the destination?  Hot or cold, rainy or dry season? What is the proper attire to wear to class or work?
    • Always know what type of electrical standards are in the country of destination.  Have an adapter for all of your electronics!
  • It is of the utmost importance that you do not forget your passport, visa or any other necessary documents.

• Health concerns
  • Visit your doctor before you leave and make sure you have no underlying health issues before departure.
  • Find out about any vaccinations that may be required before entry to your destination country and make sure that all of these are up to date.
  • If you are taking medications, bring a good stockpile and a prescription with you.  Also make sure to know the translation of the medication to the local language and find out if it is allowed in the country!

• Money
  • Always inform your bank and credit card companies of any and all international travel.  The last thing you need is for your cards to all stop working due to “suspicious activity”.
  • You should always be sure to bring enough funds to cover your initial transition period.
  • Convert some money into the local currency before arrival.  Many countries will not be so happy to accept your credit card payments!

And most of all, don’t forget to relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy yourself in your new country!

Paul Joseph