Travel & Packing

Flight Itineraries

Once you receive instructions from your World Partner about when and where to arrive, you can book your flight and submit the Travel Information form within OrangeAbroad.

Travel Before and After the Program

While students can certainly choose to travel before the start of the program and after the program ends, please do not make plans until you receive more information from your World Partner about the program calendar, when your housing will be available for you to move in, as well as when you need to move out.

Packing Guidelines

  • Most students say afterwards that they regretted over packing. Limit yourself to one checked suitcase, one carry-on bag or suitcase, and one personal item, like a small backpack.
  • Check with your airline for more information on luggage including weight and size restrictions. Additional checked luggage or an overweight or oversized bag can also result in extra baggage fees.
  • Ensure all of your portable electronics are charged so they can be turned on. Safety regulations may require you to turn on laptops, tablets, or cell phones while going through security.
  • Consult the Transportation Safety Administration if you have questions about what you can and cannot pack.
  • Sometimes the airlines will unexpectedly ask you to check your carry-on, so make sure your passport, travel documents, money, medication, phone, laptop, and other important or valuable items are packed in your personal item or are easy to remove from your carry-on.
  • Bring copies of your passport, visa, and credit cards and leave a copy of each at home with a parent or guardian for safety reasons.
  • On your flight, wear appropriate travel clothing: shoes you can easily remove, layers for unpredictable climates, etc. Be sure to check the weather in your final destination before you arrive.
  • Do some research on the electrical voltage in your host country. Generally, newer electronics that can be charged and store energy require only an adapter. However, small appliances such as hair dryers or electric razors will usually require converters. When used without a converter, such appliances are a hazard to you or the circuit. It is better to buy such appliances once you arrive abroad.
  • Do not bring excessive toiletries or beauty products – most countries will have similar or equivalent products available, so do not waste space in your suitcase.
  • Leave room in your suitcase for items you may bring back!

Suggested Packing List

This is a generic packing list for all destinations. Check with your World Partner to see if they have a specific packing list and/or recommendations for dressing in a culturally appropriate manner. If not, we recommend doing independent research on this topic.

Essentials

  • Copy of your passport and student visa (keep your actual passport in your personal item such as a back-pack or purse). Never pack your passport in checked luggage. Make copies for yourself and your family. ­
  • Passport-size photos
  • Maps and contact info for World Partner
  • Casual attire
  • Hat and gloves
  • Warm and/or light jacket
  • Business attire (if you have an internship)
  • Raincoat/umbrella
  • Appropriate footwear (consider your need for sneakers or hiking boots, dress shoes, boots, and sandals/shower shoes)
  • Bathing suit
  • Pajamas/slippers

Toiletries/Personal Care

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Shampoo and soap
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Towels
  • Sunscreen
  • Cosmetics and shaving supplies
  • Skin care lotions/creams
  • Contact lenses and supplies

Electronics

  • Cell phone and charger
  • Adaptor and converter
  • Camera and batteries (and charger if necessary)
  • Computer

Medical Supplies

  • Prescription medication/s
  • Band-Aids
  • Over-the-counter pain reliever
  • Cough/cold medicine
  • Pepto-Bismol/Imodium

Money

  • Credit cards, ATM card, and contact information for your bank and credit card company. Make copies for yourself and your family.
  • Small amount of cash in your host country’s local currency (optional)

Bags

  • Backpack for day trips (if you are not taking a backpack on your flight)

Shipping Policies

Shipping and customs regulations can be very strict abroad, so research shipping regulations before sending packages overseas. If you have questions, contact your World Partner or Syracuse Abroad before shipping any items abroad. Some basic guidelines:

  • Medications cannot be shipped abroad. Do not attempt to do so.
  • Electronics and other valuables will be held at customs in most cases and heavily taxed.
  • When mailing items to students abroad, parents and relatives should clearly label the contents as “used personal effects” with “no commercial value” to try to avoid an import duty. However, there is no guarantee customs will not inspect the package and charge a fee to release the package.
  • Never send anything of high monetary or sentimental value. If necessary, be sure to send via registered mail with a tracking number and possibly insurance.
  • Packages containing food items and/or vitamins are often inspected by customs officials which can cause long delays and could incur an import tax or processing fee.
  • It is illegal to send controlled substances such as alcohol, prescription medication, and other drugs across international borders without an export/import license.