International Travel Tips

Due to personal differences in packing styles and the wide variety of Penn State program locations (and climates), it is difficult to recommend a definitive packing list.  Instead, please follow these general packing tips:

What to Pack

Do not pack more than you can carry on your own! Pack your bags and try to carry them once around the block. If you cannot manage that, remove some items and repack!
Leave space in your suitcases for things you may want to buy abroad and bring home with you.
The type of clothing you pack will depend on the climate of your host country.  Check the monthly average temperatures/rainfall in your host city to get an idea of what kind of weather you should expect during your time there.
Pack mostly practical items for your time abroad—washable clothes that you can wear for many occasions, comfortable shoes, etc.  Dark colors do not show dirt as quickly as whites or light colors. Avoid packing clothes that require ironing or dry cleaning.
Take only the credit cards and debit/ATM cards that you plan to use while you are abroad.  Keep these (along with other valuables such as your passport and any cash you are taking) in a money belt or pouch next to your body for the duration of your trip.  Leave copies of the front and back of these cards in a safe place and one set at home with someone you trust (family, friends, etc.).
Mark your bags, inside and out, with your name, phone number and address (in case they are lost or delayed in transit).
Carry a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a washcloth, and facial cleanser in your carry-on bag.  If you discover that your checked luggage is lost or delayed after you arrive on-site, you will feel better if you are at least able to freshen up and put on something clean!
Remember to pack a converter and adapter if necessary for your electronics. It is recommended that you buy things like straightening irons and hair dryers in your country due to the change in electrical currency (adapters do not tend to work well with these products).

What Not to Pack

Do not buy a lot of new clothes before going on your program—you will probably want to buy clothing abroad that is in sync with local styles.
When considering what to take abroad with you, think in terms of “can’t live without” rather than “just in case.” Don’t take anything irreplaceable (e.g., jewelry with sentimental value).
You can buy basic personal care items (shampoo, soap, etc.) in your host country.  Don’t take along excessive amounts of these types of items unless there is a particular brand that you cannot live without.
Do not pack any essentials or valuables (e.g., medicines, jewelry) in your checked luggage.  Keep all these things with you in your carry-on luggage.
Do not pack items like hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. These items have varying voltages and do not tend to work well with adapters, so it's better to buy them abroad to avoid power surges.

Housing Considerations

Housing is different all over the world. Even within the same program, there will be housing variations between you and other people on your program. Become familiar with your housing and what is provided. This can help you better curate your packing list if you know what to expect and what will and won’t be provided.

For example:

Is it a smaller and/or shared space? Bring luggage that can be stacked into each other for easy storage. Most places in the world will hang dry clothes.
Is it common in your host culture to hang dry clothes? (Many places around the world, including Europe, hang dry clothes and won’t have quick access to a dryer.) Bring fabrics that are quicker drying!

It's best to not over-pack - you'll want room in your suitcase for things you buy abroad, like souvenirs!

Staying in touch with family and friends will be important while you are abroad, especially when you are feeling a bit homesick or blue. However, it is also critical to strike a healthy balance between the time you spend communicating with folks at home and the time you spend exploring your host culture.  If you spend all your free time communicating with your parents and Penn State friends, you will have difficulty establishing friendships on-site and you may end up feeling disconnected from your host culture.

Cell Phones

Service Options

International phone plans through your U.S. phone service provider
e-SIM cards and physical SIM cards
Some phones no longer take physical SIM cards
Check with your provider to make sure your phone is unlocked (i.e., the phone is not tied to a certain carrier and is therefore compatible with other SIM cards)
Pay attention to what is included in each plan and what the cost of the plan is

Other Notes

Virtual phone/messaging apps (WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, etc.) can be used on Wi-Fi or data and are free alternatives to international calling
Consider purchasing a SIM card that includes a local phone number from your host country
Some countries require local numbers to make reservations, order delivery, shop online, etc.
Make a plan to communicate with people back home, including discussing times that work for both of you

Sending items through the mail internationally can be tricky. Whether you plan to have a family member mail you things while abroad, or you plan to ship items back to the United States, you should first research the customs laws in your host country and the United States. Depending on what you are mailing, there may be customs taxes or the items may be quarantined in customs.

There are certain items you should never mail internationally:

Don’t mail prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs.
Don’t mail any electronics, laptops, cell phones, etc.

These types of items will most likely be confiscated in customs. You will either be charged a high tax to retrieve them, or they may not even be allowed into the country at all.

Housing

Cancel your housing contract for the semester you are going abroad
Find a subletter to take over your lease
There are many Penn State Facebook groups dedicated to helping you sublet your residence
Talk to your residence management to learn more about the options available to you

Financials

Check for payments that you will need to continue to make while abroad
Consider authorizing a trusted person to access an account for you, if necessary
Take some local currency with you to get you started. Most U.S. banks offer currency exchange services.
Call your bank and credit card companies at least a week before you leave the U.S. and let them know you’ll be using your cards abroad so they don't see your activity as fraudulent.
Most common credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are widely accepted around the world
Be aware of ATM charges/foreign transaction/exchange fees. Talk to your bank ahead of time about partner banks that may waive ATM fees. 

Make a budget of how much money you will need for different upcoming expenses and stick to it! 

Need help making a budget? Visit the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center to get help with creating a budget, discussing monetary challenges and identity theft protection.

Review the Costs & Funding page for more information

On-Campus Responsibilities

If you have a job, make sure they are aware that you are leaving (and, if applicable, let them know when you are coming back)
Confirm that there are no issues with your academics (i.e., placeholder credits have been registered in LionPATH, you have an academic plan for when you return, etc.)

Penn State Account Access Abroad

If you change your device and/or your phone number while abroad, you will need to make sure you update your Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Settings with Penn State to maintain access on the new device/line.

Be sure to prepare for your departure, your absence, and your return!