What to pack

Pack light! You'll be toting your own luggage around at airports and hotels, so bring only what you need—ideally in a carry-on bag. See your airline's baggage policies here.

Essentials
  • ATM card - Call your bank prior to departure to alert them of your upcoming travel; foreign purchases sometimes result in a hold on bank accounts
  • Personal credit card
  • At least $60 converted to the currency of the first country that you’re visiting
  • Passport—required on all EF Study Abroad programs - Make a copy of your passport; leave one copy at home and take a couple copies with you in case you lose your passport
  • Visas - If applicable
  • A copy of the program itinerary
  • A list of important phone numbers
  • Copy of any prescriptions - Customs officials may want to verify that a container's contents match its label, so all medication should be carried in its original container
  • Health insurance card
  • Addresses to send postcards home

Clothing and accessories
  • Comfortable walking shoes and one pair of nicer shoes
  • Short sleeve and long sleeve shirts
  • Socks and underwear
  • Watch
  • Pants/shorts/jeans
  • Pajamas
  • Bathing suit - If applicable
  • Dressier outfit - Reserved for a special night out
  • Raincoat and/or umbrella
  • Lightweight nylon jacket or fleece (rather than bulky sweatshirts)
  • Toiletries
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Day pack
  • Pouch for storing money and passport under clothing
  • Any medications - In addition to a copy of any prescription
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Hairbrush/comb
  • Sunscreen
  • Spare set of contact lenses/glasses - If applicable

Carry-on bag

Here’s a short list of things travelers might need on the first day of the program. These should be packed in your carry-on so you have them available immediately upon arriving in your destination:
  • Passport
  • Money
  • Airline boarding pass
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste - Check tsa.gov for current security requirements
  • Hairbrush
  • Contact lens case/glasses - To sleep comfortably on the plane
  • A change of clothes
  • Medication
  • Converter/adaptor
  • Valuables

Service Learning programs
If you're traveling on a Service Learning program, we've created a detailed packing list of things to bring and keep in mind while working in and visiting local communities. Ask your Program Consultant for full details. 

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