You’ve got everything arranged, but you’ve got one last thing to do…
You’ve got your company’s offer, you’ve bought a plane ticket, you’ve got housing arranged… it looks like you’re ready for your internship. Your last step is now the easiest. Except is not easy because this isn’t your regular packing-for-a-trip-abroad kind of packing, this involves a little more.
So, how do you pack for an internship abroad? We got you covered.
The Suitcase
First and foremost, you’ll arrange your clothes, so research the weather of the country you’ll be at. Pack for your internship casual-professional clothing even if they’ll provide you with a uniform or if the dress code is casual. You should be presentable on your fist day, achieve this with a simple white buttoned shirt and some black pants. Likewise pack casual and comfortable wear because you’ll be having days off (at the city or exploring), too. We recommend that you pack around 15 to 20 outfit options for a 6-month long internship. You’ll be able to do A-LOT of combinations with this amount. Don’t bring things you’ve never used before or that you rarely use, and don’t duplicate a number of outfits for a 12 month or longer internship. With toiletries pack travel-sized versions to save space. When settled in the country buy shampoo, soap, etc. Leave space in your bag for anything you buy on your way back, since you should be traveling with ONLY ONE BAG.
The MUSTS
Now, pack the living “essentials”. Pack your laptop and flash drive, an unlocked cell phone (so that you can use it abroad with the country’s phone companies that way you don’t need to buy one there), a converter and an adapter for your host country (we recommend buying an international one), and also a power bank in case of any emergency and low battery. Bring also a camera or a smartphone with enough memory space to document good times or anything else that might be requested by the company. Take a journal, it is obvious what for, and we really really recommend that you write down about the people you meet, your experiences abroad, things you learn, etc.
Your Carry-on
It is time to pack the last part of the stuff, your carry on that includes important documents among other stuff. Place a set of clothes in your carry-on in case your baggage gets lost or arrives late, or in case a layover takes longer. Pack an umbrella and a light coat for any unexpected weather change or cold layover. Have a folder or a binder with all the documents you’ll need. Your folder should be filled with the originals of your visa, your passport, and any extra documents like residence permit, flight itinerary, a letter from the university and the employer. It should also include at least three copies of everything you have in it. Also, include a pen. Don’t forget to take a book, your phone, and a power bank or Mophie case, headphones, an eye mask, and a neck pillow to make the flight better.
Last, but not least
And that’s it! You’ve got packing all done! Remember to get your great attitude and energy in your suitcase too. Get mentally ready and it will make everything great. Be confident in the fact that you’ll do great even if you forgot stuff at home or what you took to the internship wasn’t really what you needed to. So, you’ve packed, now get ready to take over the world.
