Dr. Linda Seward
Speech and Theatre Department
Middle Tennessee State University 37132
 

• Why study abroad?
   
• Who is Dr. Seward?
   
• Packing for Overseas
   
• FAQs About Travel
  
  
• Cultural Tips
   
• Culture Shock
   
• Return Culture Shock
   
• Note to Parents
   
• Questions?
   
• London Summer 2007
   

1. Call the airlines and verify the weight, size and content requirements for both checked and carry-on luggage.  They’ve become quite strict on these requirements.  If you exceed the size requirements for carry-on luggage, they won’t let you carry it on.  If you exceed the weight requirements for checked bags, they will charge you more money!                                                                                  Note: Starting in May of 2008, several airlines have announced that they will now charge a fee if you check more than one bag.  This is another reason to pack light (which is discussed in FAQs).                                                                        Note: if your program will move to more than one location and/or you will travel by train to other countries, consider packing a large backpack – the kind used for hiking in the backwoods for a couple of weeks – versus packing a large suitcase.
   >> (example)
     Reason: it’s much easier to negotiate train stations and train cars with a backpack. 
   >> (People who ignored my advice!)

2. Go to a luggage store and buy a money belt – this is a must for visiting or staying in cities that are major tourist attractions.  I highly recommend the one for your waist, although if any women plan to wear dresses (vs. skirts and tops), you’ll need a neck money belt.
   >> Moneybelts

3. Xerox copies of your passport and place a copy in each piece of luggage and leave one with your contact person at home.   Each piece of luggage should also have a piece of paper that has your name, address in the States, and information on where you will stay while abroad, including dates of travel. 
   
   >> (Who and Why?)

4. Your contact person should also have a copy of your itinerary, numbers of any credit cards that you take with you (along with information on how to cancel the card in case it is stolen), and how to contact the study abroad office (in case they need to contact you in an emergency).

5. If you will be gone for about a month, you don’t want to take a newly purchased large bottle of shampoo, etc.  There are two options to consider: (1) buy small travel sizes of items (readily available drugstores) or (2) take partially used toiletries.  That is, when your shampoo bottle is about half empty, set it aside to take abroad.  Same with your toothpaste etc. 

Important: pack all liquid items in a ziplock bag (some people double bag liquids).  If the bottle leaks, you do not want the liquid to get all over your clothes!

Next - [ What to Pack ]