Suggested Packing List

Packing Checklist

General Clothing

  • One or two pairs of nice pants (lightweight material that dries quickly is helpful)
  • Two to four pairs of work pants or jeans
  • Four T-shirts or short-sleeve polo shirts
  • Two or three blouses or dress shirts
  • A two-week supply of underwear and socks
  • One pair of long underwear
  • One pair of wool socks
  • One or two medium-weight sweaters/sweatshirts
  • One medium-weight jacket or fleece
  • One raincoat
  • Belt
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Running or athletic gear (if you are into sports)
  • Swimsuit
  • Two hats (sun hats, visors, or caps with a bill)
  • One cold-weather cap
  • One pair of lightweight gloves
  • Sunglasses

Additional Suggestions For Men

  • A tie
  • One or two nice dress shirts
  • Sport coat for formal occasions (optional).

Additional Suggestions For Women

  • One or two dresses
  • One or two knee-length skirts
  • Pajama pants or comfy sweats for the house
  • Scarf

Shoes

  • One or two pairs of sturdy walking, tennis, or cross-training shoes
  • Hiking boots or waterproof shoes
  • One pair of comfortable casual/dress shoes (closed-toe)
  • One pair of shower flip-flops

Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

  • Three-month supply of any medications and a copy of prescriptions
  • If you wear glasses, bring two pairs with current prescription lenses.
  • Bring extra pairs of contact lenses and contact solution.
  • Your regular hygiene items (e.g., soap, shampoo, shaving cream, feminine hygiene products, etc.) to get you started. You can then purchase replacements here.
  • Refillable travel-size shampoo/soap containers
  • One quick-dry towel for traveling
  • Over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins, analgesics, cold medicines, etc.

Electronics

  • Laptop computer (if you can’t live without one in the U.S., then you probably won’t want to live without one here)
  • Cellphone
  • Digital camera
  • Watch (fairly cheap and water-resistant/proof)

Miscellaneous

  • Small gifts for host families and friends such as knick-knacks for the house, pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes, souvenirs from your area, hard candies that will not melt or spoil, and photos to give away
  • Sturdy backpack/duffel bag for three- or four-day trips
  • Day pack/small backpack
  • Flashlight (headlamps are popular)
  • Money belt or pouch that fits under your clothes for your passport, money, and/or a wallet or change purse to carry small amounts of money
  • Waterproof cases for electronic devices
  • Earplugs for sleeping