Packing List: Bring it back to the basics!

• Take only the essentials and ensure your clothes can easily be washed and hang-dried. 
• Split items between your carry-on and checked luggage in case one is lost.
• Don’t pack too much! Packing what you can carry across four city blocks is a good rule of thumb. 
• Don’t pack expensive jewelry, electronics, accessories, or anything you cannot bear to lose. 
• Lay out all of your luggage before packing and take a picture. If the luggage is lost or stolen, this can help you file a claim to replace the items.
• Fill out an index card in both English and the local language with a list of medical conditions, reactions/ treatments, and dietary needs. Keep one copy on your person and give the other copy to site leaders.

Essentials

• Boarding pass
• Credit/ debit cards and cash
• Technology (cellphone, laptop, camera, power adapters, etc.)
• Program itinerary and accommodations information
• Contact information (U-M emergency numbers, names, addresses of local contacts, etc.)
• Basic medications, such as Pepto Bismol, Advil/Tylenol, Band-Aids, and prescription medications
• Passport, visa/immigration documents, GeoBlue (BCBS Global) insurance card, and vaccination card (if applicable)

Recommended

• Change of clothes
• Travel entertainment (Sudoku, word searches, cards, journal, sketchbook, etc.)

Essentials

• Day pack or backpack
• Four pairs of pants/shorts/skirts
• One rain parka, umbrella, or jacket
• Extra pair of glasses or contacts
• One “nice” outfit for special occasions
• Underwear, socks, and swimming suit
• Five short sleeve shirts and two long sleeve shirts/cardigans
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes and one pair of waterproof sandals
• Toiletries, washcloth/ towel, and a full supply of insect repellent and sunscreen

Recommended

• Personal water bottle
• Ziploc bags for storage
• Face masks and hand sanitizer/wet wipes
• Language reference dictionary or phone app
• Photographs of friends and family

• Register your travel on Global Michigan: Register Travel 
• Purchase GeoBlue (BCBS Global) travel health insurance: https://uhc.umich.edu/
• Complete any college or unit requirements needed for travel, if any.
• (International students) Review the International Center’s travel guidelines and contact the International Center for any questions related to the US student visa or updated travel signature on the I-20 if needed.

Note: Please check with your program before registering your travel or purchasing travel insurance, as it may already be done on your behalf. 

• Passport, GeoBlue (BCBS Global) insurance, credit card/debit card, and travel itinerary
• Contact information of U-M, emergency, and local contacts
• Leave one set of copies at home with a trusted person and store digital copies on a secure online platform 
• Bring one copy with you (remember to pack the documents in a different location than the originals)

• Keep cash, valuables, and important documents in different but accessible locations to avoid theft and NEVER pack cash or valuables in your checked luggage
• Call your bank and let them know the destination and duration of your travel
• Ask important financial questions before departure (e.g., Does your bank charge foreign transaction fees? Will your ATM card work? etc.)

• Know the official and generic names of your prescription medications and ensure medications are in original and clearly labeled bottles
• Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s note explaining why you need it

NEVER pack prescription or daily medications in your checked luggage. 

• Determine available communication methods at your accommodation (e.g., WiFi, phone, public computer, etc.
• Decide if you will get an international plan or VPN on your current cellphone. 
• Research if a phone, along with minutes and data, can be purchased on arrival. 
• Create a communication plan with a U-M contact and/or loved one. 

• Using technology, such as smartphones, laptops, cameras, etc, can draw unwanted attention. Avoid using these technologies in public and where you may be put at unnecessary risk. 
• Don’t look like a tourist—avoid overpacking, wearing flashy jewelry, or carrying a camera around your neck.

• When should you arrive in your host country?
• What will you do if you arrive at night?
• Will public or private transportation be available at the time you arrive?

• How will you communicate when you land?
• Will your phone work? If not, what options are available to get a working phone?
• When will you first inform U-M or personal contacts that you arrived safely?

• How will you access money upon arrival?
• Will your credit or debit cards work in your host country?
• What will you do if you cannot access funds while overseas?

• How will you get from the airport to your accommodation? What is the safest way to get there?
• Will you take public transport or arrange for a private vehicle?
• Will anyone be picking you up? If so, do you have a meeting plan and their contact numbers?
• What if your cell phone doesn’t work as expected when you arrive—how will you contact the person picking you up?

• What will you do if your plane is delayed?
• If you arrange for ground transportation or have someone meet you at the airport, how will you tell them you will be late?
• What will you do if you arrive and they are not there to meet you because you didn’t come at the scheduled arrival time?
• How will you handle it if your luggage is lost?
• What packing strategies can you use to ensure you are prepared for lost luggage?

• If something goes wrong, who can you call, and how fast can they get to you?
• Where can you access important phone numbers?
• Do you know the name and address of your accommodation or your local in-country contacts?