What do you want to take with you when heading to a foreign country?
When I went abroad for the first time, I thought I’d be able to buy anything I needed anywhere, so I only packed a few days’ worth of essentials in a small bag.
However, there are things you can easily get and things you can’t. Based on my experience, I’d like to share some items that, while not necessary, I recommend taking with you when leaving your country.
First, it is toothpaste.
Though I had been using a particular brand of toothpaste for years because I was very careful about cavity prevention, I assumed that the country I was heading to would have better toothpaste than what I was using in my country, so I didn’t pack it.
I was overly excited about leaving my country to study English; I was like, “Oh, I’m going abroad, I’ll find some amazing toothpaste there, too!”
However, after I arrived at my destination and went to a local pharmacy to buy a pack of toothpaste for the first night, I faced a serious issue:
I couldn’t understand what was written on the package! I had no idea what the labels meant.
“Wait, what is …?”
The toothpaste packages had ingredient names like abrasives, humectants, desensitizing agents, etc. “Wait, how do you even read these?” I had no idea.
I started to worry about ‘’Is it enough to prevent cavities?’’ I panicked, thinking, “What if I get a cavity? How will I go to the hospital?” (At the time, there was no internet to quickly look things up, and even if I could, I wouldn’t know if it was the right toothpaste for me!).
I tried asking the store staff about the written words on the package, but my broken English didn’t work.
In the end, I bought a random toothpaste from a well-known brand and left the pharmacy feeling a bit defeated.
(But the toothbrushes in other countries are so unique! It’s pretty fun!)
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The second thing is clothing.
I only packed a few days’ worth of simple outfits, so I had to buy clothes locally.
With so many international clothing stores like H&M, I went shopping for affordable clothes.
But here’s the problem: I couldn’t figure out the sizes. The sizes were completely different from my country, and I had no idea which one would fit me.
There were numbers like 6, 8, 12, 14, and I was so confused.
“Inches are more tricky!!”
Women’s underwear should be even more difficult since there are various sizes!
(What if you didn’t have a smartphone? Ask the store staff? But what if they don’t understand you like what happened at the pharmacy before?)
Embarrassed, but needing the clothes, I eventually managed to communicate with the staff and bought what I needed successfully this time.
– I lost those clothes anymore, but it’s a sweet memory.
The third item is food.
If you feel you can’t live without certain foods, it might be a good idea to bring a small amount that is allowed.
Be careful, though—there are restrictions on bringing food into certain countries, depending on the local regulations.
For example, items like the following are often restricted:
- Fresh foods
- Dairy products
- Meat products
- Grains
- Plants
- Seafood
- Processed foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Quantity restrictions for food items
Apart from food, you need to be especially cautious about medicines.
If you rely on certain medications, it’s crucial to understand the regulations regarding bringing them into your host country.
The most reliable way to get accurate information is to check the official websites of your host country’s government, embassy, or health department.
Don’t trust random internet sources.
Some countries require you to carry an official prescription when bringing certain medications, and restrictions on specific drugs vary from country to country.
Even common cold medicines or pain relievers can be restricted based on their ingredients and quantities.
You might think, “It’ll be fine to bring your local medicine,” but you shouldn’t assume that.
Medication names and ingredients may differ abroad.
I once saw an elderly man who looked sick being interrogated at a customs checkpoint.
It turned out he had unknowingly brought medication that he was prescribed by his doctor.
He kept insisting he needed it, but they told him he couldn’t bring it in, and if he did, he’d be deported.
It was heartbreaking to watch.
So, if you need medication, make sure you have all the necessary documents before travelling.
Essential documents for entering the country
Don’t forget! This is the most important thing you need!
Your documents! When studying abroad, you need these important documents:
- Passport and visa-related documents
- Academic-related documents
- Plane tickets
These documents aren’t just necessary for initial entry; they’ll also be important if you need to leave the country during your stay, as there are various restrictions.
Pay attention to your visa’s and I-20’s expiration dates.
No one will send you a reminder saying, “Hey, your visa is about to expire!” so you need to manage documents on yourself.
From my experience, aside from the necessary documents, I’ve realized that bringing too many extra things is a bad idea.
These are some of my failures and the most necessary thing you will need:
1. Electronic devices
When using electronic devices abroad, you’ll need an adapter that fits the local voltage and plug shape.
Different countries have different electrical standards.
Here’s some general information but be sure to check the specifics of your destination country before you travel.
- Voltage and frequency differences: In Japan, 100V and 50Hz/60Hz are common, while in the U.S. and Canada, it’s 120V and 60Hz. Be mindful of these differences.
- Plug shape: The plug shapes differ by country. For example, in the U.S. and Canada, the NEMA 1-15 type (two parallel flat pins) is commonly used.
Before traveling, make sure to check the electrical specifications of the country you’re visiting and prepare the necessary adapters and converters.
Many electronic devices like laptops and smartphones can operate within a range of 110V to 240V, so they may not need a voltage converter, but it’s always good to double-check.
You will find there are many types to choose from.
But don’t forget, once you return to your country, these adapters may become useless, so it’s best not to overbuy.
Please be environment-friendly.
I bought too many types of chargers, and they became useless later.
2. Money and health!
You may say this, “Money is what you need first!”
Yes, you are right. You’ve probably considered various ways to convert your currency, too.
I know. The method you change your currency should depend on whether you prioritize convenience or exchange rates.
What method will you use to exchange yen for local currency?
An international ATM card might be very convenient, but the extra fees can be so high.
Some methods to exchange your currency for U.S. dollars (USD) in the U.S. include:
- Banks: If you have a bank account in the U.S., you can generally exchange yen for dollars at that bank.
- Foreign exchange services: Foreign exchange services often offer more competitive rates than banks. You can exchange currency online, and some services waive fees for larger amounts. Be sure to choose a reliable service.
- Airports or tourist areas: Airports and tourist spots often have exchange counters, but the fees can be high, so it’s worth considering other methods.
- Online banking: Some online banks offer services that make it easier to transfer money internationally.
Now, you are ready to go abroad!
When you are fully prepared, now it is the time to enjoy your study abroad experience.
Finally, let’s go over some important health-related information.
If you want to know about health support and using hospitals while studying abroad in the U.S., here is some helpful information:
- Check your insurance: Medical expenses in the U.S. are very high, so it’s essential for international students to have health insurance. Many universities and study abroad programs offer student health insurance plans, and it is highly recommended to enroll in one. Make sure you understand what your insurance covers and how to use it.
- On-campus health centers: Many universities and affiliated study abroad institutions have on-campus health centers. These centers offer general health consultations, vaccinations, health check-ups, and more.
- Primary care clinics: If you get sick or injured, the first place you should go is a primary care clinic. These clinics handle general health issues, and it’s common to need an appointment. However, depending on your insurance, you may be able to visit without an appointment.
- Hospitals: For more specialized treatment or surgeries, you may need to visit a hospital. In large cities, there are a variety of facilities, from general hospitals to specialized ones.
- In case of emergencies: In the event of an emergency, it’s important to call 911. In the U.S., emergency medical services respond quickly.
- Prescriptions: If you are prescribed medication at a medical facility, you can pick it up at a pharmacy. At the pharmacy, present your insurance card, and the medication will be dispensed based on the prescription.
It’s very important to be well-prepared for health matters while studying in the U.S. I recommend researching your school’s or program’s health center as well as local medical facilities in advance.
Also, be sure to thoroughly understand your insurance coverage so that you can handle any health issues smoothly.
We, at NYEA (New York English Academy), can provide various insurance information that is valid for students holding student visas.
Additionally, we offer support for students who face difficulties or need information during their stay, so you can have a safe and secure study abroad experience.
Whether you’re considering studying in New York or already living in the U.S., enjoy your study abroad experience with us.
We welcome many international students!
Enjoy NY!