This is the exact list I used to pack. I can proudly say that there was not one thing I wish I had packed that I didn't when I was abroad. But everyone is different so make sure to tailor it to you and the environment you are studying abroad in! (Part of the list is from the Bethel Study Abroad Resources Website!).
Before Abroad:
Figure out currency conversion and fee → give about two weeks for this process. It is helpful to have a small amount of the host country’s currency upon arrival.
Tip: exchange most of your money abroad; you will get a better exchange rate. However, exchange rates in national airports are typically high
Know which U.S. credit cards are accepted in the country you are going abroad to
Document/Copied Document folder → include:
Passport
Visa -> don't need for this trip
Insurance card with policy number
Important phone numbers (emergency phone numbers, on-site program contact numbers, lost credit card phone numbers (reachable from outside the U.S.).
Airline ticket (keep one copy and give the other to the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs)
An additional form of photo identification
Medication prescription
Wifi safety??
Packing list:
Clothing:
Underwear
Socks
Tops
Pants, shorts, skirts
Workout clothes
Pajamas
Swimsuit
One or two formal wear
Light coat/sweater
Raincoat/waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Active shoes
Dress shoes
Flipflops/shower shoes
Accessories and belts
Toiletries:
Aquaphor chapstick with SPF
Face sunscreen
Sunscreen
Makeup remover
Lotion
Menstrual products
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Nail clipper and file
Travel steamer/iron/wrinkle spray
Hairbrush
Shaving/waxing supplies
Medicine → Tylenol, allergy meds, etc.
Deodorant
Misc.:
Travel/overnight bag and/or travel purse
Umbrella
Sunglasses
Padlock to lock luggage when traveling or in hostels
Small, quick-drying towel
Ear plugs
Travel pillow
Travel Journal
Lint roller
Mini sewing kit
Voltage converter
1-50 watts for electric razors, radios cassette players, etc.
50-600 watts for hair dryers, hair curlers, curling irons, etc.
Costa Rica operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Adapter plug
Cheap speaker
Purse/tote bag
Bug spray
Extra door lock
Carry-on List:
Passport and visa
Driver's license/photo ID
Photocopies of important travel documents (your passport photo, visa, etc.)
Plane tickets
Printed CISI insurance card
Credit/debit cards
Cash in local currency for initial on-site expenses
Cell phone and charger
Laptop and charger
Portable power bank
Travel converter and adapter (see “Electricity Abroad”)
Headphones
Emergency outfit (in case your luggage gets lost or there is a major delay)
Travel-size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste) and a toothbrush
Tissue pack
Hand sanitizer
Masks
Ziploc bags
Empty, reusable water bottle
Snacks
Money belt or neck passport pouch
Gift items from your home state, items not available in your host country (examples: Bethel gear; cookbooks with American recipes; calendar with U.S. scenery; unique items like colored notepads and gel pens)
Photo of your home, family, and friends (two reasons: 1. a great way to share your culture and ward off homesickness, 2. your host family and others you meet will be interested in you and your family.)
For the Host Family list:
Candy from my culture
Additional:
https://sites.google.com/bethel.edu/studyabroadresources/quick-navigation
https://mytanfeet.com/about-cr/packing-for-costa-rica-what-to-bring/
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