What To Pack As An Exchange Student & What To Leave At Home | Exchange Student Tips USA

Summary

This video offers essential tips for exchange students on what to pack for their year abroad. It advises against bringing clothes that don't fit dress codes, bulky items, electrical appliances, and school materials. Instead, students should bring electric adapters, modest clothing, sports gear, small gifts for their host family, a diary, personal items for their room, and some cash for initial expenses.

Takeaways

• 🧳 Do not bring clothes that do not fit the dress code, especially sheer, revealing, or overly short clothing, as these may not be allowed in schools or conservative areas.
• 👗 Avoid bringing bulky items like large jackets or pillows, as they take up valuable luggage space and can often be easily purchased at the destination.
• 🔌 Don't bring electrical appliances like hair straighteners or blow dryers due to different voltage and plug requirements; focus on bringing charging cables and adapters instead.
• 📚 Leave behind excessive school supplies, as these can be readily purchased at local stores like Walmart upon arrival.
• 🎵 Consider leaving behind items that could annoy your host family, such as Bluetooth speakers, and opt for headphones to respect shared living spaces.
• 🔌 Essential to bring are electric adapters to accommodate different plug types in the host country.
• 👟 If joining a sports team, bring a favorite pair of sports trainers as practices may start immediately after school begins.
• 👕 Pack modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and avoid items like crop tops, spaghetti strap tops, and short dresses.
• 🎁 Bring small gifts for your host family as a gesture of appreciation and to initiate cultural exchange.
• 📓 Consider bringing a diary or a camera to document and remember your exchange year experiences.
• 💵 Carry some cash, around $400, for initial expenses and emergencies, and have a credit card for additional financial security.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video provides guidance on what to pack and what to leave at home when preparing for an exchange year, focusing on practical tips for exchange students.

Why is it important not to bring clothes that don't fit the dress code?

Many schools have strict dress codes, especially in conservative areas, which may not allow sheer or revealing clothing. It's better to adhere to these rules to avoid any issues.

What advice does the video give about packing bulky items?

The video advises against bringing bulky items like pillows and heavy winter jackets, as they take up valuable space. It's often easier to purchase such items after arriving in the host country.

Why should electrical appliances be left at home?

Electrical appliances such as hair straighteners or blow dryers may not work properly due to voltage differences and could be heavy and bulky. It's recommended to buy them locally to avoid compatibility issues.

What is recommended instead of bringing school supplies from home?

School supplies should be purchased in the host country, as the formats may differ, and it's usually easy to find what you need at local stores like Walmart or Target.

How should one handle music and speakers in a host family's home?

Bringing headphones instead of Bluetooth speakers is advised, as loud music can be disruptive and some music might be considered inappropriate by the host family.

What should be brought for sports activities?

Bring your favorite pair of sports trainers and some appropriate sports clothing that fits the dress code, as school sports practices often start right away.

Why are modest clothes recommended for an exchange year?

Modest clothing is suggested because many schools have dress codes that prohibit revealing outfits, and it's important to adhere to cultural norms, especially in conservative areas.

What types of gifts are recommended for host families?

Small gifts such as chocolates or sweets from your home country are recommended to show appreciation and serve as conversation starters about your culture.

Why is it suggested to bring cash, and how much should you bring?

Bringing at least $400 in cash is advised to cover initial expenses and emergencies, ensuring you have enough money until you can access your funds in the host country.

What personal items can help with homesickness during the exchange year?

Personal items like photos, small decorations, and sentimental objects can make your room feel more like home and help alleviate feelings of homesickness.

What role does a diary play during an exchange year?

Keeping a diary helps document experiences, making it easier to remember details about the exchange year. It's recommended to write entries daily or weekly.

Why should you bring multiple electrical adapters?

Bringing multiple electrical adapters is recommended to accommodate different devices like phones and laptops, as plug types vary between countries.