Packing while deep breathing . . .

As I think back over the packing process, I wonder if it is "easy" for anyone. I mean - - packing for my daughter went smoothly, but I would not call it easy. Is there a gender difference? temperament difference? Perhaps if you have a laid-back son, you could just throw a few things in the suitcase before he leaves, but . . . I seriously doubt it.

Packing was one of the most daunting tasks before my daughter left. The whole process is made somewhat more difficult that you can only really do the final packing right before leaving - when emotions are high.

Here are some things to consider:

Will my child need to bring winter clothes?

Of course, the answer depends on what country your child is going to. Indonesia? no. Sweden? yes. Germany? maybe. However, winter clothes take a lot of space, so you don't want to pack them unless you need them. Optimistically, you can ask the host family what your child will need and if they have anything that can be borrowed for the season. My daughter tried to bring multi-purpose clothes. She brought high-topped hiking shoes that could double as boots if need be. She brought several layers of tops that could work as a coat if all worn together. (However, this solution was not enough, and she bought a secondhand winter coat for 25 EU in Munich that fall.) She wishes she had brought her lined leggings, and we sent them to her later.

Could I just mail what my child needs right before the season starts?

We seriously considered this option before my daughter left, and I am glad that we rejected it. Even the smallest packages are expensive to send internationally. (see Sending packages.) It would have been much cheaper to pay for an extra suitcase coming and going; however, we did not do that either because she had to be able to handle all her own luggage. She just had to make do with less.

How do we know what is in style?

Ideally, you can connect with someone just returning from that country and get advice. My daughter was told that everyone in Germany looks like they shop at H&M. She tried to bring clothes similar to that style. She also brought one dressy outfit. I work with international students, and not bringing dress clothes because they are "sure I won't need them" is a common mistake. In terms of style, your child may have to just get comfortable looking like "the American." YFU suggested that they bring less and plan to buy a few things once they get there. It's a good idea, but one that needs to be budgeted for as clothes can be expensive in some parts of the world.

Should my child pack school supplies?

Our opinion is no. Your child should buy school supplies in the country so that he/she has what the teachers expect him/her to have and what all the other students are using. Frankly, my daughter found the German school supplies fascinating; she paid 13 EU (about $15) for a pen, and that was the cheap version. Another good idea is getting a hard copy of a translation dictionary. Google Translate will work in many circumstances but may not always be available.

Should my child pack personal hygiene supplies?

In my opinion, your child should pack enough to get him/her through the first 3 weeks. Since there is no way to pack enough shampoo and toothpaste for a whole year, your child might as well plan on getting some right away. The space in his/her suitcase is too precious. Besides, using the toothpaste and shampoo that everyone else is using is part of the cultural experience. For young women, that might mean adjusting to different feminine hygiene supplies. My daughter won't thank me to share this, but her one meltdown while packing was about this issue. I haven't had the nerve to ask her what she has found.

What about prescription medications and glasses?

For my daughter, we sent a backup pair of glasses and her prescription. (She is basically blind without her glasses.) She is not on any prescription medication, but if your child is, you will need to do the same thing. My daughter does need to take iron supplements, and those are easily found over-the-counter in Germany and also on German Amazon. (For instructions on how to use German Amazon, see my post Sending Gifts.)


My daughter brought her French horn as a carry-on, and believe me, every available crevice was stuffed with items. Leave no empty spaces! Shove socks in shoes; roll t-shirts into tubes and stick them in corners. Weigh the suitcase before leaving home so that you are not frantically re-arranging in the airport. Leave a few expendable items right on top in case you get a really picky airline staff person at check-in. Overall, remind yourself that something will be forgotten, but that replacing it in the new country may become one of your child's best memories or most cherished souvenirs.