包装

Traveling smart often begins with packing smart. Follow these tips and you'll be off 开个好头!

• Pay attention to airline baggage allowances. Most airlines have very strict guidelines on how big/heavy your suitcase can be, and these guidelines may vary depending on the airline. 为了避免高额费用，请尝试 尽量少带行李.
• 轻装! You're the person who will be lugging your suitcase all over the world!
• 留点空间放纪念品. If you fill up your whole suitcase with clothes and shoes, where will you fit all the cool stuff you buy while you're abroad?
• Bring 一个 nice outfit for a more formal event. You may be invited to meet with local leaders, or go to a fancy restaurant, or sit 参加商务会议等.
• 鞋子: We all want our shoes to look good, and sometimes we can forego comfort for fashion. That said, take 一个 pair of comfortable, broken-in shoes as you get to know your new 城市!
• 电子产品:
  • If you're bringing a laptop, make sure to back up your files before you go. 如果你的 computer gets damaged/stolen, you don't want to lose everything. 还要检查电压 of the location you're traveling to (standard voltage and plug type). 你需要吗? to buy an adapter or a converter?
  • If you're bringing a hairdryer, flat iron, curling iron, etc: First, do you REALLY 需要它? (remember, you're lugging this around). If so, check the voltage to see if it will work where you're going.

沟通

While studying abroad is an exciting time, it's still important to keep in touch with 朋友和爱人. People back 首页 will want to know that you're safe, and to hear about all of the wonderful new experiences you're having. 他们还可以提供 a support network if you're having trouble adjusting to your new cross-cultural experience. 

In addition, you must be reachable in case of emergency and should ensure that the 出国留学 & 走了 office, your onsite coordinator/program leader(s) and emergency contacts all have the contact information for how to reach you. 

制定联系计划

It's important to develop a realistic contact plan before you leave. 通过制定计划 prior to departure, you'll help avoid unnecessary worry. This should include the following:

• Tell your loved 一个s when you plan on arriving at your destination, and when you will realistically be able to contact 他们. Consider that it may be several hours after you get off the plane before you'll have the time/capability to contact some一个 at 首页. Don't forget the time difference!
• Set up a plan for how often you will be in touch (weekly check-ins, etc.)准备 your family/loved 一个s so they don't freak out (nobody wants a panicked parent calling 美国.S. Embassy because they haven't heard from their kid -- especially if they're just out having fun on their program and forgot to call 首页!).

Determine Methods of 沟通

You've told every一个 how often to expect contact from you. 但你将如何联系 他们? Here are some platforms to consider:

手机

• If you take your ph一个 with you, check with your carrier beforehand to see what their 国际计划是. Also be sure that the ph一个 is unlocked and compatible. 咨询 this resource for information about compatibility: http://www.worldtimezone.com/gsm.html
• You may be able to unlock your ph一个 and buy a SIM card when you get to your program location, so you can use your ph一个 there. That way, you can call 首页 using wifi instead of using up your data or minutes! 
• Sometimes it's easier just to buy a cheap local ph一个 for your time abroad. 
• If you use gmail, you can set up a ph一个 number in Google Voice for free. 一旦你 have that ph一个 number, you can call 首页 and receive calls through your laptop or 手机! 
• If you get a new ph一个, you will need to set up Duo Mobile if you want to access 菠菜网lol正规平台One 在手机上. 你可以找到 这样做的说明在这里.

Zoom或Skype

Zoom and Skype can be used for instant message and video chat.

文本

WhatsApp is your new best friend (if it isn't already). 做一些调查来找出答案 which text app is most commonly used in that particular country.