General Packing Tips
Clearly identify your luggage inside and out with your name, U.S. address and overseas address.
Check airline regulations for weight, size, and number of bags.
In your carry-on, keep a change of clothes, toiletries, valuables, important documents (passports, visas, arrival instructions) and medication.
Carry all of your essential identification papers and documents on your person or in your carry-on baggage. Be careful not to put important documents in bags you have checked onto the plane.
When packing clothing, consider both the physical and social climate and dress accordingly. Take items that have multiple uses and (for colder climates) can be layered. Bring comfortable and practical clothing and shoes.
Include:
- A good bilingual dictionary, since it might not be possible to obtain one for your language in the United States
- Books, manuals, or journals that you think may be useful for reference in your field of study and that definitely will not be available in the United States
- Pictures of your family, home, and country for yourself but also to show to your new friends
- Items from your culture, such as musical instruments, recordings of traditional and contemporary music, picture books, arts and crafts, and small gifts, to share your talents and customs with people in the United States
- For festive occasions you may consider bringing traditional dress and accessories from your country to show and express more about your culture and traditions
- Professional clothing in case of a site visit to a company or job/internship interview
Miscellaneous:
- $100 in local currency for when you first arrive
- Map of your host city
- Guidebook of your region and of the places where you will travel
- Photocopy of your passport information pages. Also leave a copy at home.
- Books, cards, board games, movies, journal
- Camera
- Addresses and photos of family and friends
- Favorite recipes
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Laptop
**For more details on shipping and what to leave at home, visit:
http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/travel/pack.htm#bring 
