One does not simply pack for a study abroad trip. One ATTEMPTS to pack for a study abroad trip.
I’ve read over multiple packing guidelines, made dozens of lists, and sought advice from a few world travelers in my family. However, there is only so much preparing that I can do. So I am packing light. Very light. I will be abroad in China for 4 months and will be experiencing summer, fall, and winter conditions with one medium sized suitcase and a backpack. (And just for bragging points, my suitcase isn’t even full.)
I know by the end of my fall semester, I will be kicking myself for lugging along some useless object that I thought I would need while longing for some other object I forgot at home. Yet, what I learned so far is that there is value to sitting down and doing some research. China is a fast growing metropolis filled with modern clothing stores. I can pack my favorite green jacket and buy a windbreaker and winter jacket when I get there. If the Chinese people can survive the blistering heat of summer and the frigid winters with Chinese clothes–so can I. The trick is researching and understanding why some products that I am used to purchasing easily in the U.S. may be near impossible to find in China.
Many online packing guidelines suggested that if you prefer a certain face moisturizer, makeup brand or feminine product, you may want to bring a supply with you. This is due to cultural preferences which shape how make up and moisturizers are manufactured and sold. As Americans like to show off their tan skin (whether it be real or fake), Asians like to show off their pale skin. Therefore while some American brands will incorporate bronzers or tanners, some Asian brands may incorporate bleaching ingredients. The more you know the better you can prepare for what you need to stock up on and what you can leave behind.
With a suitcase and a backpack I will live in one of the largest cities in the world for 4 months. I expect to buy some clothes and other necessities when I arrive but I am really aiming to spend my money on wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime experiences rather than things.
Below is all the luggage I am bringing to China. I once learned that when traveling to a foreign country by yourself it is imperative, an absolute necessity, that you be able to carry your own stuff. Simple as that.
0 responses to “How to Pack for 4 Months and 3 Seasons”
Eva, I am so sorry Uncle Russell and I didn’t get to visit with you prior to your leaving. I think of you often and Zac too! I follow you on Facebook all the time. So much has changed over the last few years and we haven’t had the opportunity to visit like we once did. I do wish you the very best. Be safe and happy! You are a bright and beautiful young woman! You have emerged and come into your own with grace and eloquence. You have more initiative and compassion than any other young person I know…heck more so than older people too! You put all your cousins’ to shame! Miss Cindy has lost the title of the “best cousin ever (if she ever had it, LOL!) I will try and write often. If you have the opportunity, I would like to get a post marked letter from you! Uncle Russell wishes you the very best too! If I were to be honest….I would have had a cow…if Chris or Cindy wanted to travel as you are about to embark on, but I am so very proud of you! You truly understand the concept the sky is the limit! God Bless and God Speed! Much love and tears, Aunt Terrie
Hi Eva,
I am happy you go for you goal. You did what you want to do. Although you are going to china which is not subtle different form the US, I truly believe that you will have totally different experiences and learn a lot. I also believe that you will make lots of friends in china, just like you did in America. You are a nice, clever, and thoughtful girl, people in china will like you so much just like I did. I’ve visited you twice in Maryland and I really liked your family. Even though I am not a talkative person in front of your family, I am glad meeting them. I don’t know if I told you before but you are my best American’s friend in the US. ( I don’t have many american’s friends in the US. To be honestly, only you! :'( Because of my personality, I don’t have many friends in the US.) I just want to say to you. ” I am happy for you but I am also sad you are leaving.” ……
I will check your blog all the time. If you have any problems or need someone to vent, I would love to be a person who help you and listen to your happiness and sadness. Miss you….
Yi-Ting
Thanks Tina! Actually helping you at Temple has prepared me for my language partner. I know what kind of questions and activities I want to do with them because of all the things we did together! I miss you but hopefully I’ll see you soooooooon.
Good Morning Eva,
I wanted to wish you a happy goodbye. I just wanted to let you know you have given my some hope and inspiration! If you can travel to China…there are many things I can do too! Have a fun and save trip. Take millions of pictures along your journey! I will be praying for you and will do my best to keep in touch. I wish I had invested more of my time with you! I need to run to work. Oh boy! But, seriously be safe and happy and know you will be missed! God speed dear EVA!! Love Aunt Terrie
Eva! Have a great time in China!!
-Ben
Good evening from home!
I guess you are somewhere over this big earth heading to your destination? I have long to be able to communicate with someone special, as I love to write. No one at home seems to be too interested in what I might have to say these days! Maybe your journey can help me to learn to communicate better, in around about way?
I am excited to hear about all your adventures good, bad or indifferent. I love details. My gang seem only interested in three letter words and no sentences. I tend to write a book instead of a quick note. So, I hope you don’t mind my writings? I usually tell Aunt Debbie…a disclaimer…hit delete now! LOL!
You probably have more contact with Chris and Cindy when you were here! So I might still get to hear how they are doing from you! 🙂
I guess you will have many lay-overs on your way to your temporary home? It must be strange at this point for you…hopefully not too many regrets? I am so happy in being home…I feel like I spend so much of my time at work….I love the comfort of home. I could not imagine on ever embarking on a trip as long and as far as you have taken on!
I hope you will be very happy with your choice in choosing to study abroad! Something none of your aunts or uncles on your mom’s side ever had the opportunity to even dream of such a venture let alone the opportunity to act on it!
I am sitting on my deck in the dark! I can not help but thing of the great things you will be seeing as you look out at the great blue wonder!
Good night Eva! Sleep well my dear where ever you rest you pretty head this night!
Love and many blessing,
Aunt Terrie
Good Morning from Home,
I only have a second as I need to leave for work. It is 6:04 A.M. Wondering where you might be on your journey to China. I hope you are getting some rest. Catch up later tonight. Love Aunt Terrie
Eva,
Although you had told me about the packing experience at Bealeton, reading about it and seeing the pics, was a treat. Can’t wait to hear more.
Hope you trip over was hassle-free!
Safe travels!
Cathy
I have thought about you every hour I have been awake since you have been gone trying to imagine what you must being experiencing! I am sure my imagination doesn’t come close!
I am so happy and proud of you! You have grown to be the brave and adventurous person I hoped you would be!
Have the time of your life and take in all you can!
Positive thoughts and well wishes will always be sent your way!
Love you Bean!
Mom
Thanks Mom!
Good Morning Eva from home,
I hope at this time (6:29 a.m.) on Thursday morning you have gotten some rest and are enjoying your travels? I hope you have been managing all that luggage you so carefully pack…and are managing it all by yourself. 🙂
I have taken a few vacation days to regroup on many fronts. So before I start my day, I wanted to drop you a quick line to encourage you and to let you know you are in all of our thoughts!
I think it would be a great ideal, if you kept a journal of sorts…so you can write a book when you return. I can not imagine a greater gift to leave your future children and cousins alike to have and cherish forever!!! I can envision you as an elderly woman giving lectures on all your travels as single young women making your own footprints all over this world.
Just don’t let this big old world change your sweet spirt!
Until later, much love and thoughts,
Aunt Terrie