Travis Stalcup: Hi! I'm Travis Stalcup with IES Abroad. Today I'm talking about how to prepare for a semester abroad and now I'm going to discuss how to pack for your semester abroad.

The packing for your semester abroad can be challenging, but the process would be much easier if you take into account a few basic considerations. Economy, travel, and weather are a few of the first things you should keep in mind when deciding what to pack. Remember, you will accumulate additional possessions while abroad. So pack light.

There are a few items that might be difficult to find while abroad, specific brands of toiletry is the one. Take note that even recognizable brands may contain different ingredients due to different regulations. A favorite brand of chewing gum is another item that many students find difficult to locate.

Flip-flops which can be handy to wear in public showers or hostels can be difficult to replace as well. So it's worth packing a pair in your suitcase.

There are five things expert student travelers recommend you should bring with you; number one, an empty bag or suitcase to bring souvenirs home, number two, a small gift for your host family, number three, prescription medication, and original packaging for this duration of your study, number four, family pictures or something that reminds you of home, and number five, a combination lock for hostels.

There are also five things expert student travelers recommend you should not bring with you; number one, extra clothes, number two, expensive or flashy items that can attract attention, number three, umbrellas, number four, linens or towels, and number five, voltage converters. You can buy a hair dryer after you arrive.

Packing for a semester abroad can be daunting, but I hope that I've given you some tips on what to bring and what to leave behind.