Comments on: How to pack for a semester abroad http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/ travel culture worldwide Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:45:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Amanda Patterson http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-97265 Amanda Patterson Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:11:00 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-97265 Bring your laptop. I don't think this article would dissuade anyone from bringing it, but seriously, bring your laptop. Also, you really don't need pictures or an international calling card. Technology has come a long way, even in just the three years since this article was written. Bring your laptop. I don’t think this article would dissuade anyone from bringing it, but seriously, bring your laptop. Also, you really don’t need pictures or an international calling card. Technology has come a long way, even in just the three years since this article was written.

]]> By: Seth Barham http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-95617 Seth Barham Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:33:00 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-95617 I agree.  I find it strange the author advises to leave the laptop at home but elects to bring an inflatable pillow on the plane...just fold up your jacket and lay on it...  Most airlines also have small pillows if you ask.  I had two on my last SAS flight.  Also, you can use your backpack as a laundry bag.  You can put guidebooks and maps on your touch or smartphone.  I guess homesickness affects people differently, but it seems hardly worth getting a photo album when you can just put the pics on your laptop...which seriously, in the age of the MacBook Air, is no trouble to bring. I agree.  I find it strange the author advises to leave the laptop at home but elects to bring an inflatable pillow on the plane…just fold up your jacket and lay on it…  Most airlines also have small pillows if you ask.  I had two on my last SAS flight.  Also, you can use your backpack as a laundry bag.  You can put guidebooks and maps on your touch or smartphone.  I guess homesickness affects people differently, but it seems hardly worth getting a photo album when you can just put the pics on your laptop…which seriously, in the age of the MacBook Air, is no trouble to bring.

]]> By: Danielle http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-93512 Danielle Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:15:00 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-93512 I disagree with some of these things. At least from my own personal study abroad experience (in Beirut), I found a laptop essential. After all, you are *studying* abroad, and I certainly needed that laptop to complete my coursework at my own pace. One thing I will always always always stand by is that you should bring 1 or 2 nice "going out" outfits and at least one "work" outfit. No matter where you are, there is a 99% chance that at some point you will go out to a nice bar or want to dress up for a party, etc. As for a "work" outfit - you never know when you will want to look nice for a lecture, presentation, or impromptu internship interview. In general, this article seems more tailored to those who do the traditional European study abroad (where you hop a train and travel practically every weekend to get in as much adventure as possible). However, many semesters abroad are more study- rather than travel-centric, and I think that needs to be addressed. I disagree with some of these things. At least from my own personal study abroad experience (in Beirut), I found a laptop essential. After all, you are *studying* abroad, and I certainly needed that laptop to complete my coursework at my own pace.

One thing I will always always always stand by is that you should bring 1 or 2 nice “going out” outfits and at least one “work” outfit. No matter where you are, there is a 99% chance that at some point you will go out to a nice bar or want to dress up for a party, etc. As for a “work” outfit – you never know when you will want to look nice for a lecture, presentation, or impromptu internship interview.

In general, this article seems more tailored to those who do the traditional European study abroad (where you hop a train and travel practically every weekend to get in as much adventure as possible). However, many semesters abroad are more study- rather than travel-centric, and I think that needs to be addressed.

]]> By: Smart packing tips for study and travel abroad | Your Study Abroad Blog http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39252 Smart packing tips for study and travel abroad | Your Study Abroad Blog Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:19:47 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39252 [...] MatadorAbroad’s “How to pack for a semester” guide Their article focuses on students who want to travel light and maybe backpacking around a bit. Quite short list only the necessary things. They highlight not to bring laptop with you, but I think a light netbook still can squeeze in the list. [...] [...] MatadorAbroad’s “How to pack for a semester” guide Their article focuses on students who want to travel light and maybe backpacking around a bit. Quite short list only the necessary things. They highlight not to bring laptop with you, but I think a light netbook still can squeeze in the list. [...]

]]> By: Suzy http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39234 Suzy Mon, 16 Aug 2010 05:34:58 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39234 One thing you should never forget when going camping is the camera as it is said here. It will only be the evidence of your greatest adventures someday and it will be a proof that the world is the greatest place to live in. :) Hope you guys agree with that! One thing you should never forget when going camping is the camera as it is said here. It will only be the evidence of your greatest adventures someday and it will be a proof that the world is the greatest place to live in. :) Hope you guys agree with that!

]]> By: jjj http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39335 jjj Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:38:32 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39335 Yeah I thought leaving your laptop is a bit silly. As everyone has noted, there's so many versatile uses for it! But a notebook is great to put in a purse. The map you can download from the embassy or the airport will probably be the most up to date. Also I do not like nature, I don't hike or camp- so anything pertaining to that won't be necessary. I'll be heading to japan this fall '10 and I thought my backpack would make a great carry on as it can be squished down or popped open while still stylish ;D. However buying shoes and clothes there isn't that practical at least for me since I'm 5'6 and wear a size 10 shoe. Uh there will be no shoe buying for me!!! That just means I'll limit a lot of other superfluous items (jewelry, sweaters, purses, etc) in my suitcase while focusing on items I know I can't buy there like shoes, perm, certain lotions for my delicate skin, W30L29 jeans... As for researching the place, I don't think one should research too heavily but instead look forward to what your fellow students will draw you towards. I find tourist traps are typically just that- tourist traps. How great is it when a friend brings you somewhere noone else knows or you wander into a strange but oddly perfect situation? Definitely check out dangerous areas to avoid instead. Yeah I thought leaving your laptop is a bit silly. As everyone has noted, there’s so many versatile uses for it! But a notebook is great to put in a purse. The map you can download from the embassy or the airport will probably be the most up to date. Also I do not like nature, I don’t hike or camp- so anything pertaining to that won’t be necessary.

I’ll be heading to japan this fall ’10 and I thought my backpack would make a great carry on as it can be squished down or popped open while still stylish ;D. However buying shoes and clothes there isn’t that practical at least for me since I’m 5’6 and wear a size 10 shoe. Uh there will be no shoe buying for me!!! That just means I’ll limit a lot of other superfluous items (jewelry, sweaters, purses, etc) in my suitcase while focusing on items I know I can’t buy there like shoes, perm, certain lotions for my delicate skin, W30L29 jeans…

As for researching the place, I don’t think one should research too heavily but instead look forward to what your fellow students will draw you towards. I find tourist traps are typically just that- tourist traps. How great is it when a friend brings you somewhere noone else knows or you wander into a strange but oddly perfect situation? Definitely check out dangerous areas to avoid instead.

]]> By: yourstudyabroad blog http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39185 yourstudyabroad blog Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:05:28 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39185 Hi there, Wow it is a nice page and even better post! Enjoyed reading it, might quote some in my blog too (with reference of course). Keep up the good work! Hi there,
Wow it is a nice page and even better post! Enjoyed reading it, might quote some in my blog too (with reference of course). Keep up the good work!

]]> By: nik http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39181 nik Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:16:46 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39181 Oh wow! Useful advice. Although I'm still in secondary school and have not learned the joys of traveling I'll keep this in mind (although I will also heed the advice from other's comments) if I ever go abroad! :D Oh wow! Useful advice. Although I’m still in secondary school and have not learned the joys of traveling I’ll keep this in mind (although I will also heed the advice from other’s comments) if I ever go abroad! :D

]]> By: Michelle http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39171 Michelle Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:08:59 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39171 I did a semester abroad for Spring '10- I definitely wouldn't recommend leaving the laptop behind! Laptops can be a hassle to lug around, and of course you don't want to spend hours a day on the computer when you're abroad, but it's necessary to have, especially if you're a student. If you have the $300 to spare, get a netbook for travel! It's perfect for toting around, I basically just used it for internet, writing papers, and uploading photos. Also, if anything were to happen to it, losing a cheaper computer is better than losing a Mac or something. They also only weigh 2-3 lbs which is nice when you have to follow weight regulations on European airlines. I've seen both Ryanair and EasyJet deny boarding to people who were over the weight limit with their luggage. I did a semester abroad for Spring ’10- I definitely wouldn’t recommend leaving the laptop behind! Laptops can be a hassle to lug around, and of course you don’t want to spend hours a day on the computer when you’re abroad, but it’s necessary to have, especially if you’re a student. If you have the $300 to spare, get a netbook for travel! It’s perfect for toting around, I basically just used it for internet, writing papers, and uploading photos. Also, if anything were to happen to it, losing a cheaper computer is better than losing a Mac or something. They also only weigh 2-3 lbs which is nice when you have to follow weight regulations on European airlines. I’ve seen both Ryanair and EasyJet deny boarding to people who were over the weight limit with their luggage.

]]> By: Rosie http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/how-to-pack-for-a-semester-abroad/#comment-39113 Rosie Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:07:06 +0000 http://matadorstudy.com/?p=33#comment-39113 As someone who's going abroad this coming fall, I found this article incredibly informative and helpful. One thing I disagree with however, is the suggestion to leave the computer behind. The university I'll be studying at does not provide students, study abroad or otherwise, with personal computers meaning that without my personal laptop I would be forced to compete for a computer in the library... not exactly something I want to experience especially during end of term crunch time. As someone who’s going abroad this coming fall, I found this article incredibly informative and helpful. One thing I disagree with however, is the suggestion to leave the computer behind. The university I’ll be studying at does not provide students, study abroad or otherwise, with personal computers meaning that without my personal laptop I would be forced to compete for a computer in the library… not exactly something I want to experience especially during end of term crunch time.

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