A stay abroad is an opportunity to discover many things and to meet many people. But preparing for your Erasmus internship also means packing your suitcase. We will help you to make this step easier.
YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
First of all, think about all your important and official documents. They will be useful throughout your stay.
It is essential that you have a valid identity card for the duration of your stay, as you will be on European territory.
If you have a passport, keep your passport receipt in case you lose it. We advise you to leave it in your hand luggage.
Other important documents during your stay are your flight, train and bus reservations. Make sure you have printed them out and downloaded them to your phone.
If you choose to fly, make sure you know how to get from the airport to your accommodation.
The last important document you should have with you is your internship agreement.
PREPARING YOUR LUGGAGE
When you leave for your erasmus trip, you will need a carry-on bag (small bag) and a large and checked bag if you take the plane. To prepare your luggage, make a list beforehand. This will prevent you from taking anything unnecessary and forgetting anything.
Hand luggage
As a precaution, put your laptop in your hand luggage. Indeed, if your luggage is put in the hold you may end up with a bad surprise. So it is best to leave your computer in the hand luggage that you will always have with you.
In this luggage, also take a complete outfit. If your checked luggage gets lost (yes, this can happen), you will always have a spare outfit.
A very important piece of information is that this luggage must not exceed 10 kilos.
The hold baggage
Firstly, depending on the airline, this baggage must not exceed an average of 23 kg.
To fill the suitcase, you should rely on the list you have prepared beforehand. The clothes you have selected will obviously be adapted to the climate of the host country. In addition to your selected items, bring photos to customize your future room. This small detail will make you feel at home.
Then, if you are going to English-speaking countries, bring an adaptor for the plugs. It will be very useful, believe me!
And finally, leave some space in your suitcase for the return trip, as you will buy souvenirs on the spot and it would be a shame not to be able to bring them back.
How to pack your suitcase
A tip for packing your suitcase: roll up your clothes. Few people think of this method of packing. But it should not be overlooked because it will allow you to save space.
Toiletries
In your toiletry bag, take your medicines. If you have a prescription, don’t forget to bring the paper with you!
Take along the important things you need in France that you may not find in your host country.
Hygiene products such as shower gel, shampoo etc. can be bought locally, so there is no need to carry them with you.
I hope that we have answered any questions you may have about packing your suitcase. A piece of advice before you leave: check the weight of your luggage and only bring what you need. Have a good trip!