What to Pack for Your High School Semester Abroad Destination

When preparing your packing list for a high school semester abroad program, you have to consider several factors, including the general climate of your destination, the length of your program, and the season in which you'll be traveling. 

Let's break down what to expect and what to pack for your study abroad destination to make your planning a little easier!  

General Travel Essentials 

During your semester abroad high school program, there are a few general travel essentials you should pack regardless of your study abroad destination. Every international student should make sure they have: 

• Their passport, visa (if required), and copies of all important documents 
• Outlet adapters, converters, and charging cables 
• Electronics like a laptop, a tablet, a camera, and an unlocked smartphone 
• Travel essentials like a neck pillow, a travel blanket, a reusable water bottle, and a passport wallet 
• Essential medications and prescriptions (but be sure to check that they’re legal in your host country!) 
• Appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather and seasons  

Packing for Your Semester Abroad Destination! 

The time of year and length of your program are important to consider when packing for your study abroad destination! High school study abroad programs that are for the entire academic year often run between mid-August to mid-July, so packing for a nine-month span of seasons is a must. 

Those participating for only a semester (three to four months) should consider whether their program is for the spring (mid-January to mid-June) or winter semester (mid-August to mid-December). This will significantly impact the kind of clothing and shoes you should bring with you. 

Here are some general recommendations for our semester abroad destinations. 

Denmark 

In Denmark, the weather is mild and can be very windy and rainy, even in the summer. Packing layers is a must, as is a quality raincoat or umbrella. Danish style is usually more minimalistic yet stylish and many young people opt to wear neutral colors. To truly integrate into Danish culture, you’ll also want to pack a reusable water bottle and a pair of sturdy shoes you can easily ride a bike in! 

France 

France is a large country that experiences varied weather, depending on whether you’re in the north, where winters can be cold, or the south, where it’s often sunny and warm. The French have a long tradition of setting trends and usually sport outfits that are effortless yet well put together. 

When packing to study abroad in France, you’ll also want to bring a nice pair of sneakers that can handle long walks over cobblestone streets and a tote bag for errands.   

Germany 

Germany experiences all four seasons, including cold and snowy winters and hot and sunny summers, so it's recommended to pack layers and prepare for all weather possibilities. Compared to other European countries, Germans tend to dress more casually, and young people often wear jeans, simple tops and sometimes even athleisure outfits in public.  

Unique items you'll want to pack for Germany include a day bag, a nice pair of walking shoes and a change pouch for the many Euro coins you'll collect while paying in cash (a preferred form of payment in Germany). 

Ireland 

Ireland has mild but wet weather year-round, so a waterproof jacket and comfortable rain boots are essential! Irish fashion is laid-back, with young people often wearing cozy sweaters and layers to combat the wind and rain. You'll also want to pack a waterproof bag and warm wool socks to keep your feet warm when exploring the Irish countryside or wandering through the city's cobblestone streets.  

Italy 

Depending on the time of year, a semester abroad in Italy promises milder winters and sunny summers, where a light yet warm jacket and ample sun protection are a must. Southern Europeans value good style, and you'll rarely see locals in sweatpants or athleisure—and it's no different in Italy! Your Italian packing list should include a few nicer outfits to blend in. A crossbody bag to keep your valuables safe while out and about is a good idea, too.  

Japan 

From chilly winter winds to humid summer highs, Japan experiences all four seasons, so you'll want to pack accordingly for the time of year you're studying abroad. Japanese students usually avoid wearing slouchy clothing like sweatpants or tees and enjoy showing off their creative style. You'll likely see many young people wearing bold outfits in the big cities!  

For your day-to-day in Japan, having a compact travel umbrella is a good idea, and you'll want to pack a pair of comfortable shoes you can wear inside (outdoor shoes are not allowed indoors!). 

Mexico 

Mexico's higher-elevation regions, like Mexico City, are usually cooler, whereas coastal destinations are known to be hot and humid. People generally dress more conservatively and wear breathable clothing for the hot sun.  

Be sure to pack plenty of sun protection like high SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and a sun hat, especially in areas at higher elevation where sunburn can be more extreme. Packing a scarf or shawl is a good idea, too, as you may need something to cover up when visiting cultural sites. 

Spain 

Nestled in Southern Europe, Spain experiences warmer and milder weather. Young Spaniards wear stylish and slightly more formal clothing when out, and you’ll rarely see young people wearing gym clothes outside of the gym.  

Those studying in Spain during the summer should pack clothes for the hot weather and plenty of sun protection. A lightweight jacket and layers are a must in the winter, as the evenings can get chilly. 

The U.K. 

The U.K. is home to famously unpredictable weather, so packing a wind-proof umbrella and layers is highly recommended. British fashion varies by region but generally combines a mix of classic and sporty fashion.  

The U.K. has different adapters than the U.S. and the rest of the E.U., so you'll want to pack Type G adapters for your time there as well as Type C for any travels to neighboring European countries.  

Spend Your Next High School Semester Abroad with CIEE 

CIEE High School Semester Abroad programs allow high school students to see the world while gaining a broader worldview, a new sense of independence, and lifelong friendships. Additionally, CIEE helps high schoolers push themselves outside of their comfort zones and develop skills for the future.