Let’s be honest: packing can be frustrating. Figuring out which outfits you should bring, and how many pairs of shoes you’ll need, all while trying not to forget the essentials like your passport, feels like an impossible task. And knowing what to pack for faculty-led programs (FLPs) can be even trickier, especially if it’s your first time taking part in a short-term study abroad program.

Our complete guide to packing for FLPs covers all the essentials and non-essentials, making sure you don’t forget a single item before taking to the skies. We’ll provide practical tips on how to make the most of the confined space in your suitcase and by the time your trip rolls around, you’ll know exactly what to pack to make your experience an unforgettable one!

Why packing for FLPs is different

One of the great things about faculty-led programs is that they offer structure. This is a huge part of what sets the packing experience apart from any other trip, because you have a planned out itinerary provided in advance of your travels. This means you can tailor your packing based on the activities set out in your program.

If you’re learning about Skiing and National Identity in Norway, with a full day set aside for adventure on the slopes, then you’ll definitely want to pack your base layers and waterproofs. And if you’re taking part in Sustainable Agriculture in Nicaragua, you might want to bring a pair of walking boots for the various wildlife walks and coffee plantation hikes included in our itinerary.

Unlike your average trip abroad, you should also consider academic requirements, such as bringing your journal or laptop to make daily notes on what you’ve been learning.

Our top 5 tips for smart FLP packing

Before we get into our packing guide, we wanted to provide you with some useful preparation tips that will take your packing from jumbled chaos to coordinated order. Here’s what we’d suggest:

Check airline baggage allowances early so that you know what you’re working with.
Use packing cubes to organize your belongings and make it easier to find what you need when it comes to unpacking.
Buy vacuum bags to maximize the space in your suitcase and carry-on.
Practice packing early to see what works and what doesn’t, then revise your list.
Leave room if possible, just in case you decide to bring back souvenirs.

There’s definitely more to packing than pulling your suitcase out of storage and hoping everything fits. By following our advice, packing for your FLP should go off without a hitch!

What to pack for your FLP

Knowing exactly what to pack for your FLP will depend on the destination and the program itinerary, so it’s always a good idea to review those elements first. Research the weather forecast for your chosen dates and read through each site visit carefully to fully understand what’s expected and this should set you on the right path.

To help get things started, we’ve put together a collection of items for your consideration.

Essential travel documents

Key travel documents like your passport and visa requirements can often get missed when it comes to packing. On the morning of your trip, you’re so focused on where your headphones are and what the traffic is going to be like on the way to the airport, that you end up leaving your passport at home. Trust us, it has happened before–and will happen again!

Check that you have the following at hand before you set off:

A valid passport
Visa or entry permits
Travel insurance
Boarding pass and flight details
FLP program and paperwork

You might not need every piece of documentation we’ve listed, since not every country requires a visa or an entry permit, however you should always check these requirements just in case.

Learn from Travel will provide you with all the relevant trip details prior to travel, so read through this carefully as it could help inform the rest of your packing preparation.

Keep essential documents like your passport accessible

Trip-specific clothing

Clothing is a tricky one. That’s because it all depends on the type of study abroad program you’ve chosen. Of course, you have the basics like underwear and sleepwear, but you also need to consider the climate, the activities you’re taking part in, cultural dress codes, and comfort, especially when it comes to adding in the rest of your outfits.

Try to include:

Supportive footwear suitable for walking and being on your feet.
An additional pair of shoes for casual downtime.
Warm layers if you’re heading somewhere cold or a location with cooler evenings, like New York in the winter.
Light, breathable layers if your FLP destination is hot and humid like the Bahamas.
Modest clothing options for business formal, cultural, or religious contexts.
Waterproofs and thermals for cold and wet climates.
Swimwear for pools and beaches.
Accessories such as sunglasses, hats, a belt, scarf and gloves.

This isn’t an exhaustive list and some items may not be relevant at all, just remember to be as smart as possible with the clothing you pack. Choose outfits instead of single items and try to find things that mix and match so you can create multiple looks without having to overpack.

Toiletries and personal care

Airline restrictions can be a nightmare. That’s why you should always double-check what you’re allowed to include before adding anything to your suitcase.

For an FLP, here’s what we’d suggest:

Deodorant
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Soap and body wash
Sunscreen and after-sun
Insect repellent
Hand sanitiser and disposable wet wipes
Basic first-aid kit
Hairbrush, comb and other hair accessories
Sanitary products
Make-up kit
Stomach medications or antacids
Any prescription medicines

You don’t have to pack everything we’ve mentioned here, but try to choose the items that work best for your trip specifically. And use travel-sized versions of everything, placing them in a ziplock bag for easy storage.

Electronics

You’re obviously going to bring your phone with you, especially if it has a copy of your boarding pass and you’re using it to take those all-important pictures! But there are a few other tech items you might not have thought about.

You might want to bring:

Smartphone
Laptop or tablet
Camera
Headphones
Universal power adapters
Power bank
Chargers for all the above

Going on an FLP with Learn From Travel is all about immersing yourself in the culture of the country you’re visiting, so you probably won’t be reaching for your phone as often. However, it’s still a good idea to bring all the tech needed to capture the experience, whether that means making notes on your laptop in the evening or taking pictures of the picturesque landscape with your camera.

Remember to pack a camera to capture those awe-inspiring moments

Faculty-led program resources

Finally, when packing for FLP, you want to make sure you have all the necessary items to help with your learning experience.

This could include:

A journal or notebook to jot down your reflections
Pens, pencils and other stationery
Reusable water bottle for long day trips
Light reading material related to your course

If you’re unsure on what resources you might need for your specific FLP, you can always ask your faculty leader for further advice.

Your next adventure begins with Learn From Travel

All packed for your faculty-led program? Or do you still have some questions about what to include for your specific trip? We understand that every destination is completely different and with itineraries full of immersive experiences, cultural exchange, educational workshops and historical tours, it can be tricky to get your packing right the first time.

When you organize an FLP through Learn From Travel, we make sure you have all the necessary information about your trip prior to take-off. We take care of all the planning so that you have a truly meaningful learning experience and provide you with a detailed itinerary, that way you know exactly what to pack for excursion and site visit.

Need some advice on our faculty-led programs? Contact Learn from Travel directly and we’d be happy to help.

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The Complete Guide to Packing for Faculty-Led Programs (FLPs)