Must-Read Before Packing for Language Study Abroad! Essential Items vs. What You Don't Need

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

Recently, the hurdles to traveling overseas have gotten lower, and more people are preparing for language study abroad using this winter break.

• Before departure, you might pack excitedly, but
  what should you actually bring?

• What will you really use once you're there?

• And on the other hand, what's fine to leave behind?

Many of you may be wondering about this.

So this time, we've put together a summary of "things that are handy to bring" and "things you don't need to force into your suitcase" when packing for language study abroad.

Items That Are Useful for Language Study Abroad

※ Assuming you've already prepared essential documents such as your passport, flight tickets, letter of acceptance, and visa-related paperwork,
this time we'll mainly introduce "practical items that are surprisingly useful."

① Blanket & Pajamas

Language study abroad often means a long stay of 6 months to a year or more, and these items really come in handy, especially during a stay that includes winter.

• When it's cold while sleeping
• When the air conditioning is too strong during class
• On the plane

They're useful in all sorts of situations like these.

We also recommend bringing one set of comfortable pajamas to relax in.

② Power Strip (Extension Cord) and Plug Adapter

Most people bring a plug adapter (the so-called "travel adapter"), but we often hear that people forget to bring a power strip.

Since there are surprisingly many times when you want to charge your phone, PC, earphones, and portable battery all at once, having a power strip is extremely convenient.

If you have room in your suitcase, bringing more than one can also come in handy.

③ Regular Medication / Personal Medicine

Overseas, you may run into trouble because

it's hard to figure out how to buy medicine,

or the ingredients are different from those in Japan.

For these reasons,

• Stomach medicine
• Headache medicine
• Cold medicine

we recommend bringing a small amount of the medicine you normally use.

Also, if you take prescription medication, having an English-language prescription ready will help if you need medicine with the same ingredients while abroad.

④ Portable Battery

In a study abroad life with a long stay and lots of moving around, a portable battery is surprisingly essential.

It can be used to charge not only your smartphone but also cameras and small electronics, so it's reassuring to have an affordable one on hand.

⑤ Spare Contact Lenses / Glasses

If you have any concerns about your eyesight, be sure to bring spare contact lenses or glasses.

Overseas,

• Prices can be high
• A prescription may be required

so it's often the case, which is why it's reassuring to prepare them in Japan.

⑥ Slippers

For quick outings or a trip to the neighborhood supermarket, slippers or sandals come in handy.

Things You Don't Need to Force Into Your Bag

① Don't bring too many clothes

It's fine to bring a few pieces for each season, but you can also buy plenty of clothes locally.

Many people who've studied language abroad say, "in the end, I mostly wore clothes I bought there," so there's no need to overpack clothing.

② English reference books / study materials

Books tend to be heavy no matter what.

At language schools,

• Textbooks
• Handouts
• Study materials

are already fully provided, so there's no need to bring many English books.

If you really want to bring some, we recommend limiting it to about one book.

③ Large-size daily items like shampoo

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body soap
• Cosmetics

a small travel amount is enough for these.

Since they're easy to buy locally, and it's a hassle to bring leftovers back to Japan, we don't recommend bringing large-size items.

Summary | Pack Light for a Comfortable Study Abroad Life

This time, we introduced what's useful to pack before language study abroad and what you don't need to force yourself to bring.

By keeping these points in mind ahead of time, both your suitcase and your mind will feel much lighter.

On Awork Academy's official website, we share a wide range of helpful information, from preparing for language study abroad to life once you're there.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.