FAQ: What Should I Bring?
35,119 Certified Grads since 1992


FAQ: Preparing to Go

What should I bring?

What are the restrictions and guidelines for admissible items on airplanes?

Is there anything that I should not bring into my destination country?

Where is my Embassy?

How much luggage can I bring?

What is culture shock?

Travel Warnings

Can I avoid culture shock?

What should I bring?

  • Clothing
    • Weather/Culturally appropriate clothing.
    • Conservative teaching attire.
  • Documents
    • Passport
    • Appropriate visa
    • Your original degree (if applicable)
    • A copy of your transcript
    • Health insurance
    • Passport sized photos
  • Money
    • Bring enough money to support yourself for at least one month. Depending on the pay period of your school it might be up to six weeks before you receive your first pay cheque.
    • Some schools will offer you a start-up stipend; others will offer you a loan. If funds are a factor in your travel, you should discuss these with your Job Search Advisor who can recommend countries that may best meet this need.
    • Try to bring funds in the currency of the country to which you are travelling; however, depending on where you are going, it might be difficult to obtain prior to your departure. If this is the case, most international airports will have a currency exchange kiosk.
    • Traveller’s cheques can be cashed at most international banks and foreign exchange kiosks; however, the bank may charge you a user fee.
    • ATMs are available in most large cities, and they give you funds in local currency. However, the fees can be high and they might not give you the best exchange rate.
    • Credit cards are a better option. They often do not charge international user fees, and have fair exchange rates.
    • Before heading abroad you should speak to a representative of your bank to ensure that your cards are internationally recognized and to find out exactly what the user fees will be on your debit and credit card.
    • Finally, you should set up Internet banking before you leave. This way you will be able to easily monitor your accounts while abroad, and pay any outstanding bills.
  • A Guide Book
    • A good guide book will have embassy locations, maps of larger cities, clearly marked subway routes, addresses for restaurants, affordable accommodations, and expatriate hotspots.
  • A Phrase Book
    • If you do not speak the language of your teaching destination, you may want to consider bringing a phrase book. A good phrase book will be organized in a logical manner and have a pronunciation key.
  • Prescription Medications
    • If you are on long-term prescription drugs, such as asthma medication, consult your doctor before leaving.