YFU Handbooks 2015 Family Handbook (Study Abroad) | Page 14

III. Logistical Preparations

INTRODUCTION
YFU students should pack lightly as most airlines have
strict policies on the amount, size and weight of luggage
that each traveler can have. Check the airline’s website a
few days prior to departure to be sure your child's luggage
is within the weight restrictions. Remind your child that s/
he will be the sole carrier of his/her luggage so s/he should
pack only what s/he can carry at one time. If your child’s
luggage exceeds airline allowance, s/he will have to pay the
associated fees.
Clothing. Your student should take more conservative
clothing than trendy clothing. Many alumni recommend
taking basic clothing from the US and then planning to buy
some new clothes in the host country. This allows students
to see what their peers are wearing and judge what types
of clothes they need. Students traveling to the Southern
Hemisphere should be aware of the season at the time of
arrival. Year students will need to carry off-season clothing
with them or plan to have it shipped to them after they have
arrived. Be sure that all packages are insured and have your
return address on the box.
Although students cannot bring a lot of clothes because of
luggage limits, they should be able to dress appropriately
for most occasions by using the basic clothing list
suggested. Students should try to wear the same type
of clothing that others of their age wear to any events
attended. There will be times when jeans and shorts are not
appropriate. Students should be sure not to embarrass their
host families by being inappropriately dressed or groomed.
Electrical Appliances. Electric currents vary around the
world and so most American-made appliances (110 volts, 60
cycles, alternating current) will not work overseas without
adapters. If your child will need American-made appliances,
s/he should purchase a converter before departure. Another
option is to find a dual voltage product available in many
14 - Study Abroad Family Handbook

areas of the US Battery-powered items are best as batteries
tend to be the same worldwide.
Cell Phones. If your child wants to bring his/her US cell
phone, be sure to contact the service provider to find out if
the phone will work in the host country and what the rates
and terms of usage will be for calls, text messages and
internet. Your child can also opt to rent or buy a cell phone
in the host country and purchase a pay-as-you-go service
which may or may not include data coverage.
Laptop. Computer use and the internet are part of everyday
life. It is not required that your child take a laptop, though
many students do, especially those on a semester or year
program. While your child may arrive with his/her own
laptop, YFU expects that s/he will follow and respect the
host family rules on usage. Using the host family's computer
or expecting unlimited internet use is not a right. Students
should be prepared for limited access. Also keep in mind
that excessive computer use has been shown to have a
negative impact on the overall adjustment of students. It
can easily become a distraction or a crutch to back home.
Host families and YFU have the right to limit or suspend
computer use.
Luggage Tags. Luggage is easier to collect if it is clearly
marked and identifiable from a distance. In addition to
using the YFU luggage tags provided by the YFU Travel
Department, your child may want to distinguish his/her
bags in another way. Using colored tape to create an easyto-recognize pattern (such as his/her initials) on the exterior
of the bag can be helpful. On the luggage tags, be sure
to write both your child’s US and overseas addresses and
phone numbers. These should be affixed inside the bag as
well in case the luggage tags are removed.
Gifts. It is customary for exchange students to present their
host families with small gifts of gratitude when they arrive
in their new homes. When considering what makes a good
gift you should consider the size, weight, durability during