Packing Checklist

Have You...

  • Confirmed how to get from airport to final destination?
  • Called your bank/credit card companies to let them know when and where you’re traveling?
  • Downloaded maps you can access if not connected to Wi-Fi?
  • Made copies of all documents for you and to leave at home?
  • Consulted with your doctor about any prescription medication you take? You’ll need to bring enough for length of stay; if > 3 months, you likely will need to see a doctor abroad as Rxs cannot be transferred; check legality of controlled medications)

Packing Lists

  • ISOS Card
  • MISTI info card and heath/safety guide
  • Confirmation/proof of health/travel insurance
  • Immunization/Vaccination card
  • Gifts/MIT swag for hosts and/or families
  • Business cards

Tip: Download photos and/or print boarding passes, itinerary, in-country address, etc. Don’t assume you’ll have a good internet connection (true for both US and Brazil).

  • Passport and visa
  • Driver’s license or state ID and student ID (for discounts while traveling)
  • Plane tickets and Itinerary
  • Accommodation confirmation/address
  • List of medications and/or actual Rx if possible
  • Health insurance card
  • Emergency contact info in Brazil and at home
  • Bank/credit card company contact information
  • List of other important phone numbers and addresses
  • Earplugs
  • Sleeping mask
  • Travel pillow(s)
  • Motion-sickness remedy
  • Wallet (RFID blocking if possible)
  • Cash
  • Credit cards
  • ATM card
  • Backpack/day bag/messenger bag
  • Purse (no more than two)
  • Collapsible tote for shopping
  • Money belt
  • Plastic bags (for packing liquids)
  • Travel locks and keys
  • Reusable lunch bag
  • Pillow case (useful when traveling and staying in hostels)
  • Quick-drying towel and washcloths
  • Laundry bag
  • Stain remover (like Tide pens)
  • Small sewing kit
  • Lint roller
  • Cell phone and accessories (consider buying a SIM card/chip upon arrival)
  • Laptop/tablet
  • Chargers including a portable charger
  • Camera and accessories
  • Flash drive
  • Headphones
  • Voltage adaptor
  • Current converter
  • Batteries
  • Planner
  • Work documents
  • Notebook
  • Pens/pencils
  • Compact dictionary and/or phrasebook
  • Travel guide(s)

Tip: Pack clothes that are easy to layer, wrinkle-resistant, durable, and comfortable. Confirm any dress codes with program staff and supervisor.

  • Socks/underwear (enough to last for a two-week cycle)
  • Sleepwear/pajamas
  • Jeans (a couple pairs)
  • Nice outfits/separates (aim for tops and bottoms that mix and match well)
  • Blazer or sport coat
  • Robe
  • Sweaters/sweatshirts/hoodie
  • Light jacket or coat (water resistant if possible)
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Scarves/wraps (also good for beach)
  • Exercise clothing
  • Swimsuit
  • Athletic shoes
  • Casual shoes
  • Dress/work shoes
  • Sandals/flip flops/shower shoes
  • Slippers
  • Belt
  • Watch
  • Jewelry (minimal, nothing flashy or very valuable)
  • Sunglasses
  • Glasses (regular, reading, etc.)
  • Glasses cases
  • Folding umbrella
  • House keys
  • Sports and/or camping gear
  • Water bottle

Tip: You can easily find most of these materials and others not on this list (e.g. shampoo, conditioner, etc.) at local pharmacies and/or supermarkets.

  • Prescription medicine
  • Antibacterial hand gel
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Lip balm
  • Eye drops
  • Individual Kleenex packets
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Brush/comb
  • Razors
  • Nail clippers/file
  • Hair dryer, curling/flat iron (check voltage!)
  • Feminine hygiene products (if you’re particular about a certain brand)
  • Contact lenses/case/solution
  • Small first-aid kit (e.g. pain reliever, anti-diarrheal medicine, Pepto-Bism0l, antibiotic cream, bandages