Preparing for your first international business trip abroad can feel overwhelming. Between organizing travel documents, deciding what to pack, and downloading the right apps, there’s a lot to manage before you board that plane. Whether you’re joining a GLO faculty-led program to visit BMW headquarters in Munich or attending business seminars in Singapore, having the right study abroad essentials can make the difference between a stressful experience and a transformative adventure.
After helping 33,000+ students successfully navigate international programs since 1977, we’ve learned exactly what students need to thrive abroad. This comprehensive guide covers everything from critical packing items to game-changing travel apps that will keep you organized, connected, and ready to make the most of your global learning experience.
Essential Documents: Your Non-Negotiables
Before you even think about packing clothes or downloading apps, ensure these critical documents are in order. These study abroad essentials are your gateway to international travel and cannot be forgotten.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Your passport is your most important travel companion. Verify that it’s valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Most countries won’t let you enter if your passport is close to expiring, even if it’s technically still valid.
Make three photocopies of your passport’s main page. Keep one copy in your luggage separate from your passport, leave one with a trusted family member at home, and store a digital copy in your email or cloud storage. If your passport gets lost or stolen, these copies will make the replacement process at the U.S. consulate significantly faster.
For visa requirements, check well in advance as processing times can take several weeks. GLO provides detailed predeparture information specific to your program destination, but it’s your responsibility to apply on time.
Academic and Program Documents
Print and digitally save your GLO acceptance letter, program itinerary, and university enrollment confirmation. Immigration officers may ask to see proof of your study abroad purpose, and having these documents readily accessible prevents delays at customs.
Store your flight confirmation, travel insurance policy, emergency contacts, and any medical prescriptions in a waterproof travel document organizer. Keep this in your carry-on bag where you can easily access it during your journey.
Smart Packing: What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Packing efficiently for an international program requires strategic thinking. You need enough for your trip without overpacking, especially considering airline weight restrictions and the reality that you’ll likely purchase items abroad.
The Right Luggage Makes All the Difference
Choose one large suitcase within airline weight limits and one carry-on bag. For GLO’s short-term programs, a quality carry-on and personal item may be sufficient for some students. The key is selecting luggage you can manage independently, if you can’t carry it up several flights of stairs, you’re overpacking.
Invest in packing cubes to maximize space and keep items organized. These compression organizers allow you to fit more while keeping everything accessible. You’ll thank yourself when you need to find specific items quickly in your hotel room.
Clothing Strategy: Pack Versatile, Not Volume
The biggest mistake students make is overpacking clothes. Plan for about two weeks of outfits that can be mixed, matched, and layered. Focus on versatile pieces in neutral colors that work for both business seminars and casual exploration.
For GLO programs involving company visits and professional networking events, pack:
- Two business casual outfits (dress pants or skirt with button-down shirts or blouses)
- One blazer or professional jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes that also look professional
- One pair of athletic shoes for sightseeing
- Weather-appropriate outerwear (check your destination’s climate)
- Casual clothes for evening social activities
Remember that laundry facilities exist abroad, and you can purchase forgotten items at your destination. Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs and items you’ll acquire during your trip.
Technology and Electronics: Stay Connected and Powered
Your electronics keep you connected to home, help you navigate unfamiliar cities, and document your international experience. These study abroad essentials are crucial for modern international travel.
Bring your smartphone, laptop or tablet, and all necessary charging cables. A portable power bank is invaluable for long days exploring between business seminars when you’re using maps, taking photos, and staying in touch with your group.
The most critical tech item is a universal travel adapter. Different countries use different outlet configurations, and you’ll need the correct adapter to charge your devices. Purchase one with multiple USB ports so you can charge several devices simultaneously. Don’t bring hair styling tools from home, the voltage differences often cause them to malfunction even with converters. Buy these items locally if needed.
Health and Safety Essentials
Pack a small first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, and any prescription medications you take regularly. Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus a few extra days, along with a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it to customs officials or local pharmacists.
Travel-sized toiletries will get you through your first few days until you can purchase full-sized products locally. Don’t waste precious luggage space on large shampoo bottles. A small bag with toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap, and essential items is sufficient.
Must-Have Travel Apps: Your Digital Study Abroad Toolkit
Your smartphone is one of your most powerful study abroad essentials. The right apps transform your phone into a translator, navigator, budget tracker, and cultural guide. Download these before your departure so they’re ready when you land.
Navigation and Transportation Apps
Google Maps remains the gold standard for navigation. Download offline maps of your destination cities before leaving home—this allows you to navigate even without cellular data. The app provides walking directions, public transit routes, and even shows you business hours for restaurants and attractions.
Rome2Rio specializes in multi-modal transportation planning. Whether you need to take trains, buses, or ferries to reach your weekend destination, this app maps out comprehensive travel routes with pricing and time estimates. It’s particularly useful for planning weekend trips between GLO program cities.
Uber and Bolt provide safe, reliable transportation in most international cities. Uber operates in 70+ countries, while Bolt is the go-to alternative in Europe, South Africa, and parts of Latin America. Having both apps gives you flexibility and backup options.
Citymapper offers exceptional public transportation guidance in major cities. It provides real-time transit updates, compares routes, and even tells you which subway car to board for the most convenient exit at your destination station.
Communication and Language Apps
WhatsApp is the international standard for messaging. Download it immediately—you’ll use it to communicate with your GLO program coordinators, fellow students, local contacts, and family back home. The app works over WiFi and includes voice and video calling, making it essential for staying connected without incurring international phone charges.
Google Translate has revolutionized language barriers. The app translates over 200 languages and includes a camera feature that instantly translates signs, menus, and documents in real-time. Download your destination language for offline use, and utilize the conversation mode for real-time dialogue translation with taxi drivers or restaurant staff.
Duolingo helps you learn basic phrases before and during your trip. Even knowing simple greetings, thank you, and common questions in the local language shows respect and often results in warmer interactions with locals you meet during GLO company visits.
Money Management and Budgeting Apps
XE Currency provides real-time exchange rate conversions. Before making purchases, quickly check the conversion to avoid overpaying. The app works offline using the last updated rates, making it reliable even without constant internet access.
Splitwise simplifies expense splitting with fellow students. When you’re sharing accommodation costs, meals, or transportation with classmates, this app tracks who owes what and settles up via PayPal or other methods. It’s invaluable for managing group travel expenses during GLO programs.
Revolut or Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer digital banking solutions that provide real exchange rates with minimal fees. These apps allow you to hold multiple currencies and make international payments without the excessive fees traditional banks charge.
Accommodation and Activity Planning
Booking.com and HostelWorld help you find accommodation for weekend trips outside your primary GLO program location. Student budgets appreciate HostelWorld’s affordable options, while Booking.com offers everything from hostels to hotels with real user reviews.
GetYourGuide centralizes tickets and tours in one convenient app. Purchase admission tickets in advance, book local experiences, and explore cooking classes or cultural activities. Having all your bookings organized by date and city keeps your extracurricular exploration well-organized.
TripAdvisor provides comprehensive reviews of restaurants, attractions, and activities. Use it to research the best local experiences near your GLO seminar locations and discover highly-rated restaurants for group dinners.
Productivity and Organization Apps
TripIt automatically organizes your travel itinerary. Forward flight confirmations, hotel bookings, and program details to the app, and it creates a master itinerary accessible offline. This keeps all your GLO program information, flights, and personal travel plans in one searchable place.
Google Photos backs up your photos automatically when you’re connected to WiFi. Don’t risk losing precious memories from your international business seminars and cultural experiences. Enable automatic backup so your photos are safe even if your phone is lost or damaged.
Notes or Evernote helps you capture insights from business seminars, jot down recommendations from locals, and keep a running list of must-try restaurants or weekend trip ideas. Digital note-taking means you won’t lose important information scribbled on random papers.
Financial Preparation: Managing Money Abroad
Understanding how to handle money internationally is one of the most practical study abroad essentials. Poor financial planning leads to unnecessary stress and excessive fees.
Before You Leave Home
Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates and destinations. This prevents your cards from being frozen for suspected fraud when you make your first international purchase.
Research ATM fees for your bank. Some banks have international partnerships with reduced or waived ATM fees. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction fees, but never carry more cash than you’re comfortable potentially losing.
Order a small amount of local currency before departure—enough for your first day’s transportation and meals. Airport exchange rates are notoriously poor, so having cash when you land prevents expensive currency exchange at the airport.
Budget Tracking While Abroad
Create a daily budget for meals, transportation, and activities beyond what GLO covers in your program fee. Track spending in a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app to ensure you stay on target throughout your trip.
Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees whenever possible. These typically offer better exchange rates than cash exchanges, plus they provide fraud protection and automatic expense tracking for your records.
Cultural Preparation: Research Your Destination
The most successful study abroad students research their destinations before arriving. Understanding basic cultural norms, business etiquette, and local customs enhances your experience at GLO business seminars and professional networking events.
Learn appropriate business attire standards for your destination country. What’s considered professional varies globally—research dress codes before packing to ensure you’re appropriately prepared for company visits to organizations like Coca-Cola, BMW, or local startups.
Research local tipping customs, dining etiquette, and business card exchange protocols. These details demonstrate cultural competency and respect during professional interactions that are central to GLO’s business-focused programs.
Health Insurance and Safety Considerations
Verify your health insurance coverage abroad. Many U.S. policies don’t cover international medical expenses, or they require you to pay upfront and seek reimbursement later. GLO programs typically include travel insurance.
Register your travel with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows the U.S. embassy to contact you in emergencies and provides you with important safety updates about your destination country.
Save emergency contact numbers in your phone including the U.S. embassy, local emergency services, your program coordinator’s contact information, and your accommodation address. Having these readily available provides peace of mind.
Making the Most of Your GLO Experience
With your study abroad essentials packed and your apps downloaded, you’re prepared for an incredible international learning experience. Remember that GLO’s faculty-led programs are designed as your first business trip abroad—approach them with professional curiosity and cultural openness.
Participate actively in business seminars, ask thoughtful questions during company visits, and build genuine connections with executives you meet. These networking opportunities are invaluable for your future career. The business leaders GLO connects you with have decades of international experience to share.
Balance your academic commitments with cultural exploration. GLO builds in time for sightseeing and local experiences because understanding culture is essential to global business competency. Try local cuisine, visit historical sites, and immerse yourself in the places you’re visiting.
Document your journey through photos, journal entries, or even a personal blog. Your study abroad experience is a transformative period of personal and professional growth. Capturing these moments allows you to reflect on your development and share insights with future employers.
Final Thoughts: Prepared for Success
Successful international travel starts with thorough preparation. By organizing essential documents, packing strategically, downloading critical apps, and preparing financially and culturally, you set yourself up for a transformative study abroad experience.
The study abroad essentials covered in this guide represent wisdom gathered from thousands of GLO alumni who’ve successfully navigated short-term international programs. Learn from their experiences, prepare thoroughly, but also remain flexible and open to unexpected adventures.
Your GLO program isn’t just about visiting international business centers—it’s about developing global competency, expanding your professional network, and gaining confidence operating in cross-cultural environments. These skills differentiate you in an increasingly interconnected business world.
Remember that some of the most valuable learning happens outside formal seminars. Conversations with locals, navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, and adapting to cultural differences build resilience and cultural intelligence that employers highly value.
Your Next Step
Ready to transform your global perspective and gain real-world business exposure? Explore GLO’s upcoming programs and experience your first business trip abroad. Our faculty-led programs combine academic rigor with professional networking and cultural immersion across multiple international destinations.
Visit GLO’s program catalog to discover opportunities to earn university credit while visiting multinational corporations, attending business seminars with industry executives, and building your global professional network. Your international business career starts with taking that first step abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad Essentials
Do I need a visa to study abroad?
Visa requirements depend on your destination country and program duration. GLO provides specific visa information during the predeparture process. Most short-term programs (under 90 days) to Europe don’t require visas for U.S. citizens, but you should verify requirements at least 8-12 weeks before departure since processing times vary.
How much money should I bring for a study abroad program?
Budget $50-100 per day for meals, transportation, and activities beyond what GLO covers in your program fee. Bring one credit card with no foreign transaction fees as your primary payment method, plus $200-300 in local currency for immediate needs upon arrival.
Can I use my cell phone abroad?
Yes. Contact your carrier about international plans before departure. Most students use WhatsApp over WiFi for free messaging and calls. Consider purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM for extended programs, which typically costs $20-50 for several weeks of data.
What clothes should I pack for business seminars?
Pack two business casual outfits: dress pants or skirts with button-down shirts or blouses, plus one blazer. Research destination-specific dress codes as professional attire standards vary globally. Always pack clothes you can layer for varying temperatures.
How many bags should I bring?
Bring one checked bag (within airline weight limits, typically 50 lbs) and one carry-on. Pack essentials, medications, one change of clothes, and important documents in your carry-on in case your checked bag is delayed.
What apps do I need before I leave?
Download these essential apps before departure: WhatsApp (communication), Google Maps (navigation with offline maps), Google Translate (language translation with offline capability), XE Currency (exchange rates), and your banking apps. Download destination-specific transit apps after arrival.
Do I need travel insurance?
GLO programs include comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruption. Review your coverage details in your program materials and understand how to access emergency assistance while abroad.
How do I avoid international banking fees?
Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees whenever possible for better exchange rates and fraud protection. Withdraw larger cash amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction ATM fees. Banks like Charles Schwab and some credit unions offer fee-free international ATM access.
Should I bring my laptop?
Bring your laptop only if needed for coursework or staying in touch with family. A smartphone or tablet is often sufficient for GLO’s short-term programs. If you bring a laptop, pack it in your carry-on and use a password-protected screen lock.
What if I forget to pack something important?
Most items can be purchased at your destination. Pharmacies, supermarkets, and stores abroad carry familiar brands and generic equivalents. Don’t stress over forgotten items—focusing on essential documents (passport, visa, insurance) and medications matters most.
Do I need to speak the local language?
No language fluency is required for GLO programs. Business seminars are conducted in English, and GLO staff provide translation support as needed. However, learning basic phrases (hello, thank you, excuse me) demonstrates cultural respect and enhances your experience.
How do I stay safe while traveling abroad?
Register your travel with the U.S. State Department’s STEP program. Keep copies of your passport in multiple locations. Stay with your group during organized activities, be aware of your surroundings, and follow GLO staff guidance. Save emergency contacts in your phone including local emergency services and U.S. embassy information.
Can I use my prescription medications abroad?
Yes. Pack medications in original prescription bottles with enough supply for your entire trip plus extra days. Carry a copy of your prescription and doctor’s letter for customs. Keep medications in your carry-on bag for immediate access.
What electrical adapters do I need?
Purchase a universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports before departure. Different countries use different outlet configurations. Don’t bring hair styling tools from home—voltage differences often cause malfunction even with converters. Buy these locally if needed.
How do I exchange currency?
Exchange a small amount ($100-150) before departure through your bank for better rates than airport exchanges. Use ATMs at your destination for additional local currency at favorable exchange rates. Avoid currency exchange kiosks at tourist areas charging high commissions.
Have Questions About Studying Abroad?
Drop your questions in the comments below! Our GLO team is here to help you learn more about international business programs, travel logistics, packing tips, recommended apps, or how to get started with your study abroad journey. We’re committed to helping students successfully navigate their first business trip abroad.
