Preparing for Your Trip

Clothing

You should bring comfortable clothing that is appropriate in your home country. Specifically, we will be spending time outdoors as well as indoors. Standing and walking will be a large part of most of our field trips. There are several field trips which will require, long pants (jeans or light weight pants), closed toed shoes (tennis/gym shoes/trainers - no high heels), and a regular t-shirt (no tank tops). Although the outside temperature will be very warm, the interior of the buildings we visit is often very cool. A light jacket or sweather will be approriate for many of our indoor venues. 

Be prepared to walk and work outside in the heat. The average temperature during July is 93°F (34°C). A sunhat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing are a must. A sturdy pair of comfortable walking shoes will be essential. Please wear the shoes you intend to bring and make sure they are comfortable before packing them. 

We will be spending a day on the Kansas River. For this, you will need a swimming suit, clothes, and shoes you do not mind getting wet and possibly muddy. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat will also be essential. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) will be provided and required to be worn at all times on the water. Consequently, a t-shirt or lightweight long-sleeved shirt to wear under the PFD would be a good idea and keep you from getting sunburnt.

You will also need a set of more formal clothes (business casual - khakis/chinos/slacks/skirt and buttonup shirt or dress, jacket optional) for some of the scheduled activities. Otherwise, t-shirts and shorts/pants or other casual clothes are appropriate. On days where we will be outside, pants and jeans maybe uncomfortably hot.

We have put together a list of items you may want to consider bringing to help you get started packing.

Baggage

Please pack as lightly as possible. Be sure that you can move all your luggage on your own as you will need to take it all through customs upon arrival in the US.

Carry all identification with you at all times (passport, visa papers, student id, driver's license, etc.); do not put these items in your checked baggage.

We encourage you to bring a small bag/backpack that you can use on our field trips. For international flights, most airlines allow one free checked bag of not more than 50lb (23kg) and 157cm (length + width + depth) with fees for additional bags. However, we recommend you check with your airline before you pack to determine the exact limitations. You may also want to bring or purchase an empty second bag (suitcase/duffel bag) to take home items and books you acquire while in the United States. We will pay for checking two bags from Kansas to Washington, DC and will pay for the second bag to be checked back to your home country.

Each piece of baggage should have your name and the following address inside and out in case it gets separated from you on the way. 

YOUR NAME
c/o Kristina Snyder
KSU - European Student Leaders
133 Ward Hall
Manhattan, KS  66506
785.532.6026 or 706.372.4058

Airlines typically allow a carry on bag and a small personal item (purse or backpack) aboard the plane. It is recommended that you carry valuable items such as important documents, electronic equipment, cameras, film, cash, jewelry, medication, prescriptions and keys with you onboard the aircraft and do not put them in a checked piece of baggage. We also recommend you carry on a change of clothing and other essentials (eyeglasses, documents, etc.). If your bag is delayed, those items may not be available for a few days.

Shopping

Avoid over-shopping. We recommend that you make a list of items you can find only in America and shop sparingly. Students who have purchased a lot of clothes, electronics, presents, etc. during past programs have had many problems when it was time to return home. Airlines charge high fees for excess and overweight baggage and shipping items home is not always secure.

Personal Care Items

Although many items can be purchased in the United States, and you will be given a chance to acquire sundry items during your first few days here, styles and selections of products vary; you may not find the brands or types of toiletries you prefer. You may wish to bring the following items with you - remember that sizes larger than 3.4oz (100ml) should be put in checked baggage: 

• soap
• lotion
• shampoo
• conditioner
• cologne
• personal care items
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• other dental hygiene items
• feminine hygiene products
• shaving products
• sunscreen
• insect repellent

Electric appliances use 60 cycles, 120 volts in the United States. If you plan on bringing any electric equipment (hairdryer, shaver, computer, etc.) be sure it is compatible or bring an adapter. Plug styles are also different in the US than in other countries. You will need a plug adapter even if you don't need a voltage adapter. We recommend a battery operated alarm clock.

Other Items

You will be given all books and materials necessary for the program, but you may want to bring a bilingual/dual language dictionary for reference.

We are excited to learn about your home culture and have time set aside to share experiences from home. A few pictures of your home, family, and country or typical (non-food) handicraft items can be an interesting way to talk about your home country and culture.

What Not to Bring

The United States Department of Agriculture does not allow you to bring food and plants into the United States.