Packing Instructions
Very Important: It is rare that checked luggage goes missing, however it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Pack small travel-sized toiletries, medication and change of clothes in your carry-on. This will more than likely not happen, but if it does you will be prepared.
For summer interns in Australia and New Zealand, you will be arriving during the southern hemisphere’s winter. While winter is generally cool, there will still be some warmer days. As such, we recommend light layers so that you can adjust what you are wearing according to the day warming up/cooling down. Layering will also help limit your luggage to a reasonable amount.
Summer interns in Asia will experience high temperatures and will need breathable clothing items such as cotton or linen. Even Japan and Korea experience hot and humid summers. Interns in Southeast Asia will experience the rainy season and will need to pack accordingly. Light rain jackets can come in handy, or expect to buy cheap rain ponchos while in Southeast Asia.
TEAN Packing Tips
- Remember the “less is more” theory
- Two checked bags + weight limit + overage fees = pack lightly!
- Leave behind half of what you think you’ll need
- Put labels on your belongings (especially on all of your luggage)
- Please refer to your airline carrier’s website for current baggage restrictions on international flights
Suggested Packing List
The packing list provided is a suggested list. Triple-check to ensure you have everything necessary. TEAN is not responsible for forgotten items.
Necessary Items
- Work attire – generally it’s business casual but each host organization has variations depending on the duties of the intern. Please contact us if you have any concerns about appropriate attire in your placement.
- A raincoat – one with a detachable liner is best or a waterproof Gore-Tex jacket
- Sweatshirts/jackets/fleeces – Save space in your luggage by not bringing more than one light jacket
- Jeans
- Khakis or lightweight trousers/comfortable skirts or dresses
- Underwear and socks
- Light layers
- Shorts and T-shirts – no cut-offs or super short shorts
- Tennis shoes/walking shoes/gym shoes
- Sandals
- Dress shoes for work/going out in the evenings (see note above)
- Bathing suit
- Sunscreen & other specific toiletries (you can also purchase anything you need abroad)
- Camera
- Smaller backpack for weekend travel
- Prescription medicine for your entire stay
- Plug adapter for small electrical devices (computer, cell phone, etc.)
Unnecessary Items
- Extra toiletries – you can buy these in your host country
- Hair dryer, hair straightener, electric razors/shavers – the voltage most likely won’t work in your host country, so this are best purchased after arrival
- Beach towel or extra bath towel (you can buy a cheap beach towel in your host country)
- Rain boots – rain boots are bulky and not necessary in places like Australia or New Zealand. If interning in Southeast Asia, we recommend bringing waterproof shoes/sandals over rain boots.
Items TEAN Will Provide
- Bedding and linens
- All kitchen supplies: utensils, pots/pans, crockery/glasses
Baggage Restrictions
Most international airlines allow all passengers two checked items, one carry-on and one personal item. However, it is important that you contact your airline carrier for their current baggage restrictions (including dimensions and weight) and fees for additional checked items as their regulations change frequently. If you exceed two checked items, it is generally more economical, safer and easier to pay the airlines for additional checked baggage versus shipping items overseas. Purchasing your domestic flights on the same ticket as your international flight will ensure you receive the same baggage allowance on your domestic flight as your international flight. Be sure to double check your baggage allowance for any independent domestic flights to ensure you don’t get overcharged.
How to Dress for your Internship
Most internship sites will require you to wear “smart casual” clothing. Just think business casual. Some internship sites do not require this so please check your placement description or check with the TEAN Internships Team.
Ladies: nice trousers, dresses, skirts, nice top or blouse, cardigan, closed-toe shoes
Men: button down shirt, collared polo, nice trousers, casual dress shoes
In general, those overseas dress a bit nicer than Americans, especially when going out in the evenings. While it is important that you are comfortable, you might want to consider bringing some nicer clothing with you for going out.
Weather
Australia and New Zealand
For summer interns, you will be arriving during the southern hemisphere in the winter. Below are the average winter temperatures by location.
- Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide: 46-66 °F
- Melbourne and Newcastle: 45-60 °F
- Cairns: 63-80 °F
- Brisbane: 50-72 °F
- Auckland: 45-60 °F
- Wellington: 52-55 °F
- Palmerston North: 40-60 °F
- Christchurch has an average winter temperature of 52 °F but can get down to 32 °F overnight.
The sun will be much stronger than what you are used to here in the U.S. Be sure to bring sunscreen with you and use it daily, especially when you plan on being outside. Some of our worst sunburns have been due to lack of preparation, and we really do not want you to experience the same – so please be careful with your skin.
Locations in Asia
Here are the average summer temperatures by city:
- Ho Chi Minh City: 77-94 °F
- Hong Kong: 79-89 °F
- Kyoto: 68-90 °F
- Seoul: 65-86°F
- Shanghai: 70-90 °F
- Singapore: 78-89 °F
Rain can be quite common in Asia during the summer months, especially Southeast Asia (Singapore, Vietnam). It doesn’t typically rain all day every day, but short bouts of rain will occur in the afternoon and then the skies will clear. We recommend keeping an umbrella in your bag to be prepared! You’ll also want to be prepared with sunscreen and bug spray.
Pre-Departure Tips
- You may want some local currency before you leave the United States. The easiest, yet more expensive, method is to exchange cash at the airport international terminal. There will be currency exchanges near your orientation accommodations in-country and ATM machines everywhere. If you plan on using your U.S. debit card overseas (which most of you will will), let your U.S. bank know prior to departure so they do not stop the card from being used due to suspected fraud. (See below for more on banking)
- Make copies of important documents (visa confirmation emails, passport, driver’s license, credit/bank cards, airline tickets, travel insurance info, etc.) – bring one set with you in your carry-on luggage in case your larger luggage is misplaced or wallet is lost or stolen, and leave one copy at home. Even better, keep the digital copies in an email or a Google Drive folder so you can always access these online.
- Take photos of your packed luggage and the contents. It will help in the unlikely event that your bag(s) get lost or misplaced in transit.
- Bring a positive attitude and willingness to experience new surroundings!