Robert Smith, the Wolfpack Abroad marketing intern, writes:
Studying abroad in the South Pacific is amazing, but there is something to keep in mind when preparing to travel abroad: It is important to be equipped with the right gear. You will be seeing and doing countless exciting things, so you do not want to worry about getting wet, wearing uncomfortable shoes or having difficulty with your luggage. That is why choosing the right gear is essential in having a hassle-free study abroad experience. Here are my tips to achieve just that.
Robert on Elm Wildlife Tour in Dunedin
Rain gear: Choosing the correct rain gear is key in staying dry and comfortable so you can enjoy all the sights and locations you visit. Buy a high-quality rain jacket made from Gore-Tex material, or something similar, to wick away the moisture from your skin, keep the rain out and keep you dry. I was happy with my North Face Venture Jacket. The jacket held up really well on the Elm Wildlife Tour in Dunedin, New Zealand where the wind was strong and it was raining. I stayed completely dry, and was able to enjoy seeing the sea lions and penguins during our tour’s hike.
Footwear: The type of footwear you choose is important for your study abroad because on all AUIP programs, you will do some sort of a hike with a local guide. You want to
Salomon shoes
have a durable pair of walking shoes that provide support and optimal comfort. I wore a pair of Salomon hiking shoes in New Zealand, which also provided the benefits of Gore-Tex again. They were sturdy yet comfortable, which is perfect for hiking from the Outback in Australia to the rugged mountainous trails of New Zealand.
Luggage: When it comes to luggage, something simple and portable does the trick. Most of my classmates in New Zealand this past summer went with some variation of a rolling duffle. The wheels are key since you’re moving to a new location every few days and its lightweight nature doesn’t consume precious weight otherwise available for souvenirs. I carried a yellow/black rolling duffel in my
Rolling duffel from llbean.com
travels. I went with yellow because it assisted in quick identification of it on the airport luggage carousel. When picking out a bag for your study abroad make sure it is long-lasting, easy to identify and fits your travel needs.
Remember that studying abroad is a wonderful experience, so it is important to bring the right gear along on your travels. When you have the right gear that takes care of you in the South Pacific then you will have little to no worries, mates.
For videos with packing tips, check out these from previous interns:Tips on how to pack for your study abroad program and Useful Gadgets for your Study Abroad Trip.
