Securing a marketing overseas internship is exciting, but there’s a lot to do before you board your flight and take off for your new experience. Most importantly, what will you bring with you to your new host country? Let’s look at some of the most important things to pack for your internship abroad.
Essentials For Every Overseas Intern
Regardless of where you’re interning and the climate, there are some essentials that every intern will need to pack.
If you haven’t already, make sure that you invest in a good set of luggage and a smaller carry-on. A duffel bag or backpack will come in handy if you decide to take weekend trips or excursions.
Once you have your luggage, you can start planning the essentials that you’ll need to pack, like:
Clothing
The clothing you pack will largely depend on the following:
- The climate in your host country
- The dress code for the workplace
Some cultures are more formal than others when it comes to workplace attire. Do some research to learn more about what’s acceptable and unacceptable to wear at work and in everyday life.
Because you’re in the marketing field, you’ll likely need to pack more formal work attire. Pack a nice suit or blazer.
Consider packing mostly clothing that’s appropriate for your internship and a few casual items for the weekend or your downtime.
Remember that you can always expand your wardrobe after you arrive, so focus on packing clothing you can wear to your internship.
Shoes
Don’t get too carried away with shoes when packing for your internship. Pack the bare minimum: a casual pair of shoes and a more formal/versatile pair. If you’re going to be in a warm climate, pack a pair of sandals.
Toiletries and Medications
Just like with your shoes, don’t get too carried away with your toiletries. Remember that you can buy most of what you’ll need after you arrive in your host country.
Pack a few travel-sized toiletries to hold you over until you can get to a store to buy full-sized products.
The only exception to this rule is medications. Pack enough to last your entire internship if you won’t be able to obtain your medications in your host country. Additionally, you should check the regulations on what medications are allowed to be brought into the country by visiting the government’s website.
Make sure all medication packages are labeled in English and have a doctor’s note indicating that you need the medication.
Professional Items for Marketing Interns
Along with the essentials above, you’ll also want to bring along professional items that you’ll need for your internship, like:
Electronics
You’ll likely have your cell phone on you already, but make sure that you make arrangements to get cell service wherever you’re staying. You may need to pack a laptop for work.
If you need to bring electronics with you, you’ll likely need a converter adapter. You can find adapters that will charge mobile phones, laptops and more in one convenient device.
Tote Bag with Your Workplace Essentials
Pack a nice tote bag to hold your workplace essentials, including your laptop if you’re bringing one. Choose something that’s lightweight and packs easily.
Cultural Preparation
One thing that’s easy to overlook when preparing for an internship abroad is cultural preparation.
Consider packing:
- Language books
- Culture guides
- Audiobooks related to your host country’s culture
If there’s something specific that you’ll need in the workplace or everyday life that is culturally appropriate, pack it.
If you secured your digital marketing internships abroad through an agency like Capital Placement, they may help you with this step. They may offer some insight into what you can bring to prepare for life in your new culture.
Accommodation Essentials
An overseas internship is not like traveling overseas for leisure. You won’t be staying in hotels. Housing may or may not be included, but in either case, you’ll want to consider any accommodation essentials you may need.
Networking And Social Interaction
As part of your digital marketing internship, you’ll likely be networking and interacting with others daily.
Come prepared with some talking points and introduction cards with your name and personal information. When you meet a new contact, you can hand them your introduction card (essentially, a business card).
Leisure And Personal Time
During your time abroad, you’ll have leisure and downtime. Pack some things to keep yourself entertained if you don’t have any plans, like a good book and some music.
Better yet, download audiobooks so that you don’t have to add bulk to your suitcase.
Maybe you have a hobby, like sketching. Consider bringing whatever you’ll need for those hobbies.
Make sure that you also have some appropriate clothing for leisure.
Checklist Before Departure
Before you leave, create a checklist of items you’ll need, including your travel documents. The day or evening before your departure, go through your checklist to make sure that you have everything you need for the internship.
In Conclusion
Preparing for a digital marketing internship overseas doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Use this guide to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed. And don’t forget that you can likely buy things you forgot or ran out of once you land in your host country.