Packing list for internship abroad

☝️ The most important information in brief

• You should bring enough clothing for your internship, depending on the climate.
• A first-aid kit is also important: all the medication you need, as well as something for nausea and painkillers.
• Important documents and certificates.

When doing an internship abroad, the clothing you need depends greatly on the type of internship, the destination, and the local climate. In tropical regions, for example, you will not need winter clothing. However, we would like to start our list with work clothing. Although this is usually provided by the clinic, if you have already gained experience in a German hospital, you will know that not all the necessary clothing is always provided. For example, it is common for students to bring their own shoes for the clinic. There are enough smocks available at the accommodation. If you wish, you can of course bring additional nursing or medical clothing (for nursing internships or clinical placements) with you, but this is not necessary. For your free time, you should of course pack a few things, such as T-shirts, polo shirts, jeans, shorts, casual clothes, a light jacket or sweater, and sportswear (if you plan to be physically active). Clothes for different weather conditions are a must in your suitcase, especially a rain jacket or coat, warm clothes (sweaters, jackets, scarf, hat, gloves) for cold regions, swimwear (if you are traveling to a region with access to water), sun protection clothing (hat, sunglasses, light, long-sleeved tops) for sunny regions. If you also want to go out in style, formal clothing could be added to your luggage. Of course, you will also need underwear (enough underwear and socks for the entire trip), pajamas or nightwear, belts, a bag or backpack.

Always important: remember to take your first-aid kit with you. This includes medication for pain, nausea, diarrhea, etc.

For your internship abroad and work and travel, you need more than just clothes. Especially for work, it can sometimes be necessary to bring some materials with you, especially if it is important to you that something is truly "yours." These could include, for example:

- a college notebook for notes
- various pens
-
ballpoint pens -
markers - charging cable for your cell
phone - possibly adapters for power
outlets - depending on the climate of the country, perhaps a table fan or a small fan heater for your room

If you spend a lot of time out and about in the city, a power bank is essential so that you can take lots of photos and always be reachable. You should also bring a USB stick to store them. If you prefer adventure travel in addition to your internship abroad, don't forget the necessary equipment: tent, sleeping bag, kettle, travel dishes, and everything else you need for one or more nights in the wilderness. If you're more drawn to the beach, don't forget a towel or blanket. Sunscreen and head protection are also very important. Although you can certainly buy sunscreen locally, some travel guides recommend bringing your own from home to ensure that it meets your quality requirements.

Overview: These hygiene items are essential for your project abroad

- Toothbrush: As a budding medical professional, we're not telling you anything new when we say that good oral hygiene is essential, especially during a stay abroad. A familiar toothbrush from home can also increase your comfort. We at travel4med advise against disposable toothbrushes. These cause a lot of waste and are often not of good quality.

- Toothpaste: In addition to a toothbrush, toothpaste is also necessary. Your usual toothpaste ensures that you feel well-groomed even in unfamiliar surroundings and protects against dental diseases that can arise from unfamiliar food or water quality.

- Tissues: Tissues are versatile and particularly important in everyday hospital life. They can be used to wipe away sweat, tears, or dirt and are helpful if you have a cold or are in an environment with a lot of dust and pollen. They can also be useful when in contact with patients to maintain good hygiene. Alternatively, you can take wet wipes or kitchen paper with you, although the latter takes up a lot of space in your suitcase.

Even though travel4med offers you the opportunity to combine your internship with a trip and a vacation in a beautiful and exciting location, there are a few formalities that must not be overlooked. In addition to the formalities and documents already mentioned, the following points are also important for an internship abroad in the medical field:

1. Driver's license: If you plan to use or rent a vehicle abroad, you may need an international driver's license. Check in advance whether this is necessary in your destination country and how you can apply for one.
2. Airline ticket: We will help you with the planning, but please don't forget to take your tickets with you!
3. Vaccination card: Make sure your vaccination card is up to date and includes all the vaccinations required for your destination country. Some countries require certain vaccinations, which you must provide proof of.
4. Money: Consider how you will manage your finances abroad. Take an appropriate amount of cash with you or make sure that your credit or debit card can be used in your destination country. Find out about exchange rates and bank fees.
5. Passport: Check the validity of your passport. It should be valid for at least the entire duration of your stay abroad. You may also need copies of your passport for various local authorities or institutions.
6. ID: In addition to your passport, another form of identification, such as your ID card, may be useful in some situations. Find out in advance whether you will need this as well.

Documents you should take with you:

1. Insurance documents: Copies of your international health insurance and other relevant insurance policies.
2. Study or internship documents: Confirmation of your internship, enrollment certificates, contact details of your host institution, and specific requirements.
3. Contact information: Important phone numbers such as those of your embassy or consulate in your home country in the destination country, emergency contacts, and the address of your accommodation.
4. Medical documents: Medical records of pre-existing conditions or special health conditions that may be needed in an emergency.

These formalities and documents are crucial to ensure your safety and the smooth running of your internship abroad. Make sure you clarify everything in good time and have the necessary documents to hand. It may also be useful to scan them and save them in your email inbox or a cloud, for example. We at travel4med will of course support you in preparing for your stay abroad and are always available to offer advice and assistance.