Essential Packing List for Teaching English Abroad

The Essential Packing List for Teaching Overseas

Preparing for a year of teaching overseas demands meticulous planning and thoughtful organization. From your adopted country's climate to the dress code at the school where you'll be teaching, research is vitally important. And striking a balance between taking what you'll need and overpacking is key. Some things can be purchased when you arrive, but not everything.

Read on to see a complete packing list for your year of teaching English abroad.

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Clothing and Personal Items

​I highly recommend packing a capsule-style wardrobe. When I travel, I choose one base color and two complimentary colors and pack only clothes in those colors (ie. blue with pink and gray or black with gray and yellow, etc.) and then pack three to four pairs of shoes that match all of the clothes.

As a teacher, you'll probably need a mix of casual clothes and professional clothing. You may need to adjust this list depending on the school's dress code for teachers. If female teachers are required to wear skirts and dresses, adjust the number of those versus pants. If teachers are allowed to wear dress pants, but not jeans, adjust accordingly.

​Also keep local clothing customs in mind and plan your wardrobe according to their modesty standards.

1. Pants/Jeans (6-7, depending on climate)
2. Shirts/Tops (7-8 that can be layered, with a mix of sleeve lengths, depending on climate)
3. Shorts/Skirts (3-4, depending on climate)
4. Dresses (3-4 casual everyday + 1 dressy, if applicable)
5. Sweaters/Jackets/Coats (1-2 of each, depending on climate)
6. Underwear and socks
7. Sleepwear (7-8; a mix of sleeve lengths and shorts/pants)
8. Comfortable shoes for walking
9. Formal shoes
10. Sandals (depending on climate)
11. Winter boots (depending on climate)
12. Rainboots/Wellies (depending on climate)
13. Raincoat and/or umbrella
14. Slippers/House Shoes/Flip Flops
15. Swimwear (1-2, if relevant)
16. Hat, Scarf, and Gloves (for colder climates)
17. Sunglasses
18. Prescription glasses/contacts (if applicable; I recommend getting new ones right before you leave)

Toiletries / Personal Hygiene Items

1. Toothbrush and toothpaste
2. Shampoo and conditioner (if you have a very specific kind you always use, make sure it's available in your destination country; if not, plan accordingly; also keep in mind that in many countries, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner products are popular and separate conditioners are difficult to find)
3. Body wash or soap (limit this to what you will need immediately upon arrival; you can always purchase more as needed)
4. Deodorant
5. Razor and shaving cream
6. Hairbrush/Comb
7. Hairdryer or straightener (check voltage compatibility; these may be easier to purchase when you arrive)
8. Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)
9. Personal over-the-counter medications and prescriptions ​(if applicable; at the very least, I would plan to take your OTC pain killer of choice, some heartburn medicine, an OTC tummy medicine, cold medicine gel caps, and your favorite allergy medication)
10. Make-up and jewelry (if applicable)
11. Sunscreen and hand sanitizer

Electronic Devices

1. Unlocked phone and charger (prioritize getting a local SIM card as soon as you arrive)
2. Laptop or tablet and charger
3. Travel adapters/converters (if needed for different plug types)
4. External hard drive or USB flash drive
5. Headphones/Earbuds
6. Camera (if desired)
7. Portable power bank
8. Smart watch or Fitbit (or a regular watch, if preferred) 

Miscellaneous

1. Health insurance information
2. Travel documents (passport, driver license, visa; also make a copy of your important documents just in case something happens to the originals)
3. Degree certificates (plus a copy of each)
4. Cash (a small amount in both your home country's currency and your destination country's local currency)
5. Credit/debit cards (make sure your debit card can be used in any ATM without a fee, and make sure your credit card does not charge foreign transaction fees)
6. Basic first aid kit
7. Small sewing kit
8. Detergent pods/packets (or purchase when you arrive)
9. Flashlight or headlamp
10. Rechargeable batteries and charger
11. RFID-blocking security wallet
12. Small backpack or day bag for outings
13. Overnight bag for weekend getaways
14. One medium purse and one large purse in neutral colors (if applicable)

Supplementary Teaching Materials

1. Play money in your home currency
2. Small holiday items that are unique to your country (Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Boxing Day, etc.)
3. ​A few of your favorite picture books
4. Photos of you, plus family photos (this is a great conversation-starter, as kids love to see pictures of their teachers, especially from their childhood, as well as pictures of your family)
5. Paper menus from restaurants in your home town
6. ​Felt fruits and vegetables

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Of course, before packing, check the baggage allowance and any restrictions imposed by the airline.

Research the climate of the host country and plan accordingly. Does it rain nine months out of the year? Is it warm even during the winter or will you need true winter clothes?

During your first month in your new country, make sure you scout out a local pharmacy, a local market, and the best department stores to find essential items.

​Being a TEFL teacher is an exciting experience that allows you to travel to different countries and meet students and parents from different parts of the world. Keep in mind that, although you are an English teacher going to another country to teach, you are also going there to learn - about their customs, cultures, and cuisines. Embrace your adopted country and enjoy your new adventure!

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