As a student at Michigan State University, I had the opportunity to study abroad fives. This list includes items that I found extremely useful in my travels. As more emphasis is placed on studying abroad as part of a well-rounded college curriculum, more and more students will spend part of their college experience overseas. This offers wonderful gift-giving ideas.
1. Journals, Books, Photo Albums.
When the college student in your life travels overseas, he or she will most definitely want to record their experience through photographs and in journals. A beautiful journal is always a great travel companion while traveling, as is a favorite book. If you happen to know the favorite author of the college student planning to be abroad next year, buy a nice hardcover copy of their favorite book (or at least a book by their favorite author). A favorite book is yet another wonderful travel companion. If you write a nice inscription inside (once you are sure that he or she doesn’t plan on returning the item), it makes a wonderful personalized keepsake of their journey. Books describing the travel adventures of others (think of Hemingway) is also a great idea. In addition, as anyone who has ever studied abroad can attest, a beautiful photo album is also a nice gift. It is nice to know that you have a place for all of your pictures once you return home. It makes a wonderful keepsake once it is all said and done.
2. Digital Camera and Accessories.
The student you are buying for may or may not already have a digital camera, but it is a necessity for students planning to study abroad. A digital camera has several advantages over a traditional camera. First off, you don’t need to spend money on developing the film. During my study abroad experiences, I took both a traditional camera and a digital camera. The digital camera I had was primitive (although it was only purchased 5 years ago) and the issues I had with it are no longer a problem at all. File sizes for pictures are much smaller and you can store thousands of pictures on a single memory card. If you do find that the person on your list has a digital camera, accessories such as memory cards and a nice case are great gifts. Remember, smaller is better when considering a gift for someone who plans to study abroad next year.
3. Travel Guides.
Knowing what I know now, I would only recommend two types of travel guides for anyone who plans to study abroad – guides in either the “Lonely Planet” and/or the “Let’s Go” series. Personally, I prefer the “Let’s Go” series, but both are specifically designed for students studying abroad. Let’s Go” was pretty much the bible while studying abroad in both Ecuador and Spain. Please remember that they have guides for specific countries as well as regional guides. Their websites – www.letsgo.com and www.lonelyplanet.com – have tons of information. You can order directly from their websites.
4. iPod and Accessories.
In my experience, music was an important part of the whole experience. Personally, I traveled a lot while studying abroad, and I spent the time on buses, planes, etc. listening to my portable CD player. Today, iPods offer the same (if not better) experience for a fraction of the weight (no more bulky CDs or player to haul around). Most college students, quite honestly, probably already have an iPod, but great accessories (especially a protective case and an extra set of ear buds) would be a great gift for the student planning to study abroad.
5. International Calling Cards.
This may seem a bit boring, but it is a no-brainer. It is expensive to keep in touch while overseas. The internet may offer some communication, but there is nothing like hearing the voice of a loved one on the other end of the line. Word of caution, if you plan on purchasing an international calling card for the person on your list, be sure it will work in the country in which he or she will be studying. It is difficult to get them to work in Mexico, for example. Also, be sure that the card has lots of minutes and is rechargeable. It takes a lot of minutes to stay in touch from so far away!
6. Luggage/Backpack.
Good luggage and an even better backpack are absolute necessities for anyone studying abroad. For my experience in Ecuador, I purchased a Kelly backpack. I would highly recommend the Kelly brand to anyone. That backpack went with me wherever I went – Ecuador, Spain, and Mexico – and was still in excellent shape upon graduation. It even brought top-dollar on e-bay three years later. If you do purchase a backpack, make sure that it has a lot of compartments for small items and is big enough to hold items for at least a weekend trip.
7. Luggage Locks/Money Pouch.
Unfortunately, security is a big issue. Make sure that the person on your list has a money/valuable pouch that she or he can wear underneath clothing. Luggage locks are also a good idea. They are handy for backpacks when traveling by train, as well as for staying in a hostel. Make sure he or she knows to safely stow away their passport when not needed. If possible, only carry a copy of a passport (unfortunately, this isn’t really an option when traveling in Europe).
8. Travel Accessories.
Travel accessories are always welcome. Just make sure that he or she doesn’t already have five toiletry organizers. By the way, a small first aid kit is an item that often gets overlooked. Sporting good stores carry small zippered ones that fit neatly into a backpack. They are great for cuts, scrapes, etc. A passport holder is also a great item to have; many have room for money and/or credit/debit cards. It is a great way to store away emergency cash.
9. Special Piece of Jewelery/Momento.
It is also always nice to have a special piece of jewelery or a momento with you when you are so far away from home. If you do decide to go this route for the study abroad student in your life, be sure that it is something rather small, and not easily lost.
10. Scrapbooking Supplies.
In many cases, the student on your list will want to create a scrapbook once he or she returns. Why not by them the supplies that he or she needs? That way, that will preserve their memories from their experience abroad. Also, scrapbooking can be expensive on a college student’s budget. He or she might have chosen not to create a scrapbook if not for the gift.
