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A student's summer trip abroad is not just about packing a suitcase, but about the start of a great adventure. For a child, these are the first steps toward independence, making new friends, and experiencing life in another country. To make sure everything goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, it's important to approach preparations thoughtfully. We've compiled a list of simple and useful tips to help you get ready for a trip to a summer school or camp abroad.
Give Your Child More Independence
Packing a suitcase is no easy task, especially if the child is doing it for the first time. But that is precisely the value of it: this is how they learn responsibility and better understand what they have with them and what they will need to replace or buy on the spot. You shouldn't take over all the packing yourself — it's better to help and guide (and quietly check at the end). Remember that at the end of the session the child will have to pack on their own before flying home anyway, so this skill will definitely come in handy.
Don't Overpack the Suitcase
A summer school or camp only lasts a few weeks — this is not a permanent move. The suitcase should be manageable enough for the student to lift and carry on their own. The optimal choice is one medium-sized suitcase with the main clothing, tech devices, and toiletries. The carry-on bag is best reserved for essentials: a change of clothes, documents, and important medications. This also serves as a precaution in case the luggage gets delayed.
Consider the Weather
The weather, for example in the United Kingdom, is unpredictable: even in summer temperatures can range from a cool +12°C to hot days above +30°C. So don't forget to include items for different weather conditions on your packing list:
- A light jacket or hoodie,
- Jeans or trousers,
- T-shirts and shorts,
- A hat and sunscreen.
Make Sure Your Child Has Comfortable Shoes and Items for Different Activities
Summer session days will be active: walks, sports, excursions. That is why comfortable footwear is one of the top items on the must-have list. It is worth packing:
- A pair of trainers for everyday wear,
- A spare pair that can get dirty (for hiking, for example),
- Light summer shoes,
- Flip-flops or shower sandals.
In addition, a summer camp or school student will benefit from having:
- Sportswear,
- A swimsuit or swimming trunks,
- A pool towel,
- A small backpack for excursions.
Some extracurricular activities are a surprise for the children, but certain additional formats can be chosen in advance — for example, tennis or horse riding. If you have signed your child up for something like this, don't forget to prepare the appropriate gear ahead of time.
Pack Something From Home
For some children, being away from home is stressful. A small item from home, such as a favourite book or toy, will help them settle in faster and feel more comfortable. The key is not to go overboard and pack the entire house into the travel bag — we remind you of point two on our list of recommendations!
Don't Forget the Basics
It may seem obvious, but these are exactly the things even seasoned travellers most often forget:
- Toiletries,
- A towel,
- Chargers for devices,
- A plug adapter for foreign sockets (!).
If the child wears glasses, it is best to bring a spare pair. If medications are needed, they must be kept in their original packaging with an additional instruction leaflet in English included.
Label Your Child's Belongings
Clothes and other personal items are easily lost in a large group. That is why camp and school staff recommend labelling everything: from hoodies to chargers. This significantly increases the chance that items will make it back to their owner, even if the student leaves them somewhere or forgets them in a common room.
Check That Your Child Has All the Necessary Documents and Money
The key documents a young traveller should have in their backpack or bag:
- Passport,
- Tickets (if a paper copy is required),
- Necessary permits (visas, parental documents, an invitation from the school or camp, power of attorney).
The recommended amount of pocket money for a foreign student, for example on a trip to England — is around £60 per week. Where possible, it is better to get the child an international bank card, as cash is not accepted everywhere (plus parents will be able to top up the balance when needed).
All important documents and cash are usually handed over to school or camp staff for safekeeping when the child arrives on campus. Pocket money is given out as needed, when a group of students goes on excursions or on a souvenir shopping trip.
Summer trips abroad for a foreign student are not only about learning English — they are more about self-confidence, decision-making, and living in a new environment. Also this priceless experience begins with your help and packing those very suitcases! If you need help not only with packing but also with choosing a themed program for your child, you are welcome to contact our specialists: we will help organise the trip so that it becomes unforgettable in the very best sense of the word.
