TAPIF Packing List | Every single item on my packing list

Below is every single thing that was on my TAPIF packing list. I managed to fit it into a small suitcase, a 46L backpack, a laptop-sized handbag, and a small purse:

Documents

I had photocopies (and necessary originals) of the below documents. I placed them in clear plastic sheet protectors (like this), which I then put in one of those folders with metal tabs (like this). I’m still so proud of how well it worked out; I was able to easily access each document without the bulk of an accordion folder.

• Passport/visa
• OFII
• Arrete de nomination
• Health insurance form and card
• Copies of medical reports
• Passport photos
• Student ID
• Apostilled birth certificate
• TAPIF handbook
• Bank account numbers

Clothes 

Before I left, I checked in with a prior assistant about the dress code at the schools, and she told me it was super casual. Teachers wore jeans and sneakers to work. I did end up needing to buy a hoodie and a winter coat once I arrived, but otherwise was all set with what I packed:

• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of black pants
• 2 pairs of leggings
• 3 sets of inside clothes
• 3 t-shirts
• 3 button-down shirts
• 2 flowy shirts
• 3 dresses
• 1 fleece
• 1 blazer
• 1 cardigan
• 1 hoodie
• 1 puffy vest
• 1 pair of rain/winter boots
• 1 pair flats
• 1 pair sneakers
• 1 pair boat shoes
• 2 scarves
• 1 belt
• 1 umbrella

Technology

• US phone and charger
• International phone and charger, with an emergency SIM card that I don’t think ever worked
• Laptop (in its case) and charger
• Camera (in its case) and charger
• Kindle and charger (bought this secondhand right before leaving and don’t think I used it)
• Converters

Toiletries & Medicine

You can probably buy most toiletries you need over there, although if you have specific things that you need, be sure to pack some! However, some medicine that is sold over-the-counter in the US is prescription-only abroad, so make sure you have enough to hold you over just in case.

Books

I brought a couple of yoga books and a French phrasebook (which again, pretty sure I didn’t really use). Bring any textbooks that you might need, since I think I remember that I couldn’t always order them abroad.

Miscellaneous

I took some magnetic poetry and realia like brochures, menus, and coins (see this post for more info on that). I also bought a travel towel which ended up being a fantastic buy; it took up so little space in my backpack and the fact that it was quick drying came in handy since many places don’t have dryers.

If you want more tips, check out my other TAPIF packing list post on “Last Minute Ideas on What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind).” It goes into a lot more detail about money, realia, and more.

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