You have your ticket. You (hopefully) have your passport.
And now, the big question: ‘What should I check before I leave?’

Spoiler alert: a little more than just your laptop and charger.

1. The documents that allow you to board the plane

First and foremost, without these, you won’t even make it through the boarding gate.

Passport: check the expiry date, ideally at least 6 months after your return, as many countries require this.

Visa: check whether a visa is required for an internship/long stay and whether you have the right type (tourist ≠ internship).

Ticket + boarding pass: check-in completed, boarding pass downloaded or printed according to the airline’s requirements.

Internship contract/letter of invitation: some borders may ask for this as proof of your stay.

Health and repatriation insurance: keep a paper and digital copy with the emergency number.

Tip: create a small ‘Travel Docs’ folder in your carry-on bag and a scanned version in the cloud (Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

2. Copies, contacts and plan B

Your bag may get lost, your phone may break down… but you can stay organised.

Copies of documents: scan your passport, visa, insurance, internship contract and store them online + print them out.

List of emergency contacts: family, internship company, school, insurance, embassy/consulate.

Address and directions to your accommodation: write down the exact address, the name of the residence or host, and how to get there from the airport.

Travel itinerary: flight times, stopovers, flight number, and possibly a plan B if you miss a connection.

Tip: save all these contacts as favourites in your phone + keep a paper copy in your wallet.

3. Money, banking and budgeting (the tricky trio)

You may be setting off on the adventure of a lifetime, but your bank account likes to be prepared.

Payment methods: check that your card works abroad and activate the international payments option if necessary.

Bank charges: find out about withdrawal/payment fees to avoid unpleasant surprises every time you buy a coffee.

Starting cash: if possible, bring a little local currency for your initial expenses (transport, snacks, SIM card).

Small emergency fund: keep a reserve (in another account or in cash) in case of problems, theft, or last-minute train/plane tickets.

Tip: write down your estimated monthly budget (accommodation, transport, food, leisure) before you leave, especially for a long internship.

4. Luggage: what to pack (and what not to pack)

This is where airlines love to hit you with surprise fees.

Weight and dimensions: check the limits for your cabin baggage and hold luggage, as each airline has its own rules and exceeding them can be costly.

Carry-on baggage contents: keep essentials with you (documents, medication, electronics, chargers, a basic change of clothes).

Liquids: bottles of 100 ml max in a transparent bag for the cabin, otherwise they will end up in the bin at security.

Prohibited items: find out what is banned in the cabin (scissors, certain products, specific batteries, etc.).

Internship friendly: think about a few outfits suitable for the professional world + comfortable shoes, not just your backpacker shorts.

Tip: make a checklist at least a week before departure to avoid throwing things into your bag at the last minute.

5. Phone, apps and connection to the world

A well-prepared phone is your best ally in unfamiliar territory.

Plan/eSIM: find out about international options or purchase a local SIM card as soon as you arrive.

Useful apps:

your airline’s app (gate notifications, delays, etc.),

local transport apps,

translator,

offline maps (Maps, Citymapper),

currency converter.

Backup: enable automatic backup of your phone (photos, contacts, notes) in case you lose it.

Tip: pack a charger + power bank in your hand luggage, especially for long layovers.

6. Health, safety and minor injuries

Even if you’re setting off to live your best life, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.

Pre-departure check-up: renew any prescriptions and stock up on any medication you’ll need during your internship.

Vaccinations: check whether your destination country requires or recommends certain vaccinations.

Basic first aid kit: a few bandages, painkillers, medication for digestive problems/allergies.

Emergency numbers: make a note of local numbers (emergency services, police, ambulance) and your insurance company’s numbers.

Tip: keep your medication and prescriptions in your hand luggage, not in your hold luggage.

7. Destination, culture and first steps on arrival

Arriving prepared also means avoiding feeling completely lost when you leave the airport.

Exact address of the internship and schedule for the first day: note down the name of your contact person and how to get there.

Transport from the airport: bus, underground, shuttle, taxi, Uber/Bolt-type app; check the average price to avoid being ripped off.

Cultural basics: some information about local customs (punctuality, politeness, dress code at work, tipping, etc.).

Language: learn a few key phrases + install an app to improve your skills in the local language.

Tip: on your first evening, do a quick reconnaissance: find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, bus/underground station.

8. Before closing the door behind you

One last mental check before leaving to start your dream internship.

Do I have all my essential documents in my hand luggage?

Do I have enough money to pay for my first few journeys and purchases once I arrive?

Do I have the address of my accommodation and a way of getting there even if my phone runs out of battery?

Have I informed my loved ones of my itinerary and sent a copy of my important documents to someone I trust?

Once you’ve checked all of this, you can really relax: you’re ready to move on from the ‘airport stress’ to the real start of your adventure abroad.