We have gathered a list of few important things that are good to keep in mind while preparing for your upcoming adventure - of course all of us have a bit different lists, but here is something to keep in mind!
- Your passport along with your visa (your visa is in your passport)
- Your DS-2019 form along with your SEVIS-receipt
- Copy of your flight itinerary (the one you can print via checkmytrip.com)
- Make sure that you have written down all the important contact information (Training School, Cultural Care office both in Boston and Stockholm as well as your host family)
- Your driver's license as well as your international driver's license
- Adapters
- Electronics that you want to bring (laptop, tablet, mobile phone, mp3-player) - and do not forget chargers!
- We recommend to have at least around $200 in cash - also it is worth to make sure your debit card works in the USA!
- You want to take a lot of pictures during your time in the USA - and also make sure that you will take a lot of pictures... it is the best memory you will have!
- Make sure you have your Erika-card with you!
- Remember to bring the handbooks you have received from us (Au pair handbook, Prepare for your year as well Pre-Departure Workbook)
- Gifts/souvenirs from your home country to your host family! This is easy way to start showing your culture and also break the ice! Maybe there is a specific game that would be great for kids or a specific children's book? Candy is always appericiated!
- Remember to also bring something sweet from your home country for you! You might run into a bit rainier day where you might need a sweet reminder from your home :)
- Remember also to bring photos of your friends and family back at home to hang on your wall - will make you feel more like home!
- Remember that you will be shopping A LOT! There's a lot more shopping in the USA (and it is often cheaper) so only pack your favorites. I often recommend to au pairs to only pack as they were going just for a vacation!
- Also only bring toiletries for your first few weeks - everything you can find in the USA!
- If there is a specific medication that you use, bring it from home!
