Here's some tips for you when you're packing for the summer seminar in Finland.
Remember that due to airline restrictions, grantees are allowed one piece of checked baggage and one carry-on baggage. A special handling fee may apply to oversized bags.
- We have scheduled laundry opportunities throughout the program.
- Towels and hair dryers are provided at the hotels.
What to pack?
- Summer clothes
- The temperature can fluctuate in Finland typically between 40-100 Fahrenheit so pack also warmer clothes including long sleeved shirts and summer jackets. Normally the temperature is around 72-80 Fahrenheit.
- Rain jacket
- Hiking shoes and suitable clothes for short hiking trips
- Bathing suit
- Smart casual and a set of formal clothes
- Sleeping mask - the sun stays up until around 11pm and rises around 3am in Helsinki region and doesn't set in Lapland at all.
- Adapter
- Finland uses the standard European 220-volt/50-Hz electrical current rather than the U.S. 110/60. Your computer must be compatible with 220/50 in order to operate properly. Do not bring American electrical appliances unless they work on batteries or have switchable adapters and adapter plugs.
- Credit cards are widely accepted but you may still want to exchange 100-200 dollars for euros. Visa and Master Card are probably the most common ones here. We recommend you notify your credit card company/bank of your travel destinations/dates closer to the dates of travel so that once you start spending money, they don't place any holds or fraud alerts on your cards. Also take a photocopy/picture of your credit cards just in case. You will be able to exchange some cash at the airport or take cash out from the ATM.
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun screen
- Inexpensive gifts from the U.S. to the experts and hosts who you meet during the program (e.g. key chains, small items from your school, souvenirs, American candy, etc.).
Take a photo of your luggage before boarding the plane. The photo will help you describe your luggage if it gets lost during your trip.
