Studying abroad can be a thrilling and life-changing experience. It gives students a chance to interact with a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and grow out of their comfort zone in more ways than one. Perhaps you’re getting your bags ready for your own experience abroad? Or maybe you’re searching for inspired gifts for study abroad students in your life?
If you’re hoping to find that perfect piece of equipment to gift to your adventurous loved one, this list of gifts for study abroad students is for you.
10 gifts for study abroad students
1. A sturdy backpack that can double as a travel bag
A trustworthy backpack is essential for any student who takes their education seriously (and for any traveler who wants to pack light and be ready for adventure at a moment’s notice). This bag will be your travel abroad student’s best friend, offering a comfortable fit, a rugged style, compartments to keep their belongings in order, and a durable body that will survive the heavy burden of books and binders as they run to their next class.
2. A travel adaptor to keep you plugged in
This small item can be a life-saver abroad, especially if your friend / student is planning to do some additional travel while abroad. It fits all types of plugs and allows you to charge via USB directly. It is an essential item for all globetrotters, no matter the destination.
3. A Kindle so they can magically pack their library
Yes, nothing beats that fresh book smell, but let’s be realistic. Books take up space and are heavy. However, if your traveler is a bookworm, a Kindle will become their best friend during their time abroad, allowing them to carry their library in a single device. You can even complement it with an Amazon gift card so they can start picking some new reads right away.
4. A pair of noise-canceling headphones
Whether it’s a long layover at the airport or a long night camping in the library for finals, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones is a study abroad student’s best friend. The noise-canceling feature will be more than welcome when they don’t feel like listening to anything, but also don’t want the outside world to distract them! For noisy libraries or crowded commutes, this can be a game-changer as a gift for a friend going abroad for studies.
5. A battery pack to charge their devices
Staying connected is everything these days, and a battery pack is key to doing just that. It can be a life-saver when you’re doing airport layovers, long buses or trains, or when you head for camping adventures.
6. A world map to track their adventures
Nothing beats a bit of decor to give their new (and possibly generic-looking dorm room) a homey feel. Plus, this scratch-off map lets them keep track of all the amazing places you’ve visited during their time as a globetrotter, and might motivate them to see even more of the world!
7. A handy buff
A buff is a versatile piece of fabric that can act as a scarf, a sports accessory, or even an eye mask during a long trip, making it one of the more practical gifts for study abroad students. It packs light, and the variety of colors and designs means that you will surely find the perfect one to match your student’s style and personality.
8. A nice reusable water bottle
A good reusable bottle is a must-have for anyone who cares about saving the environment and staying hydrated. It’ll be a trusty companion during those long nights at the library or those impromptu adventures that you’re bound to have as a study abroad student. Our pick, the Hydro Flask, gets extra points for its insulation, which helps keep their cold drinks cold and their warm drinks warm for longer.
9. A phone lens to help you capture special moments
Pictures help us keep memories alive—which is why we couldn’t pass up recommending this lens kit as a great gift for a friend going abroad for studies. This lens kit can be easily attached to their phone. It includes a wide-angle lens that is perfect to capture large ranges, such as landscapes and groups of people, as well as a macro lens that will let you zoom into those little details that make life worth living.
10. A portable Bluetooth Speaker
A portable Bluetooth speaker can be an excellent companion for a student going abroad. Need to feel at home in a new place? Need to get a party started with people you’ve just met? Throwing an impromptu get together and need some tunes? This waterproof speaker packs a punch, packs light, and can help bring people together in any situation.
Make your gift one to remember!
Finding gifts for study abroad students can be a challenge, but this list of essentials will surely give you some inspiration. Remember to look for something that matches your loved one’s travel lifestyle and personality. They will surely appreciate having a piece of home with them as they explore the world!
Authored by Valentina Bravo
Valentina Bravo is a globetrotter and wordsmith on a mission to see as much of the world as possible. She is currently traveling around SE Asia in search of new friends, new foods, and the wisdom of ancient cultures. While she’s on the road, she works as an editor, translator, and content creator.