Are you looking for the best study abroad gifts to give a student going abroad?
These are the best gifts to give that every student is sure to love (from a former study abroad student!)
Studying abroad is one of the most exciting times in a college student’s life. Whether for a semester, an entire school year, or just a summer, studying abroad is an incredible experience for college students.
It’s a chance to live and study in another country, learn a new language, immerse yourself in a foreign culture, and travel to new places.
The study abroad student in your life may be feeling both nervous and excited about going abroad.
These study abroad gifts will show how much you care and help them on their new adventure!
I’ve included study abroad gifts for every budget. Large or small, all of these gifts are sure to be appreciated by any student who is studying abroad soon.
1. Luggage Set
A luggage set like this is a great gift to give students who are going abroad. Having a nice set of luggage is something every adult needs, and they will be glad to have this as they are moving their whole life abroad for several months to a year!
This luggage set includes a large checked suitcase, a carry-on suitcase, a carry-on tote bag, and a cosmetics bag.
2. Travel Toiletries Case
A travel toiletries case is another great gift for study abroad students. I like this case because it unfolds and exands, and has a hook so you can hang it while you’re traveling.
This is a super practical gift for study abroad students that they are sure to appreciate!
3. Backpack
An Osprey backpack is a great gift for students who plan to go backpacking while they study abroad. Osprey is known for being the best backpacking brand.
This is a great item that they can get a lot of use out of if they plan to travel around a lot while studying abroad.
4. Travel Adapter
Many foreign countries have different electrical outlets than those in the United States, which is where a travel adapter (or two) will come in handy.
I like this travel adapter because it can be used worldwide. It also includes one standard plug and four USB ports so you can have multiple things plugged in at once.
5. Passport Holder
Many study abroad students travel around and use their time to collect as many new passport stamps as possible.
If that’s the case, their passport will get plenty of use, and a cute passport holder like this is the perfect thing to protect it.
6. Guidebook
A guidebook is one of the best study abroad gifts you can give to the student in your life.
This will help them get excited about their study abroad and plan various day trips and weekend trips around the country or region where they will be living.
7. Portable Charger
A portable charger is a lifesaver for any study abroad student. This is a super useful gift that they are sure to appreciate.
This two-pack of portable chargers can be used to charge a cellphone multiple times over while on the go, making it especially useful for busy days or long travel days.
8. Travel Scarf
A lightweight scarf is a must-have for traveling, but what I love about this travel scarf is that it also comes with a hidden pocket!
It’s the perfect place to stash your passport and wallet while traveling so you don’t get pickpocketed. This is a great gift for students studying abroad.
9. Polaroid
A Polaroid is another one of the best study abroad gifts that students will love. This is such a fun and unique gift idea that will create lasting mementos.
This Polaroid instant camera comes with some film too, so that the study abroad student in your life can use it to capture memories from their exciting experience abroad.
10. Noise Canceling Headphones
Noise canceling headphones are a great gift for students who are studying abroad. These are good for focusing while doing homework or studying.
They’re also helpful to have on long travel days or while riding public transportation.
11. Phrasebook
Many students who study abroad will do so in a country where English is not the primary language spoken. While some students may already speak the language of the country they are moving to, others may be starting from scratch.
A basic foreign language phrasebook is a good gift to help them navigate various situations, especially as they are getting settled in.
12. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are an insanely helpful gift for study abroad students. These make packing your life into a couple of suitcases much easier.
Packing cubes help save space and maximize every inch in your suitcase, making them perfect for study abroad students.
13. Travel Pillow
A travel pillow is a great gift to give to study abroad students. What I like about this travel pillow is that you can twist it into any shape that you want.
It can be used as a neck pillow or anything else. This is especially helpful for making long train, bus, and plane journeys more comfortable.
14. Kindle
A Kindle is an excellent study abroad gift for students who enjoy reading. It isn’t practical to bring books with you while studying abroad, and it may be harder to find English language books depending on where they are going.
So a Kindle is the perfect lightweight solution for bringing books on the go and reading anywhere at any time!
15. Daypack
For students who will be traveling around a lot, a small daypack is a great gift idea. This is a smaller bag for all your essentials so that you can leave your larger backpack or suitcase at your accommodation.
This bag is perfect for storing all your important personal items on a day of sightseeing around a new city or destination.
16. Quick Dry Towel
A quick dry towel is another travel essential that is perfect for study abroad students. This fast-drying microfiber towel also comes with a storage bag.
It’s the perfect thing to bring on weekend trips when staying in a hostel or on a camping trip or other outdoor excursion.
17. Luggage Tag
If you’re looking for a fun and unique gift for study abroad students, a cute luggage tag like this is a great gift that they are sure to love.
This pink luggage tag says “I’m Outta Here” in gold foil letters. It’s the perfect thing they can attach to their suitcase to help identify it.
18. Shoe Bag
A shoe bag is a packing essential and makes for a practical gift for students who are studying abroad. This zippered bag has three compartments for holding three pairs of shoes.
It’s perfect for packing a bag so that your dirty shoes aren’t touching clean clothes and other personal items, plus it helps you save space in your suitcase.
19. Travel Journal
What better way for the student you know to keep a record of their study abroad adventure than with a travel journal?
I love this travel journal emblazoned with the phrase “And So The Adventure Begins” because it’s perfect for a study abroad student!
20. Belt Bag
A Lululemon belt bag is another one of the best study abroad gifts. This popular bag is very versatile and can be used every day.
It’s perfect for keeping valuable safe (like phone, passport, wallet, and keys) and not to mention it’s cute and stylish.
21. Local Currency
Finally, one of the best study abroad gifts to give is local currency. This is a highly practical gift that any student will appreciate.
Exchange $50 or $100 for whatever the local currency is in the country where your student will be living, and give it to them in an envelope before they leave.
This is one less thing they have to worry about when they arrive, and saves them a trip to the currency exchange booth or ATM.
The Best Study Abroad Gifts
These are some of the best study abroad gifts to give to college students.
For students studying abroad in Italy, TesiLab is a good resource.
Hopefully you found the perfect gift ideas from this list!
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