You've had the chance to get the perfect internship abroad, congratulations! There are still some essential preparations to be made if you wish to avoid galleys.
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Even before you start packing, you will have to go through several steps. Starting with entry documents in the country in question. Outside the EU you will need a passport and for a long time it is often necessary to apply for a Visa from the embassy of the country of destination. Learn more about mandatory and recommended vaccines, Covid test, immunization pass or other medical certificates. Insurance is strongly advised, especially for repatriation in case of health problems, but is sometimes requested for entry.
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Secondly, although I am the kind of person to leave without too much knowledge of the country and its particularities, I would advise you not to neglect this step too much. This can reassure you and prevent disagreements. For example, on the transportation issue, I was able to pay $15 for a trip that would have cost me $3 if I had known a minimum before landing. The same applies to daily purchases at the market, where local sellers will probably try to charge you the high price. Also, tips are sometimes very common for different destinations, and this may be wrong as a tourist (or expatriate) does not follow this custom. A few travel sites, blogs, or the famous "Guide du Routard" will be enough for you to leave with a quieter mind.
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Another element that may seem minor is knowing the place of sport and/or culture in the country. I myself was rather sporting and running outside several times a week, and soon realised that this was not going to be possible in this town (very few sidewalks, no parks, etc.) and I had to rely on running in the sports hall (+ expensive and - pleasant). The same applies to culture and performances, since there are very few museums, exhibitions and even fewer concerts or festivals, while cinema posters do not evolve particularly rapidly. The Institut Français, a branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture, has helped me to maintain access to culture through its audiovisual library, its cinema and its temporary exhibitions (and even its bistro!). I really invite you to go if you have the chance to live in a country where there is a French institute.
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An important element in the preparation of the journey is the reservation of transport tickets. Not to mention prices, we must ensure that we make the best choice of mode of transport. Personally, I took two planes, one for Bangkok and the other for Phnom-Penh. It's very convenient, we wait less than 2:00 at the airport and we go back to the right place. The news was that entering Thailand was much more complicated, so the choice of the second flight was easier. But the ecological footprint of such a trip is substantial and short-haul flights can easily be avoided, especially since the easing of health restrictions.
I would advise you to give as much advance information as possible on the possible rail or bus routes which would replace these short air links. You will take full advantage of the scenery and begin to meet locals and travellers before you reach your destination.
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Filling her suitcase is never obvious and sometimes turns to the puzzle, but be relaxed, if you have your passport, telephone and money in your hands, you'll get away with it no matter what. Since the idea is not to buy a new wardrobe on site, you will have to choose the right clothes to take with you. For that, trust the climate of the country. For example, when you go to Southeast Asia during the rainy season, think of a good K-way. Don't take heavy, heavy jackets if you know it'll always be over 25°C, just like leaving your shorts and sandals if you go to winter sports. Think of a pharmacy kit, toilet kit, some underwear and clothing depending on the destination. Shoes are often heavy and not all useful, so make your choice and leave a few pairs for several weeks.
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Wherever you go, check what your telephone operator offers and contact him if necessary before leaving. In many cases, the prices of French operators outside Europe are very expensive and the simplest thing will be to buy a local SIM card. Whatever the country, you'll find it when you arrive at the airport.
The same is true for bank cards, some take fees at every international payment and are really not ideal for a traveller. It is sometimes interesting to subscribe to a local bank. This is the case in Cambodia, where all businesses accept payment by QR Code but not by bank card. This means opening an account (free of charge) in a bank providing this service (e.g. ABA Bank), crediting this account as required, and greatly facilitating your payments.
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The last point to consider before leaving is housing. There are several ways to find one easily. The first is the use of social networks and generally Facebook. Facebook groups of expatriates or locals are very active and offer rental offers very regularly. You can leave a message directly about this type of group, and you will certainly receive answers to your questions (housing or other).
"Guesthouses," "guest rooms," "youth hostels..." whatever the name, you'll find them everywhere, usually on sites like Booking.com. It's easy to book a bed or a room, even day by day, so don't panic, you'll never end up on the street. Airbnb is also present in the vast majority of countries, which can serve as temporary accommodation, or in the longer term if necessary.
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