Packing

It is essential that you pack lightly given the nature and amount of travel during the semester. We will often have to walk several blocks to or from bus stations. As a rule, you should be able to carry all of your stuff for the semester four city blocks or up two flights of stairs without collapsing. For this reason, many students find it easier to bring a travel/hiking backpack instead of a duffel or moderate-sized suitcase. You may be washing your own clothes by hand, although you can also pay for laundry services, available at most of the guest houses.

With regard to dress, neatness, cleanliness, and modesty are generally part of Latin American culture. For better or worse, such things as short shorts, patched clothes, unkempt hair or revealing clothes worn by foreigners give some Central Americans the impression that we are culturally insensitive, dirty, or promiscuous. Moreover, since we will spend most of our time among people living in strained economic circumstances, most students will feel more comfortable living and dressing simply but neatly. It is also common to dress up here when going out.

Though wearing shorts, particularly bermuda length, is common among urban Central Americans, you will not be allowed to wear them to most program visits. Feel free to bring some shorts or casual clothing to wear around the guest houses. For visits to embassies and government offices, you will need either a dress or skirt/dress pants and blouse/dress shirt, and nice shoes ( like leather, not not velcro strap sandals, Chacos, or Birkenstocks). Please avoid mini-skirts and mini-dresses, as they are not culturally appropriate. Also avoid bringing clothing that is or looks military, including anything made of camouflage.

Please note that it is not culturally appropriate to wear flip-flop sandals to class or to meetings outside the classroom.

It can get cool and rainy at times so bring a few warm articles of clothing and socks. It is best, for example, to have a long-sleeve shirt, heavy sweater, and light to medium-weight jacket that you can layer. Since buildings are not heated, you may want to bring something warm to wear for sleeping in places like San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas or in the San José area. 

School supplies and U.S. brand toiletries are easy to find at reasonable prices, so don’t pack lots of big bottles. The exception to this is contact lens solution, which is expensive, so bring a good supply. Other items available at slightly higher prices than in the United States are film, batteries, and tampons. The electrical current is the same as in the U.S. and Canada, and you do not need special adapters. However, voltage can fluctuate, so if you are bringing sensitive electrical equipment (like a laptop), you will need a good quality surge protector.

If you plan to bring your laptop, please note that you will be responsible for the cost to repair or replace it, whether or not the damage is the result of your action or the action of another student, staff person, or unknown person.  It is strongly recommended that you consider property insurance for any theft or damages.

Make sure you bring these items on board the plane with you!

• Masks (KN95s, N95). Bring extras as you are sure to lose some!

• Hand sanitizer

• Passport

• A copy of your passport placed in a different, secure place (such as saved as a photo on your cell phone)

• A second form of ID, such as a driver’s license or student ID

• Your vaccination card (be sure to have an electronic copy too)

• Your insurance card, which can be found on https://www.eiia.org/international-travel/

• Bookmark the Student Guide webpage for ongoing reference in Central America.

Please note: These are just suggestions. Each person is different, so it is up to you what you pack! 

Essential Things to Pack

__ At least 15 (fifteen) KN95, N95 or KF94 masks

__ 2 boxes (4 tests) of rapid antigen home tests (free tests might be available through your schools or local/state health departments)

__ Passport that will not expire until six months after your return to the U.S.

__ 2 good photocopies of the title/photo page of your passport

__ Water bottle

__ Small flashlight

__ Backpack/small duffle (to pack for weekend visits)

__ Sunscreen

__ Thermometer

Clothing

__ 2-3 pairs jeans/pants (combination for warmer and cooler climates)

__ 2-3 pairs shorts (for around the house and sports)

__ 4-5 short sleeve shirts/tops/T shirts

__ 2-3 long sleeve, warmer shirts/tops

__ 2-3 skirts or dresses for women

__ Nightshirt or pajama (1 pair of long pajama pants)

__ Underwear (always better to pack for at least 1½ weeks)

__ 6 pairs of socks

__ 1 pair of tennis shoes (for exercise and hiking)

__ Another pair of comfortable shoes that are a little dressier (For women: can be flat and simple and not necessarily closed toed)

__ Sandals

__ Flip-flops/shower shoes

__ Rubber boots

__ Swimsuit

__ Hat/Bandana (sun protection)

__ Warm hat

__ Warm sweater or light jacket for layering, warm socks, coat or sweatshirt, winter hat, and scarf for travel to the highlands (which will be COLD)

__ Rain jacket and/or umbrella

__ Towel

Other useful items (optional)

__ Spanish/English dictionary

__ Travel alarm clock

__ Camera

__ Extra camera battery

__ Money belt

__ Small locks for your luggage: Though the policy says that “Airlines are not responsible for stolen articles unless luggage is locked,” it is also true that airlines will break the lock if they have to. Locks can be useful for in-country travel (public buses)-optional but recommended

__ International Student ID card

__ Digital recorder

__ Notebook/book for journal writing

__ U.S. postage stamps

__ Visa card or Mastercard debit and/or credit card (Discover or American Express are seldom accepted) 

__ Insect repellent (with DEET/spray for bedbugs or fleas)

__ Dramamine or some other motion-sickness medication (the drowsy formula is easy to find abroad but the non-drowsy one needs to be brought from the US) 

__ Pictures of your family/friends/school/neighborhood/work (extra copies to leave with friends you’ll make)

__ Contact lens supplies

__ Any medications you use (in their original containers)

__ Wash-n-Dry moist towelettes or waterless hand cleansing gel (Many places won’t have restrooms with running water and washing hands is key to staying healthy)

__ Water purifier tablets/drops (available at most pharmacies) (optional if plan on backpacking on your own)

__ Ear plugs (recommended for countryside homestays)

__ Laxatives

__ iPod/mp3 player & headphones

__ Any items for hobbies (such as pleasure reading, knitting needles, cards, balls, etc.)