Packing

Dress

The CGEE – Namibia staff advises students to dress in a neat, clean, and modest manner. The “Sloppy T-Shirt and Jeans” look is not in style here.—you will stand out!  But the “put together t-shirt and jeans look” can work. Students regularly find that they have brought too many casual, “summer” or “desert” clothes that aren’t appropriate. As a general idea, we recommend bringing mostly semi-casual/nice outfits, and then a few things for when you are just relaxing or traveling on your own.  Please note that shorts (even “nice shorts”) are always considered casual clothes.  When dressing up, it should be long pants or skirts. Keep in mind that due to the dry climate in Namibia, students can wash clothes out easily at night and wear them the next day. Or, you can share clothes with each other and have a huge wardrobe. Also keep in mind that in general clothes are cheaper to purchase here in Namibia, so if you feel the need to buy new things for the trip, it might pay to wait until you arrive.

Semi-Casual or Nice Clothes

Almost every weekday will involve interaction with speakers, visits to organizations and institutions, or your internship or volunteering. For all of these occasions students are required to dress neatly and conservatively, in order to express respect for our guests and the professional environment. We advise that students bring at least two or three dressier outfits for such visits. Students find it helpful to bring at least three different “bottom pieces” and three “top pieces” that can be mixed and matched, as well as nice shoes.

• Appropriate bottom pieces:  Khakis, dress pants (one pair), knee-length or longer skirts, dresses, nice jeans. (Loose long skirts are appropriate for women in all occasions, and many students wish they had brought more).

• Appropriate tops:  Dress shirts with buttons and/or collars and blouses.

• Going-out clothes: If you enjoy dancing, music clubs and other cultural events, you will want to bring outfits along for nightlife. Students find that in general, Namibians are more fashion conscious than the average American college student. This often leaves students feeling out-of-place and sloppy, so keep that in mind as you pack.

• Warm clothes:  Although it is the desert, it will be cool at times, especially during your time in South Africa and towards the end of the semester, so bring a few warm clothes such as a fleece jacket and sweatpants.

• Casual clothes: For times when you are just hanging out, traveling, or doing athletic activities, you might want to bring a tank-top, t-shirt, shorts, jeans, comfy pants, and the like.

• Tip: Think about how you would look if you were going out to dinner at a nice (but not fancy place) back home: nice jeans and cute top or sundress and cardigan for girls, or nice pants and with a polo shirt or button down for guys. This is the every-day look you’ll want to achieve here! So be your “trendy,” not your “sloppy” self!

Computer

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. CGEE cannot reimburse you if your computer is lost, damaged or stolen. You may also consider bringing an older/less expensive laptop.  Having a laptop is very convenient, but can be heartbreaking if it gets damaged or stolen.  This applies for any other electronics you may consider bringing such as mp3 players and cellphones as well.

Additional Advice

• Toiletry items are easy to find in grocery stores and pharmacies in Windhoek at reasonable prices, so don't pack big bottles of shampoo, deodorant, bug repellant, etc. Bring enough for the first week, and buy the rest later.

• Items such as sunscreen, batteries, tampons, contact lens solution are available here in Namibia at prices somewhat higher than in the United States.

• The selection of camera batteries is limited, so bring what you will need.

• We strongly suggest that you not bring expensive jewelry or accessories as theft, as in any large North American city, is always a concern.

• The CGEE office in Minneapolis can give you names of past participants on this program, who you can contact for more advice.

Luggage

We cannot overemphasize the matter of packing lightly! Although airlines may have differing requirements, most will allow you two checked pieces, and one carry-on. However, we at CGEE (and all the previous students) have different recommendations! As a rule of thumb, you should be able to carry your entire luggage for the semester four city blocks without collapsing.

We recommend:

• One large luggage piece (a large backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag).  This is the piece that should hold most of your things, and which you should check.

• One medium luggage piece (a small duffel bag or carry-on-sized suitcase). This is the piece you will use throughout the semester when we travel outside of Windhoek. Ideally, a fabric bag can be packed inside of the larger luggage piece on your way to Namibia, and then filled with souvenirs on the return trip.

• One small luggage piece (a school backpack, or similarly sized bag). In your carry-on should be all your valuables (passport, tickets, money, camera, laptop, ipod, etc) plus a spare change of clothes and your toiletries.

Carry-on Checklist

Make sure you bring these items with you on board the airplane:

• Masks (KN95s, N95). Bring back-ups.

• Hand sanitizer (to use in the plane. You will receive one from CGEE upon arrival) 

• A printed copy of the "Let's Go!" letter (sent shortly before you depart the U.S.) so that you can refer to it while traveling

• 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

• A hard-copy of your vaccination card (be sure to have an electronic copy too)

• Your insurance card 

• Bookmark the Student Guide for Study Abroad in Namibia and South Africa website on your electronic devices for ongoing reference in Namibia and South Africa.

___  At least 15 (fifteen) KN95, N95 or KF94 masks. See How to Shop for the Best KN95 Facemasks

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

Clothes

___  3-4 pairs pants (jeans or khakis, and 1 pair dress)

___  2 pairs shorts (for around the house and sports)

___  4-5 short-sleeved shirts/tops/T-shirts

___  2-3 long-sleeved (sweaters; cardigans are great layering pieces)

___  “Going Out” tops

___  3-4 skirts or dresses for women/ additional pants as you prefer

___  Nightshirt or pajamas

___  Underwear

___  Socks

___  1 pair of tennis shoes, 1 pair sandals that are comfortable to walk in, 1 pair rubber shower flip-flops

___  Comfortable shoes that are a little more dressy (dressy sandals are good; heels not needed)

___  Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes (optional)

___  Swimsuit

___  Hat (providing shade to your face as well as the top of your head)

___  Fleece Jacket and sweatshirt/sweatpants

Personal Care Items

___  1 extra towel and a washcloth (one towel is provided)

___  Insect repellent and sunscreen (can be bought here as well)

___  Sunglasses

___  Contact lens supplies (can be bought in Namibia as well)

___  Any medications you use (in their original containers) and/or vitamins

___  Travel alarm clock

___  Canteen/water bottle

___  Small flashlight or headlamp

___  Camera

___  Prescription and/or over-the-counter medication

Travel Items

___  Passport (which will not expire less than six months after your departure from Namibia at the end of the program)

___  Photocopy of the title page of your passport and an extra passport photograph

___  Visa or MasterCard, ATM card

___  Digital recorder (optional, to record lectures)

___  MP3 Player (optional)

___  A combination lock (for your locker in your room)

___  Notebook/book for journal writing

___  Notebooks, pens, etc. for class notes and projects (easily purchased in Namibia)

As a student from a U.S. college/university, you'll need to prepare your electronics for a different power system. Here's everything you need to know to keep your devices charged and safe.

Take a look at the links below for purchase recommendations and read more about what you might need and why:

• For South Africa: https://plugtravelguide.com/south-africa/

• For Namibia: https://plugtravelguide.com/namibia/

1. The Core Differences: Voltage and Plugs

• Voltage: The U.S. operates on a standard voltage of 120V. South Africa and Namibia's standard voltage is 230V. This is a major difference and the most important thing to be aware of.

• Plugs: U.S. plugs are Type A and B (two flat parallel pins, with a grounding pin for Type B). South Africa and Namibia primarily use Type M plugs, which have three large round pins in a triangular pattern. South Africa also uses Type C and Type N plugs, and Namibia also uses Type D plugs, so it is highly recommended to have a multi-country adapter.

2. Your Most Important Question: Adapter or Converter?

This is the key to protecting your devices.

• Adapter: A simple physical plug that allows your U.S. plug to fit into an outlet in South Africa or Namibia. It does not change the voltage.

• Converter: An electrical device that changes the 230V power from the wall into a lower voltage (like 120V) that your U.S. device needs.

3. What Do You Need for Your Devices?

This depends on whether your device is dual-voltage or single-voltage.

• For Dual-Voltage Devices (Most Modern Electronics):

  • How to check: Look at the power brick or label. If you see "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz," your device is dual-voltage. This is true for almost all modern laptops, phones, tablets, and camera chargers.

  • What you need: You only need a Type M adapter. You do not need a converter. The device is designed to handle the higher voltage on its own.

• For Single-Voltage Devices (Older or High-Power Appliances):

  • How to check: If the label says "120V" or "110-120V" and nothing else, it's a single-voltage device. This is common for things like U.S. hair dryers, curling irons, and some shavers.

  • What you need: You will need both a Type M adapter and a voltage converter.

  • A better solution: It is often more practical, safer, and cheaper to simply buy a travel-specific dual-voltage version of the appliance (e.g., a dual-voltage travel hair dryer) or purchase a basic one once you arrive in South Africa or Namibia. Using a converter can be tricky, and some devices may not work properly even with one.

4. What to Look for When Shopping (Popular Products)

Here are some top-rated products to search for on Amazon or other retailers that will help you stay charged.

• A Universal Travel Adapter: This is your best friend. A good universal adapter will have multiple plug types built-in, so it will work in many countries, including South Africa and Namibia. Look for brands like Epicka, Tessan, or Lencent. These are often highly reviewed for their compact design and multiple USB ports.

• A Travel Power Strip with USB Ports: To charge multiple devices at once, bring a small U.S. power strip. Then, you only need one adapter for the power strip, and you can plug all of your dual-voltage U.S. electronics into it. Look for brands like Anker or Bestek, which are known for making travel-friendly power strips with USB ports that are rated for "100-240V."

• Dual-Voltage Hair Tools (If You Need Them):

  • If you're bringing a hair dryer or straightener, a dual-voltage model is the safest and most convenient option.

  • Popular Dual-Voltage Hair Dryer Brands: BaBylissPRO, Conair, and Revlon all offer popular, highly-rated dual-voltage travel hair dryers.

By searching for these brand names and product types, you'll be able to find the right gear to keep all of your essential electronics powered up and ready to go while you enjoy your time in South Africa or Namibia.