Packing

Things to note before packing

We cannot emphasize enough the matter of packing lightly! As a general rule, you should be able to transport all of your luggage on your own for at least one block without difficulty. Remember, in addition to a larger bag or two, you will need one piece of luggage that is small and flexible enough to use as a bag for overnight or weekend trips and/or your week-long seminars in Amatlan and Mexico City.

With regard to clothing, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate for many of our excursions or sessions with guest speakers because they are considered extremely informal. The CGEE faculty and staff will advise you regarding the appropriate clothing to wear for any particular speaker or field trip, though in general we ask everyone of all genders not to wear shorts except during their free time.

Students who apply for fieldwork or an internship should expect to be seen as professionals in their placements and dress accordingly. Professional dress in Mexico does NOT include: shorts, low-rider pants, ripped jeans, crop tops, tank tops with spaghetti straps (unless worn under a jacket or blouse), or any clothing that might expose the lower back and midriff areas. Flip-flops are not appropriate; however, students may wear sandals. Nice jeans or other pants, capris, and casual skirts are fine. Be sure to bring at least a few shirts that are not T-shirts or tank tops.

Please note that if you are conducting an internship or fieldwork, you may need to purchase a uniform for US $30-50, depending upon your placement.

We also encourage you to dress appropriately when we visit Mexican government offices, factories/maquiladoras, schools, and social service agencies. It is important to note that factories and maquiladoras do not usually allow people to wear any kind of open-toe shoes, tennis shoes, or high-heeled shoes.

You may wish to dress up when you go out dancing or attend parties with your Mexican host family and other friends.

What you pack for cooler/cold weather really depends upon YOU, as some people think it gets cold at times and others don’t. It is cooler in Mexico City, chillier at nights almost everywhere, and you will also find cold temperatures if you travel into the mountains. Packing layers is key, as temperatures can drop as much as 15-20 degrees farehenheit between the day and night. (See comments about the weather in the Local Information section.)

School supplies and standard U.S.-brand toiletries are easy to find in Cuernavaca at reasonable prices, so don’t pack big bottles of shampoo, deodorant, etc. The electrical current is the same as in the U.S., so you do not need any special adapters. In the CGEE house, most of the plugs are made for two prongs, so you may wish to bring a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter.

Most basic items, including clothing, can be purchased in Cuernavaca fairly inexpensively, so don’t worry about bringing everything. However if you wear +Sizes, you may not find clothing that fits you. If in doubt about something to pack, think about carrying it (along with all your heavy books and everything else you’re packing) and then decide.

Remember: You have to be able to carry everything you pack, so pack as lightly as you can with all your heavy books.

carry-on Packing List

Make sure to bring these items on board the plane in your carry-on luggage:

Masks (at least 30) (KN95s, N95). Bring extras as you are sure to lose some! Even though these are no longer required on most airlines, we urge you to wear a mask in airports and on the plane.
Hand sanitizer
A printed copy of the final letter 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 (also saved as a photo on your cell phone)
Your vaccination card (be sure to have an electronic copy or photo on your cell phone, too)
Documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arriving in Mexico (at home tests are all right)
Your insurance card (available online here)
Bookmark the Student Guide for Study Abroad in Mexico website for ongoing reference in Mexico.

Recommended packing list

Please note: This is IN ADDITION to the "Carry-on" Packing List in the section above. Also, these are just suggestions. Each person is different, so it is up to you what you pack!

___ Several KN95 or N95 masks See How to Shop for Best KN95 Facemasks. These aren't just to use for COVID but rather for common colds and flus, too.

___ At least 1 box (2 tests) of rapid antigen home tests (free tests might be available through your schools or local/state health departments)

Clothes (Again, this is up to you. This is just a set of recommendations from previous students.)

___ 2-3 pairs of nice jeans/pants for visits to communities and some speakers.

___ 2-3 semi-professional outfits, which can include collared shirts, casual skirts/dresses, and capris

for visits with speakers and/or official visits and for those doing internships and certain kinds of

independent study

___ 2-3 pairs of shorts for your use during free time (Please note that shorts are considered very informal in Cuernavaca and Mexcio City. We will generally ask you not to wear shorts for guest speakers and certain excursions. Shorts are definitely not allowed for our visits and homestays to the rural indigenous village Amatlan de Quetzalcoatl.)

___ 2-3 short-sleeved shirts

___ 3 tank tops or T-shirts (Please note that if and when you visit a rural indigenous village, tank tops or shirts with spaghetti straps are not appropriate unless you have a shirt with sleeves over it.)

___ 1 long-sleeved, warmer shirts/tops

___ 2-3 outfits for nightlife (something you could wear to fiestas or clubs if you like to go dancing)

___ 2 light sweaters

___ 1 warm sweater and/or light jacket

___ 1 raincoat or poncho

___ nightshirt or pajamas

___ bathrobe (optional)

___ underwear

___ 6-7 pairs of socks

___ 2 pairs of comfortable shoes (1 pair you can wear when dressing up, making sure that at least one

pair is closed-toe and flat, for potential visits to a factories)

___ 1 pair of slippers or flip-flops that you can wear around the house

___ sneakers

___ work-out clothes if you like to exercise

___ swimsuit

___ a towel that you can use at the pool and/or gym, etc.

___ hiking boots if you plan to hike

___ Mosquito repellent (in your checked bag) to help prevent Dengue Fever. Please see this CDC Info on Mosquito Protection. Here is a Recommended product.

Money, Including $ for Used Books & Reading Packets

___ Bring $ for any books you may need to rent in Mexico

___ Bring $ to have in case you get sick and need to pay for medical care or taking cabs to see doctors or go to the pharmacy

or buying medicines (at least $100 USD)

___ Bring $ for personal expenses, including any regular medicines you buy for allergies, motion sickness, or other ailments, as well as for going out

___ Bring $ for optional travel on your own

___ IF you are completing fieldwork or an internship, bring $ in case you have to buy a uniform for your placement site.

Other Items to Pack

Please remember: With the exception of your passport and money, which are necessary, these are just packing suggestions. Each person is different, so it is up to you what you pack!

___ The “Let's Go!” email that will be sent to you in January with information about your airport pick-up and emergency contact information in case of sudden changes to your travel plans.

___ Passport that will not expire within 6 months of the time you leave Mexico (at least not before November 15, 2023)

___ A photocopy and/or cell phone photo of the title page of your passport

___ ATM card and/or Visa or MasterCard with PIN numbers

___ Money for any potential medical expenses (US $300-350)

___ Health insurance information and EIIA card and Travel Abroad Insurance Information (It is a group card & does not have your name on it)

___ Required books for courses (see book list)

___ Spanish/English dictionary

___ Laptop computer and charger

___ Cell phone that has an international plan, or is unlocked and you plan to purchase an inexpensive Mexican SIM card.

___ Cell phone charger

___ Piece of carry-on baggage

___ Water bottle with wide mouth that can easily be washed/scrubbed regularly

___ Camera with an extra battery unless you only use your cell phone for photos

___ Money belt or small purse

___ Electronic device for playing music

___ Journal and/or notebook

___ Any medications you use (preferably in their original containers, and should be in your carry-on.)

___ Small flashlight (especially useful in rural areas or while travelling)

___ Small gift/souvenir (calendar/picture book) from your home state to give to your rural and urban host families in Mexico

___ Sunscreen (can be bought in Mexico)

___ A cap or hat for protection from the sun (can be bought in Mexico)

___ Insect repellent (can be bought in Mexico)

___ Pocket knife (packed in a bag that you will check and not carry on)

___ Musical instruments/sheet music

___ Small backpack/bag for day trips and excursions

___ Small games or playing cards

___ Ear plugs in case you have a roommate who snores or noise bothers you

***You don't need to bring your own sheets/pillows/bedding etc. We only recommend that you bring a towel for use if you go swimming and for their rural homestay (in semester programs).

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