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 enough to use as a bag for overnight or weekend trips and/or your week-long seminar in Mexico City.

With regard to clothing, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate for many of our excursions or sessions with guest speakers. 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 both women and men not to wear shorts except during their free time. Please avoid bringing military style or olive-colored clothing.

Students who register for the internship or independent study course should expect to be seen as professionals in their placements and dress accordingly. Professional dress in Mexico does NOT include: 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.

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. (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. Some items, such as film, batteries, contact lens solution, suntan lotion, condoms, and tampons, are available but at prices somewhat higher than in the United States. Some students have thought that the quality of the Kodak and Duracell products sold in Mexico was not as good as sold in the U.S., so you may want to take this into consideration when you pack film and batteries. 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 (KN95s, N95 or double medical grade surgical masks). Bring extras as you are sure to lose some!
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)
Copy of your completed Health Declaration Form
Documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arriving in Mexico
Your insurance card
A letter verifying coverage for COVID-19 treatment and isolation (CGEE will provide)
Bookmark the Preparation for Your Semester website for ongoing reference in Mexico.

Recommended packing list

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

___ At least 15 (fifteen) KN95, N95 or KF94 masks See How to for 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

___ 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

___ 2-3 short-sleeved shirts

___ 3 tank tops or T-shirts

___ 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

___ hiking boots if you plan to hike

___ work-out clothes if you like to exercise

___ swimsuit

___ a towel you can use for travel to beaches, etc.

Deposit Money and Book Money

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

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

or buying medicines

___ Bring $ for travel

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 “final letter” 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, 2022)

___ 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

___ Required books for courses (see book list)

___ Spanish/English dictionary

___ Laptop computer

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

___ Piece of carry-on baggage

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

___ Camera with an extra battery

___ 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

___ A cap or hat for protection from the sun

___ Insect repellent

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

___ Musical instruments/sheet music

___ Small backpack/purse for excursions

___ Small games or playing cards

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