Packing, Phones, & More

Checklist of things to pack

• Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end of the program (and photocopy)

• Airline Ticket/Itinerary (and photocopy)

• International Student Identity Card (optional)

• Insurance information (from GeoBlue and any additional health and/or travel insurance)

• Certified copy of your birth certificate (in case your passport is lost or stolen)

• Debit and Credit Cards (and photocopy of front and back so you can have the information on hand should you need it).

• Medications in original containers

General Packing Suggestions

Plan your packing carefully, keeping in mind that you will have to carry all of your own luggage while traveling. This means TRAVEL LIGHTLY. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough.

Consider what you will use for luggage. Durable backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry.  As you pack for the flight over, keep in mind that you will be carrying your luggage by yourself, sometimes over distances or in crowded places. To avoid over-packing, try walking around the block carrying your bags, then re-pack.  It is also prudent to bring at least one bag or container that can be securely locked for storage of money or valuables, and a smaller bag that can be used for weekend trips out of town. Keep in mind that toiletries, household items, and clothes—including many familiar brands– are widely available in Amman. It is also possible to buy decent, inexpensive clothes in budget stores and flea markets in Amman.  You will receive a more comprehensive packing list from the staff in Jordan around two weeks before the start of the semester.

You should be prepared for extremes in weather. The following are average low/high temperatures in Jordan (in Fahrenheit):

September   63-86
October    58-80
November     49-67
December     40-55
Jan-Feb    40-55
March   45-62
April     50-73
May     60-82

Bring clothing that is comfortable, durable, culturally appropriate, and suited for the climate. It is a good idea to bring warm clothes that can be easily layered during the winter months because of the fluctuations in daily temperatures, and because most flats and public buildings do not have central heating.  You will be surprised by how cold it can get inside buildings in the winter months!  Washing machines are usually available (you should bear in mind that water is scarce in Jordan though).  Choose permanent press, and drip-dry materials; durable fabrics are preferable. Bring a few items for different occasions: sports, classes, and dress occasions.

You will be walking a great deal, and Amman is a hilly city. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Flip-flops are a good idea for showers, but are not a good idea for walking around the city, as they provide minimal traction and no support for your feet. (The streets and sidewalks of Amman are likely dirtier than you are used to, as well.)

We recommend that you do not bring valuables, and do not store large sums of cash in your homestays. If, for any reason, you need to have valuables/large sums of cash stored, please speak with on-site staff about it in order to find the most secure storage plan.

Other suggested items:

• Overnight bag for program excursions and short trips out of town

• Shoulder bag or backpack for daily use and hiking

• Unlocked phone / any phone that can take a SIM card or an iPhone that you can set up and use while you’re there

• Sandals and flip flops

• Hiking shoes

• Swimsuit

• Zip-lock bags to use for wet clothes and other small items

• Travel-sized sewing kit (in checked bag)

• Camera, film/memory cards, batteries

• Chargers for your devices

• Multi-vitamins

• Money belt

• Tour guide of the region (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, or other)

• Plug adaptors – Jordan uses a variety of outlets, so a universal adapter is very useful. You can also purchase adapters in Jordan but they are not always of good quality. (Plug types can be found here. In Jordan, types C, F, and G are predominantly used.)

Clothing

Amman is not as conservative as other Arab cities and you will see all types of clothing, but norms of dress are likely more conservative than what you may be accustomed to. You may notice that norms of dress in Amman are generally a bit more formal than what you’re used to (Jordan University students wouldn’t go to class in sweatpants or pajamas!).

For men, it is improper to wear shorts that show the knees in most places in the city. You might bring one pair of shorts for wearing on trips to touristy areas.

For both men and women, it’s a good idea to be sure your midriff and back/waist are covered when you bend over, so bring long shirts or undershirts if you have a lot of low-waist pants. Bring a bathing suit (Aqaba and the Dead Sea are amazing places to be in the water, and pools are available in upscale Amman hotels and gyms). Be aware that, at public beaches (i.e. outside of private hotels, clubs, and gyms), a woman in a bathing suit may attract unwanted attention.

For women, bring comfortable, modest clothes that you enjoy wearing. It’s important to dress modestly, but also to feel good about what you’re wearing. You are likely to attract attention as a foreign woman, regardless of how “loose” your clothing is, but we encourage you to be respectful of local norms. You could bring a pair of both looser jeans and skinny jeans, and shirts that vary in modesty, but definitely bring at least one very modest outfit for more conservative occasions. In non-touristy areas of the country, as well as in many parts of Amman, it’s best to cover your chest, shoulders, and your legs to the ankles in fabrics that are not see-through. On back-country trips or in very touristy areas, shorts and tank tops are ok. Also, bring modest nightwear and/or a light robe. This is especially important if there are males in your homestay house.

Bed and Bath Linens

We do not recommend that you bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you.  They are too heavy and take up too much space in your luggage.  Your host families will provide them for you, and these items can also be easily purchased in Jordan.

Toiletries

Toiletries are readily available throughout most of Jordan. If you are particular about brands, you may want to pack an appropriate supply of the articles you regularly use.  Many American brands can be bought in Jordan, although local brands are less expensive.  If you wear contact lenses, you may want to bring enough solution with you to last your entire stay as it is quite a bit more expensive in Jordan.  Sunscreen is also very expensive in Jordan (because it is imported), though available.