Packing Advice for Future Volunteers

Hello readers,

I have a feeling that some future volunteers (arriving in Februrary) might find my site and be interested in a packing list. Here is my advice.

Once again, this is just my opinion and other volunteers might not have the same advice. Let me know if you have any questions by posting a comment.

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The packing list below is a good one, but I think it could use some revision: http://www.pccatrachos.com/living.htm

1) Bring stuff you will wear! I brought lots of khaki pants and collared shirts. While those were great for training, now that I am at site and working with kids every day these items get dirty quickly and are not very practical for every day use. Thin jeans are the best think I have brought and bought here so far. They don´t show as much dirt, are comfortable, and dry well in the sun. In addition, nice jeans can be acceptable professional wear, so they are versatile as well.

2) You have NO IDEA what your life here will be like until you get to site, particularly with regard to weather. So bring a little of everything and then you can buy more once you get here. Some of my friends live in sites where it is very cold, and others where it is very hot. So bring two long sleeve shirts but also a few tank tops (for women).

3) I WOULD bring: a few polo shirts and other comfortable but presentable blouses. Several pairs of jeans. Many pairs of socks and underwear. One nice outfit and shoes to match for swearing in. Ziplock bags--I brought a ton and now that I am living on my own am so glad that I carted them around for the first four months. Quick-drying towel--great for traveling.

4) I WOULD NOT bring: a radio, an iron, a tool set, or project specific books. These things are heavy and you could get them here. With regard to the books--you can´t yet be sure of your exact project so it would be hard to know what kind of book to bring. I am having my parents send the one book of my college career that I think is particularly relevant. Hiking boots are only necessary if you think you will wear them. Mine have come in handy a few times, but personally, for me, they were a waste of money. Bring stuff you would normally use and wear at home. I have used my sleeping bag but not my sleeping mat, most volunteers you visit will have a mat you can sleep on (kind of like a cot).

5) Luggage: I really think the best idea is to bring what you can carry. I brought a rolling suitcase and a backpack and that has worked fine. Mostly you will only have to transport everything a few times, but depending on where your host family lives in relation to the meeting point, you might have to carry or drag your things for walks up to 10 minutes. I also strongly recommend that you bring an extra duffle or gym bag so that you can transport new things you acquire during training. Trust me your things will not fit back into your suitcases at the end of training!

6) Language: DO NOT BRING A DICTIONARY unless you have one you are particularly attached to. PC will issue you one and other books that you can practice with. In my opinion you get plenty of language training here so I don´t know if it´s worth practicing up right now.

7) Laptop: By far the best thing I brought! Bring a surge protector, and a voltage adaptor if you can find one that´s cheap. I just bought one here. The laptop is useful for working on manuals and other sorts of work, as well as keeping track of pictures. You can also write emails and blogs on the computer and then use your USB to take them to the internet place. Bring more than one USB--these are often broken or lost so they are good to have. I had an old laptop that I brought--many laptops get sick here for various reasons, so I don´t know if I would bring a new one.

8) Insurance: I think Clements International is supposed to have the best plan.
Let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to comment with any questions you might have!