MHIRT: what to expect Preparing for Your Trip Packing List: - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

MHIRT: what to expect

Preparing for Your Trip

Packing List: Documents

Passport & visa Yellow fever vaccination paper Ticket / boarding pass ~$500 USD for exchanging** Contacts card (address, phone, email): Family member PCP KATH US embassy Copies of: Passport & visa Vaccinations Student ID Driver’s license Birth certificate / SSI Travel itinerary Health insurance card Credit card

Packing list: Electronics

Computer/Tablet

Download movies & music to your computer BEFORE you leave the US -- Netflix isn’t always reliable

Headphones Adapter (depending on the site) Camera (+charger)

Can also use your phone camera if you aren’t artsy lol, consider a waterproof/protective case

Phone (+charger)

Set up WhatsApp or Viber BEFORE you Leave Make sure your phone is unlocked if you plan on getting a sim card while you’re there

Flashlight (+batteries)

Seems stupid/odd but I would def bring this-- Electricity is not always reliable

Packing List: Medication

Anti-malarial Insect repellent (DEET 25-30%)

Also consider using permethrin for your clothes

Sunblock Cipro Pepto-Bismol / Tums Anti-diarrheal Laxatives Alka-Seltzer Benadryl Oral rehydration: Gatorade Tylenol / ibuprofen Neosporin Cortisone 10 (for mosquito bites) Aloe Cough drops Sleep – aid Multivitamins Other OTC Medications you use often

Packing List: Toiletries

Feminine Products: Pads/Tampons Wipes Eyes: Contact solution Extra contact holders Glasses case & extra pair Body: Body Wash/Soap Lotions Teeth: Toothbrush Toothpaste Floss Toothbrush container/travel kit Hair: Comb/Brush Shampoo/Conditioner Hair Products (if needed) Tair ties

Packing List: CLothing

Easy Breezy Business Casual Stick to Natural Breathable Fabrics (Cottons, Linens etc) Comfy Casual Clothes Jeans, shirts, dresses, rompers Athletic Wear/Comfy Clothes Yogas, Sweats, PJs, Bathing Suit Weekend Clothes Towels!! (2) Hat/cap

• Shoes

Sneaker Sandal Work Shoes House Shoes (flip flops) Other Considerations 1. Balance cute and comfy clothes 2. Modesty is important 3. Try not to Overpack

Packing List: MiscEllaneous

Backpack Snacks Hand-Washing Laundry Detergent Packages (just in case) Books -- you may have more free time than you anticipate Generic Gifts/Blank Cards for Thank You Notes Reusable water bottle

Packing list: mentally!

• AN OPEN MIND
• Ready to be challenged--things won’t come easy
• Awareness that you might be in uncomfortable situations
• Caution is essential, but give the country a chance! DON’T BE TOO JUDGEMENTAL!
• Willingness to be in a learning experience of a lifetime
• Get to know some locals!

On the Ground

The Philippines

Logistics

Banks/ATMS

• Place a travel notice with your bank/credit card
• Order Philippine pesos from your bank
• ATMs are readily available at malls in Manila

Cell Phone Provider

• UNLOCK YOUR PHONE BEFORE ARRIVING
• Globe--prepaid card with credits
• Can also get an international plan with your provider (may

be more expensive)

• P150 for 3 day plan!

Transportation Use Ubers, Grab, or Taxis Jeepneys are cool to look at--but can be unsafe to ride Can Email MHIRT Students full list of Restaurants/Shopping/Weekend Activities :)

Excursions & Activities

Taal Volcano-- Tagaytay Palawan- island hopping! Intramuros Bike Tour Manila Ocean Park Bohol Baguio Rice Terrace BUY PEARLS!

Ghana

Logistics

Banks/ATMS

• Tell your bank you are travelling
• If you can, use banks you recognize (ex: Barclays)
• Get money out for the week, ATMS often run out of cash
• 4.46 Cedis →1 USD

Coins are called Pesewas

• Lots of places only take cash so always have some

Cell Phone Provider Vodaphone-- Buy credits as you go or buy a personal wifi modem Also can use MTM or Airtel but not as reliable Transportation Use Taxis & Ubers, Negotiate price BEFORE you take it Can use TroTros (much cheaper but confusing and not direct in my opinion) Food You can really get anything you want in Accra/Osu/Legon Lots of rice dishes, Fufu, Banku, Jollof etc Accra Accra: Like saying New York City basically Legon: Location of University of Ghana East Legon: Bougie Bouge Korle Bu: Near Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Radio Gold) Osu: Great Food & Nightlife (Oxford St) *top fave* Airport City/Accra Mall: Also nice but more touristy? Can Email MHIRT Students full list of Restaurants/Shopping/Weekend Activities :)

Excursions & Activities

Soccer game at Accra Sports Stadium Wli Falls in Hohoe, Ghana Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary in Ho, Ghana Cape Coast & Elmina-- Stay at Coconut Grove Beach Resort Mole National Park-- GO SEE THE ELEPHANTS!!! Beaches!!

Some Real Stuff

Honestly..

The work and experience can be physically and emotionally taxing… self-care is important Journaling can be a good way to process Be smart and be safe but don’t be scared Adjusting once you get there can be tough Re-Entry to the US can be also tough Chances are, you’re not going love every minute of being there Be honest with Eileen -- it serves no one to lie about what’s happening//not ask for help