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 Essentials
a) Keep a positive mental attitude – this
is definitely the most important thing to pack in your suitcase.
If you can stay positive, you will have a great time regardless
of any temporary setbacks or disappointments you may encounter.
If you do not feel mentally prepared to leave your home country,
wait until you do. The results will be worth the delay.
b) Take some money (traveler’s checks) to
cover the cost of your living expenses during the first month.
c) If you plan to look for work once you arrive,
take several copies of your credentials (diploma, certificate, degree,
etc.) resumes, reference letters, and passport photos.
d) In addition to photocopying your documents,
record the numbers of your credit cards, traveler’s checks,
passport, airline tickets, etc, and leave them at home with a family
or friend.
 General
a) Find out what is considered to be proper attire
in the classroom and pack appropriate clothes.
b) Find out what the climate will be like while
you are there – hot, wet, dry, cold, varied – and take
suitable clothing.
c) Find out if there will be shopping facilities
near your residence.
d) Take some favorite luxuries (to spoil yourself)
such as cd’s, a walkman, personal items, tea, snacks, books,
etc. Remember these items may not be readily available at your destination.
e) Consider taking items such as; a camera, film,
address book, writing journal, and mini photo album of your loved
ones, as well as some American souvenirs (for gifts).
f) In the U.S., we enjoy one of the highest standards
of living in the world. Do not expect it to follow you!
Airline Tickets
a) Check for any restrictions.
b) Make sure your ticket will suit your needs after
you finish the teaching contract. A flexible (open) ticket is a
good idea.
c) Ask how much luggage you will be able to take
without paying a penalty.
d) Take a photocopy of your airline tickets and
itinerary (with phone numbers, if possible). Copies of your ticket
provide proof that you indeed purchased the ticket, if you lose
it, it will help speed up the reimbursement process.
Items to take for the classroom
a) A few educational games (scrabble, children’s
word association games).
b) An English dictionary.
c) A concise grammar book.
d) Writing paper, pens, etc. (just in case some
of these items are not readily available).
e) Glossy catalogues and magazines with lots of
pictures. These are hard to find in most developing countries and
students love them!
f) Additional teacher resource books and English
game booklets.
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