Clothing

Even in winter it’s still hot (high 80’s) during the day and may rain in the evenings. You can pay Guerlande (our lovely housekeeper) to do your laundry or you can bring detergent and hand wash your own if needed.

• T-shirts/ (conservative) tank tops. Please be sure to bring at least one shirt (or scarf) that covers your shoulders for going into certain sights.
• Longer shorts/ skirts, pants
• *NOTE: On the shirts and shorts mentioned above… When teaching inside the school the students want to maintain a professional atmosphere. This means dressing more conservatively than you otherwise might. Ideally covered shoulders and pants/ skirts. There is some wiggle room, but please use good judgement.
• At least two outfits that are a little nicer, i.e. shirt/ pants/ or dress for when we go out
• 1 pair of good hiking/walking shoes.
• A pair of sturdy sandals
• Flip flops for around the house. (Can be used as shower shoes.)
• A hat to protect you from the sun. (I also like bandanas to get the hair off your face)
• A bathing suit
• Sunglasses (or 2 pairs in case you lose/ break them)
• A hoodie or the like for the mountains (it can be in the 50’s up there at night)

Despite the heat, Haitians are very fashion conscious and will appreciate you trying to present yourself well. Here is a funny (but totally spot on) article that may guide your packing.

Toiletries

• Bug spray (a LOT of this! Warning, ones with super high deet may damage shoes or clothing, up to you.)
• Sunscreen
• Bodywash and shampoo
• Toothpaste/toothbrush
• Deodorant!
• Towel (those thin, lightweight ones work well)
• Antibacterial hand wipes (come in handy)
• Immodium or Pepto Bismol (Your doctor may also prescribe Cipro, in case of a serious stomach situation…)
• Tylenol/Advil (possibly some cold/flu pills as well or allergy meds if you are susceptible)
• Band-Aids/ Antibacterial ointment (if you’re accident prone)
• After-bite (if you hate being itchy)
• Allergy meds (the dust can make this worse for people)
• Any prescriptions that you need (don’t forgot your malaria pills!)
• Travel laundry detergent

Equipment/ Etc:

• A reusable water bottle
• A headlamp
• Batteries for your headlamp
• Alarm clock/ sports watch
• Camera
• Little lock for storage lockers
• Propel packets or the like for extra electrolytes and in case you get tired to drinking plain water.
• (Non melt-able) snacks such as Clif Bars are good to have on hand if you get sick and/ or if you get hungry in between meals. People have also brought seasonings or shareable snacks for the group, totally up to you.
• Laptop (if you want/need it, but remember, this is Haiti, try and unplug…)
• Daypack (for going to school and also for the overnight at Rustik). Otherwise either a backpack or rolling bag is fine for the rest of your stuff.
• Cash (People often wished they’d brought smaller bills and not just 20s. Also, make sure your bills don’t have little rips in them or they won’t accept them here.)
• Don’t forget your passport!