What To Bring Abroad

Costa Rica
India
China
Japan
CRC

Costa Rica

1. Clothes: Please keep in mind that Costa Ricans take a lot of pride in their appearance. It is important that your clothes are clean and neat regardless of your fashion style. In Costa Rica the clothing style is casual, but clean and neat, generally consisting of jeans and a nice shirt or t-shirt with a cardigan or sweater to wear at nights when it can get chilly.
   1. Shorts and Tank-tops for the beach
   2. Long pants/jeans for the city
   3. Plenty of short-sleeved t-shirts, several long-sleeved as well
   4. Lots of socks and underwear
   5. A sweatshirt or jacket for chilly nights. It can get very cool/cold in the mountains, so bring a light and a heavy one (fleece).
   6. One nice outfit for fiestas or cultural events
   7. Bathing suit
   8. Sun-block and hat to shield against tropical sun
   9. Comfortable walking shoes; strap-on "Teva" style sandals; nice shoes; flip-flops to wear within the house.
   10. Umbrella and rain poncho or jacket
   11. Pajamas, light-weight robe and slippers
   12. Towel and washcloth
   
   
2. Electronics:
   1. Laptop computer with integrated wireless
   2. Flash drive
   3. Camera and film or memory card (film and memory cards are expensive in Costa Rica)
   4. Mini alarm clock
   
   
3. Identification:
   1. A valid passport
   2. International Student Identification card
   3. Photocopies of all important documents (Passport, Health insurance, etc.)
   
   
4. Medication:
   1. Prescription medications, enough supply for time will be away from home.
   2. Non-prescription medicine
   3. Vitamins
   4. Insect Repellent
   5. Medical history sheet if you suffer from a particular illness or health condition.
   
   
5. Miscellaneous:
   1. A Costa Rican Guidebook (i.e. Lonely Planet), though the center has many
   2. Flashlight and batteries (for night hikes)
   3. International phone card to call the United States, though many use Skype or you can purchase international phone cards from the local phone company here.
   4. Money belt or pouch
   5. Photographs of your family to share with your host family
   6. Possible gift for host family representative of your home (book of photos from home city/region, souvenir from where you live, etc.)
   7. Research books, especially if you have a particular academic interest, as English language books are limited here.
   8. Zip-lock baggies (to keep things dry)
   9. Water bottle, if you use special kind.
   10. Day pack to carry books to and from school and smaller suitcase/duffel bag/backpack for short field trips.

   If convenient, the following will also be useful:

   • Lightweight binoculars, small pocketknife (pack in your checked luggage when flying), anti-itch ointment, altitude sickness medication, a good book or two to read and leave behind (handy while waiting in line at the bank, etc.), a tape recorder (for interviews), Spanish/English dictionary.
   • We are asking all of our incoming students to bring at least one educational material (books, coloring books, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, glitter, etc.) to donate to underprivileged children in Costa Rica as part of our Service Learning projects. Gracias!!!!!

6. Ways to Access Money
   There are many different ways that student studying at the Costa Rica Center of Global College can have access to their money from their personal U.S. bank accounts. Depending on each bank there will be an international fee for taking out money at an international location so please check with your bank before arriving to Costa Rica to see what your best options are.
   
   (These conditions are subject to change so please review these with your bank before arriving to Costa Rica!)
   
   
1. Student’s that have access to an USAA bank account have NO international checking, purchasing, withdrawing money fees and you can use it in any country as you would normally in the United States with no extra charge. To check if you are eligible for this type of bank account you may visit: https://www.usaa.com
2. The Citizens Independent Bank, charges 1% for all international transactions (includes taking out money from ATMs and charging). For more information visit: http://www.bankcib.com
3. Wells Fargo Bank charges $5.00 for each time you take money out from an ATM. https://www.wellsfargo.com. Students that had a larger fee for taking out money usually took out a large amount every month or every other month.
4. Previous students highly recommended bringing traveler’s checks to Costa Rica. Many consider them outdated, but they are super convenient! All the student has to do is take their check and passport to a bank (Banco de Costa Rica and Scotia Bank are the best), and tell them how much you want in USD and Colones.
5. Washington Mutual/ CHASE charges 50 cents to 2 dollars for every transaction.

A word of advice for ALL students:

• It is highly recommended that students have two cards: one for daily use and for withdrawing money from ATMs and the second to have in their house as a credit card to use for emergencies, or going to the doctor. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely used credit cars in the country.

1. Clothes/Shoes
   1. You can carry Jeans and T-Shirt with you; skirts of medium length are also fine. Remember that October is monsoon season.
   2. Protective clothing (windbreakers, raincoats, and waterproof jackets) is essential.
   3. Western clothes you may want to wear. Indian fabrics and clothes are easily available. You can buy fabric locally and get it tailored inexpensively
   
   
2. Electronics
   1. Laptop Wireless (with LAN Card). Although the India Center is fully equipped with student Computers, we recommend students to carry their laptops, since there are no restrictions on bringing laptops to India. Please keep in mind that Computer in most parts of India, including Bangalore & India Center are working based on Microsoft Windows. Hence, students are advised to bring their Laptops updated with the software based on Microsoft Window (i.e.Windows XP/ Windows Professional/Vista etc, and also Office XP/Office 2000 etc.).
   2. If you are bringing a MAC Laptop, please install the required conversion software for (Bring the hard copy of CD, in case you need to reinstall while you are here!):
      1. Microsoft Word/Office XP package
      2. Adobe Illustrator (reader)
      Since the users of Macintosh Computer are very few, the following problems are faced with: software required to operate the computer is either not available, or is very costly; Service back up and/or any spare parts are not available.
   3. If you need to attach your laptop to any printer/camera etc., bring the necessary USB or PS2 cables that will match your laptop.
   4. In most cases, the electrical appliances are suitable for connecting to input AC Voltage of 110-120 to 230-240 range. If the laptop battery charger is working only with 110-120 volt AC, then you need to bring a suitable voltage converter, to reduce the voltage from 220 to 110 Volt AC.
   
   
3. Identification
   1. A valid passport - please renew before arriving in India if it is nearing expiry.
   2. A valid visa for 1 year.
   3. 7 photographs for visas and other Indian government registration procedures.
   4. International Student ID that can be used for discounts on travel and accommodation in international youth hostels
   5. Students should get their visa stamped as Global College student / International study
   
   
4. Medications
   1. Many branded medications that are available in the U.S. are not available in South Asia. It is recommended that you bring with you such medication that you will need during the course of your stay.
   2. Please carry all prescriptions with you.
   
   
5. Miscellaneous
   1. If you intend to carry your cell phone, make sure you have a triband facility on your phone, with the use of your cell phone you have access to only a few networking systems in India. (We recommend you to buy a cell phone in India were in you have all the facilities of making international calls and the cost would depend on the rate plan you choose. You can also dispose the phone when you are leaving and get 50% of the actual rate.
   2. Branded Sunscreen creams or lotions, especially if you are allergic to other brands!

1. Clothes
2. Electronics
   1. Laptop computer with integrated wireless. While the China Center is fully equipped with student desktop computers, we recommend students who have the means to bring a laptop computer, since there are no restrictions on bringing laptops into China, and it will be much more convenient to be able to work on your own in your room or apartment when you have a big project like a Learning Portfolio due. Also, it is possible to set up Internet access on your laptop in the dormitory and to conduct email correspondence outside of the Chin Center.
   
   
3. Identification
   1. A valid passport - please renew before arriving in China if it is nearing expiry
   
   
4. Medications
   1. Any natural remedies and vitamin supplements you use regularly and that you will need during the course of your stay, such as natural sleep aids like Melatonin, which can be useful for recovering from jetlag.
   2. Any non-prescription drugs you typically use to control cold, flu, cough, allergies, and indigestion. While cold medicine such as Contact®, aspirin and ibuprofin can be readily purchased at local pharmacies, many other common OTC remedies, such as Tums®, Robitussin®, etc. are not.
   
   
5. Miscellaneous
   1. Students might want to get a few parting gifts for your Chinese friends in Hangzhou. Remember, your hosts and friends will almost certainly be giving you gifts, and so you will appreciate coming prepared to reciprocate.
   2. We recommend that all students bring a collection of photographs in a small album that you can easily show to people you meet. Pictures of you and your family and home are a great way to meet people and to practice a new language.
   3. Students expecting to purchase a bicycle while in Hangzhou should bring a fitted bicycle helmet, since these can be difficult to purchase locally.
   4. While Hangzhou is an extremely safe city with very low violent crime, bicycle crime is a problem in all large cities and Hangzhou is no exception. So students expecting to purchase an expensive bicycle in China should also seriously consider bringing their own secure bicycle locking system from the U.S., such as one or even two long shackle U-locks made of strong and flexible heat-treated through-hardened steel to resist both bolt cutters and leveraging, with a disc-style cylinder that resists picking and drilling, such as those made by Kryptonite for high crime and campus areas. In addition, students should always lock their bikes to a fixed object during the day and inside during the night.
   5. While Hangzhou has a wide variety of domestic and imported products, some products to which we are accustomed are difficult to purchase or are limited in variety. For example, while there are a wide variety of some feminine hygiene products, including numerous brands of sanitary napkins, only OB tampons are readily available. Likewise, while deodorant can be purchased in large supermarkets, antiperspirant can not be purchased, as is the case with dental floss.

1. Clothes
   1. Clothing for four seasons: Although the winters are fairly mild, students should either bring warm clothing or have it sent here, as warmth is provided by space heaters rather than central heating. Although it may not be particularly cold outside, it gets fairly chilly indoors where you are not physically active. The summers tend to be hot and humid. Students should bring at least one set of good clothing for the few occasions that might require them.
   
   
2. Electronics
   1. Computer: A laptop computer with wireless capability. Although we have several computers for student use at the Center, students without their own computers will be at a serious disadvantage in the evenings and on weekends, during which time the Center is closed. As the days will be filled with classes and field trips, there will be little time to use the Center computers, and as Internet cafes are expensive and far from the Center, investing in a laptop would be a wise decision. Computers can be purchased here at reasonable prices but, with the exception of Macintosh computers, which come with both an English and Japanese system, computers purchased in Japan will come with directions and manuals in Japanese without English translations. A benefit of buying equipment here though, for those who intend to pursue their study of Japanese, is that they are kanji and kana capable. If your computer has a 3 pronged plug, it is a good idea to bring an adapter for a 2 pronged socket.
   
   
3. Identification
   1. A valid passport: If your passport is nearing expiration be sure to renew it before you come. You will not be permitted to enter other Asian countries unless there is a minimum of six months left until the expiration of your passport and the Japanese Immigration authorities request two-year validity for long term stays.
   2. Several (4-6) passport size photographs: These are needed for visas and alien registration procedures.
   
   
4. Medication
   1. Bring any prescription or non prescription medicines that you are required to take with you. Most American brands of over the counter medicines are not available in Japan. Prescription medicines such as Prozac will be confiscated by customs if they are mailed to Japan, but will present no problem if you bring them in with you.
   
   
5. Miscellaneous
   1. Books: Do not assume that you can always find the books you will need in local bookstores and libraries. It takes a while to obtain books ordered from overseas, and English language books, when available, are often twice the price you would pay in the U.S. Therefore, if there are books which you absolutely cannot do without, bring them with you.
   2. Flat Sheet and Pillowcase: Although futons and pillows are provided, all students should bring a flat sheet to cover their futons, and a pillowcase to cover their pillows.
   3. Gifts: A few small gifts are necessary items to give to your landlord or to host families on field trips as well as to other people who will no doubt be giving you gifts. Gift giving (and receiving) is excessive in Japan so it is best to come prepared. Nicely wrapped specialty teas, fancy jams and preserves, candies, fancy soaps, etc., make good gifts as do local souvenir items from your hometown.
   4. International Driver’s License: This is helpful should you find yourself in the unlikely position of having to drive.
   5. International Student ID: This can be used for discounts on travel, museums, and concerts, and is widely accepted.
   6. Money: We recommend that you bring about $200 of Japanese currency if you are flying into Osaka and about $400 worth if you are landing in Tokyo. Currency exchange facilities are usually open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. at most airports in Japan, but having enough yen to see you through to Kyoto will help you avoid extra inconvenience at the airport. Upon arrival you will be given your initial room and board allotment, which will allow you to pay your first month’s rent and security deposit, in addition to providing you with the money to use for food and transportation for your first month in Japan.
   7. Sleeping Bag: May be useful for cold nights on overnight trips.
   8. Toiletries: The Japanese have their own brands of toiletries and it is often difficult to get American brands. If you have personal favorites that you cannot do without, bring them with you. As visitors to Japan often complain about the price and quality of deodorants sold in Japan we recommend that you bring enough to see you through your stay here.

• Radio and television band lengths are different in Japan so that you will receive only a fraction of the stations here if you bring either of these items from the States. If these or other electronic devices are essential to your lifestyle, they can be purchased in Japan, although at somewhat higher prices than in the U.S. Secondhand goods, however, when available, are quite reasonable.

• Please check with your airline to find out the amount of luggage you are allowed to bring with you to Japan. Most airlines allow two pieces of checked baggage in addition to one piece of carry on luggage. Some airlines, however, regulate the amount of luggage according to weight, so it is in your best interests to find out the luggage restrictions of your airline prior to departure. If you are planning a stopover in any country prior to your arrival in Japan, or a stopover within Japan, please check with all connecting airlines. There are often different luggage restrictions for international and domestic flights even within the same airline, so please check the baggage allowance on all flights to avoid charges for overweight baggage.

Comparative Religion and Culture

1. Clothing
   As a general rule for packing, bring clothes you can layer and feel comfortable in. Backcountry wear is not necessary. You do not need a sleeping bag or sheets for CRC, though some students bring slipcovers. Bringing a lightweight towel is also a good idea.
   
   The best advice is to bring versatile clothes that you really like to wear because you will wear them over and over and over again. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must (sport sandals are a CRC favorite).
   
   When packing, bear in mind that in all the countries you will visit; clothing customarily covers more of the body then does the clothing worn by young Americans. Moreover, to be a university student is considered an honor. Most students dress rather formally by American college student standards. Both men and women should bring one slightly dressy outfit: there will likely be some occasions when you will want to dress up, such as thank you luncheons or an evening at a concert.
   
   Men will want at least one pair of long pants. One regular and one lightweight pair of cargo pants are a good start.
   
   Women will need a long skirt and a scarf to cover the head when visiting mosques and temples. In virtually all places of worship, it is appropriate to dress modestly – shoulders covered and at least knee-length pants or skirt. Tank tops and sleeveless shirts may keep you cool in hot weather, but they are not always appropriate. Make sure to carry something that you can throw over your shoulders when necessary.
   
   One benefit of buying local clothes is that they are more often culturally appropriate and designed for the weather and terrain on the place you are visiting.
   
   Laundry facilities will vary from laundromats to buckets – expect it all.



2. Computers
   A laptop computer is indispensable. It is not necessary to bring a printer, although it certainly is convenient. However, most students choose to save their work to portable devices and print at local print shops or libraries. For the purposes of backing up your work and portability, USB storage devices (flash/pen/thumb drives) are recommended by past students in lieu of portable printers. Oftentimes assignments can simply be emailed to your faculty advisor, and printing is not necessary. All students should bring a power converter/transformer as well as plug adapters or “shape changers.” Most laptops nowadays are equipped with a power converter, in which case only the plug adapter is needed. For other appliances (e.g., battery chargers, hair dryers), both converter and adapter are necessary. A helpful website on electrical requirements and accessories is www.traveloasis.com. The use of a surge protector is recommended whenever possible, as the electrical current in countries traveled to on CRC is much less stable than in the United States.



3. Identification: International Student Identity Card & Passport Photos
   This card can be used for discounts on travel, museums, and lodging worldwide, and provides a limited amount of health insurance (but can NOT be used to waive the program’s health insurance requirement). It is recommended, but not necessary. STA travel at www.sta.com issues these cards. In addition, bring 6-10 passport size photos. The group has used them on several occasions in the past when encountered with unexpected bureaucracy.



4. Miscellaneous
   
   1. Luggage
      Don’t run out and buy a huge backpack for CRC. If you have a good rolling suitcase, that may be as good as or better than a backpack. The vote is split among past CRC students. Some people, who started out with backpacks, eventually sent them home and purchased rolling suitcases because they were easier to pack, unpack and handle at the airport. Others swear by their big backpacks. It seems to be a personal preference, but there is no need to spend a lot of money on new luggage for CRC.
   2. How much to pack
      As for what to pack in your luggage, try this test: can you load up all the things you would like to bring and carry them by yourself around a quarter-mile track? Can you carry them up two flights of stairs? You WILL have to do this—don’t make things difficult for yourself, you will be sorry. You will have opportunities to purchase items as we travel. For example, you will be able to buy excellent and inexpensive clothing in Turkey, Thailand and India.
   3. Mail and Communication
      • Since the CRC program involves so much travel, it is impossible to guarantee that mail sent from the US will be received by students. Email communication and/or blogging are the preferred modes of communication for most CRC students.
      • We have had problems in every country receiving packages. What is dutiable varies from country to country. It is best not to send massive quantities of any one thing to any country we visit. Also, it is better not to send any electronic equipment through the mail: usually it is dutiable and additional charges that must be paid to receive the package can be very high.
      • It is possible to mail items home from every country in which we study, so if you find that you packed too much or have bought too much you will be able to mail some of it home. Airlines impose strict limits on the permitted weight of luggage, and students are individually responsible to pay the penalties for excess luggage.
   4. Money
      ATM cards are the best way to get money everywhere we go. Make sure that the card is on either the PLUS or Cirrus network (you can tell by looking at the symbols on the back of the card). However, there may be instances when, inexplicably, your ATM card will not work. Bring some back up money in the form of cash or travelers’ checks (probably not more than a few hundred dollars) and/or a credit card.
      
      Some of the things students spend their own money on are entertainment (going out, movies, concerts, etc.), internet, coffee, laundry, phone cards, transportation (buses, taxis), gifts for family and friends, books (both for pleasure and for classes), copying and printing, newspapers, etc.
      
      The amount of money spent by former students has varied greatly. Each student receives a food stipend to cover basic meal costs. You will need extra spending money to cover food beyond basic meals, nights out, transportation (buses or taxis to use during your free time); and buying clothing or souvenirs along the way. Students are also responsible for all expenses during the fall recess. Over the course of the program, some students manage to stretch their food budget to cover some personal spending, while some end up spending a lot of extra money.

Advice from CRC Alumni!

• You can’t have too many pairs of underwear.
• Don’t pack for the entire time of travel. There are plenty of places to pick up clothes. Your bags will be lighter and it is more fun to find things locally. No need to bring 4 months of shampoo, deodorant, etc. unless you are very particular about the brand you use.
• If you start CRC with a bag full to the brim, it is hard to pick up anything along the way. Accumulation of stuff is inevitable.
• White clothes won’t stay very white.
• Not many people wear shorts in Asia.
• Portable Music Player is recommended. Bring your favorite music, rechargeable batteries and a battery charger.
• Bring a Nalgene or other brand camping bottle.
• Small items from your home state (magnets, pins, etc.) make good gifts for hosts along the trip.
• Ziploc type bags are a great cheap way to keep things waterproof and organized.
• Do not bring any item of value, sentimental or monetary, that can be lost, stolen or damaged. On the other hand bring items that you cannot do without (specific toiletries/cosmetics) as they may not be available.