International Leadership: India

A NOTE ON DRESS: Since we will be visitors in India, we strive to be respectful of our hosts. This means that the clothing and the way we dress will probably be different than what we are used to at home. Indian and Tibetan cultures are more modest than that of the US and showing ones shoulders, legs, and cleavage is considered extremely inappropriate and provocative. Also, in India, it is valued to look clean, put together, and respectable. By dressing in accordance with the local culture, it conveys to others "I understand I am not in my own country, I did my homework and learned about the cultural norms in India and I respect them."

So, when packing please do not bring tank tops, sleeveless shirts, pants that come too high above your ankle (i.e. shorts, short skirts, mid calf capris), low-cut shirts, T-shirts sporting inappropriate phrases, cut-off jeans, clothing with rips or holes, tight fitting clothing, etc.

By dressing in loose fitting clothing that covers your legs and shoulders, you are being respectful to the local culture as well as protecting your safety as inappropriate clothes draw more attention to you. In addition, you are protecting your skin from the sun and mosquitoes. And, loose fitting clothing is a lot more comfortable in the heat than tight clothes!

BAGS

• Internal Frame Backpack, Duffle Bag, or Suitcase - Your main "suitcase" should be comfortable, durable, and as light as possible. Make sure it is easy for you to carry, as you are responsible for your luggage.


• Daypack - A small backpack for day trips. This should also be your carry-on bag.


• Ziploc Bags - These can be invaluable for keeping things organized and dry.


• Plastic Bags - This is good for wet and/or dirty clothes.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND MONEY

• Passport - Valid for at least 6 months from the beginning of your program.


• Visa - Valid 6 month multiple entry visa.


• Extra Copy of Passport - to be stored apart from passport.


• Spending Money - This, of course, depends a great deal on your personal spending/shopping habits. Personal spending money is usually used to buy snacks and souvenirs. In our experience, some people spend less than $100 while others spend well over $500. We suggest bringing at least $100 in cash in a mix of $20 and $50 denominations. ATM cards can be used in some of our destinations though the machines are not as reliable as they are in the US and they will probably charge you a big fee to use. Also, "Cash Gift Cards" (available at some banks and through American Express) do not always work at ATMs or moneychangers.

GEAR

• Money Belt - A very important item to wear daily, under your clothes, safely hiding your passport, money, etc. A passport-sized neck pouch can serve the same purpose.


• Water Bottle - Please bring one, one-quart, metal or plastic bottle.


• Flashlight or Head Lamp and batteries - Flashlights are okay, but headlamps are more convenient.


• Alarm Clock/Watch - Travel-size, to make sure you are up on time!


• Umbrella - A lightweight, travel umbrella can serve you well in rain or shine.


• Towel -Small and light beach towel size (and ideally fast-drying).

CLOTHING

• Rain Coat or Light Poncho


• Sweater, Fleece, or Light Waterproof Jacket


• 4-5 T-Shirts


• 1-3 Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirts


• 1 Nice Shirt - This is for special occasions (i.e. evening cultural programs)


• 2 Lightweight Pants - Comfortable and not too tight fitting.


• Skirt/ Dress - Ankle-length skirt or dress with long sleeves. This is not necessary though it is a good idea for women.


• 5 Pairs of Socks


• 5 Pair of Underwear - Plus bras for females


• Sleepwear


• Comfortable Walking Shoes or Sneakers - Durable and comfortable, for daily wear.


• Sandals, Flip-flops, or Crocs - Make sure these are comfortable and good for walking.


• Visor/Sunhat - for sun protection


• Sunglasses

PLEASE NOTE: There will be opportunities for you to do laundry while in India.

TOILETRIES (Just the basics! No hair driers, hot irons, etc.)

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste


• Hair brush/Comb


• Shampoo/Conditioner


• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)


• Lip Protection


• Glasses/Contacts/Contact Solution - Bring extra pairs of glasses and contact lenses.


• Purell - A small bottle of anti-bacterial hand gel or anti-bacterial hand-wipes.


• Insect Repellent (non-aerosol)


• "After-bite"


• Pads/Tampons - Bring enough for the duration of the program.

PLEASE NOTE: Any toiletry items that you would like to bring in your carry-on luggage need to be 3oz or less and need to be stored in a quart-sized clear plastic bag.

MEDICINE

• Prescription Medications - Make sure to keep any medications or vitamins in their original containers and bring enough for the entire duration of your program. Also, bring a paper copy of your prescription from your doctor in case you lose your medication. Travel with all essential medications in your carry-on luggage.


• Other Medicine - While we will have an entire first aid kit, please bring the medication you normally use for minor ailments like body aches and upset stomachs.

OTHER

• Notebook/Journal


• Pen/Pencil


• Book - Ideally about India or Tibet (we can swap around to minimize weight)


• Photos - Pull together a small book of photos to share with fellow participants and your homestay family. The photos can show the area that you are from and people who are important in your life.


• Camera, Extra Film, and Charger - Film is widely available in Asia. You should bring an extra camera battery and memory card if using a digital camera. Remember to pack your camera charger. You can also bring your Camera USB Cord - This will allow you to plug your camera into a computer to post pictures onto the blog.


• Homestay Family Gift - Please bring a small gift from home for your homestay family as a small token of gratitude. Something that has a connection to your own country, culture, city, town, and/or neighborhood is always appreciated (i.e. a coffee table book of your home town, a small calendar with something significant to you on it, your favorite game, a picture or drawing that you made, etc.)


• Electrical Converter and Adapter

Electrical Converter - The electricity in India is 220-240 volts while the United States uses 110-120 volts of electricity. If you try to plug an American appliance into an outlet of a different voltage, you may destroy the appliance and cause yourself injury. Check your appliances (i.e. camera charger) to make sure it is dual voltage, which means it will work on 220-240 volts without a converter. If the symbol 110/220 is present on the device then it has dual voltage capabilities. If it does not, then you will need to purchase a converter to change the 220-240 volt electricity into 110-120 volt electricity in order to use your US device in India.

Electrical Adapter - You will need to bring an adapter so that you can plug your US appliance into the outlets in India. American appliances have two flat parallel prongs whereas the outlets in India are mostly for two round prongs. There are a variety of plugs in India, so please click here to see what the outlets look like.

They sell combination voltage converter and plug adapter as well as an all-around adapter plug set (to allow you to use any type of outlets). For more information, please check the Electricity Around the World Website: Click Here

OPTIONAL

• Bandana - These can serve multiple purposes while traveling.


• Duct Tape - Wrap some around your water bottles and take it off when you need it.


• Playing Cards - Just for fun!


• Extra Duffel Bag - While you will want to be able to fit all of your things in a backpack and daypack, an extra duffel bag can be handy for the trip back to the U.S (for any new purchases). This bag should be nylon and durable.


• Swiss Army Knife - Pack this in your checked luggage, not in your carry-on bag.


• Stuff Sacks - These are lightweight and compact sacks bring order to your packing as they allow you to separate your belongings (i.e. clothes, food, toiletries).

PLEASE LEAVE CELL PHONES AND LAPTOPS AT HOME: You can make calls from phone shops using your spending money and can access the Internet from Internet cafes where the computers are provided. Directors will have phones, students will not need to have their own phones and they just pull individuals away from the shared cultural experience.

A NOTE ABOUT WATER: A water filter is not needed. While tap water in India is not drinkable, we will always have access to filtered and/or boiled water.

ONE LAST THING TO PACK: There's one more crucial element that you need to bring aside from what's on the packing list: AN OPEN MIND. You will take part in new and different experiences every step of the way, many of which may take you outside of your comfort zone. Having an open mind is essential to making this experience all that it can be for yourself and the group as a whole.

To download a copy of the Packing List, click here.

If you have any questions regarding the Packing List, please email deborah@global-lab.org.