Thursday, April 26, 2012

Suggested Packing List for Future Peace Corps Senegal Volunteers

So, I really wish I would have had a list of things to bring with me when I found out I was going to come to Senegal with Peace Corps.  Here is my list of things that I would have brought, or at least ideas, to get you started.  This list is mainly geared towards the female population and agriculture volunteers, but it can be useful for everyone. Here it is-

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Suggested Packing List (for Women)
T-shirts (think pocket T’s)
Tank tops (spaghetti straps, or shoulder covering tank tops) *see note below
Long sleeve shirts
Hoodie or Sweatshirt Jacket
Coat (think fleece or similar- it can get down to 40’s)
Shorts *see note below
Pants (jeans, sweatpants)
Skirts
Professional outfit (dress or nice pants and collared shirt)
Underwear (the more the better)
Bras
Swimming Suit
Leggings (you can’t show your knees here so these are used a lot by volunteers wearing shorter skirts, shorts, etc.) *see note below
Sleeping Bag (you can find these lightweight and compact- I would really recommend bringing one)
Flip flops/ Sandals
Tennis shoes
Hiking/work boots
Dressy shoes
Hat
Belt
DryWick Towel- bodysize or L (towels can be found here, but they take time to dry especially during rainy season)
Contact Solution- enough for 2 years
Toiletries- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Razors are all expensive but available at “toubab” shops. Deodorant- is also hard to find and expensive.
Snacks
External Hard Drive-1 terabyte, bring it.
Computer- bring one and a good case because you will be traveling with it a lot. 
iPad, iPod, etc.
Nook/Kindles- lightweight and can hold loads of books in a compact space,batteries last a long time. 
Plug adapter and electricity converter- you can buy them in country if they break but I would encourage you to bring them so you have one upon arrival.
Memory sticks
Camera
Headlamp
Flashlight
Multi-tool- think Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.  I use mine almost every day.
Water Bottle
Backpack
Makeup- you might actually want this at one point.

***Anything that will show your knees, is not appropriate outside of Dakar. Mid to upper shin is acceptable.  If you want to bring shorts or skirts that will show your knees be prepared to wear leggings beneath to cover yourself up. 
***During PST (Pre-Service Training) the training center will not want you to show your shoulders so t-shirts are good.

Things you will not need:
Mosquito net
Water purifier
Medicine- we are supplied with in our own Medical Kits and pharmacies are all over.
Fun things:
Games- cards, Bananagrams, etc.
Hammock
Cooking supplies
Tupperware
Pillow
Blanket
Earplugs or Noise Cancelling headphones
Yoga Mat
Exercise gear
Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils, stuff for the kids
Rechargeable batteries and charger
Bike supplies- you will be given a Trek bicycle that you will either depend on or never use subject to your site and its paved road situation.  It will have a messenger rack on the back. Peace Corps provides us with a bike pump, tools for repair, tire patches, helmet, oil, and water bottle.
Handkerchiefs
Drink Mix Packets, tea, coffee
Dried Fruit, nuts, granola bars