MHIRT: what to expect

Preparing for Your Trip

Packing List: DocumentsPassport & visaYellow fever vaccination paperTicket / boarding pass~$500 USD for exchanging**Contacts card (address, phone, email):

Family member PCP KATH US embassy

Copies of: Passport & visa

Vaccinations Student ID Driver’s license Birth certificate / SSI Travel itinerary Health insurance card

Credit card

Packing list: ElectronicsComputer/Tablet

Download movies & music to your computer BEFORE you leave the US -- Netflix isn’t always reliable HeadphonesAdapter (depending on the site)Camera (+charger)

Can also use your phone camera if you aren’t artsy lol, consider a waterproof/protective casePhone (+charger)

Set up WhatsApp or Viber BEFORE you LeaveMake sure your phone is unlocked if you plan on getting a sim card while you’re there

Flashlight (+batteries)Seems stupid/odd but I would def bring this-- Electricity is not always reliable

Packing List: MedicationAnti-malarialInsect repellent (DEET 25-30%)

Also consider using permethrin for your clothesSunblockCiproPepto-Bismol / TumsAnti-diarrhealLaxativesAlka-SeltzerBenadryl

Oral rehydration: GatoradeTylenol / ibuprofenNeosporinCortisone 10 (for mosquito bites)AloeCough dropsSleep – aidMultivitaminsOther OTC Medications you use often

Packing List: ToiletriesFeminine Products:

Pads/TamponsWipes

Eyes:Contact solutionExtra contact holdersGlasses case & extra pair

Body:Body Wash/SoapLotions

Teeth:ToothbrushToothpasteFlossToothbrush container/travel kit

Hair:Comb/BrushShampoo/ConditionerHair Products (if needed)Tair ties

Packing List: CLothingEasy Breezy Business Casual

Stick to Natural Breathable Fabrics (Cottons, Linens etc)

Comfy Casual ClothesJeans, shirts, dresses, rompers

Athletic Wear/Comfy ClothesYogas, Sweats, PJs, Bathing Suit

Weekend Clothes Towels!! (2)Hat/cap

●

ShoesSneaker

Sandal Work Shoes

House Shoes (flip flops)

Other Considerations1. Balance cute and comfy clothes2. Modesty is important3. Try not to Overpack

Packing List: MiscEllaneousBackpack

Snacks

Hand-Washing Laundry Detergent Packages (just in case)

Books -- you may have more free time than you anticipate

Generic Gifts/Blank Cards for Thank You Notes

Reusable water bottle

Packing list: mentally!● AN OPEN MIND● Ready to be challenged--things won’t come easy● Awareness that you might be in uncomfortable situations● Caution is essential, but give the country a chance! DON’T BE TOO JUDGEMENTAL!● Willingness to be in a learning experience of a lifetime● Get to know some locals!

On the Ground

The Philippines

LogisticsBanks/ATMS

● Place a travel notice with your bank/credit card● Order Philippine pesos from your bank● ATMs are readily available at malls in Manila

Cell Phone Provider

● UNLOCK YOUR PHONE BEFORE ARRIVING● Globe--prepaid card with credits● Can also get an international plan with your provider (may

be more expensive)● P150 for 3 day plan!

Transportation

Use Ubers, Grab, or Taxis

Jeepneys are cool to look at--but can be unsafe to ride

Can Email MHIRT Students full list of Restaurants/Shopping/Weekend Activities :)

Excursions & Activities Taal Volcano-- TagaytayPalawan- island hopping!Intramuros Bike TourManila Ocean Park BoholBaguioRice Terrace

BUY PEARLS!

Ghana

LogisticsBanks/ATMS

-Tell your bank you are travelling-If you can, use banks you recognize (ex: Barclays)-Get money out for the week, ATMS often run out of cash-4.46 Cedis →1 USD

Coins are called Pesewas-Lots of places only take cash so always have some

Cell Phone ProviderVodaphone-- Buy credits as you go or buy a personal wifi modemAlso can use MTM or Airtel but not as reliable

Transportation Use Taxis & Ubers, Negotiate price BEFORE you take it Can use TroTros (much cheaper but confusing and not direct in my opinion)

FoodYou can really get anything you want in Accra/Osu/LegonLots of rice dishes, Fufu, Banku, Jollof etc

Accra

Accra: Like saying New York City basically

Legon: Location of University of Ghana

East Legon: Bougie Bouge

Korle Bu: Near Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Radio Gold)

Osu: Great Food & Nightlife (Oxford St) *top fave*

Airport City/Accra Mall: Also nice but more touristy?

Can Email MHIRT Students full list of Restaurants/Shopping/Weekend Activities :)

Excursions & Activities Soccer game at Accra Sports Stadium

Wli Falls in Hohoe, Ghana

Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary in Ho, Ghana

Cape Coast & Elmina-- Stay at Coconut Grove Beach Resort

Mole National Park-- GO SEE THE ELEPHANTS!!!

Beaches!!

Some Real Stuff

Honestly..The work and experience can be physically and emotionally taxing… self-care is important

Journaling can be a good way to process

Be smart and be safe but don’t be scared

Adjusting once you get there can be tough

Re-Entry to the US can be also tough

Chances are, you’re not going love every minute of being there

Be honest with Eileen -- it serves no one to lie about what’s happening//not ask for help