Today, finally, I received my luggage tags and my "What to do when you arrive in New York" paper. I was starting to worry that they would never arrive and even though I thought against it, I sent an email to AFS questioning if they were ever going to come and lo and behold they show up the very next day. (If only I just waited one day more). I also learned that I will not have my passport back until I arrive at orientation in New York so I no longer have to worry about it not arriving on time.
I had my last conference call for YES Abroad and this one happened to be my country specific call. I was able to learn a lot more about Ghana, and it made me that much more excited and nervous to go.
Shout out to Allen for preaching to us about the mute/unmute button and forgetting how to work it himself.
I have just a little under three weeks left here in the states, I know what you're thinking "Allie, why on Earth are you packing now when you have all this time?" Well, let me tell you... I'm the worst packer of all time and I probably should have started earlier than now honestly.
I probably shouldn't be dishing out any packing tips since I need them myself, but let me share with you what little information I've gained on the subject:
Things you should pack into your carry-on:
Change of Clothing,
Cell Phone, Charger, etc,
Travel Size Toiletries (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Hairbrush, Hand Sanitizer, Body Spray, Soap, Shampoo and Conditioner, Floss).
Chap stick and chewing gum/hard candy
You WILL have orientation before you leave for your country and once you arrive in country (if you're AFS). This is just a suggestion to save you from having to dig through your suitcase and having to repack everything more than you'd like to.
Basic Necessities:
Passport
Airline Ticket
Visa
ID
Any kind of information (i.e. contact or flight info... You do not want to need it and realize that you left it in another bag)!
Shirt (2-5)
Underwear and Socks (Weeks Worth)
Pants/shorts/skirts
Shoes (4-6)
If your country has seasons pack appropriately.
DO NOT BRING:
A BAD attitude!!!!!
Any "One" Outfits EX: This jacket ONLY goes with this....
Something You Never Wear at home... YOU WON'T WEAR IT THERE, trust me or ask a rebound.
Don't bring a cell-phone, most likely your host family or host club will buy you one to use for the year.
Thanks for reading!