Peace Corps Packing List

Here is my packing list BEFORE I received my invitation. I was just slowly adding things as I thought of them....

• Solar Charger
• Black Soap
• Face Moisturizer
• iPad
• Host family gifts
• Camera
• Running shoes
• Urban Outfiters Travel Pants
• Instruments
• Journal

Now here is my packing list AFTER I received my invitation...

• 5 pairs of casual pants and/or capris or skirts
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 4 pairs of shorts that extend to mid-thigh or knee
• 6 work shirts/tops
• 4 casual cotton T-shirts
• 1 nice dress or skirt and top for official, more formal occasions
• 2 modest one-piece bathing suits, board shorts, and a two-piece for vacation
• 20 pairs of underwear (anything larger than a size 8 is hard to find locally)
• 5 bras (anything larger than a size 36B is hard to find locally)
• 6 pairs of socks
• Comfortable work shoes (flats or nice sandals)
• Flip-flops
• Teva or Keen work sandals
• Sneakers or running shoes
• Cheap “don’t care if you lose them” earrings
• One fleece or jacket (for use on air-conditioned buses)
• Good quality flashlight
• IPod with speakers
• 3 lightweight, super-absorbent quick-dry body towels
• USB/flash drive
• Rechargeable batteries and charger (AA and AAA batteries)
• Tampons (very hard to find locally)
• Swiss Army knife or Leatherman
• Durable backpack big enough for a five-day trip
• Recreational equipment
• Photos of your family, friends, and pets to show your community
• Digital camera with airtight container to protect it when not in use
• Sunglasses
• 2 cotton sheets (flat sheet only, queen size with pillow cases)
• Money belt
• Small, cheap gifts for your two host families, such as Uno and other American games, U.S. maps, calendars with pictures in them (maybe of your home state), coloring books, key chains, pens and pencils, chocolate, and hard candies like Jolly Ranchers.
• Ear plugs (useful when there’s so much noise around)
• If you have curly or kinky hair, you may want to bring a starter supply of hair products; it is difficult to find products for hair other than “Fine – straight.”

The above list was provided in my Peace Corps Philippines Welcome Book. I am still adding to this list and tailoring it to my needs and personality here are the things I will be adding...

• Pictures of Family and Friends
• TOMS
• Black Soap
• Face Moisturizer
• Camera
• Travel sweatpants
• Instruments (Picc & Guitar)
• Journal
• Planner
• Travel Bag/Purse

Other suggestions are encouraged. Please leave a comment below!