3. PACK APPROPRIATELY

You'll probably be told at least once to pack light. DO IT. Other than that, what you pack will naturally depend on where you're going. The Peace Corps office in the country you are going to will send you a packet filled with all kinds of fun and useful tidbits of information, including a list of what to bring. Bring HALF of that. You are either going to end up lugging your stuff across the country on public transportation (most likely not a pleasurable experience), or paying an exorbitant amount of money to have it sent to whatever town you are assigned to.

Actually, before you leave, a good idea would be to run up and down the stairs a few times carrying all of your luggage to see if you can handle it. If you want to kill two birds with one stone (something that you might actually get to do on some assignments), strap on your luggage and run around your neighborhood. That way you can also begin to get used to people staring at you strangely. It's going to happen.

Duct tape and Ziploc bags always come in handy - no matter in what country you are placed. Truly great stuff. Bring some.

There are some other useful items to bring, regardless of where you are assigned. Naturally, these also depend on your taste and degree of dependence on material items:

  • A real Swiss army knife with a can opener attachment. Buy a cheap knock-off at your own risk.

  • A battery-operated or hand-crank rechargeable short wave radio. It helps long and lonely nights (get used to the idea now, there will be plenty) pass by more easily.

  • A few really good paperbacks you haven't started yet.

  • Assorted photos of family and friends. Not for you, but for your host community. They'll love these, as it gives them a better sense of who you are.

  • Earplugs. Roosters (and other assorted loud creatures) pop up in an unbelievably large number of places around the world. They always seem to be set for midnight, and they don't have snooze buttons.

  • Luggage that either rolls or fits comfortably on your back. Nothing is quite so stereotypical of the Ugly American as a person standing on a wharf or airport, trying to corral a few of the local boys into hauling enormous trunks. Not the first impression you'll want to make on your hosts.