MHIRT: what to expect - Brown University

MHIRT: what to expect

Preparing for Your Trip

Packing List: Documents
Passport & visa                          Copies of:
Yellow fever vaccination paper                Passport & visa
Ticket / boarding pass                        Vaccinations
~$500 USD for exchanging**                    Student ID
Contacts card (address, phone, email):        Driver’s license
     Family member                            Birth certificate / SSI
     PCP                                      Travel itinerary
     KATH                                     Health insurance card
     US embassy                               Credit card

Packing list: Electronics
Computer/Tablet
     Download movies & music to your computer BEFORE you leave the US -- Netflix isn’t always reliable
Headphones
Adapter (depending on the site)
Camera (+charger)
     Can also use your phone camera if you aren’t artsy lol, consider a waterproof/protective case
Phone (+charger)
     Set up WhatsApp or Viber BEFORE you Leave
     Make 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: Medication
Anti-malarial                                          Oral rehydration: Gatorade
Insect repellent (DEET 25-30%)                         Tylenol / ibuprofen
     Also consider using permethrin for your clothes   Neosporin
Sunblock                                               Cortisone 10 (for mosquito bites)
Cipro                                                  Aloe
Pepto-Bismol / Tums                                    Cough drops
Anti-diarrheal                                         Sleep – aid
Laxatives                                              Multivitamins
Alka-Seltzer                                           Other OTC Medications you use often
Benadryl

Packing List: Toiletries
Feminine Products:                Teeth:
      Pads/Tampons                      Toothbrush
      Wipes                             Toothpaste
Eyes:                                   Floss
      Contact solution                  Toothbrush container/travel kit
      Extra contact holders       Hair:
      Glasses case & extra pair         Comb/Brush
Body:                                   Shampoo/Conditioner
      Body Wash/Soap                    Hair Products (if needed)
      Lotions                           Tair ties

Packing List: CLothing
Easy Breezy Business Casual                Shoes
     Stick to Natural Breathable Fabrics        Sneaker
     (Cottons, Linens etc)                      Sandal
Comfy Casual Clothes                            Work Shoes
     Jeans, shirts, dresses, rompers            House Shoes (flip flops)
Athletic Wear/Comfy Clothes
     Yogas, Sweats, PJs, Bathing Suit                Other Considerations
Weekend Clothes                            1. Balance cute and comfy clothes
Towels!! (2)                               2. Modesty is important
Hat/cap                                    3. Try not to Overpack

Packing List: MiscEllaneous
Backpack

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

Logistics
Banks/ATMS
                                                                   Can Email MHIRT Students full list of
 ●    Place a travel notice with your bank/credit card             Restaurants/Shopping/Weekend Activities :)
 ●    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

Excursions & Activities
Taal Volcano-- Tagaytay
Palawan- island hopping!
Intramuros Bike Tour
Manila Ocean Park
Bohol
Baguio
Rice Terrace

BUY PEARLS!

Ghana

Logistics                                                           Accra
Banks/ATMS
       -Tell your bank you are travelling                                   Accra: Like saying New York City basically
       -If you can, use banks you recognize (ex: Barclays)
       -Get money out for the week, ATMS often run out of cash              Legon: Location of University of Ghana
       -4.46 Cedis →1 USD
               Coins are called Pesewas                                     East Legon: Bougie Bouge
       -Lots of places only take cash so always have some
Cell Phone Provider
                                                                            Korle Bu: Near Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (Radio
       Vodaphone-- Buy credits as you go or buy a personal wifi
       modem                                                                Gold)
       Also can use MTM or Airtel but not as reliable
Transportation                                                              Osu: Great Food & Nightlife (Oxford St) *top fave*
       Use Taxis & Ubers, Negotiate price BEFORE you take it
       Can use TroTros (much cheaper but confusing and not direct           Airport City/Accra Mall: Also nice but more
       in my opinion)                                                       touristy?
Food
       You can really get anything you want in Accra/Osu/Legon      Can Email MHIRT Students full list of
       Lots of rice dishes, Fufu, Banku, Jollof etc                 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