Advice for New Stages

Just some tidbits based on my 10 months as a PCV:)

Packing

People say not to worry about packing. This is true. However, if you want to obsess about it like I did because I had nothing else better to do, that’s ok too. Below is a list of things not to worry about bringing and some essentials.

No Stress

Clothing- I spent a lot of time trying to find cute, culturally appropriate clothing. Don’t bother! What’s appropriate and not appropriate varies greatly by region.  In the North your shoulders may have to be covered while in the South women’s breasts are falling out of their dresses. Also, cheap clothing can be found here. Wherever there’s a market there’s usually a fukki-jai (second-hand clothing stalls). They sell everything from T-shirts to jeggings. Most items can be bought for less than $1. One of my favorite parts about Senegal is picking out beautiful African fabrics and having tailors make me clothes. Unfortunately, a significant portion of my monthly allowance gets spent this way, but fabric is only about $1/meter and a dress is $4-$6 to have made. Let your imagination run wild!

Host family gifts- They’re happiest with tea and sugar that’s bought here.

French dictionaries/textbooks- Do not weigh down your suitcase with a heavy college French textbook like I did. (Unless you’re an urban volunteer.) No one in my village can speak French let alone read or write. The four years of French I used to know have been completely eclipsed and erased by Wolof.

Make-up/hair products- No matter how much you care now or think you’ll care later I guarantee you won’t.

Bring!

Pocket knife

Camera- I recommend the Olympus Tough- shock proof and water proof!

Ipod and speakers

Photo album

Solar-powered flashlight

Small pruning clippers (If you’re an aggie!)

Tent with a rainfly- Sometimes there aren’t enough beds at the regional house and camping is a great way to save money on trips.

Sleeping bag

Bike pump- The ones PC gives us are crap. Be sure to bring one that works with both valve types.

Solar charger- I’ve had some issues with the JOOS Orange but their customer service department has been very supportive. They’re sending me a new one free of charge. Update: The second one doesn't work either. Don't buy this brand!

Kindle- Don’t get the Kindle Fire. It’s great if you have power but if you’ll be in the bush bring one with a better battery life.

Hiking backpack- My regular backpack is already broken.

American snacks:)

Finally, Peace Corps lets you bring two 50 lb suitcases. Use it! Better safe than sorry.

Myths

• Weight loss: So you're going to a developing country to work in agriculture. One would think you'd come home thin and tan. Think again. Rice/millet and oil are the foundation of pretty much every meal here. A gut is inevitable. However, I do have the best (farmers') tan ever.

• Safety: Heard that Africa is unsafe? Not Senegal! Our country might not be the most scenically stimulating, but I've never felt safer. I'm comfortable walking around my village and Kaffrine at night. Drinking and drug use are extremely limited and theft tends to be limited to touristy areas.