So as promised, I’m posting my packing list. Of course I packed clothes, but that’s more specific to you and the region that you are going to be living in. Just check to see what the weather is like there. If I have any advice about packing clothing, it’s to ask yourself if you really need it. I was packing things that I don’t even where at home! You will have to put some things back in your drawers and you might have to sacrifice a few things. For instance, I was only able to pack one pair of boots. Insanity, you say? Maybe, but what can you do; I’ll just have to muddle through I guess.
Anyways, here are the other types of things that I packed:
1. Kraft Mac n’ Cheese. I don’t know if Spain has this, but I made sure to bring some just in case. It’s the only food item that I bought for those nights when I’m craving a little bit of home.
2. Converter /Adapter. If you forget to pack this, you will not be able to plug anything in. Don’t forget that not only are the sockets different here in Europe, they also use different voltage, hence the converter. Check your laptop battery pack. If it says 100-200V and 50-60Hz, you should be ok with just the adapter. But still bring a converter for other appliances.
3. Chargers. I know this seems like an obvious one but I definitely almost left my camera charger at home. That would have been devastating! Don’t forget your chargers!
4. Towel. You may be staying in a hostel for a few nights and they may provide towels, but they also might not. A towel will be useful at some point I’m sure.
5. MagicJack. For those who don’t know what a MagicJack is, it’s a device that you plug into your computer’s USB dock that can be used to make calls. You can make all the calls you want for a flat rate of $19.95 PER YEAR!! That means I can call home whenever I want and anyone in the states can call me at no extra charge. The device itself cost me $40 at Wal-Mart and they have yet to ask for my $19.95. Maybe they’ll forget…
6. Books. Because reading is FUNdamental. Come on, you know you want to laugh.
7. Materials for the kids. I’m teaching 5 and 6 year olds so I just got a lot of books to read. I made sure the coloring books had something on each page like, Bugs Bunny is eating a carrot, so that they are still reading while doing something enjoyable.
8. Acceptance letter. I brought this in my carry-on along with any other documentation I used throughout the application process. Some people had trouble leaving their home airports and they said that they just showed their acceptance letter. Plus, once you get to Spain, you are going to need some of those same documents to apply for your NIE.
9. Cash Passport. I heard about this from fellow auxiliaries (btw how in the world do you say that word? Go ahead, try to say it out loud). It’s basically a prepaid debit card and you can put Euros onto it whenever you want. You can check out the website to buy a card or find a place near you where you can buy one. They will convert your dollars into Euros for you and after you’ve bought it, you can always load more onto the card. So I put most of my money on the card and brought a little bit of cash, just in case a place didn’t accept cards.
That’s all I can think of right now. I’ll just add more if I think of anything else important. Hope this helps!
Anyways, here are the other types of things that I packed:
1. Kraft Mac n’ Cheese. I don’t know if Spain has this, but I made sure to bring some just in case. It’s the only food item that I bought for those nights when I’m craving a little bit of home.
2. Converter /Adapter. If you forget to pack this, you will not be able to plug anything in. Don’t forget that not only are the sockets different here in Europe, they also use different voltage, hence the converter. Check your laptop battery pack. If it says 100-200V and 50-60Hz, you should be ok with just the adapter. But still bring a converter for other appliances.
3. Chargers. I know this seems like an obvious one but I definitely almost left my camera charger at home. That would have been devastating! Don’t forget your chargers!
4. Towel. You may be staying in a hostel for a few nights and they may provide towels, but they also might not. A towel will be useful at some point I’m sure.
5. MagicJack. For those who don’t know what a MagicJack is, it’s a device that you plug into your computer’s USB dock that can be used to make calls. You can make all the calls you want for a flat rate of $19.95 PER YEAR!! That means I can call home whenever I want and anyone in the states can call me at no extra charge. The device itself cost me $40 at Wal-Mart and they have yet to ask for my $19.95. Maybe they’ll forget…
6. Books. Because reading is FUNdamental. Come on, you know you want to laugh.
7. Materials for the kids. I’m teaching 5 and 6 year olds so I just got a lot of books to read. I made sure the coloring books had something on each page like, Bugs Bunny is eating a carrot, so that they are still reading while doing something enjoyable.
8. Acceptance letter. I brought this in my carry-on along with any other documentation I used throughout the application process. Some people had trouble leaving their home airports and they said that they just showed their acceptance letter. Plus, once you get to Spain, you are going to need some of those same documents to apply for your NIE.
9. Cash Passport. I heard about this from fellow auxiliaries (btw how in the world do you say that word? Go ahead, try to say it out loud). It’s basically a prepaid debit card and you can put Euros onto it whenever you want. You can check out the website to buy a card or find a place near you where you can buy one. They will convert your dollars into Euros for you and after you’ve bought it, you can always load more onto the card. So I put most of my money on the card and brought a little bit of cash, just in case a place didn’t accept cards.
That’s all I can think of right now. I’ll just add more if I think of anything else important. Hope this helps!
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