Department of Social Work
Costa Rica - Packing List
Suggested Packing List for Costa Rica Summer Language and
Culture Immersion
Recommended for everyone:
- 1 bottle sunscreen
- 1 bottle mosquito repellent
- 2 bottles anti-bacterial soap (one for each homestay)
- 10 small packets of Kleenex
- underwear (at least a week's worth)
- socks
- 2 pajamas or gowns
- 1 swimsuit
- 1 light jacket or sweater
- 1 umbrella
- rain poncho
- 1 beach towel
- bag/briefcase/large purse (having an extra bag is nice for the weekend excursions & to carry souvenirs home in)
- toiletries: razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, etc.
- sunglasses
- hat
- prescription drugs
- watch
- common over-the-counter drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, lotrimin, neosporin, immodium, benedryl, wound kit with antibiotic creme and bandaids, etc.)
- contact lens solutions
- good walking shoes/tennis shoes/boots
- photocopy of opening page of passport
- photocopies of all credit cards
- address book
- photocopies of prescriptions for medicine/glasses you can't do without
- pocket flashlight
- pillow
- 2 towels
- clothes to wear to the disco
- small bottles of shampoo for the weekend excursion
- 2 photocopies of your passport
- 2 photocopies of airline tickets/itinerary
Optional
- hand wipes
- reading books
- ds/IPod and cd player for when you are on the bus
- your favorite cassettes
- your favorite candy
- inexpensive camera
- film (it is a lot more expensive in CR so bring extra)
- pictures of your family and your home
- small gifts for families (hand crème, scented soap, candy)
Women should bring:
- extra packets of Kleenex
- tampons/sanitary pads
- makeup with sunscreen
- four brassieres
- two cotton dresses/two skirts
- four blouses/shirts
- two pairs of cotton pants
- two pairs of jeans
- two pairs of shoes
- two pairs of shorts
- costume jewelry
- headbands and elastic bands
Students should bring:
- Lined paper and writing instruments
- Required readings for classes
Remember:
- Do not pack more than you can physically carry on your own.
- Always pack LESS than you think you need.
- Natural fibers will keep you cooler and drier.
- When in doubt, choose clothes that are more formal.