I spent the week of August 11-16th in Washington DC for the English Language Fellow Pre-Departure Orientation. We were based at the beautiful and historical Omni Shoreham Hotel. We spent the week getting to know other ELFs, especially those going to the same region. The Africa group was very small with only 4 new fellows at orientation. We were joined by 2 returning fellows who gave us a lot of insight about what to expect on the continent (or rather to be prepared to expect the unexpected). We were also introduced to a lot of the staff from both Georgetown University and the Department of State who work "behind the scenes" and keep the program running smoothly.
In just 4 days, we were presented with so much information. The majority of the information was generalized to be applicable to all of the ELFs. For example, we learned about teaching resources that are available to all of us, our health coverage benefits, and how to get reimbursed for program-related costs. We also spent time in small break-out groups covering more specific topics, like regional safety and security.
Toiletries
□ deodorant
□ face wash
□ shampoo
□ conditioner
□ leave-in conditioner
□ nail polish/remover
□ makeup
□ loofah
□ wet wipes
□ q-tips
□ earrings (extra nose/navel)
□ toothbrush/paste/floss
□ bar soap
□ razor and extra cartridges
□ bobby pins/barrettes/hair ties
□ head bands/sweat bands
□ nail clippers/tweezers
First Aid/Health
□ bug spray
□ sunscreen
□ prescriptions
□ keeper cup/pantiliners
□ multivitamin
□ bandaids/gauze
□ triple antibiotic
□ ibuprofen
□ throat lozenges
□ tums
□ calamine
□ sudafed
□ benadryl
□ imodium ad
□ tinactin
□ thermometer
□ visine eyedrops
Housewares
□ can opener
□ peeler
□ paring knife
□ big knife
□ spatula
□ flipper
□ measuring cups/spoons
□ water bottles (Nalgene, polar, Sigg)
Other/Misc.
□ padlock
□ cable (lock)
□ frisbees
□ lighter
□ laundry bag
□ clothespins/line
□ ziplock baggies (big and small)
□ zip ties
□ duct tape
□ Leatherman tool
□ Kelty (day) backpack
□ teal messenger bag
□ sling bag
□ sewing kit
□ travel pillow
□ blanket
□ bedding/sheet
□ drink mix
□ gum
□ seeds (basil and cilantro)
□ snacks/candy
□ slackline
School/Office Supplies
□ stamps
□ scissors
□ markers
□ sharpies
□ stickers
Electronics
□ mp3 player/headphones
□ camera/USB cord/battery charger
□ phone/charger
□ laptop/case/charger
□ USB mouse
□ webcam
□ external hard drive
□ travel plug adapter
□ travel alarm clock
□ tablet/case/charger
□ reading lamp
□ head lamp
□ steripen
□ extra batteries
□ CR123 (8)
□ AAA (6)
□ AA (4)
□ A76 (6)
□ external speakers
Documents
□ passport photos
□ postcards/stationary
□ checks/credit cards
□ passport
□ flight itinerary
□ family/friends photos
Finally, here's a link to an interesting article I found today about the economic disparity in Ethiopia. While parts of Ethiopia, like Addis Ababa develop, many other areas remain impoverished:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20266225
I look forward to finding out firsthand how these issues present themselves when I am in Addis Ababa in about 40 hours.
In just 4 days, we were presented with so much information. The majority of the information was generalized to be applicable to all of the ELFs. For example, we learned about teaching resources that are available to all of us, our health coverage benefits, and how to get reimbursed for program-related costs. We also spent time in small break-out groups covering more specific topics, like regional safety and security.
Since every ELF has a different project and is going to a different location, it was impossible to cater all of the information individually. I left Washington DC with many questions answered, but a whole new set of questions arose and are waiting to be answered by my specific project contacts and my host institution.
I have been anticipating this next chapter of my life for many months. Packing has proved to be a challenging task. Since I have never traveled anywhere in Africa, I am not personally aware of what is available there and what might not be. I have been feverishly reading other travelers' blogs and asking former fellows for advice on what to bring and what to leave at home. See below for my finalized packing list. A few days ago, I sent out 3 copy boxes full of school supplies and materials to the US Embassy in Ethiopia. I have no idea how long the boxes will take to get there, but hopefully sooner than later, so that I have some supplies to work with!
Ready or not, I leave tomorrow morning bright and early for Ethiopia! I leave from my hometown airport and first fly to Chicago. After a long layover there, I will continue on to Frankfurt, Germany (about an 8 hour flight). Another short layover there and then I will board my final flight. My last flight makes a stop in Khartoum, Sudan but then quickly continues on to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
I will have Sunday to myself and plan to explore some parts of Addis Ababa near my hotel. On Monday, I will finally get to meet the people at the US Embassy that I have been in contact with for several months. All of Monday and Tuesday will surely be filled with numerous introductions and lots of important information.
Packing List:
Clothes
□ swimsuit
□ microfiber towel
□ raincoat
□ lightweight coat
□ packable down coat
□ umbrella
□ sunglasses (2)
□ bandana
□ shoes
□ sandals
□ crocs
□ flats
□ running shoes
□ swimsuit
□ microfiber towel
□ raincoat
□ lightweight coat
□ packable down coat
□ umbrella
□ sunglasses (2)
□ bandana
□ shoes
□ sandals
□ crocs
□ flats
□ running shoes
□ green wool slippers
□ dress pants (2)
□ jeans (1)
□ underwear (10)
□ sports bras (5)
□ bras (3)
□ socks (5 athletic, 4 dress)
□ zipped hoodie (1)
□ comfy/sweat pants (1)
□ capris (2)
□ skirts (4)
□ workout shirts/tanks (3)
□ dress/work shirts (6)
□ dress blazer/suit coat (1)
□ cardigans (black, brown, blue)
□ running shorts/tights
□ dress
□ dress pants (2)
□ jeans (1)
□ underwear (10)
□ sports bras (5)
□ bras (3)
□ socks (5 athletic, 4 dress)
□ zipped hoodie (1)
□ comfy/sweat pants (1)
□ capris (2)
□ skirts (4)
□ workout shirts/tanks (3)
□ dress/work shirts (6)
□ dress blazer/suit coat (1)
□ cardigans (black, brown, blue)
□ running shorts/tights
□ dress
Toiletries
□ deodorant
□ face wash
□ shampoo
□ conditioner
□ leave-in conditioner
□ nail polish/remover
□ makeup
□ loofah
□ wet wipes
□ q-tips
□ earrings (extra nose/navel)
□ toothbrush/paste/floss
□ bar soap
□ razor and extra cartridges
□ bobby pins/barrettes/hair ties
□ head bands/sweat bands
□ nail clippers/tweezers
First Aid/Health
□ bug spray
□ sunscreen
□ prescriptions
□ keeper cup/pantiliners
□ multivitamin
□ bandaids/gauze
□ triple antibiotic
□ ibuprofen
□ throat lozenges
□ tums
□ calamine
□ sudafed
□ benadryl
□ imodium ad
□ tinactin
□ thermometer
□ visine eyedrops
Housewares
□ can opener
□ peeler
□ paring knife
□ big knife
□ spatula
□ flipper
□ measuring cups/spoons
□ water bottles (Nalgene, polar, Sigg)
Other/Misc.
□ padlock
□ cable (lock)
□ frisbees
□ lighter
□ laundry bag
□ clothespins/line
□ ziplock baggies (big and small)
□ zip ties
□ duct tape
□ Leatherman tool
□ Kelty (day) backpack
□ teal messenger bag
□ sling bag
□ sewing kit
□ travel pillow
□ blanket
□ bedding/sheet
□ drink mix
□ gum
□ seeds (basil and cilantro)
□ snacks/candy
□ slackline
School/Office Supplies
□ stamps
□ scissors
□ markers
□ sharpies
□ stickers
Electronics
□ mp3 player/headphones
□ camera/USB cord/battery charger
□ phone/charger
□ laptop/case/charger
□ USB mouse
□ webcam
□ external hard drive
□ travel plug adapter
□ travel alarm clock
□ tablet/case/charger
□ reading lamp
□ head lamp
□ steripen
□ extra batteries
□ CR123 (8)
□ AAA (6)
□ AA (4)
□ A76 (6)
□ external speakers
Documents
□ passport photos
□ postcards/stationary
□ checks/credit cards
□ passport
□ flight itinerary
□ family/friends photos
Finally, here's a link to an interesting article I found today about the economic disparity in Ethiopia. While parts of Ethiopia, like Addis Ababa develop, many other areas remain impoverished:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20266225
I look forward to finding out firsthand how these issues present themselves when I am in Addis Ababa in about 40 hours.