Packing list

The Global Youth Leadership Fellowship is an active program where you will have the opportunity to visit many different regions of the host country. Make sure you pack lightly but appropriately!

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. PLEASE USE A CARRY-ON SIZED DUFFEL BAG (45L or less) OR HIKING-TYPE BAG. The most important packing advice is to pack lightly— whether you pack in a duffel bag or a large backpack, you should be able to carry (not roll) your luggage up three flights of stairs and across the length of a football field. The list below should be used as a guide. We recommend that you pack for about a week and do laundry in-country.

A Note on Weather + Climate

Please research the temperature and climate of the your destination country. Because these can vary from summer to summer, it is important to check current and expected conditions. Pack clothes suitable for this kind of an experience.

A Note on Dress

• While traveling with The Fellowship you are an ambassador not only for the program but also your country. Please dress modestly and appropriately. In addition, some rural areas where the group will be staying are more conservative and traditional in the way they dress; it is important to be respectful and dress accordingly.

  • Shorts for both men and women should be on the longer side (closer to the knee).

  • Clothing should be worn fairly loose and shoulders should be covered (for warmer climates, you can wear thicker strap tank tops but please bring a light sweater or shawl should you need to cover your shoulders).

• Clothes to be comfortable, compact, versatile, durable and quick to dry (access to an electric washer/dryer is often limited).

  • You will likely be handwashing your clothes in the shower/sink.

• Shoes should be comfortable, broken in, and versatile—bring as few pairs as possible.

• You will need one nice outfit suitable for a meeting with a dignitary, religious ceremony or celebratory dinner.

• NO LOGOS. Please do not wear clothing with brand logos outside of Nyah Project (we cannot use images of you wearing branded clothes due to trademark purposes). Solid color or decorative print clothing is fine.

• For warmer climates, clothing made of lightweight, natural (cotton, linen, silk, bamboo, etc.), and or quick-dry materials are best.

• For cooler climates, plan to wear layers for changing temperatures rather than bringing bulky sweaters and thick jackets.

• AIRPORT ATTIRE: closed-toe sneakers, socks, comfortable pants, Nyah Project t-shirt, and lightweight sweater/sweatshirt (airplanes get cold!)

Prescription Medications
Make sure to keep any medications or vitamins in their original containers, and bring enough for the entire duration of your program. Also, bring a paper copy of your prescription from your doctor in case you lose your medication. Travel with all essential medications in your carry-on luggage. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring a spare pair, as they are often difficult to replace if lost. If you are diabetic and traveling with syringes, be sure to bring a certificate or letter from your doctor.

Other Medications
While you will not need an entire first aid kit, do bring the medication you normally use for minor ailments like body aches, upset stomach, or bug bites. Also bring the toiletries and sanitary items you are used to using. Girls should bring enough feminine hygiene products for the duration of the program. It is often difficult to find the same products you use while abroad.

Valuables and Electronics
Leave valuables at home. Do not bring laptops, hairdryers, or other expensive or large electronics. If you choose to bring small electronics, remember to bring your own plug adaptor and voltage converter (which can be obtained from a travel store, Best Buy, or Amazon) and a back-up supply of batteries. Additional information on the use of electronic internationally is included in this travel guide.

Clothing Recommendations

Please note the recommended packing list below.  Note that recommended items are separated for warm and cool climate programs. Required & additional optional items are listed below.

Warm Climate Recommendations (Ghana, Indonesia, Costa Rica)

• 1 lightweight sweater/sweatshirt 

• 1 light rain jacket

• 1 lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun protection

• 4–5 t-shirts (NO LOGOS) - this includes your 2 Nyah Project t-shirts

• 2-3 pairs of shorts (athletic shorts are fine but NO booty shorts!)

• 1–2 pairs of lightweight pants (lightweight hiking pants, athletic pants, or yoga pants are great)

• 1 set of sleep clothes

• 10–12 pairs of underwear

• 3–5 pairs of cotton/normal socks

• 1 swimsuit— for women, one-piece, with water shorts

• 1 pair of sandals (e.g., tevas, chacos, something for walking outdoors)

• 1 pair of running or lightweight walking shoes

• 1 nice outfit for special occasions. Because of local customs, the following items are recommended for females but not mandatory: pashmina or shawl.

Colder Climate Recommendations (Namibia)

• 2-3 lightweight sweater/sweatshirt 

• 1 waterproof, warm winter/fall jacket

• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes/sneakers

• 1–3 long-sleeve shirts

• 2 Nyah Project t-shirts

• 2–3 pairs of lightweight pants (lightweight hiking/athletic pants are great)

• 1-2 pair of sturdy pants (jeans, dickies, etc.)

• 1 set of sleep clothes

• 10–12 pairs of underwear

• 3–5 pairs of cotton/wool warm socks

• 1 swimsuit— for women, one-piece, with water shorts

• 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots (ankle length, with support) 

• 1 pair of flip-flops (for showers)

• 1 nice outfit for special occasions. Because of local customs, the following items are recommended for females but not mandatory:  pashmina or shawl.

REQUIRED ITEMS

• 1 small set of toiletries and personal products (travel size!)

• 1 towel—quick drying microfiber towels like this one are great!

• Sunglasses and/or hat (either baseball style or with all-around brim for shade)

• Money belt

• Nyah Project notebook

• pens

• hand sanitizer

• insect repellent

• baby wipes

• sunscreen and lip protection (at least SPF 30)

• plastic/reuseable bags—small Ziplocs and a few large garbage size bags (great for wet/dirty clothes or keeping clean clothes dry while traveling)

• Reuseable water bottle, ideally one with a built-in carbon filter (please only fill it with bottled water!)

• backpack for traveling and day trips

• Plug adapter and voltage converter (if necessary - please reference this Guide) (Click here for Fellows-recommended item from Amazon)

• International Student Identity Card

• Any necessary medication, including malaria medication (as prescribed)

Optional

• Snacks for the plane/airport/long bus rides. No liquids/gels. (You will also have opportunities to buy snacks in Ghana.)

• Prebiotics/probiotics for gut health

• small neck/travel pillow for airplane

• camera, charger, and adapters or extra batteries

• travel alarm clock/watch

• small flashlight with extra batteries

• Hand towel and/or wash cloth (again, quick dry/microfiber towels are highly recommended)

• Portable charger for long bus rides

• Vitamins

• Travel laundry detergent sheets or packets (if you don’t want to use regular soap) as you will likely be handwashing your laundry