Colombia: Building a Culture of Peace Summer 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information ...... 3 Climate and Geography ...... 4 Local Customs ...... 4 Safety, Security, and Health ...... 6 Homestays ...... 7 Other Accommodations ...... 7 Transportation ...... 7 Communication ...... 7 Phones and E-mail ...... 7 Mailings ...... 8 Money ...... 8 Visitors and Free Time ...... 9 Clothing Guidelines ...... 10 Computers and Other Electronics ...... 10 Gifts ...... 11 What You Can and Cannot Obtain in Country ... 11 Alumni Contacts ...... 11

SIT Study Abroad - 2 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 COUNTRY OVERVIEW institutions, ’s history since acquiring independence from has been largely GENERAL INFORMATION characterized by a series of violent conflicts. Colombia is a democratic, constitutional republic with thirty-two departments. The country’s From 1899 to 1902, a bitter rivalry between the capital, Bogota has a population of over 8 million, or Conservative and Liberal parties resulted in over 16 percent of the country’s total population. The Thousand Days' War, which cost an estimated 100,000 lives. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the Colombia is listed as one of the world's parties returned to conflict after the assassination of “megadiverse” countries, hosting close to 10 percent Liberal candidate Jorge Eliécer Gaitán. During this of the planet's biodiversity. Its territory spans from time, known as “La Violencia,” over 300,000 the Amazon rainforest, vast open grasslands, Colombians lost their lives. tropical coastlines along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, and several small islands off the As a response to such violent partisan conflict, in coast of Nicaragua. Colombia’s rich, geographic 1957 the Conservative and Liberal parties proposed variety is matched by its incredible cultural diversity. a "National Front," whereby the parties would Each region boasts its unique customs, music, govern jointly. Every four years the presidency dialect, and cuisine. would alternate between the two political parties, while all other elective offices were split evenly. The National Front ended "La Violencia," but eventually evolved into its own form of political repression and corruption.

Marxist guerrilla groups began appearing in Colombia in the early 1960s. The first was the National Liberation Army (ELN), created by Colombian students who had studied in Cuba. Soon after, the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) were founded, which was more connected to Soviet-influenced communist

movements. The 1970 election that declared victory Spanish conquest of modern-day Colombia began to another National Front conservative president in 1525, with the founding of Santa Marta on the gave rise in to another guerrilla group, the 19th of north coast. In 1533, Pedro de Heredia April Movement, or M-19. founded Cartagena de Indias, which quickly

developed into one of the Spanish empire’s primary The first paramilitary groups were organized by the naval bases and richest ports of trade for stolen Colombian military, following advice and funding treasures and kidnapped African from US counterinsurgency advisors during the Cold slaves. Bogotá was founded a few years later in War. Paramilitaries, in particular the United Self- 1538 and named capital of the Spanish Empire’s Defense Groups of Colombia (AUC), have grown to New Granada territory, including modern day control the majority of Colombia’s illegal drug trade Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, , Panama, and are responsible for the majority of the war’s and parts of and Brazil. massacres as well.

Gran Colombia’s liberation movement began in Negotiations between the Colombian government 1810, with Simon Bolivar leading the territories to and rebel forces began in the early 1990s. victory and independence in 1819. By 1830, Gran Colombia dissolved into three separate countries: September 26, 2016, President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC leader Timoleón Jiménez signed Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia. Despite a long-negotiated peace accord during an maintaining economic growth and its democratic

SIT Study Abroad - 3 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 international ceremony in Cartagena. Although a public vote that October rejected the agreement, a The Caribbean Coast has two seasons: wet and dry. month later the Colombian government and FARC The first wet season is from May to June, with signed a revised deal ratified by Congress. The UN another rainy period from October to November. monitored the three-step disarmament process, This later wet season tends to feature much which was completed in August 2017. In 2018, Iván stronger rain storms than the earlier wet season. Duque won the presidency on a campaign that was During these times of the year, torrential downpours highly critical of the peace accords and promised to can develop in just minutes, so you need to be lessen the accords’ leniency to FARC members, prepared with truly waterproof (not “water-resistant”) with greater prison sentences and less economic rain gear and an umbrella. and political benefits. Due to Cartagena and Sincelejo’s tropical climate, Today the Colombian government and civil society mosquitos can be common, so it is recommended to continue the complex process of building peace, be prepared with mosquito repellent as well. with critical issues such as mass migration from Venezuela, the continued assassinassions of social LOCAL CUSTOMS leaders, and deeply embedded political corruption As mentioned above, Colombia is an incredibly growing as primary complicating factors. diverse, multicultural country. Racially speaking, the country is made up of mestizos, whites, Afro- CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY descendants and First Nations people. Each of the Colombia can be divided into six very six regions feature distinct customs and ways of life. distinct geographies, each with different climatic Even within these regions, each city has specific conditions. These consist of the Andean Region, the traditions, holidays, dialect and cuisine. For colder, high altitude sector that forms the most example, Barranquilla is a city just two hours away populous region of Colombia; the Caribbean from Cartagena, yet despite both being large coastal Region, covering the hot, tropical territory adjacent urban centers, the two cities have very distinct to the ; the Pacific Region, a dense identities. jungle area with some of the highest precipitation rates in the world; the Orinoquía Region, a sparsely There are especially prominent differences derived populated region of vast grassland plains along the from rural or urban conditions as well, given that border with Venezuela; the Amazon Region, rural communities are far less populated, tend to be comprising just 10 percent of the famously more conservative, and are characterized by higher biodiverse rainforest that crosses into eight other levels of poverty. Throughout the country’s armed South American countries; and finally the Insular conflict, rural regions suffered especially. Massacres Region, comprising islands in both the Atlantic and and violence in rural Colombia led to massive Pacific oceans. displacement from these areas into the cities. As such, today the country has a primarily urban Cartagena, Sincelejo and the rest of the Caribbean population, with over 76 percent of Colombians Region enjoy tropical climates and some of the currently living in cities. highest temperatures in the country, with a high of 95°F to a low of 78°F. The humidity averages high Despite such cultural diversity, there are a few at about 80%. June and July are summer months, aspects that remain constant and which need to be expect temperatures above 90°F (32°C). The sun is observed by students: particularly strong in Cartagena, so be prepared with - Greeting: always greet with enthusiasm and a good UV protection including light-colored clothing, smile (not observing this rule is considered plenty of sunscreen, and a hat. Due to such high rude). Depending on the time of the day, saying temperatures, hydration is critical for your health buenos dias, buenas tardes, or buenas noches while in Cartagena, so it is important to keep a water is a must. Colombians tend to greet with a kiss bottle on hand at all times. on the cheek, regardless of gender.

SIT Study Abroad - 4 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 - Informing your homestay family at all times Diet about where you are and respecting your SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning family hours. This is also a must for any type of opportunities where students become embedded in family in Colombia. Failing to do this is their host community. As such, we strive to considered highly disrespectful and is a source accommodate serious food allergies where possible of stress and discomfort for the local families. but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions - Time: Colombians give their time and attention or non-medically mandated diets can be to the person or task in the moment. This means accommodated. that appointments and meetings often are delayed. Students are expected to be on time Students are encouraged to participate in the local but encouraged to be patient and understanding food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By if events or meetings do not occur precisely on trying to replicate your diet at home you may miss time or run late. out on an important part of your host culture. Due to - Invitations: Guests are treated very well. If you the unique living and learning community central to invite someone to do something or eat all SIT programs, we cannot separate food and somewhere, and especially if you specifically eating communally (including with your host family) use the phrase “te invito,” you will be expected from the program experience. Please consider local to pay, or vice versa. While we encourage you to diet seriously when selecting your program of make friends, do not accept invitations from choice. Your admissions counselor is a great people you are not acquainted with in some resource in better understanding the local diet. manner. Always go to places you know or are in an area your familiar with. The typical Colombian diet varies somewhat by - Take responsibility for your own safety. Like region, but typically consists of rice, starches, red in any Latin American country, individuals need meat, chicken, or seafood, and fresh fruit juices. A to be attentive about their safety, especially in very common food item throughout both Colombia cities. There is a Colombian saying, “no dar and Venezuela is the arepa, a flat, round, corn-flour- papaya,” which means do not make yourself based item that can be grilled, baked, fried, boiled or vulnerable. Cartagena is a generally a safe, steamed. Each region featuring a specific style of touristic city. But especially when in crowds, on arepa, with different complementary ingredients. public busses, while outside of the historic center, or anywhere in the evening, it is Breakfasts are small, and generally consist of light, important to be conscious of your surroundings sugary coffee, juice, an arepa, cheese, and perhaps and mindful of cellphones, money, or any eggs or sausages. Lunch is the main meal of the clothing or jewelry that might call attention. It is day and usually includes a soup, meat or fish, a particularly recommended that you do not walk starch (such as plantains, yuca or potatoes), and around looking at your cellphone. If you need to sometimes a small salad of lettuce and tomato. Rice make a call, respond to a text or consult a map, accompanies almost all dishes. step into a store (or a similar place) to use your phone. - Restrict or avoid the use of alcohol. Even though in Colombia the use of alcohol is largely admitted and encouraged, students need to remember that they are not part of the culture, so they could face major risks (theft, injuries, or even sexual abuse). Most of the major problems at Study Abroad programs are related to the use of alcohol or other drugs.

SIT Study Abroad - 5 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 Cartagena is well known for their variety of fried healthcare resources for most any need, including foods, often sold by street vendors. One can also dental, vision, and mental health care. find juice, coffee (or “tinto”), and fruits sold by street Students are thoroughly briefed on safety vendors throughout the city. As a premier touristic considerations during in-country orientation and are destination, Cartagena also hosts a wide diversity of updated throughout the semester if and when restaurants, featuring many traditional Colombian circumstances change. For information regarding foods along with premier international cuisine. safety and security, emergency communications, Bottled water is readily available in most areas. SIT policies, illness and accident insurance, and Most students come to enjoy the food, especially the general program tips, please read the Safety, wonderful variety of fried treats, fruits and juices. Security, and Health document and Student Handbook. Students adhering to a vegan or kosher diet may have difficulty eating a balanced diet in Colombia, During orientation, as well as on an ongoing basis throughout the program, safety and security as many dairy/egg products are regularly guidelines and rules are fully communicated and consumed, and vegetables are not a staple. students have a chance to internalize the Vegetarians should be fine, especially if they are information through discussions. able to be flexible. Be aware that even non-meat dishes may be cooked with lard, beef broth, chicken Cartagena, like any big city in the world, presents broth, etc. Also, vegetarians should know that certain health and safety risks requiring individuals “vegetarian” in Latin America is usually assumed to to take appropriate precautions. During orientation mean avoidance of red meat; you may still be and before excursions, students will receive safety served fish and chicken unless you specify your and security briefings about specific local conditions. preference. The most common issues students have faced in

the past have been robberies and pickpockets. Note: if you have special dietary needs, including Students who bring electronic equipment (i.e. allergies, please inform our office prior to the start of laptops, cameras, etc.) must be conscious that your program. We will advise you on realistic these items tend to be quite expensive in Colombia, expectations about avoiding or incorporating certain therefore conveying an image of wealth. It is crucial foods within the program context. to be very careful about your visible use of such items while in public and even outdoor parts of your SAFETY, SECURITY, AND host family’s home (such as a street-facing HEALTH balcony).

Maintaining good health is critical to having a Nightlife in Cartagena is very active, so there is successful semester. To help you do that, we have great temptation to go out in the evenings. When provided Health Guidelines and Requirements for returning home at night you should always travel in your program. a minimum of pairs, if not small groups, and use registered taxis. It is not acceptable to return home It is very important that you read the Health after midnight during the week. Weekend behavior Guidelines and Requirements document as early as must depend upon and respect your host family possible and examine it with your medical provider. norms. The guidelines include recommended immunizations (including Yellow Fever); and Cartagena has a very traditional, “machista” culture, valuable information on how to avoid exposure to common carriers of disease. and gender roles are clearly defined. While Cartagena does not have as progressive of a There are excellent healthcare facilities and LGBTQ culture as other larger cities in the country, pharmacies available in major cities in Colombia as there is an increasingly understanding culture well as good private clinics in many smaller cities toward individuals identifying as LGBTQ. Individuals and towns. In general, private clinics and hospitals will generally not be putting themselves at risk by are better than state-owned healthcare facilities. being open about their identity, however, such The program staff has information concerning open-mindedness cannot be guaranteed in the

SIT Study Abroad - 6 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 On this program, you will be staying in a homestay in Cartagena (4 weeks) and a village/rural community (3 days – 1 week). This arrangement allows you to experience two distinct ways of life, as well as history, cultural customs, and socio- economic conditions, in two different locations in Colombia. OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS When you are not staying with host families (i.e. during orientation, excursions, etc.) you will stay in small hotels or hostels. entirety of the Colombian population and may be much less present outside of Cartagena. Please do TRANSPORTATION not hesitate to discuss any questions about Most Colombians travel around town by bus. Local behavior or communication around sexual identity city buses run very frequently and cost very little. issues with your academic director. There are also numerous taxis, which usually have meters for daytime use or shared taxis with pre- HOMESTAYS established routes that transport different As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, the passengers at the same time. At night the price homestay experience can be one of the most should be agreed upon before you get in the taxi. rewarding and most challenging aspects of the program. We hope you will come prepared for the Students typically travel on average 20 – 40 minutes experience and committed to moving beyond between their primary homestay, classes, and/or cultural immersion as you begin to question, placement sites. Student travel by walking, bus, or distinguish, and analyze the host culture vis-à-vis taxi. your own culture and come to a deeper understanding of both. COMMUNICATION While you may want to be in regular communication Family structures vary in every culture. SIT Study with friends and family from home during the term Abroad values the diversity of homestay families, abroad, please bear in mind that different time and your family may include a single mother of two zones, unreliable phone lines, and changing small children or a large extended family with many program activities can complicate communication. people coming and going all the time. Additionally, please bear in mind that, in many countries, the idea It’s important to be clear with family and friends of what constitutes a “home” may be different from about your availability during the term. Many what you expect. You will need to be prepared to students recommend making an appointment to call adapt to a new life with a new diet, a new schedule, home or to receive a call. You should also consider new people, and new priorities and expectations. the impact of constant communication with friends and family at home on your cultural immersion. Each program’s homestay coordinator will be responsible for placing students in homestays. These placements are made first based on health PHONES AND E-MAIL concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs, As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and to the extent possible. Please note: in order to security, all students are required to have a ensure the best fit for students and families, SIT working smart phone capable of making and may make final adjustments to homestay receiving both local and international calls placements after student arrival in country. throughout the duration of the program. For that Therefore, SIT will not provide information about purpose students are required to either (a) bring an your homestay family before you depart for the open, unlocked smart phone from the U.S. to the program. program that is able to accept a local SIM card, and is compatible with and usable at the program

SIT Study Abroad - 7 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 location, (b) work with the academic director within responsible for duty and storage fees. In addition, the first week upon arrival in country to purchase a there are cases of items being lost in the mail or smart phone locally, or (c) bring a dual SIM smart taking so long to reach the recipient that the phone. During orientation, with assistance from SIT recipient is nearly back in the US by the time the Study Abroad staff, students will learn how to use items are received. For these reasons, sending their cellphone, how to purchase and use an packages should be done only for emergency appropriate local SIM card, and how to acquire situations. Additionally, sending valuables is highly minutes for calls and texting. SIT Study Abroad discouraged. requires that each student have a local number for For this program, DHL and FedEx services are communication with the homestay family and available in country. Despite cheaper prices, program staff. reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised due While we recognize that alternative communication to delays and unreliability. When given the option, methods can be free or cheaper than cell service i.e. it’s always a good idea to send packages certified Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, etc. those programs and with a tracking number that allows the sender to alone do not satisfy our need for regular track the package. communication with the local program staff and If it is necessary for someone to send you mail then partners, nor do they meet our emergency posted letters and packages should be sent to the communication needs. Therefore, local cellular following address: capacity on each student’s phone is required for the duration of the program. Students are required to Address will be provided in May prior to maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all departure. times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this policy is expected. MONEY Since you will obtain a local phone number, do not In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program purchase an international plan for your US phone fees cover room and board throughout the program. number unless you have a dual SIM smart phone. A When room and/or board are not taken with the local SIM card for your unlocked smartphone will group, students will be given a stipend to cover cost approximately $10. Students will be responsible related expenses. SIT will cover daily commuting for maintaining minutes on their phones and costs, if any, and excursions that are part of the reasonable phone usage should cost about $25 per normal program itinerary. month. If you do not have an unlocked smartphone, a smartphone can be purchased locally and will cost The official currency of Colombia is the Colombian upwards of $120. peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. Students can check country currency and current exchange Net-to-phone service (approximately US$.25 per rates at: http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ minute to the US) is available at many Internet cafés, allowing you to make very inexpensive We advise that you bring a couple hundred dollars international phone calls. Most major calling cards in cash (in small bills) and leave the rest of your (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) will work from any phone, money accessible through an ATM card. Most though they cost a lot more. Dialing collect is very students access funds from their US bank accounts expensive. Host families generally prefer that you using their VISA or MasterCard debit cards. Any receive calls rather than make them. debit card that is linked to the PLUS or CIRRUS networks should also work at ATMs in country. Students will have access to internet while at the Credit cards (VISA, American Express, MasterCard) SIT program center. will work in many stores, although there may be a surcharge that can be up to 8%. However, even if MAILINGS you plan to use an ATM card you should also bring Unlike receiving a package here in the US, receiving cash. It is very complex and expensive to wire a package at your program site is usually money from the US to Colombia, so bring and/or expensive and problematic. Customs agents must have access (via ATM card) to enough money for inspect all packages and you, as the recipient, are the entire semester. Do not bring traveler’s

SIT Study Abroad - 8 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 checks as they are very difficult and problematic to VISITORS AND FREE TIME exchange. SIT strongly discourages and will not provide If using a debit and/or credit card, you should support for any visitors to students during the contact your bank and/or credit card companies term, due to the rigorous nature of the program and regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform these the disruption that such visits cause in program flow companies that you will be away, they will often and group dynamics. Students should be sure that assume the card has been lost or stolen and will put relatives and friends are aware of this policy and an immediate hold on the card. You should also that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal check on costs of withdrawal, as these costs vary conclusion of the program. Students will not be and can sometimes be very expensive. Renewing excused from program components to attend to and receiving reissued credit and debit cards while visitors. See the Attendance and Participation on the program will be an expensive and highly inconvenient process. Before you leave for your section of the Student Handbook. program, please check the expiration dates on your Please note that any visitors during the course of cards to ensure that they will not expire while you the program must plan their own independent are abroad. It is also very important that you make accommodations; SIT Study Abroad homestay photocopies of all your debit/credit card information families can accommodate only their assigned and leave them with someone you trust in case your card(s) is/are lost or stolen. student and, due to cultural and contractual understandings with SIT, should not be asked to Following are suggestions for spending money host students’ guests. during the program, including estimates for During the program, students follow an intense textbooks, ISP-related expenses, medical expenses, schedule of classes and field-based learning personal spending, and gifts. Figures are based on recent student evaluations, though individual assignments. Free time for pursuing an independent spending habits vary widely and these costs are interest or hobby during the program will be limited. averages. Your admissions counselor can advise you about particular interests you may have. For example, if A suggested total amount of money to budget you must keep in shape for your next athletic ranges from US$800 to $1,000. To determine where season, or if you play a musical instrument and want you might fall in this range, please examine your to know whether to bring it, we can help you to spending habits during a typical semester at your understand your schedule and any concerns or home school and consider any exceptional limitations that may exist. Please note that you will expenditures you may have on the program, not have a long break during the program, such as including travel costs for your planned ISP or a Thanksgiving or Spring Break. specific personal expense. Opportunity for independent travel during the Please budget approximately: program is limited and cannot be guaranteed due to the rigorous schedule and disruption independent Personal spending: $600 travel may cause to semester responsibilities. Requests to travel independently will be considered Books, printing, supplies: $50 on a case by case basis by the academic director. Up-front medical costs: $50/visit Further details regarding the independent travel policy can be found in the Student Handbook. Cell phone costs: $50

Transportation costs: $50

Estimated total: $800-1000

SIT Study Abroad - 9 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 dressing accordingly. It is not necessary to be PACKING GUIDELINES fashionable, just neat and clean.

Women especially take great care in their appearance and you will rarely see women in casual LUGGAGE wear such as flip-flops or exercise wear. Although Please pack lightly and include only necessary temperatures are high all year long on the items. You should be able to carry all your luggage Caribbean Coast, shorts and revealing clothes are significant distances on your own. Try to minimize not considered professional nor appropriate for both the number of bags and weight of your bag(s) professional or academic meetings. It is very since you will likely be acquiring more belongings important to have at least one set of clothes for while abroad. formal occasions. Rural communities are often more Many students find that a large internal frame conservative. Be mindful of this fact as you pack. backpack and a smaller daypack/duffel are the most convenient choices for luggage, however it is up to For the excursions, bring clothes that are easy to you. wash, no iron needed, and lightweight. Some comfortable trekking shoes may also be useful. If carrying prescription medications, you should carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the COMPUTERS AND OTHER “General Health Tips” section in the Safety, ELECTRONICS Security, and Health pre-departure document.) It is recommended that you bring a laptop computer. If you bring a laptop, the computer will be your Please check the current requirements of the personal property and responsibility. It is Transportation Security Administration recommended that you insure your computer, (http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline smartphone, or other valuables for full coverage. on which you are flying for domestic and SIT is not responsible for any duty tax you may have international baggage restrictions. to pay when you enter the country, theft, or loss. CLOTHING GUIDELINES Internet access is very good throughout Cartagena, While informal dress is acceptable and common in and there is a wide variety of cafes where you can most settings, it is essential to keep a neat, clean work online in comfort. Small towns and rural areas, appearance. Jeans with holes, sloppy T-shirts, tank however, do not have good access. The cost of renting time on a computer with high-speed Internet tops, etc., are discouraged. People in offices and access is about US$2 /hour in Internet cafés. In development agencies are apt to be much more smaller cities, Internet access can cost up to open and responsive if the visitor shows respect by US$2.50 per hour.

Past students have found it quite helpful to have a laptop for assignments, but you must be prepared for the risk of damage or theft that carrying such expensive equipment involves.

Please see the following website for information about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters. http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/. In Colombia the voltage is 110V (same as in the US). Outlet adapters (3-prong to 2-prong) can be purchased if necessary.

SIT Study Abroad - 10 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 GIFTS WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT As you might imagine, it is best to be prepared with OBTAIN IN COUNTRY a gift to offer your homestay family in gratitude for Many American brands of hygiene products and their hospitality and as a means to share a part of toiletries can be bought in Colombia, though usually your culture with them. We suggest one or two gifts only in large supermarkets or shopping malls. that the whole family can enjoy. You may also wish Imported items can be quite expensive but quality to consider gifts for people outside your homestay local brands are usually fine. Please note that family. Try to choose gifts that represent you or the typically only OB tampons are available. You can part of the country and/or community you live in. purchase some small items once you are here, such Think about what your city, state, or local artisans as toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Bring some to get produce. Draw upon your personal interests or you started, but you don’t have to bring enough for hobbies for ideas. Pack a couple of small gifts for the entire summer. School supplies are easy to find children, such as small games, bubbles, or a and inexpensive. You can find almost any item of Frisbee. Even if your homestay family does not have clothing you need in Cartagena, or in the artisan small children, chances are that you will engage markets, varying considerably in quality and cost. with children in your homestay community. Once you are on the program and learn more about the local culture, you will discover other ways to thank ALUMNI CONTACTS your family. Remember to bring pictures of your If you have further questions, please contact your friends and family to share. admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni contact: https://studyabroad.sit.edu/admissions- Remember, in this program, you will have 2 aid/application-process/contact-a-former- homestay experiences: Cartagena and a rural student/. village. Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page! These packing guidelines are based on suggestions from past students and your academic director.

SIT Study Abroad - 11 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20 PACKING LIST OPTIONAL GENERAL - CLOTHING o Travel guide o 5–6 mixed long and short-sleeved t-shirts o Waterless anti-bacterial hand gel/towelettes o 3-5 blouses/nice shirts o Ziplock storage bags o 2-4 pairs light-weight pants and/or jeans o Small camera and film/batteries (please insure o 2-3 pairs long shorts (mid-thigh or knee-length, valuable cameras) no short-shorts) o Underwear and both long and short socks (2- week supply) o Pajamas o Slippers or flip flops (for use inside house and on excursions) o 1 pair comfortable sneakers/sturdy shoes for walking o 1 pair sandals o 1 pair nice shoes o Rain gear (waterproof jacket, poncho, or umbrella) o Light sweater or jacket o Swimsuit o 1 nice outfit suitable for a social event

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS o Passport o Yellow WHO Card (see the Safety, Security, and Health document for more information) with proof of Yellow Fever vaccination o 2 color photocopies of your passport stored separately from your actual passport o Photocopy of visa (if applicable)

HEALTH/TOILETRIES o Adequate supply of any medications you use regularly o Small first aid kit (most supplies can be bought in country) o Extra eye glasses and/or contact lenses o Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) o Insect repellent

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS o An open, unlocked smart phone (see Phones section for more details) o Sunglasses and/or hat o Small, quick-drying towel o Fold-up umbrella o Flashlight o Homestay family gifts (2 homestays) o Latin American Spanish/English dictionary o Reusable water bottle o Small luggage lock o Mosquito net (or purchase in-country)

SIT Study Abroad - 12 Flight, Passport, and Visa Information 2/20/20