{"id":101,"date":"2016-07-01T02:29:35","date_gmt":"2016-07-01T02:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/?page_id=101"},"modified":"2026-01-30T21:50:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:50:31","slug":"packing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/pre-departure\/packing\/","title":{"rendered":"Packing"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Checklist of things to pack<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Feynan-River.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-273 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Feynan-River-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"feynan-river\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Feynan-River-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Feynan-River-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/Feynan-River-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end of the program (and photocopy)<\/li>\n<li>Airline Ticket\/Itinerary (and photocopy)<\/li>\n<li>International Student Identity Card (optional)<\/li>\n<li>Insurance information (from GeoBlue and any additional health and\/or travel insurance)<\/li>\n<li>Certified copy of your birth certificate (in case your passport is lost or stolen)<\/li>\n<li>Debit and Credit Cards (and photocopy of front and back so you can have the information on hand should you need it).<\/li>\n<li>Medications in original containers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>General Packing Suggestions<\/h4>\n<p>Plan your packing carefully, keeping in mind that you will have to carry all of your own luggage while traveling. This means TRAVEL LIGHTLY. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough.<\/p>\n<p>Consider what you will use for luggage. Durable backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry.\u00a0 As you pack for the flight over, keep in mind that you will be carrying your luggage by yourself, sometimes over distances or in crowded places. To avoid over-packing, try walking around the block carrying your bags, then re-pack.\u00a0 It is also prudent to bring at least one bag or container that can be securely locked for storage of money or valuables, and a smaller bag that can be used for weekend trips out of town. Keep in mind that toiletries, household items, and clothes\u2014including many familiar brands&#8211; are widely available in Amman. It is also possible to buy decent, inexpensive clothes in budget stores and flea markets in Amman.\u00a0 You will receive a more comprehensive packing list from the staff in Jordan around two weeks before the start of the semester.<\/p>\n<p>You should be prepared for extremes in weather. The following are average low\/high temperatures in Jordan (in Fahrenheit):<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/LC-in-Snow.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-102 alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/LC-in-Snow-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"LC in Snow\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/LC-in-Snow-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/LC-in-Snow-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/LC-in-Snow.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>September\u00a0\u00a0 63-86<br \/>\nOctober\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 58-80<br \/>\nNovember\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 49-67<br \/>\nDecember\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 40-55<br \/>\nJan-Feb\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 40-55<br \/>\nMarch\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 45-62<br \/>\nApril\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 50-73<br \/>\nMay\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 60-82<\/p>\n<p>Bring clothing that is comfortable, durable, culturally appropriate, and suited for the climate. It is a good idea to bring warm clothes that can be easily layered during the winter months because of the fluctuations in daily temperatures, and because most flats and public buildings do not have central heating.\u00a0 You will be surprised by how cold it can get <em>inside<\/em> buildings in the winter months!\u00a0 Washing machines are usually available (you should bear in mind that water is scarce in Jordan though).\u00a0 Choose permanent press, and drip-dry materials; durable fabrics are preferable. Bring a few items for different occasions: sports, classes, and dress occasions.<\/p>\n<p>You will be walking a great deal, and Amman is a hilly city.\u00a0 Comfortable walking shoes are essential.\u00a0 Flip-flops are a good idea for showers, but are not a good idea for walking around the city, as they provide minimal traction and no support for your feet.\u00a0 (The streets and sidewalks of Amman are likely dirtier than you are used to, as well.)<\/p>\n<p>We recommend that you do not bring valuables, and do not store large sums of cash in your homestays.\u00a0 If, for any reason, you need to have valuables\/large sums of cash stored, please speak with on-site staff about it in order to find the most secure storage plan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other suggested items<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Overnight bag for program excursions and short trips out of town<\/li>\n<li>Shoulder bag or backpack for daily use and hiking<\/li>\n<li>Unlocked phone \/ any phone that can take a SIM card or an iPhone that you can set up and use while you&#8217;re there<\/li>\n<li>Sandals and flip flops<\/li>\n<li>Hiking shoes<\/li>\n<li>Swimsuit<\/li>\n<li>Zip-lock bags to use for wet clothes and other small items<\/li>\n<li>Travel-sized sewing kit (in checked bag)<\/li>\n<li>Camera, film\/memory cards, batteries<\/li>\n<li>Chargers for your devices<\/li>\n<li>Multi-vitamins<\/li>\n<li>Money belt<\/li>\n<li>Tour guide of the region (<em>Lonely Planet<\/em>, <em>Rough Guide<\/em>, or other)<\/li>\n<li>Plug adaptors \u2013 Jordan uses a variety of outlets, so a universal adapter is very useful. You can also purchase adapters in Jordan but they are not always of good quality. (Plug types can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldstandards.eu\/electricity\/plugs-and-sockets\/\"><b>here<\/b><\/a>. In Jordan, types C, F, and G are predominantly used.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Clothing<\/h4>\n<p>Amman is not as conservative as other Arab cities and you will see all types of clothing, but norms of dress are likely more conservative than what you may be accustomed to. You may notice that norms of dress in Amman are generally a bit more formal than what you\u2019re used to (Jordan University students wouldn\u2019t go to class in sweatpants or pajamas!).<\/p>\n<p>For men, it is improper to wear shorts that show the knees in most places in the city. You might bring one pair of shorts for wearing on trips to touristy areas.<\/p>\n<p>For both men and women, it\u2019s a good idea to be sure your midriff and back\/waist are covered when you bend over, so bring long shirts or undershirts if you have a lot of low-waist pants. Bring a bathing suit (Aqaba and the Dead Sea are amazing places to be in the water, and pools are available in upscale Amman hotels and gyms). Be aware that, at public beaches (i.e. outside of private hotels, clubs, and gyms), a woman in a bathing suit may attract unwanted attention.<\/p>\n<p>For women, bring comfortable, modest clothes that you enjoy wearing. It&#8217;s important to dress modestly, but also to feel good about what you&#8217;re wearing. You are likely to attract attention as a foreign woman, regardless of how \u201cloose\u201d your clothing is, but we encourage you to be respectful of local norms. You could bring a pair of both looser jeans and skinny jeans, and shirts that vary in modesty, but definitely bring at least one very modest outfit for more conservative occasions. In non-touristy areas of the country, as well as in many parts of Amman, it\u2019s best to cover your chest, shoulders, and your legs to the ankles in fabrics that are not see-through. On back-country trips or in very touristy areas, shorts and tank tops are ok. Also, bring modest nightwear and\/or a light robe. This is especially important if there are males in your homestay house.<\/p>\n<h4>Bed and Bath Linens<\/h4>\n<p>We do not recommend that you bring sheets, blankets, or pillows with you.\u00a0 They are too heavy and take up too much space in your luggage.\u00a0 Your host families will provide them for you, and these items can also be easily purchased in Jordan.<\/p>\n<h4>Toiletries<\/h4>\n<p>Toiletries are readily available throughout most of Jordan. If you are particular about brands, you may want to pack an appropriate supply of the articles you regularly use.\u00a0 Many American brands can be bought in Jordan, although local brands are less expensive.\u00a0 If you wear contact lenses, you may want to bring enough solution with you to last your entire stay as it is quite a bit more expensive in Jordan.\u00a0 Sunscreen is also very expensive in Jordan (because it is imported), though available.<\/p>\n<h4>Prescriptions<\/h4>\n<p>If you are taking any medication that is not available in Jordan, you should bring a full supply of what you will need with you.\u00a0 (It is a good idea to check the <a href=\"https:\/\/members.geobluestudents.com\/\"><strong>GeoBlue website<\/strong><\/a>, after you\u2019ve received confirmation that you\u2019ve been enrolled in the insurance plan, to make sure that your medications are available and legal in Jordan.)\u00a0 <b>Please make sure to check with staff regarding the medication you will bring, as some medications are illegal in Jordan<\/b>. Mailing medicines across international borders is complex and often impossible or illegal. Prescription medicines should be left in the original containers. You are also required to carry the original prescription or a note from your doctor to avoid questioning. Please also note that in the event that a prescription must be replaced in Jordan, you should have the generic name of your medication on the prescription, in addition to the U.S. brand name.\u00a0 Some medications are available in Jordan without a prescription, but you should not count on this.\u00a0 Contraceptives can easily be purchased and do not need a prescription.\u00a0 However, emergency contraception (i.e. morning after pills) and PrEP\/PEP <em>cannot<\/em> be purchased in Jordan.<\/p>\n<p>If you are under a doctor\u2019s care for a specific condition, you may want to bring a copy of your medical history with you or sign a release form with your doctor in case your medical history needs to be sent to a doctor in Jordan.<\/p>\n<h4>Electrical Appliances<\/h4>\n<p>Most electrical current in Jordan is 220 volts\/50 cycles, rather than the 110 volts\/60 cycles found in the United States. It is not recommended to bring small appliances (hair dryer, electric razor, etc), as these appliances will burn out immediately without an electrical converter, which can be expensive. Most mobile phones and laptops do not require a converter (just a plug adapter, easily purchased in Amman), but always check your chargers carefully before plugging them in in Jordan to be sure they automatically adapt to the 220\/50 current. (A full list of which countries use which plug types can be found <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldstandards.eu\/electricity\/plug-voltage-by-country\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>.)<\/p>\n<h4>Computers<\/h4>\n<p>Please bring a laptop with you to Amman. On-site staff will provide all students with campus wireless access.\u00a0 Wireless is also provided at the Middlebury School office near the North Gate, and in some caf\u00e9s around UJ.\u00a0 Some students opt to purchase a Zain or Umniah USB internet modem (Zain seems to be the preferred network), which costs around 20 JD and can be refilled every month depending on usage (10-20 JD), but this is generally not necessary as most students are able to connect their phone to wifi on a regular basis for data. All host families provide internet for the students. Internet access at your host family\u2019s house is not to be used for data-intensive uses, because this can quickly deplete your host\u2019s data allowance unless they clearly state it is unlimited (some have a fiber connection).<\/p>\n<p>Please be aware that while many people in the cities carry their laptops around with them, and Jordan is generally very safe, you should be very careful as thieves target laptops.\u00a0 Be mindful not to forget your laptop or cell phone in public transportation; you might not be able to get them back.<\/p>\n<p>You may want to bring a USB flash-drive with you for making presentations in class and printing homework assignments in copy\/print shops near the campus, though you can also share them electronically (Google Drive, email, WhatsApp).\u00a0 It is always a good idea to back up important files, whether on an external hard drive, a flash drive, or online, and have an anti-virus program installed on your computer.\u00a0 Always scan your flash drives after being used on other computers.\u00a0 Be sure to have back-ups for any hard or portable drives that you take abroad!<\/p>\n<h4>Gifts<\/h4>\n<p>As students will usually live with locals (Jordanian or otherwise), you may wish to present them with a small gift.\u00a0 You may also wish to have a couple small gifts with you for if you are invited to a professor or classmate&#8217;s house.\u00a0 It is best to select something that has significance to you and is packable and light.\u00a0 Consider the following items:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Books&#8211;with lots of photos from where you come from.<\/li>\n<li>Small souvenirs from your home country: postcards, fridge magnets, small handicrafts.<\/li>\n<li>Items representative of where you are from (i.e. Vermont maple syrup, chocolate).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Checklist of things to pack Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the end of the program (and photocopy) Airline Ticket\/Itinerary (and photocopy) International Student Identity Card (optional) Insurance information (from GeoBlue and any additional health and\/or travel insurance) Certified copy of your birth certificate (in case your passport is lost or stolen) Debit and Credit Cards (and photocopy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":95,"parent":54,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-101","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=101"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":575,"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/101\/revisions\/575"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/95"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/schoolsabroadhandbooks.middcreate.net\/jordan\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}