Recommended Packing List (*items are required)
- Photocopies of all documentation/tickets/passport *
- Health and Travel Insurance policies (health insurance required) *
- Emergency contact information *
- Money
There is NO Bank nor ATM in Isabela, bring sufficient cash. There is a MoneyGram and a Western Union, ATM and credit card cash advance is available in Santa Cruz. Traveler checks can also only be changed in Santa Cruz (see also the Handling your Money section of our website).
- Day pack or fanny pack
- Ziploc bags to keep what you need dry (books, maps, documents, film)
- A full prescription of any prescription medication you are currently taking.
- Feminine hygiene
- Swiss army knife or equivalent
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Beach towel and bath towel
- Specialty toiletry items
- Spare contact lenses and solution
- Insect repellent
- Sun block or Sunscreen (high SPF!!!, waterproof)
- Light rain jacket or rain poncho
- Light fleece jacket, sweater or sweatshirt (evenings)
- Short- and long-sleeved shirts
- Sun hat/ visor
- Sneakers, hiking boots or Tevas
- Teva-style sandals (for wet landings and around town)
- Sunglasses
- (Disposable) underwater camera
- Extra batteries (or rechargeable batteries and a battery charger)
- Chapstick
- Motion/sea sickness pills
- Travel alarm clock
- Binoculars
- Wet Suit, Lycra or "Shorty" (only suggested for those who intend to do a lot of snorkeling or surfing)
- Mask/fins/snorkeling equipment
- Spanish phrase book
- A personal first aid kit with the following items may be useful: pain reliever/aspirin, cold medicines, diarrhea medicine, laxative, insect protection, sunburn relief, antibacterial cream, prescription medication, Benadryl, Band-Aids, motion sickness medicine, an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses, moist towelettes, and a sewing kit.
NOTE: Students studying at IOI might want to spend a period of time in Quito, Ecuador at the start and/or end of the program. The altitude of Quito is 2850 m (9350 ft) above sea level. Because of its high elevation, Quito has a moderate climate even though it is just south of the Equator. In Quito (as in most parts of the Andes), you can experience all four seasons in one day, and therefore you should pack a few items of clothing with colder weather in mind. When packing, keep in mind that activities may include:
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Birdwatching
- Caving
- Biking
- Surfing