Travel & Health

Transportation

ALL flights will be booked by the Transportation Coordinator – Jon Yturralde, in cooperation with our amazing travel agent. YOU DO NOT NEED TO ARRANGE ANY FLIGHTS! He will be booking the flights and consulting with parents. More specific information will be coming to you and your student soon. 
 

SPECIAL NOTE FOR MINORS ENTERING SOUTH AFRICA: TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

In the past we have had a complicated process of forms, required by the South Africa Government, for students who are younger than 18 when they leave for South Africa. We may still need to do this process, but we’ve heard that it may have changed so we will update this section and email you once we know for sure.

Health & Immunization Info

READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY!

All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.

This is a summary of numerous travel health related websites. Visit these to answer any health questions you have about South Africa. Our assumption is that you and your parents will make personal decisions about vaccinations after reading the information at these links and consulting with your doctor.

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as those for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life.

CDC Recommended Routine Vaccinations

South Africa Health Recommendations:

CDC Webpage for South Africa

MD Travel Health Website for South Africa

Note that we will NOT be in a Malaria zone in South Africa and so we do not recommend that you take malaria medication.

IMPORTANT: Please bring a photocopy of your updated health record with you on the project.

Medications
Travelers' diarrhea is the most common travel-related ailment. The cornerstone of prevention is food and water precautions, as outlined below. All travelers should bring along an antibiotic and an antidiarrheal drug to be started promptly if significant diarrhea occurs.  Most cases of traveler's' diarrhea are mild and do not require either antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs. Adequate fluid intake is essential. We will have access to medical care in country.

General advice
Bring adequate supplies of all medications in their original containers, clearly labeled. Carry a signed, dated letter from the primary physician describing all medical conditions and listing all medications, including generic names. If carrying syringes or needles, be sure to carry a physician's letter documenting their medical necessity. Pack all medications in hand luggage. Carry a duplicate supply in the checked luggage. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring an extra pair. If you have significant allergies or chronic medical problems, wear a medical alert bracelet. Pack a personal medical kit, customized for your trip. Take appropriate measures to prevent motion sickness and jet lag.

Packing

Once you have your itinerary, check the flight regulations for carry-on luggage for every airline that you are flying with to and from country. Some may have lower weight maximums, or only allow one carry-on instead of two.

Guidelines: Pack appropriately!

• Everyone is limited to one 50 lb bag (preferably one that rolls and is easy for you to manage on your own)

• If you’re coming from Orlando, you may be asked to check an additional bag of resources and materials we need for the trip (we thank you ahead of time for your help)

• You may bring mp3 players/ipods or other forms of personal entertainment for the plane (but not after that).

• Students will not be able to use cell phones or any other device that gets internet on project. Internet will be provided on a weekly basis. Therefore bring a camera and some sort of alarm clock/watch with an alarm clock in it.

Suggested Items:

Baby Wipes (to keep you fresh and clean between showering opportunities)
Antibacterial Gel (a small container)
Dual Voltage electronics (South Africa supply electricity at 230 V and 50 HZ, so appliances like hairdryers, straighteners, etc. should be checked for the right voltage or you will need a converter)
Camera
Protein Bars and other snacks (especially if you’re a picky eater or have dietary restrictions)
Dramamine (for the plane if you get air sick or have a hard time sleeping)
Toilet Paper, 1 roll or tissue packets (might not always be readily available)
Ear Plugs (if you’re a light sleeper)
Travel Clock (since you will not have your phone to keep time)
Extra contact lenses if you wear them
Bug Spray

Required Items:
Travel Bible
Journal and a few pens
Email addresses of supporters to keep them updated (saved in an email is best
Personal First Aid Kit (band aids, pepto bismol, antihistamines (you never know what you may be allergic to over there), Advil, calamine lotion, Benadryl, etc)
Sunscreen (personal size)
Wrist Watch (you won’t have your phone to check the time)
Reusable Water Bottle (important for staying hydrated)
A few small gifts for other students, staff, and locals you become friends with (note cards, magnets, trinkets, candy, etc. from your host country or from America)

Project-Specific Items 

SOUTH AFRICA:
A New Teddy Bear for a gift for a patient at the Care Center in Port Shepstone
Plug Adapter: Type F

Clothes to Pack:

It will be WINTER in South Africa so as you pack don’t think about it being hot in Africa. Port Shepstone is temperate. It will likely be cooler at our debrief location. 

It will not be acceptable for us to look sloppy. We will be representatives of the ministry and must therefore look put together and professional when doing ministry on campus and with students.

However, looking nice does not mean that you need to have a different outfit for every day of the trip or for every day of the week. Most people repeat their clothing often, and so we will be doing the same. So one and a half week’s worth of clothing will be all that we ask you bring. When in doubt about if something is appropriate, err on the side of modesty. Serving in a ministry context usually means being more careful about how much of our skin is showing.

Guys Clothing:
5 nice shirts (polos or button ups - must have collar)
5 T-Shirts (that can get dirty or for you to lounge in - solid or with appropriate designs)
1 pair of khakis
2-3 pair of jeans
2 pair of shorts for tourist days or sleeping or maybe soccer that can get wet and dry quickly
Socks & undershirts
Modest sleepwear or sweats for sleeping
Athletic shoes (for our touring days, physical activity)
1 pair nicer shoes for campus and church
Sturdy sandals (not flip-flops) [OPTIONAL]
Underwear for 1.5-2 weeks (10-14)
One modest bathing suit (no speedos or speedo briefs/shorts)
All the toiletries that you will need for the entire trip, do not expect to buy refills
A lightweight jacket for the evenings and days that get cool
A couple of sweatshirts or something warm
Rainwear: waterproof or water resistant jacket or umbrella

Girls Clothing:
1-2 nice pants or Capris (not tight)
1-2 skirts or dresses, modest, touching knee
7 Tops (these can be button up, or basic tees but they need to look nice and professional, modest and no cleavage showing please)
5 T-Shirts (that can get dirty or for you to lounge in - solid or with appropriate designs)
2 pair of shorts (ones that can get wet or dirty and easily dry and clean)
2 pairs of jeans (not tight)
Nice sandals (meaning not flip flops) that are comfortable to walk long distances in. 
Athletic Shoes (for our touring days, physical activity)
All the toiletries that you will need for the entire trip, do not expect to buy refills
Travel Hair Dryers (need to be able to use the 220 currency and have adaptor)
NO FLAT IRONS unless you’re able to find dual currency irons
Anything else you’ll need to keep your hair looking nice
Underwear for 1.5-2 weeks (10-14 days)
Sports Bra
Socks for athletic shoes or other shoes
One modest [one piece or tankini] bathing suit and cover up
Modest sleepwear or sweats for sleeping
A lightweight jacket for the evenings and days that get cool
A couple of sweatshirts or something warm
Rainwear: waterproof or water resistant jacket or umbrella