STUDENTSInternational
Costa Rica Packing List

SI seeks to honor the communities in which we work in our conduct which includes the way we dress. This is why we ask for your unwavering compliance in the dress code. The dress code is in effect at all times – host family home, ministry site, free time.


What NOT to pack:

  • Shirts exposing midriff
  • Spaghetti strap tops
  • Low cut necklines or tight fitting clothing
  • Spandex shorts or yoga pants (allowed in site with aerobics/Zumba but with long shirt to cover back-side)

Other Considerations:

  • Pajamas are not appropriate outside host family
  • Limit jewelry or valuables
  • Piercings – most small piercings are ok. Please have team leader contact in-country staff if you have any questions.
  • Skirts & dresses should be knee-length or longer
  • Shorts length - must be mid-thigh or longer, includes shorts worn at the Sports Site and Social Services.

What to pack:

  • Personal toiletry items
  • One towel, washcloth, & beach towel
  • Water bottle (labeled with your name)
  • Spending money (about $50 - $100)
  • Passport & photocopy of passport
  • Lightweight Bible, pen or pencil, journal
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal Medications
  • Host family gift
  • Other: camera, flashlight, travel alarm, watch, small day pack, small umbrella

Clothes:

  • 3 pair of pants, jeans, and /or calf-length pants
  • 1 – 2 nice, but casual sets of clothes for church & banquet
  • 5 casual shirts and/or t-shirts (tank-tops okay for girls, straps must be 3-4 fingers wide)
  • 2 pair shorts, must be mid-thigh or longer
  • 1 set of active attire (more depending on your Ministry Site—see descriptions below)
  • 1 set of work clothes—Everyone should pack one set (painting, digging, cleaning, etc.)
  • 1 rain jacket + 1 sweater or sweatshirt
  • Socks and underwear
  • Modest sleepwear
  • Modest swimsuit (girls - one-piece or full-coverage two-piece only, no high-cut suits)
  • One pair flip flops
  • One pair walking shoes
  • Second pair of shoes (walking sandals or tennis shoes)

Ministry Site Dress Guidelines:

  • Tutoring Center | Women’s Social Work/Microfinance: Neat, clean, modest is the general rule of thumb. Good, comfortable walking shoes – shorts okay (must be mid-thigh or longer).
  • Boys & Girls Club: This is a very active site. Some days clothes to do aerobics, shorts okay (must be mid-thigh or longer) – Clothes to play soccer, and other activities in – Tennis shoes.
  • Sports | Women’s Health & Fitness: Athletic attire (within the dress code) – Tennis shoes, no sandals or flip flops – no cut-out shirts.
  • Creative Arts Workshop: Work clothes (clothes will get dusty and dirty) – shorts okay (slightly above the knee or longer) – closed-toe shoes only.
  • Community & Environmental Health: A mix of athletic wear, jeans, shorts and t-shirts, clothes that can get dirty.
  • Church: Team members should plan to dress casually for church. Guys usually wear jeans and a polo or button-down shirt. Girls normally wear jeans or slacks and a blouse. The biggest thing would be no shorts and no flip-flops.