STUDENTSInternational
Guatemala 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.


Dress Guidelines:

  • No short skirts or dresses be worn (they must be knee length or longer and worn with a slip if needed; nothing that shows cleavage or that is overly tight)
  • No shorts at any time (unless it is in the Sports site or in any athletic activities), in any athletic activity, shorts must touch the knee
  • No leggings, lycra, or yoga pants
  • No low cut jeans. No jeans/pants with rips or holes above the knee (no thigh showing).
  • No shirts exposing the midriff, low cut tops, or spaghetti straps. Tank tops with straps measuring at least 4 fingers wide are allowed.
  • You may be asked to remove your piercing, depending on the situation.
  • You may be asked to cover your tattoo, depending on the situation.
  • You must wear closed-toe shoes at all times in the sites.

What to pack:

  • Personal toiletry items
  • One towel & wash cloth
  • Water bottle (labeled with your name)
  • Spending money (about $50 - $100)
  • Passport & photo copy of passport
  • Lightweight Bible, pen or pencil, journal
  • Personal medications
  • Bug repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunscreen
  • Host family gift
  • Other: flashlight, small day pack, small umbrella
  • Optional:
  • -light blanket
  • -Snacks: You may want to bring a few of your favorite snacks, especially for travel days or in between meals. Good options include granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, crackers, or protein bars.

Clothes:

  • 4 - 5 pair of pants, jeans
  • 1 – 2 nice, but casual sets of clothes for church & banquet
  • 5 casual shirts and/or t-shirts
  • 1 pair knee length shorts (more if serving at the Sports Site)
  • 1 rain jacket + 1 sweater or sweatshirt
  • 1 wind breaker or light jacket
  • Socks and underwear
  • Modest sleepwear
  • One pair flip flops
  • One pair walking shoes
  • Second pair of shoes (walking sandal or tennis shoes)
  • Rain boots (optional – rainy season May to Sep)

Ministry Site Dress Code:

  • AG | AT Sites: Jeans or long pants (no shorts) --- t-shirt (no sleeveless shirts or tank tops) --- rough terrain boots/shoes or low top hiking boots --- Rain coat/umbrella in summer --- Hats --- Work gloves --- No sandals. Important to bring hand sanitizer!
  • Creative Art Site: Jeans or long pants (no shorts) --- t-shirt (no sleeveless shirts or tank tops) —- One set of closes you don’t mind getting paint stains. Closed-toe shoes --- no sandals.
  • Tutoring Site: Jeans (no shorts, no pants with holes) --- T-shirt/blouses (no sleeveless shirts or tank tops) --- Comfortable shoes for walking/playing (closed-toe shoes --- no sandals) --- Raincoat/umbrella in summer --- Layers (it’s cool inside, but hot in the sun).
  • Health Care Site: Scrubs - If students working at Health Care do not already own scrubs they should not go out and purchase them. Closed-in shoes (no sandals) --- Nice pants (jeans are allowed but cannot be faded or have holes). The clinic is always pretty cold, so layers are recommended.
  • Microfinance Site: Nice blue jeans (no shorts, no pants with holes) - Nice t-shirts, polos or blouses (no sleeveless shirts or tank tops). Rough terrain boots/shoes or low-top hiking boots (no sandals or open-toed shoes).
  • Special Education Site | Women’s Social Work: Jeans or pants (no shorts, no pants with holes) ---- Skirts or Capri pants, below the knee --- Nice t-shirts and polos (no sleeveless nor tank tops) --- Tennis shoes or good walking shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes).
  • Sports Site: Athletic pants --- Knee length athletic shorts --- T-shirts (no sleeveless shirts or tank tops) --- Tennis shoes only.
  • Sponsorship: Jeans or pants (no shorts, no pants with holes) ---- Skirts or Capri pants, below the knee --- Nice t-shirts and polos (no sleeveless nor tank tops) --- Tennis shoes or good walking shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes).

General Notes:

  • Team Members will be staying in a mountain village and it will be cool (around 50 or sometimes cooler) in the mornings, evenings, and when it rains. We recommend packing clothes to wear that can be layered. Also, all participants will need to wear closed-toed shoes to morning devotions and Ministry Sites daily, approximately 7am to 3:30pm.