STUDENTSInternational
Nicaragua 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 torso (ie crop tops or cut-outs)
  • Spaghetti straps
  • Leggings/yoga pants
  • Low cut necklines
  • Pants with holes
  • Short shorts (ie bike shorts/spandex), short skirts, or short dresses
  • Blow dryer or other hair appliances

Other Considerations:

  • Pajamas are not appropriate outside dorm rooms
  • Swimwear Required for women AND men: Fully covered torso (ie tank top, rash guard or one piece bathing suit) AND shorts (ie swim trunks or athletic shorts)
  • Limit jewelry or valuables
  • Piercings – Other than earrings, most piercings are not appropriate. If you have facial jewelry (nose ring, eyebrow ring, etc.) you may be asked to remove it. Earrings for guys are not allowed when serving in ministry sites.
  • All shorts, skirts & dresses should be knee-length or longer (including Sports Sites).
  • Tattoos – You may be asked to cover visible tattoos

What to pack:

  • Personal toiletry items
  • One bath towel & wash cloth
  • One beach towel (if going to the laguna)
  • 1-2 water bottles
  • Spending money (about $50 - $100 in small bills, not ripped/torn)
  • Passport & photo copy of passport
  • Lightweight Bible, pen or pencil, journal
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Aloe Vera
  • Personal medications
  • Other: travel alarm, watch, small day pack, small umbrella
  • Optional Items:
  • -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.
  • -Laundry Supplies: There may be an opportunity to wash laundry during the trip. If you’d like, you can bring a small amount of detergent—travel-sized liquid, detergent pods, powder, or even a laundry bar are all great options for flying and easy packing.

Clothes:

  • 4-5 pair of pants/jeans
  • 1 – 2 nice, but casual sets of clothes for church, dinner in the communities, & banquet
  • 7 casual shirts and/or t-shirts (tank-tops okay for girls, straps must be 3-4 fingers wide)
  • 2 pair knee-length shorts
  • 1 rain jacket
  • Socks and underwear
  • Modest sleepwear
  • One pair of flip flops (can be worn at the base)
  • One pair of closed-toe walking shoes
  • Second pair of shoes (sandals suitable for walking, tennis shoes, etc.)

Base Dress Code:

  • Same dress code applies at the Base as it does to ministry sites. Sandals/flip flops are ok to wear.

Church Dress Code:

  • Girls: Skirts/dresses must be knee-length. Nice jeans or pants with a blouse is also ok. Sandals are ok.
  • Guys: Nice jeans or pants with a nice shirt or polo. No shorts. No sandals. Closed-toe shoes.

Ministry Site Dress Code:

  • Women’s Social Work (Girls only): Jeans, pants, or knee-length shorts. T-shirt/blouse. Closed-toed shoes.
  • Sports (Guys only): Jeans, pants, or knee-length shorts. T-shirt. Closed-toed shoes.
  • Micro-finance: Jeans, pants, or knee-length shorts. T-shirt/blouse. Closed-toed shoes.
  • Health Care: Scrubs are most appropriate. A scrub top with jeans/nice pants is also ok. Closed-toe shoes.
  • English Tutoring: Jeans, pants, or knee-length shorts. T-shirt/blouse. Closed-toed shoes.
  • Education: Jeans, pants, or knee-length shorts. T-shirt/blouse. Closed-toed shoes.
  • Trade School: Jeans or pants. T-shirts (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Closed-toed shoes.
  • Physical Therapy: Scrubs are most appropriate. A nice polo/blouse and jeans is also ok. Closed-toe shoes. Swimwear (Required for women AND men: Fully covered torso (ie tank top, rash guard or one piece bathing suit) AND shorts (ie swim trunks or athletic shorts) and a pool towel.
  • Agriculture: Jeans, pants, or knee-length shorts. T-shirt (no tank tops or sleeveless shirts). Closed-toed shoes (ie work boots or tennis shoes). Other suggestions: Rain coat/umbrella, hat, work gloves.

Note:

  • Ministry Sites are out in the community which means that you will be walking, serving and playing with children in very dusty areas. For reasons of keeping your feet clean and protected we recommend wearing closed-toe shoes at your site. Sandals are great at the base.