Preparing For Jamaica

When preparing for the trip to jamaica, there were several things that were required. To keep in touch a Facebook group was created for the trip. This was used to learn about the members of the group and share any information that would be helpful, for example a packing list. Fundraising ideas are available if the trip seems too expensive, so don't let the pressure of paying prevent you from going!

Once you're confirmed for the trip the first important thing I was required to fill out was the Stevens study abroad portal with information such as; passport data, international medical insurance (which was provided by the school), release/terms and conditions, and a Stevens summer health form. This portal is used for convenience, if any records are needed while I’m abroad on the trip I can find it there.

Before the group leaves for the trip there is a required departure meeting that goes over the final details of the trip which include; flight information, itinerary of the trip, packing requirements, and trip expectations. This meeting was a good place to have all my questions answered. All flights are booked by the program through a travel agent and this information is given via email. If required, transportation was provided by the school to bring me to the airport.

A general packing list is provided by the program and questions/concerns about it can be answered in the meetings. I packed the basic toiletries and anything else that I felt was relevant to where I was going, for example, medicine that may not be available to me. Since the trip was in Jamaica, beach items were a must! T-Shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, and work gloves were very important items for the work days. I brought some cash with me for expenses even if a credit/debit card could be used. Bringing gifts for the kids is encouraged, so I bought basic schools supplies like pencils and markers. A water bottle, drawstring bag, and t-shirt were given to us by the program. Lastly, our phone plans don’t work in Jamaica, so bringing any other electronic devices besides a phone or camera for pictures was not necessary.

Overall, the preparation for this trip was very easy. With the use of the packing list, I found it easy to pack all the items I needed. Just keep in mind luggage restrictions by the airline. If you kept on top of submitting the information on the portal website and were punctual with responses to the trip leader/representative nothing felt too overwhelming. Now here I am the night before leaving and I can’t believe it's actually happening!

Let the trip commence!

Morgan

Aside from preparing for this trip, the excitement of being in Jamaica in less than 24 hours is overwhelming. I was the last person to sign up, and over the past 4-6 weeks I have been funding and preparing for this upcoming adventure. But in this crazy, hectic 4-6 weeks, I didn’t have the time to stop and think that this is actually happening. When I started my funding, it seemed so far away (not just geographically). Through the love and support of my friends and family, I have been granted the opportunity to go to Jamaica to help others who are in need. Overall, I am very grateful both to those who who have allowed me to join this group and to those that have helped me along the way of my funding. I’m excited for what’s in store tomorrow and for my amazing experiences in the week to come.

Kevin

It's so hard to believe that the trip we've been anticipating for months is less than 24 hours away! The meetings and emails, fundraising campaign, the excitement of renewing a passport, and the conversations with ecstatic friends and family have prepared me immensely for this, but nothing has made it feel as real as my last-minute packing scramble (which I told myself I definitely would NOT do... Oops). My imagination has been wandering towards all of the work and play that are bound to come in Jamaica, but I'm so thrilled to be leaving for all of these adventures tomorrow that I'll probably be unable to sleep tonight - that's what plane rides are for, anyway. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported myself and the other students in this endeavor - I can't wait to get there and update everyone throughout the experience!!

Alli