I’ve got my first question to answer (and it’s not what I would have expected):
Q: I am moving to [redacted] in about a month, to work as a coordinator for a large NGO on a refugee project. It’s a one-year contract. This is my first field posting, and I really have no idea what to pack. I have no shipping allowance, just what I can carry in my checked luggage. I know what to do about clothing and toiletries and whatever. My question is – what about books? How many books should I pack? I don’t want run out of stuff to read but I do need some space for clothes.
A: Bring about a week’s worth of books, whatever that is for you. Chose things you can re-read, but you won’t mind giving away. You’re going to a major city. You’ll be able to get internet access, and probably satellite TV. You won’t die of boredom if you run out of books, and sharing and discussing English language books is a great way to make friends with other expats. (And if you want to stay sane in a new culture, you’ll need a couple expat friends.)
Yeah, I’d second that. Here are my thoughts on books and reading in the field:
1. Books are heavy, not worth the space or weight. As Alanna said, take a few favorites, and then take food items or one luxury item that will come in handy on a bad day (eg. iPod, teddy bear, a bottle of really good scotch, soccer ball, your violin, etc).
2. There will be other people around who will be in your shoes as well. Find them swap stories and books.
3. If you are going to have some power access and are taking a laptop/iPod/mp3 player, fill those will audio books or download e-books. (amazon also has The Kindle)
4. Most importantly, take a journal. provides reading, writing, drawing space, and other endless things to do.
Good advice on the e-books. She’s going to a big city, so power supply is not an issue.
GREAT advice on the journal. No one should ever embark on a major life change without a journal.