Traveling too light?

February 25, 2006 12:52 AM

Should I be packing more for a year or more of teaching English in Indonesia?

I'll be living in Bandung, population 2 million-ish, teaching English at a private school. So far, I'm bringing money, some work and casual clothes, a jump drive (no laptop) with some portable apps, and some teaching-methodology and Indonesian-learning books. This seems, I dunno, kind of skimpy.

Most of the expat resources I've found have focused on professional/executive-level people from big corporations moving their families/possessions/lives abroad, often to remote areas, which is not me - this is my first real job and I don't own anything of irreplacable substance. I'm probably going to take one larger checked suitcase and a smaller carry-on over-the-shoulder satchel, but I'd love to take less.

Indonesia-related/teaching-English-abroad Mefites: other pearls of wisdom to share? I leave Tuesday.

Terima kasih!

posted by mdonley to travel & transportation (11 comments total)

Mdonley,

Good for you. My family and I were in Bandung for 12 months in 2003 and have lived in a few other cities in Indonesia as well over the years. While specifically designed for Jakarta this site has some good general tips on the country. The Sundanese are not Javanese but the tips here are pretty universal.

We found that most things were available in Bandung and if not there – we could get them from Jakarta. Clothes wise – Bandung is where the Indonesian middle class go to buy bargains (outlet shops are huge). Computers are not an issue as there are many places – of variable reputability- that can install, upgrade etc. Wine and alcohol may be difficult (expensive) to find in variety however the Kemang Duty Free in Jakarta is worthwhile when you are there.

One thing that may you may find hard is that the ability to get things shipped to Bandung when purchased on-line is highly variable (and expensive).

The English teaching one – we came across a few Americans teaching English when we were in Yogyakarta in’ 95. Most seemed to enjoy the experience.

E-mail me if you have any specific questions.

Selamat sukses!
posted by dangerousdan at 1:19 AM on February 25, 2006

A few obvious things: camera, reading books (or a PDA loaded up with stuff from Gutenberg), a pack of cards. A loaded MP3 player if that's your thing. And some general travel clothes advice: don't take jeans, do invest time in making sure you find the perfect jacket.

Also on the research side, the "Culture Shock!" series of books can be fantastic. I've no direct experience of the Indonesia one, but have used other editions for different parts of the world and found them in general to be an excellent, practical introduction to local, day-to-day customs and mores. They're aimed at the expat, rather than tourists.
posted by rjt at 2:52 AM on February 25, 2006

If you are happy with the amount you are bringing, it should be fine. Some general advice: Consider your laundry facilities. Will you have a washer/dryer or will you be lugging it to the laudromat? If it's the latter, you may want to consider some more clothes. Either way make sure you bring extra socks and underwear. Also, a lot can happen in a year. Make sure you have one really nice outfit (as an American overseas you never know what you'll get invited to) and one really crappy outfit (suitable for painting or other manual labor). If you have big feet you may want to bring some extra shoes, especially if you're going to be walking a lot. I would bring a laptop. You'll have the convenience of being able to work whenever you need to and not wait for a free computer and will also have a way to watch movies, listen to music and play games.

If you're still in doubt, ask yourself, "Am I packing so little because I like the idea of not bringing much?" If you answer yes, you may not be a minimalist through and through and may want to bring a little bit more, just to make your stay more comfortable. If you answer no, just make sure you're being sensible and reasonable about it. (My husband likes to "play minimalist" so I've been down this road a few times.)

And hey, at the end of the day, if you find yourself missing something, you can always buy it there. When you move back to the US, people will be impressed by the mundane things you bought in Indonesia just because they're different. Have fun!
posted by wallaby at 3:01 AM on February 25, 2006

Bring a camera!
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 3:55 AM on February 25, 2006

It's glib, but I've found the old rule of thumb of 'halve the clothes, double the money' almost always works. Of course, generally you can't double the money, so just halve the clothes.

If you're not moving about, though, take more books.
posted by pompomtom at 5:24 AM on February 25, 2006

Take an instrument, or buy one when you get there.
posted by The White Hat at 8:12 AM on February 25, 2006

Take an instrument, or buy one when you get there.

Huh? Do you have some reason to think the poster is a musician? Why not "take a sewing kit" or "take a pizza stone"?
posted by languagehat at 8:16 AM on February 25, 2006 [1 favorite]

Never leave home without a pizza stone, that's what I always say!

I think you're fine. A city of 2 million will have everything you need. If you're really craving something, you can always have somebody at home ship you stuff. I'd second the idea that you might have to "make your own fun" and bring some cards, books, travel scrabble or other activities that you can do either alone or with your new-found expat friends.

One thing that is hard / expensive to get in other countries: good quality shoes. So bring work shoes, and also casual shoes (and maybe hiking shoes / etc.).
posted by zpousman at 10:37 AM on February 25, 2006

As someone who has done a lot of travelling, and lived abroad going on 13 years now, my advice is to pack lighter... there is no such thing as packing too light. If you have anything in your suitcase that you aren't 100% sure you really super need to have with you, then don't bring it.
posted by Meatbomb at 11:31 AM on February 25, 2006

Onebag has a fairly extensive rundown which should provide you with items of varying necessity though you can eliminate some of the more travel oriented items since you will be in a fixed location. I would recommend a multi-tool or swiss army knife though and a pack rather than a suitcase for easy of movement. And know where your towel is.
posted by arruns at 3:26 PM on February 25, 2006

Bank accounts - (Indonesia or US based?) They have ATMs in Bandung. Credit card fraud is rife - so ensure the majority of your savings isn't tied in any way to your credit card.

Take a small pack of any usual, familiar medicines - cough mixture, eyedrops, headache gear, diahorrea tablets to tide you over till you get to know the local brands and where to get them. That way you'll have the old faithfuls on hand if you get sick when you first get there.

There are lots of great people in Bandung. I can recommend tailoring - especially formal wear and/or work suits just before you go home. You may never need to hire for black tie again. The good ones can do suits and other gear from photos and original copies. Luggage can be reasonably cheap to buy too.

The supermarkets, local clothing stores and accessibility to US food items gets better and better all the time. But I second the big feet issue. Men and women can find it difficult to get even average Western shoe sizes. Larger sizes in most things can be a bit difficult, but you can have stuff made...but the outlets have loads of t-shirts, jeans, even collared business gear. You might need to go to Jakarta for better quality undies and things - but probably not.

If the school you're going to is the one I'm thinking of, there are a couple of great people on staff! You should have a great time.
posted by dangerousdan at 9:12 PM on February 25, 2006