INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER MANUAL

Religion:

Mostly traditional but there is sizeable Christian population (both catholic and protestant) and a small Muslim community

Ethnic groups:

Kikuyu 22% luhya 14% luo 13% kalenjin 12% kamba11% kisii 6% meru 6% other African 15% non African(Asian, European, and Arab)

Social conventions:

Western European habits prevail throughout Kenya as a result of British influences in the country. Kenyans are generally very friendly. Dress is somewhat informal, casual clothes are accepted, excluding formalized, social occasions (i.e. church, school uniforms, etc)

Electricity:

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz, Plugs are UK type square three-pin.Bayoner-type light sockets exist in Kenya. Please see Travel Tips section for more information.

Money/Travel/Food

Currency:

Kenya’s currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).Notes is in denominations of KES 1000,500,200,100 and 50.Coins is in denominations of KES 40, 20, 10 and 5.

Currency Exchange:

Currency can be exchanged at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. The best place to exchange money is in the terminal immediately after customs .Real Stars will most likely not have another opportunity to stop at a bank along the way, so exchange your cash at the Nairobi airport.

At most small souvenir shops and when purchasing drinks/sodas/snacks, the use of cash will be required .The easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar.

Important: bring USD in denominations of $50 or $100 bills, newer than Y2003; smaller denominations are not always honored at current exchange rates. When you actually receive the Kenyan Shilling (KES), request 50KES and 100KES denominations, in addition to 1000KES,so that you can use for smaller items such as buying sodas.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs:

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are generally only accepted in Nairobi. Also, there is a convenient ATM available at the airport upon arrival .Major hotels now also accept payment by credit card, as do major safari companies, travel agencies and restaurants. If you plan to use an ATM while in Kenya, it is best that you contact your home bank in advance to inform them and receive any additional information they can provide before your travels.

Travelers Check Advice:

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted in rural areas so it is suggested you take currency.

Currency Restrictions:

There is no restriction on the import and export of local or foreign currency. However, authorization from the Central Bank is required for amounts of 500,000 KES and above.

Banking Hours:

Many of the banks and bureau de change at the international airports are open 24 hours every day. Other regular banks are open 24 hours every day. Other regular banks are open: on-Fri 9 Am-3 Pm and 9Am-11 Am on the first and last Saturday of each month. National and International banks have branches in Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Eldoret, Kericho, Nyeri and in most other major towns.

Food and Drink:

Kenya’s national dishes appear on most hotel menus. The country’s beef, chicken, mutton and pork are outstandingly good, as is the wide variety of tropical fruits. Indian and Middle Eastern food is available in most areas. There is a wide range of restaurants in Nairobi and Mombasa; otherwise hotels in smaller towns offer restaurant service please use caution in the foods that you eat make sure food.

Please use caution in the foods that you eat .Make sure foods is well cooked and hot.

Note: Do not eat any fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled .Only consume drinks such as coke or bottled water or drinks made with boiled water such as tea and coffee. Real Stars will provide bottled water each day.

National Specialties:

- Some game-park lodges serve game, including buffalo steaks marinated in local liqueurs and berries, often garnished with wild honey and cream.

- Nyama Choma literally means roasted meat, and is one of Kenya’s best known specialties.

- Most Kenyans eat maize, beans and maize meal (ugali).

- At the small ‘hotels’, chai (tea boiled with milk and sugar) and mandazi (doughnuts) are popular.

Business

GDP: US $17.39 billion (2007 EST.)

GDP-per capita $ 1240 (2007)

Labor force-by population:

- Agriculture: 75%

- Industry and services: 25% (2007 EST.)

Unemployment rate: 40% (2004 EST.)

Population below poverty line: ($2/day) 58.0% (2007est)

Main Exports:

Tea, Horticultural products, coffee, petroleum products, fish and cement.

Economy

The Kenyan economy is largely agricultural-75% of the population is dependent on the land, contributing around 30%of national output .The main cash crops are tea and coffee, although pyrethrum, sisal ,sugar and cotton are also important. Kenya is one few African countries with a significant dairy industry. Hydroelectric plants meet 80% of the country s’ energy requirements. The remainder comes from imported oil, which is also used for one of the country’s principal industries, the manufacture of petroleum-based products such as plastics and chemicals. Kenya, which has one of Africa’s largest manufacturing sectors, also produces cement, paper, drinks ,tobacco, textiles, rubber and metal products, ceramics and electrical and transport equipment. The mining industry, however, is very small. In the service sector, tourism is the largest industry and the country’s principal source of foreign exchange; increasing significantly in 2007 with a 63% increase in earnings over 2003.

Overall economic performance has been disappointing due to the persistent government failures and slow pace of reform. Since the election of the Narc Government, the pace has begun to pick up. Economic growth reached 6% in 2006.An estimated two million Kenyans are unemployed and the new Government elected in 2003, planned to create 500,000 new jobs. Along with Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda have explored plans to establish a customs union as the first step towards an East African regional trading block (a previous effort collapsed in 1977).

Approximate Flight Times:

From Atlanta, A to Nairobi is approximately 17 hours of flight time in addition to layovers.

Means of Communication & Media.

Cell Phones:

Roaming agreements exist with international cell phone companies. U.S cell phones will work in Kenya if they are quad mode GSM phones. AT&T and T-Mobile phones are GSM carriers in advance for out-of-country service. If not, you can rent a phone in Kenya. The main network provider in Kenya is: Safaricom (www.safaricom.co.ke), with coverage throughout Kenya.

Telephones:

IDD service is available to the main cities. Country code: 254 (followed by 20 for Nairobi,41 for Mombasa and 51 for Nakuru ).International calls can sometimes be made direct or operator assisted by dialing 0196.Public telephones work with coins or with phone cards(which may be purchased from post offices or from international call services in major towns);coin operated phone booths are painted red, card-operated booths are painted blue. Major hotels also offer an international phone service, but they usually charge up to 100 per cent more. In larger towns, private telecommunications centers offer international services. For local calls, it is useful to have plenty of small change available.

Internet:

Access to the Internet is very limited. There are Internet cafes in major towns, but access to them is difficult and probably not feasible to use on a trip.

Post/Mail:

Real Stars will have limited or no opportunity to access the regular postal mail. However, just as for your information, Post Offices are identified by Telkom Kenya (Kenya Posts & Telecommunications Corporation).Post office boxes are red. Stamps can usually be bought at post offices, stationary shops, souvenir shops and hotels. Airmail to Western Europe takes up to four days, and the service is generally reliable. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM- 5PM,Sat 9AM-Noon.

Climate

The highlands are more temperate with four seasons, while the coastal areas are tropical, and the lowlands are hot and mainly dry. Nairobi has a very pleasant climate throughout the year due to its altitude (5000ft). Near Lake Victoria, the temperatures are much higher and rainfall can be heavy.

Lightweight cottons and linens with rainwear are advised. Warmer clothing is needed in June and July and for the cooler mornings. Lightweight jackets and sweaters are needed for much of the year in the highlands. We recommend bringing rainwear as well.

Additional Resources for information on Kenya:

- CIA World Facts

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the -world.factbook/geos/ke.html

- CDC

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationKenya.aspx

- Wikipedia/Kenya-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Kenya

TRAVEL TIPS

Travelling to a foreign country is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting .Real Stars wants to do everything that we can help you feel prepared as you plan to journey with us to Kenya! In this section we’ll provide you with everything from a packing list to how to pack those things so that you are as prepared for your journey as possible.

What to Pack

Documents

Passport

· You must have your passport before you board the plane. If you don’t already have a passport, it can take 10-14 weeks to obtain-so don’t delay! Forms may be obtained at your local Post office .If you are unsure about the time, we recommend that you request the expedited process. If you already have a passport please make sure you have at least two blank pages in it and the passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. Additional pages can be added to your passport through the US State Department Passport Office.

· Keep your passport on you all times.( in a safe place ,such as in a travel pouch, a deep closeable pocket, or a bag that is on your person at all times ) Or, leave it in your hotel room tucked away. Do not leave it in an unsecure location or lying around in the communities that you visit.

Immunization record

· Please check with your local government agency to determine what shots if any you may want to get before travelling to Kenya. Many local Health Department have a travel clinic that is both economical and informative.

· The list of recommended shots can be found on the Center for Disease Control website, www.cdc .gov/travel/cafrica.htm#vacancies.We also recommend that you consult with your personal physician to see what the best options are for you.

Visa

· Visas will be purchased upon arrival in the Nairobi airport. You must bring your own crisp, new( Year 2003 or newer)$50.00 or 100$ bill to purchase this visa. The airport sometime does not accept an old bill. VISA forms will be provided to your trip leader so you can be prepared for your arrival in Kenya. The entry process in Nairobi is a slow one, and the lines can be long, so be prepared.

Photocopy of your Passport

· To be kept on your person or in your bag tucked away separately from the original in case original is lost.

Photocopy of your driver’s license and Social Security card

· Optional- To be used in event of passport problems.

Airplane Ticket Itinerary

· This can be the photocopy provided to your team leader. An itinerary will be needed to re-enter the Nairobi airport upon departure.

2 Extra Passport photos

· These photos will be used for the purpose of obtaining a new passport ,if necessary.(This is optional and a precautionary measure)

Documents Note:

· It is important to keep your documents in a safe location at all times, as they are a necessary in entering and leaving the country.

· A couple of tips: carry the originals in a plastic bag so they won’t be ruined if wet, and keep them separate from their photocopies.

Wardrobe

When beginning to pack for your trip to Kenya, there are several things to keep in mind. Planning your wardrobe for a trip to a foreign country is very different than planning for a vacation. It is best to be overly aware of how you present yourself when in a foreign country. You do not want to make any statements or draw any extra attention to yourself. So planning your wardrobes remember, modesty is the key.

Avoid any flashy or expensive jewelry or apparel. For women especially, avoid showing too much skin or wearing low-cut or tight fitting clothes (i.e. no tank tops, no halter tops, no shorts for women etc).Avoid any clothing with overly American or Christian symbols or statements. We want to respect the culture we are visiting as well as protect ourselves from any negative attention these symbols or statements might attract. That being said, don’t stress…instead, we want you to be informed so that you can prepare accordingly.

Weather: If you are visiting Kenya between June and September, this is their winter and early spring. Please take into consideration that it might be overcast or slightly rainy with temperatures in the 40s at night in higher altitude areas(Nairobi sits at over 5000 ft altitude).From October through early May, during their late Spring, Summer and Fall, conditions are typically warmer and drier .A light jacket/sweater or fleece for the evenings is advisable. Prior to departure we will provide your team leader a link to weather conditions for your destination.

Medications

Trip leaders will have a basic first aid kit for team, but you will need to carry all essential personal medication/first aid in your own luggage.

· Personal medications (place in carry on)

· Aspirin/Tycnol/General pain reliever

· Pepto-Bismol/Imodium/Cipro

· Mosquito repellent with DEET

· Personal first aid

This could include as much or as little as you’d like band aids Neospirin, thermometer, etc. (the team leader will have a small first aid kit)

· Sleep-Aid

Over the counter sleep-aids like Sominex, Ambien, etc are options. For a milder sleep aid, try Benadryl or Tylenol PM.

· Cold/Allergy Medication-we recommend bringing a package of cold flu medicine just in case you need it.

· Cipro (not required)

· Eye drops

· Contact Solution

Medication Notes:

· Carry your essential medications (malaria and general prescriptions) in your carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

· It is best to purchase any medications you believe you might need while in the U.S Do not plan on purchasing in Kenya.

The Extras:

· Bible

· Personal Journal and pen/pencils

· Photos from home (these serve as good conversation builders)

· Small Back pack/Fanny pack to carry personal items each day

· Camera

Bring extra batteries and memory cards. You may not be able to buy these items in country. Most rechargeable batteries and cameras are dual voltage and do not require a voltage converter, only a plug adapter.

· Electrical volt adaptor converter

Converters are available at Wal-Mart, Target, speciality travel stores, etc.Find the set that is

East Africa compatible.

Hotel rooms do not provide a hair dryer and a converter adaptor set may be needed for a

Hairdryer to operate. Many travel hair dryers are dual voltage that, once set, do not require a

Converter, only an adaptor.

· Laptop computer

Although not recommended, you can bring your laptop for journaling or downloading photos. However, we will almost likely not have internet access for most of the trip. Only an adapter will be needed for a laptop.

· Personal travel snacks

Bring snacks that are small and will travel well (i.e. things that are packaged won’t melt, won’t spoil etc) for example Protein bars, Gatorade packets, Nutri-Grain bars, peanut crackers, trail mix, small candles, gum etc.

· Personal towel & a wash cloth (your hotel will generally provide one towel per guest)

· Extra Toothbrush:( in case you accidentally put your toothbrush in tap water)

· Cell phones

It is not necessary to bring a cell phone. However, if you would like to have one, it recommends that you purchase an international phone (GSM compatible) Check with your local cellular provider regarding options.

· Flashlight

· Travel alarms clock

· Travel and/or regular pillow

For the airplane and also for your hotel room: pillows are provided but they are very basic and might not be comfortable.

Plastics Bags (for wet clothes etc)

Extra Note:

These items are not necessary, they are simply suggestions. You will want to think of additional items you may need.

How to Pack

Now that you know what to pack below are some helpful hints about how to pack them lightly and efficiently. Again, we ask that you pack all of your clothes, medicines, toiletries, etc, in one, maximum 50lb.bag (44lbs if you are flying Nairobi to Kisumu), plus your carry-on. This will make travel in country easier for everyone and allow the second bag to be a “team bag” if necessary.

Checked Bag

· Soft-sided, easy to carry bags are best, as you will be responsible for carrying your luggage during the trip. Luggage with tote handles & wheels are great for traversing through airports.

· Roll up smaller items such as socks, undergarments, etc. to stuff in shoes or sleeves and pockets of shirts to give more space in bag.

· Pack the clothing you want to wear first on top.

· Keep crushable items to the outside of the bag in case of wear and tear during travel

· Pack liquid items in plastic bags to avoid damage.

· Second –bags- The airline allows you to carry a second, checked maximum 50lb.bag(flight to Kandaria allows only one bag.)We ask you to reserve this additional checked bag or second-bag can include items the team will use during service projects or other items Real Stars may need to carry to Kenya…Items to bring in a second-bag will be covered during pre-trip meetings/conference calls. Items such as children’s toys, school supplies, Frisbees, soccer balls, volleyball, coloring books ,Bibles in Swahili & English, extra clothing, etc are good.

Carry-On Bag

· We recommend packing of backpack or small tote as you carryon bag. Carry all Essentials in your carryon bag!

· Airlines often allow only one piece of hand baggage (max.weight, 26lbs), including a handbag or laptop, etc.Coats, pillows, etc.may need to be folded in to another bag.

· Pack your travel documents (passports, visa, etc .) in a safe but easily accessible place within your bag.

· Remove all sharp objects (knives, Razors, scissors, etc.) from your bag, as they will not be allowed through security checkpoints.

· Keep your extra toiletries and change of clothes accessible in case you want to use them throughout the flight.

Air Travel Tips

With long hours on the plane and a few connecting flights, here are a few tips to making your air travel a little easier.

· Before your flight it is important to get good, solid rest. If you start off the trip tired jet lag will hit harder!

· If you experience motion-sickness, plan to take your medication prior to the flight so that it will kick-in in time to keep you comfortable.

· Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours early.

· In going through security and customs, plan ahead to remove all metal from your person as well as any sharp or questionable objects from your carry-on.

· Be prepared and flexible in dealing with any random security screenings.

· Have your entire luggage marked with your name and contact information.

· Real Stars will provide you with luggage tags for you to attach to your checked luggage. This helps with quick identification at the airport in baggage claim. When you take your luggage from baggage claim to the bus, make sure that you have your entire luggage! Be sure and do not leave behind at the airport.

· The flight will be long. Be sure to take time to walk around and stretch to avoid cramping, clots, etc

· Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water while on the plane.

· Reading materials are a great way to pass the time on the flight. Also, consider donating magazines and/or newspapers that you have finished with to the schoolteachers in the community you visit. They will put them to good use for instruction and other purposes.

Cultural Tips

The people of Kenya are very friendly and easy-going. Kids especially will greet you with smiles and giggles. In some situations however, you might encounter a reservation on their part to share or interact with you. Don’t worry. This is also part of their culture, even among themselves. Once they begin to trust you however, this shyness will ease and lively interaction can begin.

When asking for help, or to get a question answered, Africans may tend to tell you what you want to hear, instead of answering the question. For example if you ask,” How long will it take us to reach our destination?” the response might be,Oh ,not very long. It’s not far.”When in reality, it might be very far. A better question to ask is something more specific.

Greeting with a hand wave is good and shows your friendliness. The African “hello” wave is an arm up, out- stretched and holding your hand still. Americans sometimes say hello by putting their hand up and moving their fingers up and down vertically.(instead of shaking their palms side to side).to a Kenyan that means “come,” verses hello. The children will giggle at the gesture.

Tipping is not typical I restaurants (unless 5-star) or for services rendered.

Cultural sensitivity

Remember that you are the guest in another and community and it is important that you respect and honor the differences that our Kenyan friends have. For some team members the differences may seem odd or shocking. It is important that you do not judge these differences negatively or compare them to your own culture in a derogatory manner, but instead honor your host with your word and actions.

This includes being sensitive to how you interact with people. Kenyans tend to be less direct than Americans in the way they speak to one another. In developing new relationships you will want to soften the direct way you ask questions and not ask too many personal questions right away. Start by asking very general questions and then be discerning as to when it may be appropriate to ask more personal questions as you develop relationships.

Be mindful of assumptions or preconceived ideas you may have of people. You can inadvertently offend someone if you make an inaccurate assumption about him or her. For example, do not assume that everyone is a Christian. When you are invited into a home be gracious and accept gifts that you are offered, unless it is something you cannot eat then you can reply with a simple” No thank you”. Elaborating about why you cannot eat certain things could be offensive.

Another way you can honor your hosts is to be sensitive to your reactions to situations and environments that you are in. If you are overly emotional or visibly shocked by what you see or experience,you can make the people around you uncomfortable. For example if you go in to a home or hospital and start crying at the desperate situation you see then you are not encouraging or building anyone up and you are in danger of making him or her feel worse. Service teams are designed to serve and encourage,and even in most desperate situation you have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day,but you will not be able to effectively do it if you are overcome by emotion.

Personal Safety Practices

· Do not take photography of the military,airports or government buildings. You could have your camera confiscated.

· Do not share any of your personal contact information

· Do not go anywhere alone-always stay with the team.

· Do not make any promises to the locals;talk to the team leader if you feel like helping in any way.

· Keep your passports on you at all times in a safe place( such as in a travel pouch,a deep closeable pocket, or a bag that is on your person at all times), or, leave it in your hotel room tucked away. Do not leave it in an unsecure location or lying around in the communities that you visit.

Air Travel

It is extremely important to stay hydrated with water while traveling to Kenya. Avoid coffee, alcohol and any form of carbonated beverages. Juices are fine, but should not be a substitute for water.

The air travel time includes a long trans-Atlantic flight and then another up to eight-hour flight to Nairobi, Kenya. When you arrive in Nairobi, you will be seven-eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (ex.6 am in the USA is 1 or 2 pm in Kenya). While on the airplane, we suggest that you spend time resting or sleeping, during the local Kenyan night time.

Immunizations

Real Stars recommends that you visit www.cdc.gov for a complete list of recommended immunizations. Also, consult you’re personal physician for advice on what immunizations are best for you. Your local health department should be able make recommendations and to administer the shots that you decide to get. No shots are required by Real Stars. We recommend the use of a malaria preventive.

Health Care

Real Stars provides Accidental Medical and Sickness Coverage for incidents that may arise while travelling outside of the US on a Real Star trip. The coverage, meaning it pays for expenses not paid by medical insurance you already carry.( For more information, refer to additional materials provided to the trip leader by Real Stars).There are good medical facilities in Nairobi. The Kenya Tourism Federation(KTF) safety communication center. ( 24-hour) helps tourists in difficulty (Telephone : 20- 604767;for emergencies: 604729 or 601343 or 604730; safetour@wananchi.com

Food and Water Safety

Food Safety

In order to prevent illness from food-borne disease, there are several things to keep in mind when in a developing country.

· Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits unless they can be peeled and you peel them yourself

· Avoid lettuce and other leafy vegetables

· Do not eat rare meat or raw fish or shellfish

· Use caution with milk and dairy products( ice cream, soft cheeses,etc)

· Do not eat food purchased from street vendors

· Try to eat hot,well- cooked foods while they are still hot

· Remember- When in doubt,don’t!

It is important to follow these guidelines. If you are offered food at a home visit it is considered rude to refuse. If it is cooked,boiled or peeled you should be fine.If it is not something you can eat, graciously say “no thank you”.

Water Safety

In order to prevent illness from contaminated water, there are several things to keep in mind while in a developing country.

· Drink only sealed bottled water. Tap water is unsafe for your consumption.Real Stars will provide plenty of bottled water for the entire trip.

· Do not brush your teeth with tap water-use the bottled water instead!

· Avoid ice in any beverages

· Always drink from a labeled can or bottle- no questionable container

· Along with bottled water,it is safe to drink:

- Drinks made with boiled water(coffee,tea,etc)

- Canned or bottled carbonated beverages

Water Notes:

Real Stars will provide you with plenty of bottled water for the duration of your trip. When showering, try to keep your mouth closed to avoid ingesting any water. This is one of the simplest ways to avoid sickness.( Please take as much water as you need, but use all you take.)

Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD)

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common health problem for traveler’s in a developing foreign country. Like many other, more severe diseases it is usually acquired by the consumption of contaminated foods and waters. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, bloating, cramping, urgency and occasionally fever.TD will usually last 4 to 5 days. The symptoms of TD can be treated with general over the counter medications (Imodium.Pepto- Bismol,Tums ,etc.Some physicians may prescribe antibiotics to prevent TD, but the Center for Disease Control does not recommend this route ,as antibiotics can often cause more problems on their own. The best prevention for TD is to simply pay close attention to the foods and beverages you are consuming, as well as staying hydrated throughout the trip.

Other Risks

Avoid swimming in fresh water; bathing in rivers and lakes is forbidden in national parks and is best avoided elsewhere due to dangers from wildlife and water borne diseases. Swimming pools, which are well chlorinated and maintained, are safe.

Rest rooms

Rest rooms are generally different that what you are accustomed to. When traveling through villages and the countryside, expect to use “pit latrines” ( holes in the ground located in rudimentary buildings) and plan accordingly with your own supply of toilet paper or other hygiene products, as necessary. Toilet paper can be disposed of in the pit latrines.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is a common phenomenon that affects traveler’s emotional health rather than their physical health. It is brought on by the anxiety that can occur when brought into new surroundings without familiar customs, language, or norms that help orient people with everyday life.

Some signs to look for to identify a person afflicted with culture shock are: exaggeration about the “dirty” or “unclean” conditions, unwillingness to attempt to learn new language or customs, unrealistic fear for personal safety, constant mentioning of the comforts of home,strong desire to return home, and excessive frustration over the differences between home country and foreign country.

Tips for Intercultural Adjustment

Learn Social Cues: These are the verbal and non-verbal signs ,gestures, customs that help orient people to everyday life. Most of these social cues are different when a person enters a new culture.

Practice Cultural Relativism: This is a acknowledging that cultures are different and your own culture is not necessarily superior or better than the others.Most people have a tendency of ethnocentrism:this is the belief that one’s own culture,race and nation are the best.This calls for open mindedness- being receptive to new experiences and different opinions.

Communication: It is good to allow others to know your thoughts and feelings

Curiosity: Always remember that the best way to understand those around you better is to ask them questions.

Flexibility: Keeping your options and mind open will help you adjust to unexpected changes that you would normally have problems with.

Tolerance for differences and ambiguities: It is important to understand that there is more than one way to do something.

Positive Regard for others: People are different ; the best you can do is to have respect ,love and empathy for those who are different.

Positive and Realistic Expectations: To avoid disappointment or shock; always make it a habit to ask questions about what to expect ,to always be flexible and to be open to new things.

Ability to cope with Failure: You will probably make many mistakes, but learn to forgive yourself. No one can be perfect in a totally new surrounding.

Sense of Humor: This will make you enjoy your time in the new surrounding and helps prevent the feelings of despair.

Strong Sense of Self: Stand up for what you believe in,but always remember to be open to new perspectives and the experiences of others.

What is Culture Re-Entry Shock?

Often times the most difficult part of traveling to a foreign country is not the journey itself, but the return home .Just as you may have had a difficult time growing accustomed to your new surroundings in the beginning of your trip, you may find it hard to readjust to the life you left at home. Ironically, it is usually those who find it easy to adjust to their foreign surroundings that have the most difficulty readjusting to their lives at home. Symptoms include boredom, restlessness, unshared feelings regarding experiences, reverse homesickness ,loss of experiences and relationship adjustments. Tips for dealing with re- entry shock include getting plenty of rest, getting busy with your normal routine, treasuring your memories and experiences and making a plan to stay connected with the place you journeyed to, i.e, through the media.

As you prepare to come back home it is important to realize that the people in your life will have different levels of interest in hearing about the experience you had on your service trip. You should keep in mind that not everyone is going to have a desire to hear about all of the details regarding your trip. Some people will ask about your trip and just be curious about the basic information (Was it a good experience, did you have fun?) Others will be interested in more details, and still a percentage will genuinely want to be careful not to be judgmental of those who are not as interested as you have and will not necessarily be as excited or interested. It is helpful to think about what you will share with people about your experience by thinking of a 30 second response, and a 2-3 minute response and then a more detailed response for those who really want to hear about everything.