Tunisia and Italy: Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean - Spring 2020 - SIT Study Abroad
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Tunisia and Italy: Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean Spring 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS COUNTRY OVERVIEW.......................................... 3 General Information ............................................ 3 Climate and Geography ...................................... 3 Local Customs .................................................... 4 Diet ..................................................................... 4 Safety, Security, and Health ................................ 5 Homestays .......................................................... 6 Other Accommodations....................................... 6 Transportation ..................................................... 7 Communication ................................................... 7 Phones and E-mail.............................................. 7 Mailings............................................................... 8 Money ................................................................. 8 Visitors and Free Time ........................................ 9 PACKING GUIDELINES ....................................... 10 LUGGAGE ........................................................ 10 Clothing Guidelines ........................................... 10 Equipment......................................................... 10 Computers and Other Electronics ..................... 11 Gifts .................................................................. 11 What You Can and Cannot Obtain in Country ... 11 Alumni Contacts ................................................ 12 PACKING LIST ..................................................... 13 Clothing............................................................. 13 Women ............................................................. 13 Men ................................................................... 13 Travel Documents ............................................. 13 Health/Toiletries ................................................ 13 Other Important Items ....................................... 13 Optional ............................................................ 13 SIT Study Abroad - 2 Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019
COUNTRY OVERVIEW English, are spoken mainly by the educated
younger generations.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tunisia is situated in the eastern part of North Palermo, Italy will be very similar to Tunisia due to
Africa. Its recorded history goes back at least three their geographical proximity. Food, climate,
millennia, with the foundation of Phoenician transportation, and customs will all be comparable,
colonies, the most famous of which was Carthage, obviously there will be differences, but you will have
established in 814 BC. Modern Tunisians are the the opportunity to observe how each culture has
descendants of indigenous Berber as well as of influenced the other.
numerous Mediterranean and European peoples:
Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Arabs, Ottoman
Turks, and French. Tunisia was a French
Protectorate from 1881 until independence in 1956,
and it has retained close political, economic, and
cultural ties with France and its southern European
neighbors. In 1957, Tunisia became a republic with
a president elected for five years and a bicameral
legislative apparatus.
Tunisia is a leader in the Arab and Muslim world in
promoting modern state institutions, universal
education for both sexes, and the legal and social
rights of women. It is perhaps due to these
progressive policies that Tunisian people (and CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
especially the younger generation) made the first
Tunisian climate is Mediterranean, which basically
civil and liberal revolution in the Arab World, whose
means two long seasons: one extending from
domino effect has successfully toppled the Mubarak
October to April and tends to be mild and wet; the
dictatorship in Egypt and is at present shaking
other from May to September and is habitually warm
Libya, Syria, and Yemen.
and dry. Fall and spring are brief transitional
Post-revolutionary Tunisia is an exciting place to be, seasons. Tunisians call a winter day “cold” when the
observe, and study, for the challenges facing the temperature is 10° C (50º F); this may be due to the
nascent democracy willed by the 14 January elevated air moisture, especially in coastal areas.
Revolution are numerous, not least of which is the
It is not uncommon for the temperature in July and
threat of radical Islamism. So, again, the way
August to rise above 40° C (above 100º F). When
Tunisian people and state institutions steer the
the temperature reaches this level, direct sun
democratic transition and the increased moderation
exposure is to be avoided at all costs between 10
of the Islamic party, Ennahdha, are of paramount
am and 5 pm.
importance, not merely for the country itself, but for
the Arab World generally, as the “Tunisian model,” if Mediterranean weather is sometimes described as
successful, may serve for future democratic the kind of weather that is too hot for apples and too
experiences in the region. cold for bananas. The weather in Palermo will be
very similar to the climate in Tunisia, as they are
Nearly all Tunisians (98%) are Muslims. There is,
geographically so close to each other.
however, a sizable historic Jewish community on the
island of Djerba and in the capital. There is also a Rainfall, though unpredictable and variable from
small Christian community dispersed throughout the year to year, is more abundant in the northern parts
country. Arabic is the official language, but French is of the country, including the capital (75-85
widely spoken, and other languages, including
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019
inches/year), than in the southern desert, where all SIT programs, we cannot separate food and
many months may pass before a drop is seen. Fall eating communally (including with your host family)
thunderstorms, occurring typically in September and from the program experience. Please consider local
October, are spectacular. diet seriously when selecting your program of
choice. Your admissions counselor is a great
Tunis, Tunisia: resource in better understanding the local diet.
AVERAGE HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES (°F)
Participating in the local food culture is a central
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY aspect of daily life in Tunisia. Special or restricted
61/45 63/46 64/48 70/50 77/55 diets may not always be fully understood by your
host family, although they may have previously
AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
hosted a student with similar dietary restrictions. By
91/70 86/66 79/61 68/52 63/46
trying to replicate your diet at home you may miss
out on an important part of your host culture.
Palermo, Italy: Tunisian food is by and large Mediterranean: pasta
AVERAGE HIGH/LOW TEMPERATURES (°F) varieties with a preponderance of fish, vegetables,
MAR APR SEP OCT and olive oil. The food in Italy will be very similar.
61/52 64/55 81/72 73/66 Fruit, when in season, is plentiful and affordable.
The staple diet for the vast majority of Tunisians is
couscous, which may come with meat, fish, or
simply vegetables. Tunisians insist on three meals a
day, and traditionally, lunch has more importance
LOCAL CUSTOMS than in the US. Vegetarians will encounter only
Tunisian mothers tend to over-feed their children nominal problems adhering to their diet in Tunisia.
and guests. She will insist that you try at least a little Our host families may be able to accommodate a
bit of everything that she places on the table, and it vegetarian diet, but restaurants, especially during
is regarded as good manners to accept. If you finish educational excursions, may be less willing to do so.
what is on your plate, you will be served again Vegans, though, may encounter more difficulties.
because your gesture will be interpreted as if you Both vegans and vegetarians should bear in mind
are still hungry. To signify that you have no more that tofu and soy milk, for instance, are rare and
desire for food, leave a morsel or two on your plate. expensive commodities when available. Also, in
Tunis, there are a few places that serve kosher food
products, and one or two Jewish restaurants not far
DIET from the SIT office location.
Special Diets:
Many Tunisians like their food spicy hot; this is
SIT Study Abroad provides experiential learning achieved by adding a condiment composed of a
opportunities where students become embedded in mixture of spices called harissa (crushed red hot
their host community. As such, we strive to chili pepper, garlic, and various spices, etc.). If you
accommodate serious food allergies where possible, are averse to it, you may ask the waiter in
but simply cannot ensure that all dietary restrictions restaurants or your host family to remove harissa
or non-medically mandated diets can be from your portion.
accommodated.
Note: if you have special dietary needs, including
Students are encouraged to participate in the local allergies, please inform our office prior to the start of
food culture as a central aspect of daily life. By your program. We will advise you on realistic
trying to replicate your diet at home you may miss expectations about avoiding or incorporating certain
out on an important part of your host culture. Due to foods within the program context.
the unique living and learning community central to
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019
SAFETY, SECURITY, AND that are candid, designed to elicit a genuine
discussion, but they may be calculated to provoke
HEALTH and antagonize. Our general advice is to avoid
Maintaining good health is critical to having a political debate—especially when it hinges on US
successful semester. To help you do that, we have foreign policy in the Arab world—with someone you
provided Health Guidelines and Requirements for don’t know, and of course, always be sensitive and
your program. respectful in conversation.
It is very important that you read the Health
Guidelines and Requirements document as early as
possible and examine it with your medical provider.
The guidelines include recommended
immunizations; a suggested calendar for
immunizations and other prophylaxes; and valuable
information on how to avoid exposure to common
carriers of disease.
Students are thoroughly briefed on safety
considerations during in-country orientation and are
updated throughout the semester if and when
circumstances change. For information regarding
safety and security, emergency communications,
SIT policies, health and personal property Religion can be another problematic issue. It is not
insurance, and general program tips, please read uncommon to encounter Tunisians who believe that
the Safety, Security, and Health document and Westerners purposely associate Islam with
Student Handbook.
terrorism. Again, we advise that you avoid
Though Tunisia offers a safe, secure, and pleasant discussing religious issues with strangers.
environment, even in this post-revolutionary period, The following are some other precautions that will
certain precautions regarding personal safety must help you to stay safe in Tunisia. In general, we
be observed. These precautions have to do with the expect that you will follow program rules and
fact that the country is presently going through a instructions and speak with the AD and other staff
democracy-building phase in which social and when you have any questions or concerns.
political protest is part of the process. The
precautions will be explained by the academic • Be very careful to avoid appearing to be a
director and the program staff in more detail during “walking money bag” (especially in the
orientation. Some precautions are unique to SIT medina)—do not flaunt jewelry, electronics,
students, while others apply to any traveler to the or other expensive-looking items.
region. • When you visit the medina, do so in a group
and/or with a Tunisian.
First, you may find that certain Tunisians tend to • Female students: definitely don’t respond to
associate US citizens with US foreign policy. This male attempts to get your attention (catcalls,
sometimes puts the American visitor in a delicate hisses, etc.); dark sunglasses may come in
position of having to “justify” or “explain” the handy here. Responding will only encourage
American government’s policy in this or that part of further negative attention.
the world. Of course, this may lead to opportunities • Always inform your AD, your program
to discuss the variety of opinions Americans hold. assistant, and your host family about any
Be prepared for the fact that Tunisians are often “new friends.” There may be cultural
intricacies to the relationship that you do not
more aware of what is going on in the world than
understand. The program does not police
many US citizens. Often Tunisians ask questions
your relationships, but we know from
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experience that this precaution is necessary and your family may include a single mother of two
in order to help you stay safe. small children or a large extended family with many
• Avoid staying downtown after 9 pm, people coming and going all the time. Additionally,
particularly if unaccompanied. please bear in mind that, in many countries, the idea
• Avoid street food, even though some of your of what constitutes a “home” may be different from
Tunisian friends seem to relish it. what you expect. You will need to be prepared to
• Avoid drinking in cheap bars. adapt to a new life with a new diet, a new schedule,
new people, and new priorities and expectations.
Each program’s homestay coordinator will be
responsible for placing students in homestays.
These placements are made first based on health
concerns, including any allergies or dietary needs,
to the extent possible.
Please note: in order to ensure the best fit for
students and families, SIT may make final
adjustments to homestay placements after
student arrival in country. Therefore, SIT will not
provide information about your homestay family
before you depart for the program.
After the first week of orientation and for the
Tunisia’s health system is, on the whole, good and
following seven weeks, all of the students will be
reliable. In the capital and its environs, there are
living with host families that are typically within
several first-rate private clinics and hundreds of
walking distance from SIT facilities situated in the
doctor’s practices in addition to several state
northern suburbs of Tunis, or a reasonable
hospitals. The private clinics system is efficient and
commute by public transportation to them and to
comparatively affordable, so much so that more and
CEMAT, a very useful resource center for North
more European patients are coming to Tunisia for
African research. CEMAT is the French acronym for
medical treatment. Medical facilities are not as
Center for Maghreb Studies in Tunis:
common in our excursion destinations, but care is
(www.la.utexas.edu/research/mena/cemat).
available, and the program has identified reliable
resources. Please remember that you will have to All our host families have been carefully selected
pay up front for medical care and that you are according to a set of criteria that include safety,
responsible for all such expenses. decency, hygiene, sense of responsibility, and easy
commute to classroom.
HOMESTAYS
As many SIT Study Abroad alumni will tell you, the OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS
homestay experience can be one of the most During group excursions, including the three-week
rewarding and most challenging aspects of the long excursion to Sicily, the students will stay in
program. We hope you will come prepared for the hotels, and the only challenge will be sharing double
experience and committed to moving beyond or triple rooms with friends. During ISP time,
cultural immersion as you begin to question, however, you will be given a per diem to cover basic
distinguish, and analyze the host culture vis-à-vis accommodation and board costs; you will be
your own culture and come to a deeper responsible for finding your own accommodations
understanding of both. and food while undertaking your research.
Family structures vary in every culture. SIT Study
Abroad values the diversity of homestay families,
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TRANSPORTATION COMMUNICATION
Public transportation in Tunisia is generally reliable While you may want to be in regular communication
and affordable. In Tunis, the usual mixture of bus, with friends and family from home during the term
train, and metro prevails. Yellow cabs are also abroad, please bear in mind that different time
available for a maximum of three passengers and zones, unreliable phone lines, and changing
run by the meter. Sometimes you will need to use program activities can complicate communication.
more than one means of transportation to reach
It’s important to be clear with family and friends
your destination. One of the selection criteria of our
about your availability during the term. Many
host families has been accessibility to SIT and
CEMAT premises. students recommend making an appointment to call
home or to receive a call. You should also consider
You must be careful about possible theft of your the impact of constant communication with friends
belongings when using crowded public and family at home on your cultural immersion.
transportation during peak hours (7:30-8:30 am;
12:00-1:00 pm; and 6:00-7:30 pm). Whenever
possible, travel with other students to discourage PHONES AND E-MAIL
low-level harassment. It is also preferable to use a As part of SIT’s commitment to student safety and
yellow cab after 9:00 pm. security, all students are required to have a working
smart phone capable of making and receiving both
local and international calls throughout the duration
of the program. For that purpose students are
required to either (a) bring an open, unlocked smart
phone from the U.S. to the program that is able to
accept a local SIM card, and is compatible with and
usable at the program location, (b) work with the
academic director within the first week upon arrival
in country to purchase a smart phone locally, or (c)
bring a dual SIM smart phone. DO NOT purchase
an international plan unless you have a dual SIM
phone. We discourage this for regular smart phones
because your homestay family will not be able to
communicate with you as they would have to call
internationally.
During orientation, with assistance from SIT Study
Abroad staff, students will learn how to use their
smart phone, how to purchase and use an
appropriate local SIM card, and how to acquire
minutes for calls and texting. SIT Study Abroad
requires that each student have a local number for
communication with the homestay family and
program staff. While we recognize that alternative
communication methods can be free or cheaper
than cell service i.e. Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp,
etc. those programs alone do not satisfy our need
for regular communication with the local program
staff and partners, nor do they meet our emergency
communication needs. Therefore, local cellular
capacity on each student’s phone is required for the
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019
duration of the program. Students are required to MONEY
maintain a minimum amount of phone credits at all
In addition to tuition, SIT Study Abroad program
times for emergency calls. Full compliance with this
fees cover room and board throughout the program.
policy is expected.
When room and/or board are not taken with the
You can buy a local SIM for TND 12 (USD $5), and group, students will be given a stipend to cover
a cheap local smart phone for approximately TND related expenses. SIT will cover daily commuting
345 (USD $150). Keeping your phone stocked with costs, if any, and excursions that are part of the
credit is easy and can be done at local retailers, the normal program itinerary. During the ISP period,
more you use your phone the more expensive it will students will receive a stipend for basic room and
be and monthly costs will vary. board only, based on the cost of living at the
program base. Any domestic travel, interpretation
The SIT program center provides internet access services, or supplies necessary for the ISP are
during posted hours. Skype is recommended for the students’ responsibility. Please plan
long international communications. This can be accordingly.
done from our location as it has Wi-Fi. Also, the
Tunisian postal service is reputed to be fairly
reliable.
MAILINGS
Unlike receiving a package here in the US, receiving
a package at your program site is usually
expensive and problematic. Customs agents must
inspect all packages and you, as the recipient, are
responsible for duty and storage fees. In addition,
there are cases of items being lost in the mail or
taking so long to reach the recipient that the
recipient is nearly back in the US by the time the
items are received. For these reasons, sending
packages should be done only for emergency Because Tunisia’s economy depends so much on
situations. Additionally, sending valuables is highly tourism, access and availability of foreign currency
discouraged. (namely the US dollar) pose no problem; thus, there
For this program, DHL, FedEx, or UPS services is no shortage of ATMs, even in remote villages.
are available in country. Despite cheaper prices, Virtually all credit cards are accepted, but Visa and
reliance on the US Postal Service is not advised due MasterCard are the most common and preferred.
to delays and unreliability. When given the option, Make sure you have your PIN number in order to
it’s always a good idea to send packages certified retrieve cash from an ATM. Traveler’s checks may
and with a tracking number that allows the sender to be exchanged for local dinars, but again make sure
track the package. whether bringing travelers’ checks is worthwhile in
terms of the additional fees.
Posted letters and packages should be sent to the
following address: If using a debit and/or credit card, you should
contact your bank and/or credit card companies
Student Name regarding your travel plans. If you don’t inform these
c/o SIT companies that you will be away, they will often
17 bis, Avenue du 14 Janvier assume the card has been lost or stolen and will put
SIDI BOUSAID 2026 an immediate hold on the card. You should also
TUNISIA check on costs of withdrawal, as these costs vary
and can sometimes be very expensive. Renewing
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019
and receiving reissued credit and debit cards while VISITORS AND FREE TIME
on the program will be an expensive and highly
SIT strongly discourages and will not provide
inconvenient process. Before you leave for your
support for any visitors to students during the
program, please check the expiration dates on your
term, due to the rigorous nature of the program and
cards to ensure that they will not expire while you
the disruption that such visits cause in program flow
are abroad. It is also very important that you make
and group dynamics. Students should be sure that
photocopies of all your debit/credit card information
relatives and friends are aware of this policy and
and leave them with someone you trust in case your
that visits are scheduled for dates after the formal
card(s) is/are lost or stolen.
conclusion of the program. Students will not be
The Tunisian Dinar, denoted TND, is the official excused from program components to attend to
currency of Tunisia. The currency of Italy is the visitors. See the Attendance and Participation
Euro. section of the Student Handbook.
Following are suggestions for spending money Please note that any visitors during the course of
during the program, including estimates for the program must plan their own independent
textbooks, ISP-related expenses, medical expenses, accommodations; SIT Study Abroad homestay
personal spending, and gifts. Figures are based on families can accommodate only their assigned
recent student evaluations, though individual student and, due to cultural and contractual
spending habits vary widely and these costs are understandings with SIT, should not be asked to
averages. host students’ guests.
A suggested total amount of money to budget During the program, students follow an intense
ranges from US$1,400 to $1,550. To determine schedule of classes and field-based learning
where you might fall in this range, please examine assignments, even during the ISP. Free time for
your spending habits during a typical semester at pursuing an independent interest or hobby during
your home school and consider any exceptional the program will be limited. Your admissions
expenditures you may have on the program, counselor can advise you about particular interests
including travel costs for your planned ISP or a you may have. For example, if you must keep in
specific personal expense. shape for your next athletic season, or if you play a
musical instrument and want to know whether to
Check current exchange rates: bring it, we can help you to understand your
http://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ schedule and any concerns or limitations that may
Please budget approximately: exist. Please note that you will not have a long
break during the program, such as Thanksgiving or
Personal spending: Spring Break.
$900
(from past student suggestions)
Opportunity for independent travel during the
Books, printing, supplies: $200 program is limited and cannot be guaranteed due to
the rigorous schedule and disruption independent
Up-front medical costs: $150 travel may cause to semester responsibilities.
Requests to travel independently will be considered
Potential ISP travel on a case by case basis by the academic director.
$150
expenses: Further details regarding the independent travel
Cell phone costs: $5 - 150 policy can be found in the Student Handbook.
Estimated total: $1400-1550
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Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019
PACKING GUIDELINES want to have a long-sleeved shirt to wear. Both men
and women may be asked to wear a headscarf or a
LUGGAGE yarmulke to enter some religious buildings, such as
Please pack lightly and include only necessary the synagogue on the island of Djerba (yarmulke
items. You should be able to carry all your luggage and headscarves provided) and the Great Mosque
significant distances on your own. Try to minimize of Kairawan.
both the number of bags and weight of your bag(s)
since you will likely be acquiring more belongings Generally speaking, any artificial look (non-discreet
while abroad. piercing, unnaturally colored hair, unusual haircuts,
and large, ostensible tattoos) will cause stares and
Most students find that a large internal frame unwanted reactions on the part of Tunisians and
backpack and a smaller daypack/duffel are the most should be avoided.
convenient choice of luggage. However, you should
also have a smaller bag to use for carrying your
books and personal items. You will find that you can
store your larger piece of luggage at your homestay
during the semester.
If carrying prescription medications, you should
carry a letter from your doctor to prevent any
concerns at customs or in transit. (Please see the
“General Health Tips” section in the Safety,
Security, and Health pre-departure document.)
Please check the current requirements of the
Transportation Security Administration
(http://www.tsa.gov) as well as those of the airline
on which you are flying for domestic and
international baggage restrictions.
CLOTHING GUIDELINES
There is no particular dress code that is legally EQUIPMENT
enforced in Tunisia, as is the case in some other You do not need to bring tents, mosquito nets, or a
Arab or Muslim countries. In the streets, you will sleeping bag. In the section of the packing list
observe a mixture of traditional and western styles. below, we have tried to list all possible important
The appropriate dress for foreign men and women items you may need for the months you will spend in
in Tunisia generally implies long pants, T-shirts, polo Tunisia. It will not be necessary to carry everything
shirts, coats, jeans, jackets, dress shirts, or blouses that you bring during excursions; however, we still
with a normal neck-line. In warm weather, T-shirts encourage you to pack lightly. When packing, do not
and shorts below the knees for men or Capri-style forget to include flexibility, patience, and a sense of
slacks for women are acceptable. humor. This is the best preparation for the months
ahead.
When visiting religious sites or more conservative
areas of the country (Kairawan, the Ghriba
synagogue in Djerba, and rural areas during
excursions, for instance), both men and women may
SIT Study Abroad - 10
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019COMPUTERS AND OTHER Nothing in Tunisia is grounded. A good number of
outlets have grounding points, but virtually none of
ELECTRONICS them are actually attached to anything. If your
It is strongly recommended, that you bring a device won’t work without grounding, then don’t
laptop computer. If you bring a laptop, the computer bring it.
will be your personal property and responsibility. SIT
does not provide personal property insurance and it iPods are OK if you are bringing your laptop; just
is recommended that you insure your computer or remember your plug adaptors. If you bring your iPod
other valuables for full coverage. For details on without your laptop, your wall charger will also work
SIT’s insurance, please see the full description of fine with the appropriate plug adaptor. Most
coverage and scroll down to Student Health electronic equipment today comes fitted with these,
Insurance: http://studyabroad.sit.edu/admitted- but make sure your laptop and other devices
students/medical-review-process/. SIT is not support a power supply of 200 volts, 50 hertz! Your
responsible for any duty tax you may have to pay charger for your digital camera should work with a
when you enter the country, theft, or loss. simple plug adaptor. It is an excellent idea to carry a
couple of digital camera rechargeable batteries with
Both SIT and CEMAT (Centre for Maghreb Studies you, if that is what you use. Make sure you have a
in Tunis/American Research Center in Tunis) have big memory card for your digital camera, or bring
internet and Wi-Fi connections. At SIT, you may use multiple small cards.
the connection from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, and longer
hours during ISP period.
GIFTS
You may also use cybercafés (called “publinets” in As you might imagine, it is best to be prepared with
Tunisia) for word-processing, printing, and internet a gift to offer your homestay family in gratitude for
surfing; the customary hourly rate is 1.25 to 2.5 their hospitality and as a means to share a part of
dinars. These “publinets” often have varied hours of your culture with them. We suggest one or two gifts
operation. It is not possible to rent laptops in that the whole family can enjoy. You may also wish
Tunisia. to consider gifts for people outside your homestay
Some students have found it useful and much family. Try to choose gifts that represent you or the
easier to use their own laptops to write their seminar part of the country and/or community you live in.
papers and ISP final project. It is also easier for you Think about what your city, state, or local artisans
if you have your laptop to stay in contact with your produce. Draw upon your personal interests or
academic director or with friends in Tunisia and in hobbies for ideas. Pack a couple of small gifts for
the US. You will not be charged any customs fees children, such as small games, bubbles, or a
for your laptop. It is advisable to insure your Frisbee. Even if your homestay family does not have
computer against loss or theft. small children, chances are that you will engage
with children in your homestay community. Once
Please note: there are heavy customs duties on you are on the program and learn more about the
electronic equipment (except computers), and they local culture, you will discover other ways to thank
can be quite expensive in Tunisia, and as such are your family. Remember to bring pictures of your
favored by pick-pockets and thieves. Please be friends and family to share.
particularly mindful about your electronic and digital
belongings.
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT
Please see the following website for information
about electricity, voltage and electrical adapters. OBTAIN IN COUNTRY
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/. Most international brands of toiletry and cosmetics
are available in Tunisia, either in pharmacies (quite
SIT Study Abroad - 11
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019expensive) or in special stores. School supplies ALUMNI CONTACTS
(notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.) are also available
If you have further questions, please contact your
and affordable (the majority of locally-made items
admissions counselor and/or ask an alumni contact:
are state-subsidized), though the quality may be
http://studyabroad.sit.edu/admitted-
less than desired.
students/contact-a-former-student/.
There are no US-type large drugstores, which mean
that over-the-counter medication is only obtainable
at pharmacies and tends therefore to be expensive. Don’t miss the Packing List on the next page!
Make sure to bring the items that you are
accustomed to or use most regularly if you cannot These packing guidelines are based on suggestions
do without them. from past students and your academic director. The
clothing you bring may be adapted to your own
As for laundry services, your host family is expected style, within cultural norms of acceptable dress.
to take care of your washables. Dry cleaning is
available, though cost varies; you should expect to
pay 2.5 dinars for a shirt or pair of pants.
SIT Study Abroad - 12
Country Overview and Packing Guidelines9/30/2019o Small First Aid kit
o Band-Aids
PACKING LIST o Good quality thermometer
o Vitamin supplements
o Over the counter medication, such as pain
CLOTHING relievers, cold medicine, fever reducers,
o Warm coat laxatives, anti-diarrhea medicine, travel sickness
o Raincoat medicine.
o Underwear
o Socks and stockings
o Workout outfit/conservative shorts for OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
jogging/sports o Contact lenses (bring extra ones) and glasses
o 1 pair of comfortable, everyday walking shoes o Contact lens solution
o Fairly dressy pair of shoes o Daypack or shoulder/book bag
o Pair of flip-flops for the home o Dark sunglasses
o 1 pair of sneakers o Good quality small lock for luggage
o All-purpose jacket o Large money belt
o Homestay gifts
o Photos of friends/family to share with homestay
family
WOMEN
o 1 or 2 dresses
o Nice outfit, fairly dressy (for formal or official OPTIONAL
occasions) o Insect repellent
o 2 or 3 skirts o Travel clock
o 2 pairs of nice slacks
o 4 or 5 casual outfits, including jeans and T-shirts
o 3-5 blouses or shirts
o 2-3 sweaters
MEN
o 1 tie
o 1 nice outfit (for formal or official occasions)
o 3-4 pairs of slacks
o 4 shirts (one fairly dressy)
o 3-4 sweaters
o 3-4 casual outfits, including jeans and T-shirts
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
o Passport
o Yellow WHO Card (if you have one) or list of
vaccinations on doctor letterhead (see the
Health Guidelines and Requirements
document for more information)
o 2 photocopies of your passport stored
separately from your actual passport
o 2 passport photos
HEALTH/TOILETRIES
o Prescription medication taken regularly
o Personal hygiene itemsYou can also read
