Don't worry about brining everything from home: Santa Rosa is a city of about 35,000 and you can buy almost everything you need, such as shampoos / conditioners / medications / bed sheets / towels / electronics / nice clothes / etc. Many US brands are available here -- there are even natural stores where you can buy some organic health care products. Most products and medicines (including anti-malarial tblets) are significantly cheaper here and of comparable quality. Previous teachers may have also left some supplies like bed sheets and towels at the house. If you can't get it in Santa Rosa, you definitely can get it in San Pedro Sula.

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Buy your tan and navy blue pants (at least one pair of each -- there are 2 tan pants days and 2 navy blue pants days a week) at home because if you try and buy them here you will find the selection lacking (especially for females). Non-polyester is best because polyester is really uncomfortable to wear during the hot months.

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Briny comfy shoes to teach in; concrete floors are not soft. You can get shoes in Santa Rosa, but not likely the brands or quality you're accustomed to.

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During the interview, ask as many questions as possible so that everything is clear. Be clear aout what subjects / grades you want to teach and give it a lot of thought. It can be very difficult for you and the students if you are disinterested or unprepared to teach your subjects. If you want to teach something you don't know about, be prepared to do lots of reading and note taking to prepare for class. Read your contract; make sure it's clear and save it.

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Don't be afraid to ask the school administration about anything (school, town, travel, etc.); they understand that everything is likely new to the foreign teachers.

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Be prepared to spend some of your savings to travel to touristy places like Roatan and Copan ruinas (they're pricey, but worth it). $300 is not enough to live AND travel on (although it depends on the person).

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If you have a laptop, definitely bring it -- then you can type up tests / notes (there's a printer at the house) and use the internet at the house (about $32 per month) to call home via programs like Skype (bring a headset or buy one here).

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There are lots of internet cafes in Santa Rosa de Copan that have cheap and relatively quick (but not always reliable) connections. If you're going to have internet at the house and have a router at home, bring it -- otherwise you can only connect one computer at a time or pay a huge amount to connect more.

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If you have an mp3 player, definitely bring it -- you can buy speakers here if you don't want to bring your own. A surge protector is necessary for all electronics (learned the hard way by previous teachers) and they are available here.

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Bring cold clothes -- it gets really cold here for a couple months (but not below freezing, even at night). A good coat, a raincoat and a sweatshirt / sweater are essential and if you get cold easily you should also bring warm socks and shoes, scarf, gloves and a beanie.

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It does get VERY hot and dry (occasionally humid), so bring cool clothes to work in as well. Ladies, you can bring tan or navy blue skirts to wear to work, but they must be knee length. Shorts are common on the beach, but not allowed at school...

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Don't bring super nice clothes; the washer is kind of rough on your clothes. However, you may want to bring something nice to wear to events like the Christmas program (or even a wedding).

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There is a pretty decent English / Spanish library at the school, but bring any specific books ane/or movies that you want to use for teaching (or ask in advance if the school has it). The kids can get copies of books made for a couple of dollars.

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Bring any Spanish textbooks you have, there are very few people outside of the school who are fluent in English and your experience will be much richer with even a basic knowledge of the language. You'll learn a lot if you try a little. There is a basic Spanish - English dictionary at the house.

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Bring at least one guidebook - a Central American one if you only buy one - but having a Honduran one is also good (talk to your fellow co-teachers in advance). It's great to get general information about the country / people and looking at maps of areas. They are also crucial when you have the opportunities to travel.

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If you have a good backpack... bring it or buy one here. Something to carry your teaching supplies to / from class is essential and you will use a backpack for travel.

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Get involved outside of school if you can: La Casa de La Cultura (similar to a YMCA or Boys & Girls club), the orphanages, Habitat for Humanity and the Peace Corps baseball team are just some of the places and organizations that can always use volunteers. Tutoring students for xtra money is also an option.

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Some other things you may want to bring: a. Your favorite books - you can exchange with other foreigners here, borrow from the school library, and there is a limited selection at Pizza Pizza. b. Your favorite movies - if your computer can play them. There are movie rental stores in town as well. c. Water bottle - water is available at school for teachers but you need your own container. You can buy them here. d. Travel coffee mug - coffee is served at school for teachers (they have normal mugs). e. Teaching Guides - there is nothing available at the school about HOW to teach, so bringing guides would be good even for experienced teachers. (some of the textbooks have "teaching tips") "The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher" by Harry and Rosemary Wong is highly recommended. f. You do NOT need to bring a grade book - the school provides one.

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The kids are amazing... they will be the best part of your year here. Take advantage of the time you have to get to know them.

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GOOD LUCK! This will be a great experience.

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