Job Discussion Forums

[BoogaJuice]

Hey All! I'm sorry if this question has been asked and answered, if it was, it was not obvious to me because I did not look very hard.

I'm about to venture out for the first time, and am curious about what sort of stuff to bring with me. What products do you guys miss from home that you can not get in San Jose? I'm talking about about your favourite brands of toilettries such as shampoo, toothpaste and soap, as well as tampons. Are these things easily accessible or should I bring a supply with me?

Also, I'm not really a business casual person so I have to purchase the clothes to work. Should I purchase them before I go, or get them when I arrive there? I'm mostly concerned about how much to pack. 70 pounds adds up really fast.

Thanks for any advice!

[doreenp]

you can get just about everything here, Pantene shampoo, body wash is expensive, toothpaste is generally colgate but in the Automercado, a large grocery store, they cater to gringos so lots of products but at a good price too.

The one thing you should definitely stock up on is tampons.! They don�t have a big supply or variety and what they do have is outrageously expensive.

I don�t know what type of clothing you like, but i buy mine here. I find them reasonably priced with the materials you need for this climate. See where you are working and just how formal you have to be for the job and then shop accordingly. i think you�ll be surprised how casual some of the schools are .

good luck
cheers
d

[BoogaJuice]

Thank-you, that helps a lot. I can't believe I'm going to have to bring like 12 boxes of tampons with me! I wonder what else will fit in my suitcase after all that...

[pollitatica]

take your tampons out of the boxes when you pack them and put them in big ziplock bags. consider using OB, they take up WAY less space.

[RachelATejas]

Doreen,

When you say "casual" what do you mean? How casual is casual? I am leaving for CR in August, and need to start putting my wardrobe together for the move.

Also, what type of shoes do women teachers wear there? Are jeans (nice jeans, of course) acceptable?

[doreenp]

Casual is ��business casual�� Jeans are not accepted on men or women! But i do wear those pants that come just below the knees that have pockets on the sides, i have no idea what to call them, but in any material, just not denim. I wear skirts with summer tops, sleeveless is okay and i wear dressy tops that have spaghetti straps and have had no problems. No running shoes or flip flop sandals.

Costa Rican�s are very image conscious and it�s better to leave the Beach look at the beach.

I also buy my clothes here or in Nicaragua. They are cheaper and the materials are great for this climate.

hope this helps
cheers
d

[rtanner77]

I would also add to this list good contact solution. I wear contacts, and I like to use the best solution, which, for me, is OptiFree. There was only brand that I could find in San Jose, and it wasn't really what I liked, cause it tended to dry my eyes out. It was also pretty pricey. But I made due with what I could find.

[route67]

HP Sauce! Heinz Baked Beans! Good (and I mean good) bread. If you want the first two, cosy up to someone who can get you invited to the British Embassy, 'cos they have loads of stuff to give away on party days (queen's birthday, etc.).
If, however, you're not British, ignore the previous paragraph.
FYI, Oreos are not - and I cannot stress this strongly enough - not a member of any scientifically recognised food group.
Unfortunately.

[kruegs4]

Hey,
I work at a private institute in Heredia. Our dress code is jeans, tshirts and shoes. We have teachers with mohawks or other wierd stuff. I have been here for a year and I wish I hadnt brought half the dress cloths I did. Peace, Ben

[RachelATejas]

Wow... where exactly do you work? I would love to know more about that place!