We are only one month from departure. I just finished final exams and submitted grades so I am done with my teaching obligations for the year and can now focus entirely on preparing for my work in Uzbekistan.
My family’s visas and passports are on the way from the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, DC. I was able to complete the application via mail instead of having to make a trip out to DC in person. I was happy to save the time and money but it also makes me nervous to put our passports in the mail. I’ll feel much better when I have them back in my possession.
In the meantime, I’m starting to think about all the prep I still have to do before we leave. After the Christmas holiday I’m going to do a practice run with packing to see if we need to each bring two large suitcases, or if we can manage with just one large suitcase each, plus our carry on of course.
Fulbright has provided a helpful guide for scholars, including a pre-departure checklist.
As you can see, I’m not doing to badly on this checklist. I have started researching housing options, which you can read about in my previous blog post if you haven’t already. See https://experiencefulbright.org/2018/12/17/apartment-hunting-by-proxy/
I still need to check with our health insurance provider about international coverage and sign up for additional emergency medical coverage for Dillon. Fulbright provides it for scholars but not their dependents.
There is specific money in my grant to cover educational materials for my host institution. I could buy things now and have them shipped so they are there when I arrive. However, previous scholars suggested that I wait until I’m in country and have a better idea of what materials would actually be helpful. That seems like a good idea and since my husband isn’t coming with right away, I can communicate with him about what I want and he can purchase the items and arranged to ship them to me or bring with him.
The other big item on my mind is making sure I have all the required documentation and essential items with me. Again, Fulbright provides a checklist for all scholars. There may be some variations depending on your country but this is a good guide to use.
My goal between now and my next post it to gather up everything from the list above that I think I will need and to also make my own complete packing list that includes clothing and personal items.
Experience Fulbright 