Surprise! Internet capability is nearly as widespread as influenza. If you plan on doing Peace Corps service (even in Burkina Faso) chances are you'll have internet capability even if it means biking a bit or putting your phone on top of your hut to get service (my personal strategies).
Now, I know what you are thinking in that precious unadulterated idealistic pre-service mind of yours: "Smart phone! I want the pure Peace Corps experience!" 1) This isn't your mother's Peace Corps (the old school Peace Corps only exists in select countries or in obscure regions of countries). 2) Easy communication (within reason) means sanity and more time in village.
Cautions: Make sure your phone or device will work where you are going. Certain phone companies might not have contracts with certain companies such as Blackberry's creator. (I have a Blackberry in one of the poorest--if not poorest--Peace Corps countries). Also certain phones are more complicated to get working in other countries. You might want to look for "world editions" of phones. You can also potentially buy a knock off in your country of service for cheaper, but the quality will likely be lower.
Integration is really important and if you know that you have very little self control than you might want to delay getting internet until after you've been in country for a while.
This is the first installment of my personal packing tips. Stay tuned for more.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Airtel Burkina Faso.
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