StudyAbroad.com’s The Globe

In order to stay healthy during your study abroad experience, you’ll need to take a few precautions before you ever set foot on a plane. While there are no guarantees, taking a few simple steps before you leave and while you’re abroad can help you stay healthy and make the most of your experience. Also be sure to check in with your study abroad office before you leave to ensure you know of any special health and safety requirements.

Normal Checkup
It’s vital to have your normal physical and dental check-ups before you go abroad, especially if you’ll be gone during the time period when these routine check-ups would normally occur. This will give you the opportunity to talk with your health care professionals about any general precautions you should take and make sure you’re fit.

Pre-existing Conditions
If you have an ongoing medical issue, such as allergies or diabetes, you will need to take special precautions and be prepared for any factors that might affect your condition while overseas. Talk to your health care professional as well as your study abroad program provider to assure that both you and they are aware of what you will need in order to stay healthy during your time abroad.

Prescriptions
If you take prescription medications regularly, bring a supply to last throughout your time abroad, if practical. Medications abroad may not be the same as those in the United States, may be marketed differently, or only available in different doses. It is probably wise to have a letter from your home physician or pharmacist describing the condition being treated and your medications, their dosage and a generic name for them.

Traveling internationally with prescriptions can be challenging. Make sure you keep the medications in their original pharmacy containers, clearly labeled. Carry copies of your prescriptions to show at Customs if necessary. If you have a condition requiring a syringe, bring a supply of disposable syringes as they may not be available in all countries. You’ll need to verify any restrictions of the country in which you’ll be studying as some countries do not allow the importation of syringes, certain medications, or contraceptives.

Immunizations
Some countries will require immunizations to enter or obtain a visa while others will not. It is important therefore to check on the requirements of your host country. Some countries might even require an AIDS test to enter. You may want to obtain certain immunizations even if they are not required. Discuss this with your doctor, local travel clinic or county health department. Your study abroad program provider may also provide recommendations or have requirements related to immunizations.

It may also be wise for you to have your basic childhood immunizations (tetanus, polio, diphtheria, etc.) updated. If you will be traveling to a developing country, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, cholera, and yellow fever vaccines are frequently recommended. Anti-malarial medicine is vital if traveling to malarial areas.

If you are required to present an official record of immunizations, the most common form is an “International Certificate of Vaccinations”. It is issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services and approved by the World Health Organization. You can get the form from your local Department of Health, travel clinic, passport office physician or travel agency.

Insurance
Even with all these preparations, it is extremely important for you to have adequate insurance before leaving home including medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and life insurance. If you are currently on your family’s policy, verify that your coverage meets your program’s insurance requirements and will be valid the entire time you are overseas. The International Student Identity Card provides students with basic medical/accident insurance coverage outside the continental US for the period the ISIC is valid. However, additional coverage may be necessary.

For more information on staying healthy during and after studying abroad, check out IIEPassport.org’s Study Abroad Guide and www.InternationalVaccines.com.