Important Announcement:

Click on this link for updated security information for students leaving or returning to the U.S.  Study Abroad Airport Security Update2

Health & Safety Information:

CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)

The CDC has a website at http://www.cdc.gov. You should be familiar with the immunizations required and suggested for the area in which you plan to travel. In addition, you should be aware of your health history and have a copy with you as you travel.
 

HEALTH INSURANCE

Health services overseas vary considerably. You should carry a health policy that will cover you overseas. Please check with your carrier for details on the* coverage and how to make claims. In addition to health coverage, you should have Medical Evacuation and Repatriation coverage. All of these policies are very important in an emergency. The International Student Identity Card will give you some medical evacuation and repatriation. The coverage is basic and we recommend other comprehensive coverage. The recommended amount for repatriation and evacuation is $10,000. The International Studies Office recommends an emergency medical plan that costs about $15.00 per week.
 

HEALTH ISSUES

If you take prescription medication, make sure you have a copy of the doctor's prescription with you and always carry the drugs in the original package. The prescription should indicate a generic brand to ease the process of obtaining the drug overseas. You may want to look into getting a supply for the length of your program. Remember, drugs produced in the U.S. are governed by the FDA, which is not the case overseas. When carrying any type of drug make sure to have the original package. It is wise to take some aspirin type medicine, and some antacid. Please consider your destination when packing these items. A second pair of glasses can also be helpful.
 
Students should check with their own physician prior to leaving the US regarding appropriate immunizations for the countries they plan to visit. Make sure your regular shots are up-to-date. If you have any long-standing illness which requires regular medication or attention, bring a letter from your doctor detailing your needs and history. If you think a prescription will have to be refilled during your stay abroad, make sure your doctor includes the chemical composition of you drugs, as brand names can be different overseas. If you need special over the counter drugs take these with you as they may not be available abroad. You may find substitutes in other brand names. Know your blood type.
 
If you will need to see a doctor on a regular basis once you arrive overseas, inform the sponsoring program and the International Studies Office about this before you leave. This is not because they want to pry, but they will be prepared if you should have a medical emergency and need fast assistance. Take a complete medical record to your program site, along with medical and prescription histories. If you need a doctor, use the emergency number on your ISIC card to locate an English speaking doctor.
 

SAFETY ISSUES

A little common sense goes a long way. Do not bring valuables along. Don't flash money in public areas. Keep your important documents in a safe place. When traveling it is a good idea to use a passport holder that goes around your neck or waist and under your clothes. Put your tickets, traveler's checks, passport ID card, etc., in the holder. When staying overnight in a new location, or traveling, keep these things on your body, and watch the shower stalls. Theft has occurred when students take showers and have left their valuables Iying around. For the most part, if you wouldn't do something in the states, don't do it overseas.