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Planning for a Healthy Year Abroad
Visit the college health services or your family physician before going abroad to discuss your specific plans for your health care while living abroad, and have a dental exam before you leave. Many programs will require a physician’s statement of good health.
Prescriptions Discuss with your prescribing physician and family how you will obtain prescription medications while abroad, well in advance of your departure; in some cases there may be limitations on the amount of medications that you may receive before you go, or their availability abroad. Ask your physician to prescribe a supply of medication that will last the length of your stay, or make arrangements to purchase your medications abroad or have them sent to you. Carry a copy of your prescription and keep medications in the labeled containers in which they were dispensed.
Chronic Illnesses If you have asthma, diabetes, allergies, or other chronic conditions learn the vocabulary to describe your condition in the host country language, and carry a written explanation in that language, in case you are unable to communicate in an emergency. Plan to wear your medical bracelet if you own one. Smith College recommends that you share your medical information with your overseas contact, and ask for a copy of your program’s in-country communicable diseases risk reduction and prevention plan prior to departure.
Emotional Well-Being Going abroad and venturing out of your comfort zone is normally stressful, so you should plan to use typically stress reduction strategies such as exercise and relaxation to cope with all the changes you will encounter in your new host country. If you are currently seeing a therapist, discuss how you will continue your mental health care while you are abroad, and inquire with your program about counseling services that may be available to you abroad.
Diet and Nutrition Learn about the regional diet, eating habits and meal schedule for your destination, as it is an integral part of the culture, and how to explain your dietary restrictions in a culturally appropriate way. Be informed about food and water precautions recommended by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Carry a Medical Kit:
• painkillers: aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• HIV/Malaria prophylaxis medications
• anti-diarrhea medication: loperamide or diphenoxylate and oral rehydration mixture
• antacids for stomach upset
• motion sickness pills
• allergy medication/antihistamine, also eases insect bite itch and prevents motion sickness
• decongestant; flu medicine; lozenges
• permethrin-containing insect repellant (and/or bednet); calamine lotion or topical antihistamine
• aloe vera; sunscreen; lip balm; eye drops
• antiseptic/antibiotic cream ointment; band-aids
• prescribed antibiotics in consultation with your doctor (carry the prescription with you)
• non-mercury thermometer
• prescriptions and/or extra sets of contact lenses or glasses
• contraception; condoms
• plus any other items appropriate for your destination and personal health
Country Specific Health Preparation and Immunizations
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization offer on-line information about regional and country health risks, disease outbreaks, with recommendations for immunizations. Study abroad program providers also provide students with health advice. After researching the requirements and recommendations for your specific destination, discuss your choices with your physician, planning well in advance, since some immunizations are administered over a period of several months. Carry your certificate of immunizations with your passport when you enter the country and when you return to the U.S. The CDC International Travelers’ Hotline: (404)332.4559.
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Before departing for countries where avian influenza is present, you should read the information about contact with poultry and eggs provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn the risks, and plan to stay informed of developments while you are abroad.
MDR/XDR Tuberculosis All students returning to Smith College from areas of the world where TB is a threat are required to have a TB test by Smith College Health Services. Read the Smith College TB Policy for details. Before traveling to a country where TB is present, read the information provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tuberculosis (TB) a disease that usually affects the lungs, which is caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air, and is treatable in most cases. TB usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) is TB that is resistant to at least two first-line anti-TB drugs, and Extensive Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is additionally resistant to at least three of the six main second-line drugs. The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected. If you have these symptoms or if you think you have been exposed to someone with TB disease, you should contact your program provider, doctor or local health department about getting a TB skin or blood test.
HIV/AIDS It is wise to know your HIV status in advance. Testing takes about two weeks. It is possible to be anonymously tested through state organizations, which allows you the privacy to decide if you want to get a second test through a physician who can provide you with an official certificate to be used for immigration. Some locations overseas may present greater risks to those who are HIV positive or are living with AIDS due to limited medical facilities or availability of sterile needles and screened blood. Individuals who test positive for the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS will find useful recommendations for traveling with HIV here.
Medical Facilities and Services Abroad Become familiar, in advance, with the health care system of the country, the quality and cost of medical care, the name and location of the hospital nearest to your residence abroad, and how to summon emergency medical care (many countries have an equivalent to 911).
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Health Insurance
Travel Accident
Coverage
Smith's TB Policy
Smith's Travel
Warning Policy
U.S. State
Department
Related Links
H1N1 Influenza (Swine)S Information & Prevention
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