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Health & Safety
Many places you will go have no special health concerns. Health-care systems and facilities in many European locations are quite similar to what you have in the United States. However, your health during your study abroad experience will depend on the choices you make and precautions that you take prior, during, and following your time overseas. There are no guarantees or absolutes with regard to health in any setting, especially an international one. Before your departure, you should make sure that you are in good health, get any immunizations that are required and learn as much as you can about the health and safety conditions in your host country. Checkups
All participants should have a physical and dental checkup before they go, especially if they will be gone at a time when they would normally schedule these appointments. This will give them an opportunity to talk with their health care professionals about any general health precautions they should take.Pre-existing Conditions (allergies)
If students have an ongoing medical problem, such as allergies or diabetes, they need to take special precautions in preparing for and managing your condition overseas. How will the stresses of the environment and the study abroad experience impact their health? If they have a disability, how will their needs be met?If students have food allergies, please in form us in advance, as we will consider this when choosing menus for group meals.
Prescriptions
If students take prescription medications regularly, they should bring a supply to last throughout their time abroad, if practical. Foreign drugs are not necessarily closely related to those standard in the United States, even if they have the same chemical formula. They may be marketed under different names and may not be available in the strengths one desires. It might be wise to also have a letter from a home physician or pharmacist describing one’s medicines, their dosage, a generic name for them and describing the condition being treated. This letter could be helpful in an emergency.Participants should make sure all drugs are in the original pharmacy containers and are clearly labeled. They should carry copies of the prescriptions to avoid problems with Customs. In the case of narcotic medicines, it may not be prudent to carry additional supplies because of possible Customs difficulties. In that case, they should bring a prescription with the drug's generic name.
If students are diabetic or have another medical condition in which a syringe is needed to administer medication, they should bring a supply of disposable syringes. These are not available in all countries, and are essential to protect themselves against HIV, hepatitis, and other communicable illnesses. Even if they do not routinely inject medication, it is a good idea to bring a few disposable syringes if they will be studying in a country where they are not available, in the event that they need an injection. Some countries, however, restrict the import of syringes ‐ as well as certain medications and contraceptives. Before departure, these students should find out of this applies to their host country.
For certain conditions such as diabetes, asthma, mild epilepsy, or allergy to penicillin, it would be wise to wear a tag or a bracelet or carry a card to identify the condition so that the student can be treated properly. Students should take an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses if they wear them. They should bring along extra contact lens solution too. They should not pack their medications in their checked luggage. They should better pack them in their carry on so as not to be without them if their luggage gets lost.
Emotional and Mental Health
Emotionally and mentally, international living can be stressful. Most travelers will experience a degree of culture shock during the normal adjustment period. Culture shock causes feelings of disorientation and unease which can be intensified for students dealing with ongoing unresolved emotional or medical issues. It is thus very important that students with such problems discuss these with you, mental health providers, or other trained medical personnel before leaving. Once on site, there our staff available to help you through the adjustment cycle.Nutrition
Participants should be aware that they will probably experience a change in their diet and eating habits. They may start eating a healthier diet, as people in most countries do not eat as much processed food nor drink as many caffeinated and sweetened beverages as Americans do. It is customary in many countries to eat more grains, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, etc. Before your group leaves, they should try to learn more about the foods eaten and the eating habits of their host country. These are an integral part of the culture.Medical Kit
Everybody should be prepared for minor health problems with a home medical kit.This should include:
- bandages
- gauze and adhesive tape
- sterile cleansers
- antibacterial cream
- painkillers
- anti-diarrhea medicine
- insect repellent (for any warm climate).
Family Emergencies
Students should discuss with their family what they will do in the event of a family emergency, illness or death. It is much easier to have these conversations around the kitchen table prior to departure than in an intercontinental phone call in the midst of a crisis.Travel & Health Insurance
It is extremely important for all participants of a study abroad program to have adequate international travel and health insurance before traveling abroad.Very affordable luggage, accident and health insurance can be booked for an additional fee through CEPA Europe.
If you would like to book this insurance package, please let us know. We will take care of arranging the insurance and handling all claims for you.
