Health Care Guide
This guide is meant to help students fulfill all of their health care needs while abroad and covers the following topics:
Preparing to Leave
Scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider at prior to leaving ÂÒÂ×Ç¿¼é is a good idea even if your program does not require you to do so. If you have a health form that needs completing, please let the receptionist know, so the appropriate amount of time can be scheduled for your visit.
If you'd like to know the health and safety risks of certain destinations, use the (Net ID required).
Please review the Office for Global Engagement's prior to going abroad.
Travel Immunizations
Many countries require you to have specific immunizations before arriving to the country. Check the (CDC) website for information about immunizations you need before studying abroad.
If you need immunizations before you travel, you can receive them at UHS, through your primary care provider, or from another health care facility. If you decide to get your immunizations through UHS, you will be a charge for the immunizations but not for the visit.
Since some immunizations require more than one visit or cannot be taken in combination with others, we recommend that you take care of your immunizations well in advance of your departure.
Health Insurance
All students are required to have health insurance when studying abroad. Information about required steps and health insurance while abroad can be found on the .
Medications
Bring enough prescription and preferred over-the-counter medication to last the duration of your time abroad. Medications vary in name, potency, and purity from country to country, and cannot be sent through international mail.
For customs purposes, keep all medicines in the original containers. If you bring syringes with you, be sure to bring a doctor’s note. It is also wise to bring the written drug information with you through customs in case the customs officer has questions about your medication.
Your Emotional Health
It is normal to experience stress when studying abroad. You are not only adjusting to being a student in a new and different setting, but you are also adjusting to a new living environment. While abroad, you may experience feelings of loneliness and homesickness—these feelings are natural.
Based on feedback from numerous students, the following techniques are especially helpful in dealing with the stresses and strains of adjustment:
- Immerse yourself in study/reading that is satisfying.
- Find a local person with whom you can talk regularly.
- Practice your faith through prayer, meditation, reading, etc.
- Communicate with family and friends through letters, emails, Skype, or Facetime.
- Visit fellow students.
Checklist for Student Travelers
Before going abroad, please carefully read Global Engagement's .