Traveling and Study Abroad

Does your STUDY ABROAD program require a PHYSICAL?
If so, it is important to allow enough time to do this. Make sure you make your appointment early so that you can get all forms completed and returned to your program on time. Call x2810 to make an appointment. It is also important to take care of any health issues prior to foreign travel. See your provider, get immunizations, make dental appointments, and refill all prescription medications you take regularly to avoid any potential problems while away.

Please complete the Pre-Travel Screening Form as soon as you know your international destination. We will send you a letter including recommended vaccinations/malaria prophylaxis and encourage you to make an apointment with us to discuss/receive the recommendation immunizations. Feel free to consult the Centers for Disease Control website for more detailed information at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/.

Do you need more than a month's worth of medication while travelling abroad?
Contact GallagherKoster Insurance to request a Vacation Override Form if you have college insurance.

If you have private insurance, we encourage you to call the insurance company directly
as they may have a similar form which would allow multiple month's of medication to be covered.

Check out the new website from the CDC for students studying abroad!

Additional resources:
Mobility International USA
www.miusa.org
www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets
Independent Living Centers (ILCs) in the US and abroad
www.ilusa.com/links/03-08centers1.htm

Travel advice is given at the Health Service by appointment with a nurse. If you are planning a trip to a foreign country please try to make your appointment well in advance, as many of the immunizations may need to be ordered. Try to make sure you have received all of your travel vaccinations by at least two weeks before leaving. Some foreign countries have unpredictable health standards and travelers to these countries may be at risk for illness caused by food and waterborne pathogens. Certain protective measures should be observed so that you may have a more enjoyable trip.

Drink only bottled water and beverages
Brush teeth with bottled water
Avoid ice cubes
Avoid street-vendor food as well as restaurants that appear unclean
Observe good personal hygiene and be careful with uncooked fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled without contamination from the skin
Swim only in chlorinated swimming pools that are well maintained, or pollution-free ocean water
Do not swim in small rivers or lakes as they may contain contaminants
Use sunscreen, at least a #15 spf, and try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10-2
Use sunglasses and hats
Long sleeved shirts and lightweight pants are also recommended
Use protective measures against insects if traveling in infested areas: wear long sleeved shirts and long lightweight pants after dusk, and protect yourself with a good insect repellent (DEET) - apply over sunscreen!
Obtain the proper immunizations recommended for the countries being visited
Water purification tablets may be needed for certain countries
WASH HANDS OFTEN - CARRY A SMALL BOTTLE OF HAND-SANITIZER, TOO

The traveler should observe good health practices, and personal protective measures should also be taken against the risks of illness caused by food and waterborne pathogens.

Wash your hands often and before handling food
Carry a small bar of soap in your travel bag along with any medications that you may require
A small first-aid kit may be a good idea
Carry your passport, valuable papers, and money in an undergarment case or pocket
Make copies of your airline tickets, passport, and birth certificate, and keep in a separate plac
It is also a good idea to have your credit card information in a separate area
Keep your credit card in a safe place also, and know the 800 number for your credit card
These precautions are necessary in case you lose your travel documents and need to replace them. This may save a lot of precious time and lessen headaches for the American Embassy (and you!)
If you are traveling through the study abroad program or another College program, make sure that your program leaders know where you are and how you can be reached.