Student Guide: Health, Safety, and Financial Issues Abroad

Adapted from "The StudyAbroad.com Handbook" by William Hoffa

The on-site coordinator or director of your program should be able to help you contact the appropriate physician or other medical authority when attention is required. In order to provide such persons and local medical authorities abroad with sufficient information to respond promptly and effectively to situations that require medical attention, many programs ask you to complete a medical history form at the time of acceptance.

During weekend or post-program travel, you may find yourself in a variety of unfamiliar and possibly remote locations. If you are not fluent in the language of the host country, of course try to seek out an English-speaking doctor if you need medical attention: when it comes to health matters, you will not want to take any chances on a breakdown in communications. American embassies and consulates, many large travel agencies (e.g. Thomas Cook) and a number of the larger hotels will have lists of English-speaking physicians.

Should you currently be under the care of a physician or require regular medication or injections (e.g. insulin or allergy shots), be sure to check with your personal physician for any advice or recommendations concerning your welfare while abroad. It is a good idea to notify the on-site coordinator of any special needs.

If you need medications regularly, take an adequate supply with you. Do not buy medications "over the counter" while you are overseas unless you are familiar with the product: "Over the counter" drugs abroad are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If you have diabetes, are allergic to penicillin, or have any physical condition that may require emergency care, carry some kind of identification (tag, bracelet, or card) at all times indicating the specific nature of the problem, in case you are unable to communicate this information yourself.

Any prescription medicines must be accompanied by a letter from your physician. This letter should include a description of the condition, the dosage of prescribed medications to assist medical authorities during an emergency, and the generic name(s) of medicine listed.

Any special health needs or medical conditions should be noted on medical history forms. If you are required to take a medicine containing habit-forming or narcotic drugs you should carry a doctor's certificate attesting to that fact. It is also advisable to keep all medicines in their original and labeled containers. To avoid potential problems and because laws may vary from country to country, if you need to carry such medicines you should consult the embassies of the countries you will visit before departing the U.S.