Prior to departure

• If you have an ongoing health issue, you are encouraged to discuss it with on-site staff of your study abroad program. 
• If necessary, take appropriate health records with you.
• Take an ample supply of prescription medications with you.
• At least one week before departure, begin to adjust your schedule to accommodate the new time zone.
• Avoid consuming alcohol for several days prior to departure.
• Research any medical concerns related to the country(ies) you are traveling to.  Information can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

After arrival

• After arrival, eat and drink lightly until your system has had a chance to adjust to changes in climate and food.  Adjusting to new foods often cause mild intestinal upsets or diarrhea.
• If you have a medical condition that is not easily identified (diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies), wear a medic alert bracelet while you are abroad.  You may also want to alert your roommates and on-site staff so that they can be prepared in case of an emergency.
• Stay on a regular schedule as much as possible.
• Avoid skipping meals and maintain a sound nutritional diet.
• Know how you normally react to stress and how you best manage it.

• If you wear contacts or glasses, take at least one extra pair.  If this is not possible, take a written prescription along with you in case your glasses or contacts need to be replaced.

Prescription Medications

Pack prescription medications in their original bottle(s) marked with the name of medication, dosage, and your name.  Bring enough to last you the duration of your trip plus extra.  Pack at least part of your medicine in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost.  Take a written prescription in case you need refills.

If you are taking medications on a regular basis or have a chronic condition (i.e. asthma, diabetes), have your physician provide a brief typed letter explaining your condition and treatment on office letterhead.  The letter should also include allergies you may have.  Carry one copy of the letter in your luggage and one in your carry-on bag in case of an inspection at the airport, which will explain why you are transporting medications.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Pack over-the-counter medications in their original containers.  You may want to take the following: Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen, anti-histamines, anti-diarrheal medicine, cough drops and cough syrup.

When going abroad, you should be current on all standard immunizations and vaccinations given in the US.  Additional consideration should be given to the following:

Hepatitis A - This vaccine is recommended if you are traveling to countries with intermediate to high rates of infection from the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).

Hepatitis B - This vaccine is recommended if you will be residing in an area with high levels of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), especially if you will have close contact with the local population.

MMR - Consider receiving a second MMR if you have not already had one, especially if you will be visiting underdeveloped countries.

Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD) - It is recommended to get a booster if it has been longer than five years since your last one.

Traveling to certain areas of the world may require specific vaccinations or immunizations.  Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. 

Culture shock is a term used to describe the anxiety and feelings felt when you encounter an entirely different cultural or social environment, such as a different country or a different state than where you live.  Severe culture shock often consists of distinct phases. Not everyone experiences all phases.  The phases are:

• The Honeymoon Phase - During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen as wonderful and new. For example, you might love the new foods, the pace of life, etc.
• The "Everything is Awful" phase - After a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, minor differences between the old and new culture become tiresome and annoying. You may long for food the way it is prepared "back home," or find the people's habits annoying, etc.
• The "Everything is OK" phase - After a few days, weeks or months, you become accustomed to the new culture's differences and develop a routine. It no longer feels like a new culture.
• Reverse Culture Shock - Returning to your home culture after growing accustomed to a new one can produce the same effects as described above.

Consider the following ways to cope with culture shock:

• Read up about the country and its culture before you leave. This will help you to be aware of any differences in the new country and you will be more prepared to deal with them.
• Familiarize yourself  with the local customs and language.
• Be open-minded.
• Take 'time out' or rest.