Adjusting to life in a new country means excitement, challenge, and the unexpected. No amount of preparation can guarantee a trouble-free transition. Since you are not a citizen of the host country, you are not usually given the same medical care benefits as its citizens. Arranging and paying for
Before you travel abroad, it is worthwhile to take a close look at the many factors that contribute to your physical and emotional well being. A trip abroad will almost certainly affect your health, because so many factors of your daily health have to do with lifestyle and environment. Conversely, the state of your health will have a significant impact on the success and enjoyment of your trip.
Going abroad is not a magic "geographic cure" for concerns and problems at home. Both physical and emotional health issues will follow you wherever you go. In particular, if you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs, or if you have an emotional health concern, you should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people's expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; in fact, it often exacerbates them to a crisis stage while you are away from home.
Be clear about your health needs when applying for a program and when making housing arrangements. Thoroughly and honestly describe allergies, disabilities, psychological treatments, dietary requirements, and medical needs so that adequate arrangements can be made. In addition, resources and services for people with disabilities vary widely by country and region - if you have a disability or special need, identify it and understand ahead of time exactly what accommodations can and cannot and be made.
Remember to ask questions, such as: - What illnesses are endemic to the country? - What medications should you take to prevent these illnesses? - What precautions are recommended for sexual or health practices? - What kind of insurance do you need, and how much coverage? - What are the customs, beliefs, and laws in the host country concerning sbehavior and the use of alcohol and drugs? - What is the quality of water? - What are the laws governing the import of medications, medical supplies, and contraceptives? This information can be found in several places, including: - Family physician - Campus health service - Local Public Health Department - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - State Department Overseas Citizens Emergency Center - Travelers with disabilities can get more information from Mobility International exual
A visit to your family physician, gynecologist, and dentist
will insure that you are in good health before you leave and might prevent
emergencies abroad. Update your health records, including eyeglass prescriptions
and regular medications. If you are on prescription medication, check to
be sure it is available in your host country as prescribed or, if not, carry
a supply with you. If you self-inject prescribed medication, you may need
to carry needles and syringes with you. You'll need a physician's prescription
for medication and medical supplies you carry with you in order to pass through
foreign customs.
Take copies of all medical records, prescriptions in generic form, and pertinent information; carry these with you in a safe place. If you expect to need regular medical care abroad, take a letter of introduction from your physician at home, providing details of your medical conditions, care, and specific needs. Try to identify medical resources before you leave.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has an International Traveler's Hotline (404-332-4559) where, by punching in the country code of your host country, you can get recorded information on vaccinations, food and water and current health problems. Their Internet address is www.cdc.goc/travel/travel.html.
There are no required immunizations for most of Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and Mexico. Make sure your tetanus shot is current, and you should consider a vaccination for Hepatitis, which can be caused by contamination of food or water, by sewage, and by infected food handlers. If you are going to South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia or remote areas of your host country, consult the CDC Traveler's Hotline before you depart. They may suggest vaccinations six months in advance
Travelling with a medical kit may be a helpful tool. Useful items to pack include: band-aids, sunscreen, anti-diarrhea medication, antibacterial ointment, and pain reliever. Also, depending on the region, you may want to include water purification tablets, salt tablets, skin moisturizers and insect repellent. Be sure to pack regular medications, contraceptives if you may need them, feminine hygiene products if you are traveling where they are not available, and any other routine health and medical products you think you may need or brands that you like. Check the expiration dates of all medications before you leave. Make sure to bring all prescription medicine with you as you may encounter trouble with customs if you try to have medicines sent once you are abroad.
