Health & insurance

Please be aware that this program is physically and emotionally demanding. For example: climatic changes; high temperature, and/or high humidity; change in altitude; exposure to unfamiliar bacteria due to change in diet; long days and intense schedules; and extended travel in cramped vehicles.

These factors, combined with potential strains from culture shock, living away from regular support groups of friends and families, and intensive interaction with other group members can affect your health in ways you do not anticipate, putting stress on the body and emotions which make you more susceptible to illness. We ask that you assess your physical and emotional health carefully.

We encourage you to be open with yourself and with us regarding your health and medical history. Giving prior consideration to how your travels might affect you can be very important in maintaining your health during the semester. Pre-existing or past conditions will not exclude you from participating in the program; rather, in discussing them now you are more likely to have a healthier and more rewarding study abroad experience.

If you have a condition in your medical history that may call for treatment while you are abroad, or something a physician should know if you are being treated/prescribed drugs for any other condition that may arise, it would be very helpful if you could have this written up by your personal physician and bring it with you in a sealed envelope. This way if you do need treatment in Namibia or South Africa, you can give this to the doctor there. This will expedite the best treatment possible.

If you allergic to any drugs, or have a preexisting condition, you should consider buying and wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. This will provide emergency responders health and personal information should you need emergency medical care.

See a Doctor before You Go

For recommended vaccinations and other health precautions you should take before departing for your destination, please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because we are not medical professionals, we cannot make recommendations that will be applicable to all individuals in all places, so you should make those decisions with a doctor. If you have ongoing health issues, it would be wise to check with your regular doctor about vaccines and other precautions.

It’s important to schedule your appointment right away, if you haven’t already. If you don’t already have a regular family physician, google a list of travel clinics in your area.

Helpful Online Resources

• US Department of State web pages on services for American citizens abroad

• Centers for Disease Control

• World Health Organization  

• International Society of Travel Medicine

• Travel Health Online

There is other useful information available in the Resources Section of your Global Gateway portal. These resources are:

• Wellness Plan for Study Abroad (you will need to be logged in to your Global Gateway account to view this)

• International Travel & Health Insurance

• Alcohol Abroad Awareness

General Health Care

There are several doctors in Windhoek that the CGEE – Namibia staff regularly uses for our students. These doctors are familiar with CGEE – Namibia students from past programs and therefore are comfortable and prepared to address general health care needs that may arise during the semester.  Students are accompanied to the Doctor by a staff member.

During the semester, students should follow certain guidelines for general health care maintenance. General cleanliness of yourself, as well as of your living conditions will decrease the opportunity for the spread of bacteria. Because you will be living with a number of housemates, it is that much more important the house members make concerted efforts to keep their personal as well as the common spaces clean (kitchen, living room, dining room, Resource Room, vans). In order to facilitate this process, house members are divided into groups and assigned household tasks to ensure the cleanliness of those areas mentioned above.

Students should also follow guidelines in regards to eating and drinking. In Namibia and South Africa, all piped water is potable, available in all urban and rural towns, and does not entail health risks, as in some other countries. Your health risk in regards to water is related to adequate consumption, not water quality. You will likely find yourself becoming thirsty more often in this hot and dry climate, so you will need to have a water bottle to carry with you daily. Beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices and beer are readily available, though relying on such as your primary source is not sufficient to protect you from dehydration, and in fact can exacerbate dehydration.

When potable water is scarce, students will be provided with containers of safe water. You will likely find yourself becoming thirsty more often in this hot and dry climate, so you will need to have a water bottle to carry with you daily. Beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices and beer are readily available, though relying on such as your primary source is not sufficient to protect you from dehydration, and in fact can exacerbate dehydration.

While strenuous walking is not a regular part of the program, there could be an occasion when this is necessary to reach a certain location. Varying road conditions may at times make anticipating this impossible, although our staff will keep you informed whenever possible. If your particular health condition makes this a concern, please be prepared to communicate your limitations to your program coordinators.

If you are accustomed to regular rigorous activity (e.g. jogging), you may find it difficult to maintain an equally active lifestyle during the semester. Discuss possible options for exercise when you arrive. Students may want to join a local health club.

Accommodations

Students with formally diagnosed learning or physical differences have legal rights to program modifications. If you qualify, please note this on the Health/Medical questionnaire in your Global Gateway, and you will be contacted by CGEE/Augsburg staff to manage the accommodations necessary for you to have a successful semester. See more information in the "Resources for Physical and Cognitive Disabilities" section below.

Medical Insurance: As a CGEE program participant, you will be covered by Augsburg University’s Foreign Travel Abroad insurance. This plan includes travel, accident and sickness coverage.

Company Name: EIIA/Healix

For Emergency Assistance Available 24/7:

• Toll-free in the US and Canada: (+1) 833 209 7075 

• Collect outside of the US: (+1) 312 638 6995 (Please note that collect calls or reverse toll charges will be accepted)

• Email: EIIA@healix.com 

For more information see below:

This page includes your insurance card, FAQs, a summary of your benefits, and the insurance claim form.

• EIIA Webpage

Safety Alerts: Travel Oracle App

• Access the EIIA Travel Oracle (Healix) webpage or download the mobile app to access real-time alerts and travel safety information for over 200 countries worldwide. 

Proof of Insurance Letters

• If you need a letter confirming that you have insurance, please email globaled@augsburg.edu and we will write one for you.

In many cases, you may be required to pay up-front and file a reimbursement claim. Please keep all receipts for medical care and have $100 USD available in case of medical expenses. Reimbursement can lag for up to a month following a claim, so please work with your IRA to submit your expenses ASAP. If you are unable to front money for medical expenses, please talk to your IRA before going to the doctor. Visit the EIIA Webpage for the reimbursement form and for more information about the process.

Please note that this insurance covers preexisting conditions only in emergency situations up to $25,000 and not for normal follow ups, prescriptions, or trip interruption. Other exclusions include: skydiving/parachuting, hang gliding, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, potholing (cave exploring, etc.), zip-lining and motorcycle riding. Scuba Diving is excluded always except as an assigned part of a curriculum of study for credit. We recommend that you refrain from these activities while abroad.

Quarantine coverage is available through EIIA. It provides $5,000 to cover lodging and food if someone is exposed to COVID-19, or has minimal symptoms not requiring hospitalization, forcing a quarantine.  Trip Delay would pick up any non-refundable fees or additional costs for the participant to get home or meet the rest of the group if necessary. You will have to pay expenses upfront, and request a reimbursement from EIIA.

CGEE also provides a virtual counseling service for ongoing/preexisting mental health issues and those that may emerge during study abroad (see Mental Health section below).

Malaria

There are areas in Namibia, particularly in the north, but also less frequently in Windhoek, where malaria is a concern. You will find confusing, even conflicting information about the risk and prevention of malaria. We suggest you first consult your doctor for his/her recommendation and try to make sure you are able to take the medication you choose.

We encourage you to contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Malaria Hotline at 770-488-7788 for the most current information. We ask that you pay close attention to the following information on Namibia, where health professionals do have substantial experience and expertise.

There is no medication that is proven to be 100% effective as a preventative measure; basically, you can take the medication of choice, hope it works if bitten by mosquitoes, and do your best not to be bitten.

We recommend the following while here in Southern Africa:

• Take anti-mosquito precautions:

  • The CDC recommends an insect repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) as the repellent of choice. Many DEET products give long-lasting protection against the mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

  • Wear clothing which covers the body, particularly after dark when mosquitoes are the most active, along with effective mosquito repellant, etc.

  • You may want to bring mosquito netting (or purchase it once you arrive) to cover yourself when sleeping in areas where the risk is highest if you plan on traveling before or after the program.  CGEE will provide mosquito netting for participants in malaria risk areas.

  • Antimalarial drugs:  As an antimalarial prophylactic the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend the following:

• • Atovaquone/proguanil (brand name Malarone)

  • Doxycycline (many brand names and generics are available)

  • Mefloquine (brand name Larium and generic). Larium has more side effects and should not be taken by anyone who is also taking anti-depressants or has a history of mental illness, as it tends to exacerbate the symptoms of mental illness and counteract the effectiveness of antidepressants.

  • All are expensive, but effective. Doxycycline and Larium must be taken for one month after leaving the malarial area; Malarone only needs to be taken for one week after leaving the malarial area.

  • *Note: Chloroquine is NOT an effective antimalarial drug in Southern Africa and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region.

•  Students should disclose all health problems, including mental health issues, to their travel doctors so they will not be prescribed a malaria prophylaxis which is contraindicated for them.

• The World Health Organization recommends Chloroquine plus proguanil (Malarone). Discuss the options with a health professional and decide which malaria protection makes most sense for you. 

• Generally, you should begin taking the anti-malaria prophylactic two days – two weeks, depending upon the drug, before entering an area at risk for malaria. The city of Windhoek is considered a very low-risk area according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Whichever of the main anti-malaria prophylactics you choose, they can be fairly expensive.

• Students should disclose all health problems, including mental health issues, to their travel doctors so they will not be prescribed a malaria prophylaxis that is contraindicated for them.

Whichever of the main anti-malaria prophylactics you choose, they can be fairly expensive.  If the cost of this medication is not covered by your health insurance, you may want to consider buying them in Namibia where the price is lower.

Be prepared to seek medical attention should symptoms develop. CGEE staff in Namibia are experienced, and will let students know how to identify the symptoms. Malaria is commonly treated with a medication called Fanzidar, which is a sulfa drug (a classification of antibiotic).

Other Health-Related Issues

HIV/AIDS

One great threat that you cannot immunize yourself against is HIV/AIDS. The southern African region has the world’s highest rate of HIV-AIDS infection. In Namibia, the rate is currently about 11.8% of the population. Students should be aware that any sexual activity is thus very risky and is discouraged by CGEE. If you choose to be sexually active, using protection is imperative, but not entirely effective.

In the event of possible exposure to HIV through sexual assault, Namibia does provide access to Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).  The patient takes a course of Antiretroviral drugs which reduces the likelihood of him/her becoming infected with the virus.  If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV, alert the CGEE staff as soon as possible.  However, PEP is not meant to be used in place of taking care to prevent exposure in the first place.  It only reduces the likelihood of infection but does not eliminate it.

In the unlikely event that it is required, the World Health Organization rates the blood supply as secure. There have been no reported cases of HIV infection through infected blood in Namibia. Needles are also safe in Namibia and Southern Africa. All hospitals and clinics have individually-packaged, sterile, disposable needles, so you do not need to worry about bringing your own.

Radiological Report

A radiological report of the chest for signs of tuberculosis is required for every foreign national entering Namibia. You will need to have a chest x-ray signed off on by a radiologist, and be verified to be free of tuberculosis in order to be granted a visa.

A form from the Namibian government will be provided by the Center for Global Education. Please note: a skin test is not adequate. A chest x-ray must be performed.

Inoculations

COVID-19 Vaccination is strongly recommended, and a booster if eligible.

CGEE recommends you consider the following inoculations:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): you can get Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Southern Africa, regardless of where you are eating or staying. The vaccine requires a series of injections, the first of which must take place at least four weeks prior to travel, and the second six months after the first. The immune globulin is a single dose shot. Because it offers only short-term protection (3-5 months), it should be administered shortly prior to travel.

• Meningitis: Namibia has had several outbreaks of meningitis over the years, which it managed to handle quite well by doing a massive local vaccination campaign. For some reason the risk of Meningitis in Namibia has escaped the notice of many health professionals, the CDC, and travel doctors. Your doctor may not recommend a meningitis vaccination, but if you choose to protect yourself in this way please insist upon one.

• Malaria: some students will opt to take prescription medicine before, during, and after the trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling. See above for more detail.

• Typhoid: you can get typhoid through contaminated food or water. The CDC recommend this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles Hepatitis

Check with your doctor about the timing for all of the inoculations and their side-effects (e.g., typhoid and Hepatitis B inoculations require a series of shots or pills over several weeks or months; Hepatitis A inoculation requires a second inoculation 6-12 months after the first injection). You may find it helpful to call the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (888/232-3228 or 404/639-2572) and listen to their extensive recorded information about health risks and precautions for international travelers, or visit the CDC web page.

If traveling out of Namibia before or after the scheduled program, you should check to be sure you receive the appropriate vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever. There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Namibia and South Africa (there have been no reported cases there), but there was recently an outbreak of Yellow Fever in Angola, just to the north of Namibia. The government of Namibia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. Please be aware of this if you choose to visit on Fall/Spring Break or at other times of personal travel. As with any other vaccination, consult with your physician or travel clinic.

While you’re abroad is not the time to suddenly realize you ran out of your prescription! If you have a condition that requires regular medication, bring an extra quantity with you and pack it in your carry-on, just in case your checked luggage gets lost. US prescriptions are not accepted by pharmacies overseas.  Shipping or mailing medications is not viable a option. ​MAKE SURE YOU BRING MORE THAN ENOUGH PRESCRIPTION MEDS WITH YOU! Just remember to keep it in its original container and clearly labeled — you don’t want to create the impression you’re carrying drugs which haven’t been prescribed to you. 

Many prescription medicines are available here, however we recommend trying to get a four month supply of your medicine while in the USA and bring all of it with you in your carry-on bag. You can do this by talking to your insurance company or doctor. Students have also achieved this by being prescribed a double dose and cutting pills in half. We also recommend doing some online research about what is available here, or contacting us directly with your questions.

Bring extras of any other medical necessities you need, like contact lenses or glasses. You might want to pack a pair in both your carry-on bag and your checked luggage, just to be safe.

Students should travel with a signed prescription for all medications. The prescription must indicate the name of the student, the name of the medication (both brand name and generic), and the dosage and quantity prescribed. The student should also have a letter from the US treating physician explaining the recommended dosage, the student’s diagnosis, and the treatment. This is especially important for controlled substances and injectable medications.

Virtual Counseling

CGEE wants to help ensure that you have access to support while you're away. Here are two options for continuing or starting counseling:

1. Continuing with Your Current Provider:

If you currently work with a mental health professional at home, we encourage you to discuss a plan for your mental health care while studying abroad or away.

2. Free Counseling through Healix:

All students participating in Augsburg CGEE programs have access to free online/in-person counseling through Healix/TELUS. This is a great option if you prefer a new therapist or if continuing with your current provider isn't feasible. Healix can assist you in setting up a plan that will either connect you to a counselor or connect you to self-directed resources through the TELUS app.

To set up a counseling plan with Healix, please contact them using one of the following methods:

• Toll-free (US and Canada): +1-833-209-7075

• Collect Calls (Outside US): +1-312-638-6995 (Healix accepts collect calls and reverse toll charges)

• Email: EIIA@healix.com

Should you and the people at Healix decide you want to download the Telus Health One App, you can use this Augsburg Telus Health One Mental Health Support Guide to assist you. Here are the links for the App Store for iOS devices Telus, Google Play for Android Telus

Please don't hesitate to email us if you have any further questions.

Other Mental Health Resources

Augsburg University offers a directory of self-help resources for anxiety, depression, college mental health, BIPOC mental health, and your university also likely offers support.  You don’t need to be an Augsburg University student to access these resources. 

Do you have trouble with anxiety/panic attacks?

Traveling to different countries can all elicit heightened levels of stress, and potentially trigger a panic attack.  If you have experienced panic attacks in the past, you know that a panic attack is one of the most uncomfortable things a person can experience, but that they go away, usually within about  15 minutes. Symptoms of panic attacks include:

• heart beating fast

• difficulty breathing

• feeling like you are dying or “going crazy”

• feeling nauseous

• having hot or cold flashes

• wanting to escape

If you do have a panic attack while on the program, one of the most important things you can do is to reassure yourself, “it’s just a panic attack, it’s not a big deal, it will go away.” You can help keep the panic from getting more uncomfortable by focusing your attention on breathing into your lower abdomen and trying to make your exhale longer than your inhale. There is really practical information on the website www.anxieties.com on managing panic attacks; if panic is something you worry about, definitely check out the website and practice the techniques they offer there. If you anticipate you might experience a panic attack on a program, it will be very helpful to inform one of the program coordinators so that they understand what is happening if it should occur, and know what you would like them to do to help you out (for example, you might ask that they walk with you to a separate room and talk with you in a calming voice, helping you to slow down your breathing). It might also be helpful to advise your program director if there is a particular situation that can bring on a panic attack. If your program director is aware, they can play a role in helping you to avoid a known trigger for the panic.

Several former students who have suffered from anxiety have discussed the difficulty of adapting to change. This is important for you to think about and discuss with your mental health professional or other support system, as you will experience a number of changes throughout the semester, such as going from living in a program house with other students to hometays, travel for exursions, and other changes. In addition, your weekly class schedule is not always exactly the same from week to week due to the experiential nature of the program, which involves guest speakers and excursions. If adapting to frequent change is challenging for you, we encourage you to discuss potential coping strategies for this BEFORE you depart for Southern Africa, as well as to discuss it with the program staff once you are in Southern Africa. You may find it helpful to use the Telus Health One app (see below) that we have given you access to since you can start using it prior to departure for Southern Africa.

Trouble with depression?

Depression is a common experience for college students; a 2018 national study found that 41% of college students reported having had moderate to severe depression at some time; many students have experienced depression but never asked for help. The symptoms of depression include having several of the following for a period of at least a couple of weeks:

• feeling down (or sometimes feeling “flat”)

• fatigue and low energy

• irritability

• loss of appetite

• sleep difficulties (difficulty falling and maintaining sleep, or oversleeping)

• loss of motivation

• difficulty concentrating

• isolating and spending more time alone

• hopelessness

• suicidal thoughts

If you have experienced depression in the past, be aware that some of these symptoms could recur due to the stress and changes in your body during the program. It is especially important for you to get on a regular sleep schedule, as loss of sleep can make you more vulnerable to depression. A self-care plan can play a crucial role in helping you to prevent depression from interfering with your study abroad.  If you have any of the symptoms of depression named above during the program, let one of your program coordinators know – depression tends to thrive “in the dark” and when you are talking about it with others, it often starts to get better. Your program coordinators can also help you identify what you need to do to take care of yourself and prevent the depression from getting worse, and can consult with other support resources.

Trouble with eating disorders?

Many college students struggle with eating as a way of coping with emotional stress. Disordered eating can take different forms, for example:

• binging (eating in an out-of-control way)

• purging (often through vomiting or over-exercise)

• severely restricting how much you are eating (until this becomes a focus of much of your time and depletes energy in your body and brain).

Students who have experienced disordered eating in the past may find that they struggle less with these issues during off-campus study, as the social environment of the group, the positive excitement of the program, and the different messages about food and bodies in a different culture may all positively affect someone’s feelings about their body and food. However, some people have experienced that the change in food, eating patterns, stress, and body messages increases or brings back their struggles with food and body. Again, if this is an area you think could be an issue for you, talk to a counselor before you leave. Disordered eating patterns can result in significant physical health problems (such as fainting and electrolyte imbalances that put the heart at risk). You may also find that you benefit from talking to a nutritionist before you leave to develop a positive eating plan that integrates the foods available on the trip ; it may also be important to inform your group leader of specific things that will be helpful to you (for example, not going too long without having some food available; carrying healthy snacks with you at all times; having some food choices at restaurants; having opportunity for regular meals).

If you have questions about anything in this guide, Augsburg Abroad or CGEE staff would welcome the chance to talk with you. We encourage you to draw on all your resources in planning for a successful study abroad experience, including your physician, mental health counselor, and faculty. 

The CLASS Office and The Center for Global Experience and Education (CGEE) work in collaboration to facilitate a high quality study abroad experience before and during your time abroad. You will receive support from a disability specialist and CGEE staff if you request accommodations. Anyone may request accommodations - whether you are an Augsburg student or not, whether you have previously registered with a disability services office or not, or whether your disability is physical or cognitive. It is highly encouraged that you schedule a meeting with a specialist, even if you think you do not need help.

Requesting Accommodations for Study Abroad/Away

• Schedule a meeting with a CLASS Disability Specialist as far in advance as possible. 

• Meet with your Disability Specialist to discuss questions or concerns about the possible impact your disability could have in a study abroad location. These meetings are a time to come up with an advocacy plan to ensure that your experience is suited to your needs. CGEE staff can also attend meetings to help think through the on-site environment and provide support.

• Your CLASS specialist will communicate with CGEE and your study abroad location site to request accommodations and connect you with the right people while being abroad. You may be required to submit information directly to your study abroad site if they have disability services. 

More Resources

Access the Augsburg study abroad website for information and resources on accessibility and mental health while being abroad. Additionally, please review these free or low cost assistive technologies.

FRANKLIN GROVES CENTER FOR LEARNING AND ACCESSIBLE STUDENT SERVICES (CLASS) - CLASS leads the Augsburg community in advancing disability access and equity.

CLASS SERVICES

If you have ADHD, a mental health disability, a learning disability, a physical/sensory impairment, a chronic health condition, are on the autism spectrum, or have another disability, the CLASS office can  provide you with reasonable accommodations and support.

Disability Specialists provide:

• Determination of appropriate accommodations

• Individual support

• Instruction in learning strategies

• Help with time management and organizational skills

• Assistance with course selection

• Accommodations may include:

• Alternative testing (extended time, limited distraction)

• Assistive technology

• Alternative format textbooks and course materials

• Notetaking support

• Housing accommodations

• Classroom accommodations

Some examples of disabilities:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)

• Learning Disabilities

• Psychiatric Disabilities

• Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Head Injury/Traumatic Brain Injury

• Physical Disabilities and Systemic Illnesses

• Deafness/Hearing Impairment

• Blindness/Low Vision

• Disabilities that are sporadic or degenerative in nature

• Temporary conditions

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol abuse is a serious health risk, and studies show that U.S. students tend to drink more while studying abroad. Therefore, while those of you who are over 18 are allowed to drink, as per local laws, we encourage you to develop a social life that does not depend upon alcohol.  Some of you may be in recovery from drug or alcohol addictions, and others of you may decide that you need to seek out a recovery program while in Southern Africa.

If you are an alcoholic or drug addict, we would like to suggest that you let staff know so that we can support you in your recovery process. There is a place to indicate this on the Health Information questionnaire in your Global Gateway Portal.

There are online Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon groups and meetings that you can attend via the Internet.  For example, past students have participated in the following:  AA and Al-Anon.

CGEE strongly recommends a COVID-19 vaccination for all students, and if eligible, a booster.

South Africa Entry Requirements

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter South Africa.

Namibia Entry Requirements

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Namibia. 

Helpful Online Resources

• US Department of State web pages on services for American citizens abroad

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization

• International Society of Travel Medicine

• Travel Health Online

There is other useful information available in the Resources Section of your Global Gateway portal. These resources are:

• Wellness Plan for Study Abroad

• International Travel & Health Insurance

• Alcohol Abroad Awareness