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 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). Since 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.

Prevent Bug Bites

Although the United Kingdom is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.

• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).

• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear. if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.

• DEET

• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)

• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD

• IR3535

• Always use insect repellent as directed.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards in the United Kingdom are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know. Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.

• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

• All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.

• Go to a doctor right away.

• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.

• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.

• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases such as HIV infection can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.

• Do not inject drugs.

• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.

• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.

• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

After You Return Home

If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention that you have recently traveled. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

Prescription Medication

Prescription medication is a special situation. We urge you to carefully read and follow these guidelines from the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Prescription Information from the U.S. Department of State (9/26/17)

https://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en/beforeyougo/health/prescriptions.html

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. 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. In fact, you should check with the local embassy to make sure that your medication is acceptable to carry into the country. Some countries may consider your prescription medication to be illegal. Bring a letter from your doctor listing your medications and explaining why you need them. Doing your research and having a letter can help prevent any misunderstandings along the way.

Bring extras of any 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.

If you have allergies to certain medications, foods, insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing one of those “medical alert” bracelets and carry a letter from your doctor explaining required treatment if you become ill. It might not be the coolest piece of jewelry you wear, but it could save your life.

Prescription Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (9/26/17) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2018/advising-travelers-with-specific-needs/study-abroad-other-international-student-travel

Medications commonly prescribed in the United States may not be legal or available in the host country. Well before departure, students should check with the US embassy or consulate in the host country or the International Narcotics Control Board (https://www.incb.org) regarding the legality of their prescription medications— particularly if they take narcotic or psychotropic drugs. They also should discuss with their health care providers whether some medications should be changed, and allow sufficient time to make adjustments before departure. Students should avoid switching medications immediately before departure and should not discontinue prescribed medications while abroad unless instructed by a healthcare professional.

Students must 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.

Translations of these documents to the host country language may be helpful. It is a good idea to leave copies of prescriptions with a family member or friend at home. In most countries, arriving with quantities exceeding those prescribed for personal use is prohibited. Students should pack all medications in the original, labeled containers in their carry-on baggage.

Many countries consider marijuana to be illegal. A student possessing marijuana, even with a valid US prescription, may be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed or deported.

If the anticipated term of study exceeds 90 days, students should ask if their doctor can write prescriptions for more than 90 days of medication and should fill all prescriptions before departure, if possible. This reduces the need to purchase medication overseas and lowers the risk of exposure to counterfeit or poor-quality medications abroad.

US prescriptions are not accepted by pharmacies overseas. Shipping or mailing medications may not be viable options because many countries’ laws prohibit the mailing of drugs, including prescription medicines. Students who anticipate the need to refill a prescription while abroad must plan to be assessed by a local doctor to obtain a local prescription. Students need to determine whether these appointments will be covered by their insurance policy, as they may be considered preventive care and thus not covered by the policy.

United Kingdom Healthy Travel Packing List from Center for Disease Control (9/25/17)

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/united-kingdom/traveler/packing-list

If you take prescription medications:

• Start planning early to arrange for an adequate supply for the semester for the entire length of your travels!

• Contact your physician or mental health care provider to ask about getting enough to take with you for the entire time that you are in Northern Ireland!

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).

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 student. 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 Northern Ireland, as well as to discuss it with the program staff once you are in Northern Ireland. You may find it helpful to use the Telus Health App (see below) that we have given you access to since you can start using it prior to departure for Northern Ireland.

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. 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

As mentioned earlier, alcohol abuse is a serious health risk.  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 Cuernavaca.

Support Groups

If you are an alcoholic or a drug addict, we highly encourage you to let staff know in advance so that we can support you in your recovery process.  BEFORE departing for Northern Ireland, please contact the Minneapolis office so that we can work with you to support your recovery.  We also encourage you to "come out" to your peers so that they can be supportive of you.

In addition, 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.

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 (you will need to be logged in to your Global Gateway account to access)

• Alcohol Abroad Awareness

The Franklin Groves Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services Office (CLASS) leads the Augsburg community in advancing disability access and equity, and provides information and resources on accessibility and mental health. Please review these free or low cost assistive technologies available through CLASS.

As a participant in an Augsburg CGEE study abroad/away program, whether you are an Augsburg student from another institution, CLASS is available to you to facilitate a high quality study abroad experience before and during your time off-campus. You will receive support from a disability specialist and CGEE international program 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. We strongly encourage you to schedule a meeting with a specialist, even if you think you may not need help.

Requesting Accommodations for Study Abroad/Away

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

  • Current Augsburg students via Navigate

  • Non-Augsburg students via Schedule Once, or email class@augsburg.edu. Be sure to explain that you are not an Augsburg student but are enrolled in a CGEE study away program.

• Meet with your Disability Specialist to discuss questions or concerns about the possible impact your disability could have in a study abroad/away 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/away location site to request accommodations and connect you with the right people while off-campus. You may be required to submit information directly to your study abroad/away site if they have disability services. 

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