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, homesickness, 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.
Also, please do not assume that mental health issues you had at home will go away while studying abroad. Students frequently have often thought that they would be better off in Mexico and stopped taking medications for anxiety, depression, and other illnesses prior to departure and did not bring those medications with them only to discover that these conditions did not go away and sometimes got worse and then they had to wait until they could see a Mexican psychiatristic to get the prescriptions that they needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. The claim form is available here. In order to submit a claim to insurance, have the student fill out the form and email the form, along with receipts, to globaled@augsburg.edu, c.c. site designated point person (e.g., IRA, Director, Coordinator, Trip leader).
Information you need to fill this out:
Policy Number: AHB0000013-241
Policyholder Name: Educational & Institutional Insurance Administrators, Inc. (EIIA)
Participating Institution: Augsburg University
Participating Institution Address: 2211 Riverside Av. S. Minneapolis, MN 55454
Leah will complete the “Certification” Section as the “Authorized Policy Official”. Leah will submit it to the claims department A&HClaims@everestglobal.com (c.c. claimant and program manager in mpls, bcc site staff).
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).
Healthcare in Mexico
The cost of lab work varies depending on what is needed. It could be as little as U.S. $5 but can cost up to $50 or more for labs and medicine. Please keep this in mind as you budget for the semester. In the event that you need medical attention while in Mexico, you will probably have to pay expenses upfront and then request a reimbursement from EIIA, so be sure to save all your receipts as you will have to submit them together with your insurance reimbursement claim forms. Information about submitting a claim is available here.
Healthcare Providers
There are several prestigious, well-equipped, modern hospitals only a 15-20 minute drive from the CGEE facilities. Program participants can receive quality out-patient or emergency care at these hospitals at a reasonable cost. There are also many traditional and alternative health care providers.
For minor illnesses, there are good doctors at several pharmacies who only charge approximately US $5 per consultation. You pay up front and also pay for your transportation to and from the doctor and your medications.
The two hospitals that CGEE uses most frequently in Cuernavaca due to coverage by our insurance are:
La Cruz Roja Mexicana
Address: Río Pánuco SN, Los Volcanes, 62350 Cuernavaca, Mor.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Hospital Henri Dunant
Río Pánuco N.100, Los Volcanes, 62350 Cuernavaca, Mor.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Common Health Issues in Mexico
Staff and students at the Center for Global Education and Experience in Cuernavaca have experienced a number of minor health problems. Most of these problems have been gastrointestinal and parasitic infections. Although we have not had any reported cases among students for many years, the most serious problem in the past was Typhoid Fever. Typhoid is caused by a type of Salmonella (Salmonella-typhi) which is endemic to Mexico and has been a particular problem in Cuernavaca over the past several years. Typhoid is transmitted through food and water that have been contaminated with infected human feces. Therefore, you should get a Typhoid vaccine (see below).
CGEE does everything in its power to protect staff and students from illness, including periodic tests of cooking personnel, bacteriological studies of the water and kitchens, constant vigilance of hygiene and sanitary conditions of the houses, and educational work with students and host families. Typhoid and other gastrointestinal infections can be prevented by being careful about what you eat and drink and practicing proper hygiene (which includes the regular washing of water bottles). In the event that you do become sick, however, there is competent and professional medical care available in Cuernavaca, and in most cases these diseases can be treated with common antibiotics.
HIV/AIDS
Students should also be aware that the state of Morelos (where Cuernavaca is located) has the third- highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in Mexico. If you plan on being sexually active while in Mexico, you should be aware of this and use protection to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Free HIV testing is available through the Mexican Government at serveral locations, including the General Hospital G. Parres.
Dengue fever
Dengue fever has recently been found in Morelos, mainly in the south and in rural areas, but also in Cuernavaca. No vaccine is available, but travelers can reduce their risk by applying insect repellent to both skin and clothing. The most effective repellents are those containing N, N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET) but there are also now some effective products without DEET,. There have also been major breakouts of Dengue Fever in Cancun and the surrounding area. Please see this CDC Info on Mosquito Protection. Here is a Recommended product.
Zika Virus
Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Zika causes a relatively mild illness, and the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes; four in five people who acquire Zika infection may have no symptoms. CGEE Mexico follows the CDC/U.S. Government recommendations and alerts and will provide updates as needed.
Other Health Concerns
The altitude is high in both Cuernavaca (6,000 feet) and in Mexico City (7,300 feet). That, compounded with culture shock and the overall intensity of the program, may make you tire easily. In general, you should drink three times as much water as you normally do in order to avoid dehydration. Since so much travel will be done overland on mountainous roads, we encourage you to bring Dramamine or some equivalent if you are prone to motion sickness.
Also be aware that pollution in Mexico City is a problem year round. If you have a history of respiratory illness, heart problems or allergies, you could experience complications while there. 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 can at times make anticipating this very difficult, although our field staff will keep you informed whenever possible. If your particular health condition makes this a concern, please be prepared to communicate your limitations to the academic coordinators.
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.
Typhoid immunization is required. We require students to have had a typhoid immunization within the last three years. The immunization must be completed at least two weeks before arriving in Mexico. Again, if you have already been immunized, inoculation must have occurred within the last three years. The Typhoid vaccine does not guarantee absolute protection from Typhoid since there are over 100 strains of the disease. It does, however, offer some protection, and doctors have noticed a lessening of the severity of symptoms and quicker recovery from Typhoid among those U.S. patients who had received the inoculation.
Hepatitis A: The Centers for Disease Control recommends that travelers to Mexico and Central America receive immune globulin (IG) shot or Hepatitis A vaccine for protection against Hepatitis A. According to the CDC, travelers to Mexico and Central America are at high risk for Hepatitis A, especially if travel plans include visiting rural areas and extensive travel in the countryside or eating in settings of poor sanitation. A study has shown that many cases of travel-related Hepatitis A occur in travelers to developing countries with “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors. Hepatitis A vaccine is preferred for persons who plan to travel repeatedly or reside for long periods of time in intermediate or high-risk areas. Immune globulin is recommended for persons of all ages who desire only short-term protection. The vaccine requires a series of injections, the first of which must take place at least four weeks prior to travel. The immune globulin is a single dose shot. Because it offers only short-term protections, it should be administered shortly prior to travel. Our most recent information, however, says that immune globulin is in very short supply.
Malaria: Of the places you are going, the possibility of contracting malaria is fairly low. However, some travelers to Mexico and Central America have opted to take an anti-malaria prophylactic. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Primaquine is the preferred antimalarial drug in Mexico and El Salvador. Atovaquone/proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, and mefloquine are alternative choices.
Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid and Dysentery Prevention
You will be given more information about this once you get to Mexico, but in general, you should follow certain rules for eating and drinking:
Drink bottled or boiled water (available at the house and in your family stay), or bottled drinks, including soda or bottled juice.
All meat and fish should be well cooked. Avoid salads and any kind of raw vegetables unless the greens/vegetables have been washed and then soaked in a disinfectant solution. (The cooks at Casa Augsburg disinfect the fresh fruits and vegetables they serve to you.)
Be very careful about what you eat in restaurants, and don’t eat food from street vendors. For example, fruit that you peel is the safest bet; drinks with ice can be bad if the ice is not made from bottled water, etc.
Play it safe! You will learn to eat and drink wisely once you’re in Cuernavaca. At some point during the semester, you will undoubtedly have some stomach upset. Some students have opted to take an antibiotic to prevent diarrhea (two such options are bactrim, a sulfa drug, or doxycycline, a form of tetracycline). These only prevent certain types of diarrhea disease, so hygiene and avoidance measures remain important even if antibiotics are used. You may want to bring along a probiotic like acidophilus or lactobacillus and take a capsule daily as a preventative measure. Probiotics are available over the counter in health stores and pharmacies in the U.S. and Mexico. These suggestions, along with bananas and toast, which are always on hand, are helpful. Note: drugs such as Lomotil, Paregoric, and Kaopectate are not recommended because they can be dangerous in the case of infectious diarrheas.
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. In fact, some medicines that require a prescription in the USA do not require one here (for example, Lexapro and other SSRIs). Others need a prescription and are highly controlled (for example, Xanax). Some are not available at all (for example, Adderall). Some are available for cheaper than in the USA but may be in a different form than you are used to (for example, testosterone for HRT). We recommend trying to get a four month supply of your medicine while in the USA and bring all of it to Mexico 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:
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.
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
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.
Other Mental Health Resources
If you want to see a psychologist or psychiatrist in Mexico, we can refer you to English-speaking professionals who have been recommended by past and current students.
Unless your own insurance from home (not the travel insurance) covers it, you will need to pay for that out of pocket (approximately US $53-60 per session, depending on the therapist or doctor, plus your cab rides (US $5 each way). Previous students have been happy with the attention that they have received here.
Past students have also taken advantage of online chat groups and online support group meetings for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. One website that has many different online support groups and chats on a variety of issues is the Daily Strength. Another is Healthful Chats, which hosts a wide variety of chatrooms and support groups for issues such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, depression, eating disorders, gender identity, OCD, and PTSD. The inclusion of these sites here is not intended as an endorsement but rather a way to share some of the resources available and to make you aware of the plethora of resources on the worldwide web.
If you find other resources that you like better, please let us know, and we will include them in future versions of this guide.
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 rural and urban hometays, travel to Mexico City, 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 Mexico, as well as to discuss it with the program staff once you are in Mexico. You may find it helpful to use the Life Works app (see below) that we have given you access to since you can start using it prior to departure for Mexico.
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 Augsburg CLASS Office and rhe 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
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 Mexico, please contact CGEE-Mexico Site Director Ann Lutterman-Aguilar (lutterma@augsburg.edu) so that the Mexico team 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.
There are also regular Al-Anon meetings in English on Tuesdays from 12:15-1:15pm at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Calle Minerva #1, Colonia Vista Hermosa (right around the corner from the Superama on Avenida Río Mayo). There are Al-Anon meetings in Spanish at the same location on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30-7:00pm. Since meeting places and times change, check with local staff and also look online for updated local information. 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.
Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 in Mexico page
CGEE recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all students
For entry into Mexico: visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result, and are not required to quarantine after entering Mexico. However, Augsburg CGEE Mexico requires a negative COVID test before arrival in Mexico. Be sure to send a photo of your negative test results (which can simply be a home test) to your International Resident Assistant via WhatsApp at +52 777 199 5276 within 72 hours of your departure. If you have a positive test result, we will ask you to delay your flight to Mexico.
Helpful Online Resources
US Department of State web pages on services for American citizens abroad
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)