Assess Your Health

Before you leave the United States, you must assess your healthcare needs.  It will take your body some time to adjust to different food, water, and climate.  Even Americans who travel to different parts of the United States experience health problems occasionally.  Neglecting to prepare for your healthcare needs could significantly impact the enjoyment of your trip abroad.  All participants should consult with the CDC (cdc.gov) and their physician prior to studying abroad to ensure they understand the health risks of their proposed destinations. Traveling abroad will not cure the problems and concerns you experience at home.  Physical and emotional problems will continue to be with you while you are abroad.  If you are concerned about your emotional well-being, use of drugs/alcohol, or eating patterns, you should address these issues before you leave the United States. 

What should I Consider Prior to Departure?

Identify Your Health Needs

If you have allergies, disabilities, or other health concerns, make sure to disclose them prior to your departure, so that adequate arrangements can be made.  Services for individuals with disabilities vary by country.  If you are a person with a disability, identify your needs and understand ahead of time what type of accommodations will be made.

Dental Care

It’s a good idea to have a dental check-up before you leave to go abroad. 

Glasses and Contact Lenses

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, take along an extra pair and bring a copy of your prescription.

Personal Health Conditions

If you have medical conditions which need to be identified (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies) you should wear a medic alert bracelet while you are abroad.  It is also in your best interest to notify the on-site director of your health conditions, so that they may be prepared in the event of an emergency.  Any medical condition which may be aggravated while you are overseas should be discussed with your physician prior to departure.  Medical conditions that require you to carry syringes will require that you carry a letter from your doctor.  In some countries, carrying needles and syringes without a prescription is illegal.

Mental Health

The overwhelming majority of students find study abroad to be a period of tremendous personal growth in such areas as self-reliance, confidence, and independence. Very few experience serious difficulties beyond the usual transition shock or cultural adjustment or some homesickness. Typically, one or two students each year experience serious difficulties, and these are frequently students who have had ongoing emotional or mental health issues in the past.

If you are currently using professional help to deal with emotional or mental health problems, be sure to talk over your plans for study abroad carefully with a psychologist or psychiatrist before making the final decision to go. The challenges of adjusting to a new environment coupled with the absence of a familiar support system could exacerbate existing issues. Going to another country will not solve personal problems and may make them worse. Above all, if you think you are in trouble, let your family, friends, Resident Director, and the Global Learning office know.

Should you need professional services abroad, contact your program staff for a referral. With your authorization, a licensed psychologist abroad can request in writing any records that may be on file at your college or university. In case of an emergency, records can be requested by email, so please do not hesitate to contact GLO if you need assistance with this. We are here to help and support you, and we want you to have a healthy and successful experience abroad!

Visit Your Health Care Professional

Prior to your departure, you should investigate immunization requirements for your host country and check health advisories for the area.  You can visit the local health department, University Health and Wellness, or your family physician with questions about health issues.  Some questions you can ask are: 

• What diseases are specific to this region?

• Are there medications I should take to prevent these illnesses?

• What is the quality of the water in the host country?

• Do I need to update my immunizations? (i.e. tetanus, measles, mumps).

Useful Websites

Center for Disease Control cdc.gov 

Travel Health On-Line tripprep.com 

Mobility International miusa.org 

The Well Informed Traveler armchair.com/info/netinfo.html 

Tips for Staying Healthy Abroad

You should take some time to understand the health conditions in your host country before you leave.  It will take time for your body to adjust to food, water, climate, etc.  Here are some tips for staying healthy from the CDC:

• Wash your hands regularly

• Be cautious about food from street vendors

• Be cautious about uncooked vegetables

• Be cautious about salads, uncooked foods, and fruits you cannot peel yourself. 

• Avoid untreated water or ice. 

• Protect against insect bites (ticks, mosquitos, etc.) using repellant recommended by the CDC

• Avoid raw seafood and rare or undercooked meats served by street vendors. 

• Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free of pollution. Be cautious about freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers. 

• Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotion, and SPF lip protection. 

• You may experience some intestinal distress while studying abroad.  This is usually transient and not related to infection.  An over-the-counter anti-diarrheic may be helpful if you are able to take it.

• If you become ill after returning home, remember to inform the physician of your travel history. 

Health facilities and medical services in other countries can vary, it is important to select credible services.  Your resident director can assist you with selecting an appropriate healthcare facility.

Mosquito-Borne Illness

Mosquitoes can transmit a number of diseases.

• Dengue Fever 

• Zika

• Malaria 

• Yellow Fever 

• Japanese Encephalitis

The best way to prevent mosquito bites is to use insect repellent that contains DEET. Treat clothing, shoes, and bed nets with permethrin before leaving on your program.

Zika Virus

Zika Virus is transmitted via mosquito bites and is found in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and Africa.  This also includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and maybe even the mainland USA

Mild illness if bitten, BUT… Risk of MAJOR birth defects if pregnant.

Zika Mosquito precautions

• Birth control

• If pregnant, reconsider travel plans

Insect Precautions

• Insect repellent (at least 15% DEET) to exposed skin. 

• Wear a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a hat to minimize exposed skin. Wearing long pants and socks is crucial:  mosquitoes often bite below the knees.

• Spray or wash clothing, bedding, & screens, but NOT your skin, with permethrin. It can be found in camping stores (REI, Cabela’s)

• Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors at and from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Return from rural trips before dark.

• Kill mosquitoes in the bedroom before sleeping and use mosquito bed nets, if necessary.

HIV, AIDS, STDs

Be aware that the AIDS virus can be transmitted through the use of shared needles, tainted blood transfusions, and unprotected sex. In general, it is recommended that you avoid these situations if at all possible. Diabetics are encouraged to bring a sufficient supply of needles and syringes with a prescription or doctor’s authorization.  

Avoid acupuncture, dental work, ear piercing, body piercing, and tattooing if you are uncertain of sanitary conditions.  If you choose to be sexually active, use good-quality latex condoms.  HIV is present in both heterosexual and homosexual populations in almost every part of the world.  Information can be obtained from the CDC website: cdc.gov. 

Other sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and genital warts can also be contracted through sexual contact.  While condoms reduce the chances of contracting an STD, you cannot be sexually active and totally eliminate risk.  If you think you might have been exposed to an STD, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Insurance

You MUST have health insurance and it is your responsibility to obtain proper health insurance. Also, you must have a medical insurance policy which is valid overseas. If you are covered by your parents' or spouse's insurance policy, you should make sure that the coverage is valid during international study and travel. Students on direct exchange will be billed for the Geoblue insurance coverage. In addition, you may be required to purchase coverage specific to your host country. 

Please note: most study abroad health insurance only covers you from the start of the program until the end of the program. If your program ends in May, you will not have coverage from that point forward. Likewise, if you choose to travel prior to the start of your program, you will not be covered by the program insurance.

Travel Insurance 

Trip cancellation and baggage insurance is optional.  Some students choose to purchase insurance to cover their personal belongings while they are abroad.  Certain homeowner's policies may cover the loss of personal property while abroad.  If you have homeowner's insurance in your name or are a dependent of your parents, check with your insurance provider to determine if this coverage is available to you.  Most insurance companies will require a copy of a police report filed at the time of the loss.  It is in your best interest to pack light, and do not take expensive items with you.  If an item cannot be replaced, it is best not to take it overseas.

General Safety Tips

Be Aware of Local Laws

You should be familiar with the customs and laws of the country to which you are traveling.  You are subject to the laws of your host country, and U.S. laws while abroad do not protect you.

Keep a Low Profile

The inhabitants of many countries dress more formally than we are accustomed to in the western United States.  Sweatshirts, blue jeans, and athletic shoes will readily identify you as an American.  For example, in England, people do not wear "trainers" (athletic shoes), unless they are participating in a sporting event.  Observe local people and you will quickly learn the appropriate manner in which to behave and dress.

Leave Valuables at Home

Do not wear expensive jewelry.  Anything you cannot replace or would be upset if it was lost should be left at home.

Safeguard Your Luggage

• Label each piece inside and outside with your name address and phone number.  Consult tsa.gov for more information.

• Obtain a baggage claim for each piece of luggage you check into the airport.

• Do not leave your luggage unattended.  

• Do not carry items or luggage for anyone else.

• If you see unattended baggage, report it to the authorities immediately.

Passports and Travel Documents

Your passport is the most important document you have while abroad.  Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, the barcode page, airline tickets, and credit cards.  Leave one copy at home with your parents or a trusted friend, and bring a second copy with you in case something is stolen.  

Pickpockets

Beware of pickpockets and con artists.  They are everywhere, particularly in areas where tourists gather.  Crowded areas such as shopping areas and train stations are common sites for pickpockets. It is a good idea to keep your wallet and/or phone in your front pockets or in a zippered bag across the front of your body. You can also wear a money belt under your clothes to safeguard valuables.

Traveling Independently 

Some of the most exciting parts of studying abroad are the opportunities you may have to visit other parts of the host country or surrounding countries.  However, remember that you should exercise caution when traveling.

• Do not divulge personal information about yourself, your traveling companions or your study abroad program to strangers.

• Do not tell people where you are staying, when you plan to leave, or where you are going the next day.

• Do not hitchhike.  Take precautions when traveling alone.  Do not go somewhere with someone you do not know.  Be sure you tell your program director where you are going and when you will return if you decide to travel independently of the program.

• Avoid street demonstrations or political rallies.  If a crowd is gathering or you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately.

• Be careful crossing the street as pedestrians do not have the right of way in many places.  Remember, in Britain, Ireland and some other countries, the traffic comes from the opposite direction than you are accustomed to.

• When exiting trains, check to make sure the door has opened on the correct side. Do not exit the train until you are sure that the platform is there.

• We recommend that students do not rent cars, drive or ride motorcycles or mopeds while they are overseas.

• Leave your travel plans with a friend and with the resident director.

• Always be aware of the closest exit, especially if you are in a crowded place.

• Always be alert to distractions that might be created by pickpockets and thieves.

What Should Students Do to Prepare for Emergencies?

1. Be familiar with all materials sent to you by your program and/or Global Learning Opportunities the Center for Disease Control Travelers Information.

2. Know how to use the study abroad health insurance information and keep a copy of the card with you at all times along with the 24/7 assistance phone number.

3. Make two copies of your passport.  Leave one with your family and bring one with you on your trip and keep it separately from your passport.  While you are traveling, protect your passport.  Use a money belt or neck pouch.

4. Keep the program faculty leaders and university emergency numbers with you at all times.

5. Learn as much as you can about your country before you go.

6. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service that allows you to receive important updates about safety conditions in your host country. 

7. Develop with your family a plan for telephone or e-mail contact, so that in case of emergency you will be able to communicate directly with your parents or family about your safety and well-being.

8. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling.  Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to their laws.

9. Bring a credit card or have access to additional funds in case of an emergency.

What to do In Case of an Emergency

1. If there is an emergency, you should immediately contact the program faculty leaders or on-site staff.  His/her responsibility is to ensure your safety to the best of their ability that you are safe.  The faculty leaders will be in touch with Boise State University and who will recommend appropriate steps depending on the situation.  Follow the faculty leader's instructions.

2. During a political crisis or some other emergency during which foreigners in general or U.S. citizens in particular may be at risk, keep a low profile; avoid demonstrations, confrontations or situations where you could be in danger; avoid behavior that could call attention to yourself; avoid locales where foreigners or U.S. Americans are known to congregate; avoid using luggage tags and wearing clothes that would label you as U.S. Americans.

Links for Safety Information

1. The US Department of State website is the chief resource for travel safety. 

2. We encourage all study abroad students to enroll in the STEP  program. The Smart Traveller Enrollment Program keeps travelers up to date on all safety concerns in their areas of travel.

Legal Issues

Student Code of Conduct

All Boise State Students are subject to the Boise State University Student Code of Conduct while they are on exchange.  This code can be viewed at: https://www.boisestate.edu/policy/student-affairs/code-of-conduct/

Any student who violates the Boise State University Code of Conduct abroad could be subject to additional conduct charges at Boise State when they return to the United States.  

Sexual Harassment

“It is the policy of Boise State University that it is committed to providing an employment, learning and campus-living environment free from sex and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence.”

 –Boise State Policy 1065

Attitudes toward sexual behavior vary widely and may be very different from what might be considered normal at home.  For example, comments that would be considered offensive in the US might not be offensive in another country.  Also, be aware that US standards of dress might send a message of sexual availability in other cultures.  Sexual harassment is generally defined as unwanted sexual behavior, (ie. physical contact, verbal comments, or suggestions that adversely affect the learning environment).  Be sure to contact the resident director of your study abroad program and the Boise State University Office of Global Learning Opportunities if you are experiencing difficulties. 

Illegal Drugs

Do not buy, sell, carry or use illegal drugs while abroad.  Boise State University can assume NO responsibility for any student violating laws and student conduct codes.  Drug laws are more severe in other countries.   Even in places where the use of drugs by local citizens is ignored or tolerated, if a U.S. American is apprehended using drugs or in possession of contraband, they can be dealt with in a very harsh manner.  The U.S. Consulate cannot demand your release, get you out of jail, or out of the country, they cannot represent you at trial or give you legal counsel, and cannot pay your legal fees or fines. 

Your Legal Rights Abroad

Once travelers leave U.S. jurisdiction, they are not covered by U.S. laws and have no U.S. constitutional rights abroad.  Sentences for possession or trafficking of drugs can range from two to 25 years and heavy fines.  In some countries, conviction may lead to a life sentence or the death penalty.