Photo by Olvin Abrego Ayala
Page last updated by CRT on 15 February 2024
If you are sexually active while you are away, please be aware that laws, cultural norms, and risks related to sexual activity vary widely. It is important, therefore, to consider the context of your individual situation and assume a greater degree of caution.
Please exercise all precautions, including using condoms, to prevent the contraction of sexually transmitted diseases.
Prophylaxis such as condoms are not always as easily available in many countries as they are in the U.S. Some countries may not have them available at all or the storing of such items may be questionable.
If you do choose to be sexually active, always use protection. Please also note that some means of contraception may be more difficult to obtain abroad, or the quality may vary.
As in the case of condoms and Plan B, you may want to take an adequate supply with you.
Access to reproductive health services can vary widely as well. If you have questions about this, please contact ISOS.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis continue to pose serious health risks in virtually every country.
Remember that many STIs do not exhibit obvious symptoms or only do so at certain stages, which means they can be transmitted without either partner’s knowledge.
Also remember that information related to sexual activities, transmitted diseases, diagnosis and means of transmission varies widely.
Individuals may not fully understand how transmission of diseases occurs, may be unfamiliar with signs of infection or may not even know that such diseases exist.
Again, always consider the context of your situation and assume an appropriate degree of caution.
For information on sexually transmitted infections and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sites on STIs and HIV/AIDs.
If you have any questions or need information about these matters before or during your program, please do not hesitate to ask your host institution’s health services or your Faculty Director, health professionals, health insurance providers and consult the Dartmouth College Health Services (DCHS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or Equaldex.
At Dartmouth, we value integrity, responsibility, and respect for the rights and interests of others, all central to the College's Principles of Community. We strive to promote an environment of sexual respect, safety, and well-being. In its policies and standards, the College demonstrates unequivocally that sexual assault, gender-based harassment, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking are not tolerated in our community.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking seek these steps:
You are not responsible for the actions of others. No one has the right to hurt you or touch you against your will or without consent.
You have the right, and are encouraged, to seek medical care and assistance.
Contact ISOS or your insurance provider for help in finding a local medical provider.
Call a friend, family member, host institution’s contacts, your Faculty Director, someone you trust who can be with you and give you support, or any of the other resources referenced throughout this guide.
Available 24/7
603-646-4000
They can connect with on-call resources, including the Dean-on-call and Counselor-on-call.
Availalable internatinoally 24/7
215-942-8478 philadelphia@internaiontlsos.com
via the live chat feature in the ISOS app
ISOS can provide support in accessing medical care at your off-campus location.
Talk about your options
Dartmouth's Title IX Coordinator will share information with you about your rights, resources, and support services.