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Find tips on taking care of your mental and physical health here, and be sure to take advantage of the links below!
Preparing to Travel
Preparing to Travel
Health Conditions and Risks
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information about required immunizations and medications
The University Health Services (UHS) Travel Clinic provides information, immunization, and consultation to international travelers
Health Insurance
All students studying abroad on Penn State-approved programs must be enrolled in the International SOS (ISOS) international health insurance policy
You will be automatically enrolled following commitment to your program
Visit the Penn State Global International Health Insurance page for more information
Please do not cancel your U.S. insurance policies!
Medication
Prescription medications should be in their original, labeled containers
If you regularly take medication for an ongoing health concern, take along a letter from your doctor that gives a description of the health concern, the generic name(s) of the required medicine, and the prescribed dosage
If you need a medication containing habit-forming or narcotic drugs, carry a doctor's certificate attesting to this need to avoid problems with customs agents and police abroad
All medications must be legal in your host country
Bring enough to last for the entire program
Wellness and Mental Health Abroad
Wellness and Mental Health Abroad
Feeling Anxious or Stressed?
Talk to your friends, family, advisers, or therapist
Work out ways to stay in contact with friends and family while you're abroad
Complete the optional Wellness Plan for Education Abroad to help you think through ways to maintain your health and wellness abroad
Maintaining Your Mental Health After Arrival
Establish a regular sleep schedule
Eat at regular times
Exercise and continue to do routines and activities that you enjoy back home
Having that sense of consistency can help you better handle the newness and uncertainty of studying abroad
What to Do in a Crisis
Be aware of changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, mood, and behavior (including substance use)
If you believe that you or a friend is having a mental health crisis abroad, please reach out to one of the following support systems, depending on the severity of the crisis:
Talk to on-site staff
Call the emergency line in your host country
Talk to your education abroad adviser about your options
Call or text the Penn State Global Safety duty phone (+1-814-360-2829)
Contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or Personal Counseling Services at Penn State
Sexual Health Abroad
Sexual Health Abroad
Laws and Norms
Understand what is acceptable in your host country regarding relationships and PDA
Dating may look very different in other countries than what you are used to
Be respectful of the culture of your host country
Practice Safe Sex
Consider bringing your preferred contraceptive method with you
STIs/STDs and HIV/AIDS are a global issue
Be responsible when choosing to have sex
Sexual Harassment and Assault
If you experience behavior that you consider sexual harassment or any behavior that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, talk to an on-site staff member
Research has shown that female undergraduates experience a significant increase in risk of rape and other forms of sexual assault while studying abroad
Factors that lead to increased risk include legal access to alcohol, lack of familiarity with the culture, weakness in the local language, and being seen as vulnerable within the country
Stay safe and keep others safe, when possible
If you see someone being harassed, you can help by interrupting the behavior, deflecting attention, and asking for help
Use the buddy system!
Visit the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response’s "Travel Abroad Resources" section for more information
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