Health & Medical

Consult your doctor for medical advice on this program and use your best judgment when evaluating your health, physical ability and the appropriateness of this program for you. This program is a group experience and your level of ability and preparedness will have an impact on the other participants.

Medical care and facilities are readily available in Finland but accessibility and standards of medical services may vary.

You are responsible for bringing an adequate supply of your personal medications as well as medicines for common ailments. Some medicines that are over-the-counter or prescription in the U.S. may be prohibited in some countries. Check with the foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. for the country or countries where you will be traveling to find out what medications are prohibited, and speak with your doctor regarding alternate medications to bring, if necessary.

We recommend you carry the telephone number and email address of your personal physician, along with an up-to-date record of medications you take, known allergies and chronic medical problems.

If you have any questions regarding medical advice in your travel destination, Crisis24 is our emergency assistance provider. They can provide advice and assistance before, during, and after your travels regarding vaccinations, medications, etc. You can contact them for advice:

• Phone number: +1-443-716-2305

• When calling or emailing, mention you are with the Stanford University Alumni Group.

At the present time, no vaccinations are required by the destinations we visit on this program.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine and your yearly flu shot. Covid-19 vaccination is not required but is highly encouraged for all participants. Travel/Study strongly recommends that you stay up-to-date with the most recent boosters recommended for you by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

Any traveler who exhibits cold or flu-like symptoms, including those who test positive for Covid-19, will not be required to isolate from the group. However, they will be asked to wear a mask and may be advised to isolate/practice social distancing if their symptoms are particularly severe.

More strict requirements and Covid-19 testing may be imposed by local authorities or tour operators. These will be communicated to you if applicable.

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on your personal medical history, where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the U.S. You can also check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most up-to-date recommendations.

See your doctor before your trip to allow time for vaccines to take effect, ideally at least four to six weeks before departure. 

The tap water is safe to drink so in keeping with our effort to eliminate single-use bottles on all Travel/Study programs, we ask you to be sure to bring a refillable water bottle and/or hydration pack that you can fill in your hotel room and refill at lunch to make sure you have plenty of water during the day.

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common health-related travel concern. It is not unusual for travelers to experience one or two days of mild intestinal discomfort at some point during the tour. Speak with your doctor regarding preventive measures and suggested treatment for traveler’s diarrhea.

For sunny days you will need a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses (wraparound sunglasses offer the best protection in snowy conditions). A quality, long-lasting, ultraviolet A- and B-blocking sunscreen (at least SPF 30) is strongly recommended.