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Health and Safety Information

Staying Healthy

Your general health can be compromised by travel. Staying healthy while abroad requires following many of the same good habits needed for staying healthy at home—with a few additional precautions.

Vitamins

Consider bringing a supply of vitamins to last your entire stay abroad.

Food and Water

Expect that your diet will change while you are visiting your host country and prepare to be flexible in this area. Be sure to eat regular, well-balanced meals (and get plenty of rest). Vegetarians should be particularly aware that obtaining meals without meat or dairy products can be difficult—depending on your location.

To ensure food is hygienic, we recommend that you eat at established restaurants, not from street vendors, and that you purchase bottled water.

Additional Health Recommendations and Resources

For additional tips on staying healthy, visit the Health and Safety page on the Education Abroad Center’s website and the Traveler’s Health section of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website which includes a section on "Staying Healthy During your Trip." In addition, please follow these recommendations:

For the first few days at all locations

  • Take it easy.
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, some sodas, etc.).
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks.
  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water.

For the entire trip at select locations – Check with your instructor

  • Drink bottled liquids only (bottled water, sodas, bottled juices, etc.).
  • Don't drink water from the faucet (or drinks made from tap water).
  • Ask for drinks without ice.
  • Be cautious when eating raw fruits and veggies.

For the entire trip at all locations

  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Be wary of foods that look like they have been sitting out for some time (especially at buffets).
  • Wash your hands before meals.
  • Carry medicines to treat an upset stomach.
  • Take vitamins.

Illness

  • If you feel ill or need medical attention, inform the program instructor of your symptoms. If necessary, he/she will assist you in contacting the local hospital, a doctor or a pharmacist.

For additional information on jet lag, intestinal problems, sunburn/heat and dehydration, refer to Chapter 6, "Health" in the Summer Abroad Student Handbook (SASH).