Health Concerns

Most students who study abroad do not consider the potential effects that an overseas experience can have on physical or mental health. Fortunately, it is unusual for students to struggle with health issues overseas. However, it is always a possibility, so it is highly advisable to be prepared before departure.

The University Health Center has put together a summary of important health concerns. Please read their suggestions carefully before you leaving for your program.

In addition, the Study Abroad Office recommends that all students consider the following tips when planning for study abroad:

Before Departure

  • Schedule any medical checkups before you leave. As you may not have access to regular appointments overseas, it is wise to make sure you have a clean bill of health before departure.
  • Make copies of any important health records before departure, and make a note of how to contact your physician or therapist from overseas.
  • Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine whether there are immunizations recommended for travelers to your destination country. If you do need any immunizations, you will need to be in contact with an international travel clinic. You can contact the Maryland International Travel Clinic at (301)314-8184, or you can search for a local travel clinic using the International Society of Travel Medicine database.
  • If you do have a pre-existing mental or physical health condition, check in with your physician or mental health professional to discuss the possible stresses that could be caused by study abroad. If you require medication, discuss the best way to ensure that you will have a sufficient quantity for your stay.
  • All UM students should purchase international health insurance before going abroad.
  • When packing for your trip, be sure to bring copies of all prescriptions. If you bring extra medication, pack it in your carry-on luggage in its original, labeled containers.
  • Write down the active drug ingredient for any medications you think you will need to obtain while you are abroad as the name of these ingredients are typically universal.
While Overseas
  • Once you arrive in country, acquaint yourself with your host country’s health care system. Determine how you would find a doctor in the event of an emergency. Remember that health care differs dramatically between countries. You cannot expect all health services to resemble the services found in the United States!
  • You may find that your diet changes significantly while you are abroad. If you have specific nutritional needs or preferences, you should be aware that it may be difficult to carefully monitor your diet.
  • Be aware of sanitation in health preparation. If you are studying in a less developed country, for example, you should avoid street food and raw vegetables whenever possible.
  • Ask your resident director if it is safe to drink the water in your destination country. If it is not, avoid all exposure to the water by using bottled water for tasks such as brushing your teeth. Avoid salads in restaurants, as raw vegetables are often rinsed in tap water, and ask for drinks without ice.
  • Stay abreast of all health alerts in your destination country. If you feel that you are getting sick, inform your faculty or resident director, so that they can determine whether or not you will need additional care.
  • Sexually-transmitted diseases are prevalent around the world. Exercise extreme caution if engaging in any sexual activity.
  • Studying abroad will drastically change your daily routine. As a result, your physical or mental health can be affected. You may experience jet lag, culture shock, emotional reactions to changes in diet or lack of exercise, homesickness or loneliness. Prepare yourself for the potential of these emotions and determine how best to handle them if they do arise.