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For Students Health and Safety Abroad
For Students Health and Safety Abroad
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Medical Exams and Conditions We recommend that you undergo complete physical and dental exams prior to departure and receive an update of any vaccination(s) that your physician thinks suitable. Although no vaccinations are required for entry into the countries where we have programs, we recommend following the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines for the country where you plan to study or visit. The CDC may recommend tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid, yellow fever or other vaccinations for certain countries. We send a medical form to every student upon acceptance. If we should be aware of a specific health problem, please inform your program advisor using the medical form. We keep our students’ medical issues confidential and do not consider them in our admissions process. Telling us about any health problems can help make your study abroad experience more comfortable and ensures that you will receive appropriate assistance as quickly as possible. Health Insurance Abroad IFSA-Butler provides comprehensive accident and illness insurance to all program participants. We strongly recommend that you consider whether you will need supplemental insurance. In particular, students who have pre-existing or mental health conditions or who may require counseling while overseas should investigate their insurance needs and options. For more information, see our student insurance section. Mental Health If you have been treated for depression, anxiety, eating disorders or anything else that can be classified as a mental health condition, please obtain additional insurance coverage for treatment abroad. The insurance provided through IFSA-Butler includes only partial coverage of mental health and pre-existing conditions. Prescriptions Drugs Before leaving the U.S., prepare a list of any medications you take regularly and ask your family physician to prepare a summary of ongoing treatment. Bring an adequate supply of your medications and leave them in their labeled containers. You also should obtain a prescription with the generic name of the medication(s), particularly if refills are required overseas. Some FDA-approved medications (Ritalin, for example) are considered controlled substances in certain countries. If you take such medication, you may need a letter from your doctor, as well as a letter from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The letters should state that the drug is for medical purposes and that you have brought just enough for your time abroad. Do not forget to declare prescription drugs of any kind when you arrive in your host country. Students with Disabilities We encourage students with disabilities to explore study abroad through our programs. For more information, see our students with disabilities page. |
