Health & Safety
| <-- Previous Topic (Culture Shock) | Next Topic (Coming Home) --> |
|
|
Health & Safety
|
PRESCRIPTIONS AND VITAMINS: If you are taking any medication regularly, you should take enough to last through the semester (providing it is not perishable). Be sure to label all medication clearly and keep it in the original container which shows the prescription number on the label.
To the top -->
CONTACT LENSES/GLASSES: If you wear glasses or contact lenses, it's a good idea to take both an extra pair and a prescription with you. Bring enough contact lens solution, since it is not readily available, particularly if you have a preference for a particular brand.
To the top -->
MEDICAL SERVICES: Routine medical care, modern hospitals, and English-speaking doctors are available in each study center location. Detailed information, including a list of English-Speaking doctors who have had some training in North America, will be provided during orientation after arrival. You will most likely be asked to pay for any medical services at the time they are rendered and seek reimbursement when you return to the U.S.
To the top -->
INSURANCE: The International Student I.D. card you will receive includes a very basic sickness and accident insurance policy. In general, the limits are $100 per day up to a maximum of 60 days for in-hospital sickness expense; $3000 accident-related medical reimbursement for each accident. This policy does not cover routine doctor visits, psychiatric services, dental, vision, or injury sustained during organized sports activities, or while operating any motorized vehicle. Complete details are available upon request. If you are presently covered by medical insurance, check with your agent to be sure that it will cover you abroad. If not, or if you do not have insurance, we recommend purchasing a policy that will cover you during the term abroad. The study abroad office has information on a variety of policies available.
To the top -->
DRUGS: Do not buy illegal drugs, keep them, use them, or sell them. In accordance with your Tour Participant Agreement, we cannot overemphasize the grave consequences of buying, keeping, using or in any way associating with illegal drugs. If you are apprehended with illegal drugs in any way or form, you are subject to laws of the host country--not the U.S. Your U.S. citizenship or passport will not help you. If you violate the drug use or any other stipulation of your Agreement, you will not be able to continue in the study abroad program and will be sent home at your own expense on the earliest flight possible. You are urged to become familiar with the terms of the Agreement and abide by them at all times during the program. In this way, the experience will not only be academically enriching, but worry free as well.
In addition, personal association with others involved with drugs is considered misconduct abroad, and a direct violation of your student agreement, which could result in your being dismissed from the program and sent home at your own expense.
To the top -->
HEALTH PROBLEMS/PRECAUTIONS: Sore throats, colds, and gastrointestinal disorders often occur more frequently in a foreign country than at home, particularly soon after arrival. This is a result of the change in climate, environment, diet, water, and personal habits. You may wish to take along familiar medications, or ask your physician to recommend one. Information on contraception is sometimes harder to get abroad than in the U.S. If you will need some form of birth control while abroad, take it with you. Many countries overseas have been as unsuccessful as the United States in adequately controlling sexually transmitted diseases. Lack of adequate precaution in situations where you might be at risk could lead to serious complications. If you are concerned or have suspicious symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
To the top -->
PERSONAL SAFETY: Living and traveling in major international cities abroad, you may experience the problems associated with urban living--increased crime, pollution, higher population density or standards of living that are not equivalent to life in California. Violent crimes involving bodily injury are rare in most areas you would typically visit and you are actually safer there than in many U.S. cities. Living abroad should be no more safe or dangerous than living in the U.S. However, unless you take precautions, you could be more susceptible to pick pocketing or petty theft. You can safeguard your personal items from damage or theft by locking your room, never leave cash in it and never carry large amounts of cash with you. Secure your travelers' checks, passport and other personal possessions. Use the same precautions you would in any other metropolitan area: don't carry valuables, don't wear expensive clothing or jewelry, and avoid questionable parts of the city, especially at night or when alone. Never walk around alone after dark. Do not carry money, passport or valuables in fanny packs, belly bags, or book bags. Be cautious about inviting casual acquaintances into your room. Try to minimize your "foreignness" through your actions and appearance.
To the top -->
SPECIAL NOTE FOR FEMALE STUDENTS: Women may experience some unique difficulties while abroad. This is compounded by language and cultural differences, and by the unfortunate fact that people in other countries often have acquired their knowledge of U.S. women through distorted and stereotyped media images used in TV, movies and advertising. U.S. women students may encounter people who do not understand that their familiar way with strangers is a gesture of friendship--not a come-on. Try to talk to women and men who have lived abroad and ask questions during the on-site orientation. After arrival, talk to local women and follow examples of their dress and demeanor. Women should never be on the street alone after dark and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
To the top -->