Commonly Asked Health Questions and Study Abroad #HogsAbroad

When you're planning to study abroad, it's very important to consider the potential health issues you could encounter while overseas. Here are some of the more common questions we get in our office:

 

Do I need immunizations to travel abroad?  

 

Some countries require that you have certain vaccinations prior to entry. Other countries may not have mandatory immunizations, but it may be a good idea to have them anyway. It is highly recommended that all travelers get Hepatitis A & B vaccines and make sure your Tetanus shot is up to date, prior to travel abroad. Hepatitis is common throughout the world, including the United States.

The Pat Walker Health Center Travel Clinic offers immunizations and information regarding disease/health conditions in the country you will travel. Call (479) 575-7755 at least 6 weeks prior to your departure to ensure you are ready for your travel abroad. This allows time to order any vaccines if necessary. Also visit the Center for Disease Control website for information specific to your country and ask your study abroad advisor for further instruction if you have any specific concerns related to your health abroad.

How do I take my medications with me? 

 

If you have a pre-existing condition it is imperative that you let your doctor know that you will be studying abroad.  You will need to take an adequate supply of your medications with you for the duration of the program (see below).
Tips for Packing Prescription Medicines and Contraceptives:

• Bring all medications labeled in correct containers/packaging. Do not empty out all medication into one bag, keep them in their original, labeled container.
• Bring your physician’s prescription with the generic name for all your medications, as brand names vary from country to country. Leave copies of these prescriptions with your emergency contact as well.
• If you have a chronic condition or medication allergy consider ordering a medic alert bracelet. Contact your pharmacist for ordering information.
• If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult your insurance provider and/or the embassy of that country prior to departure.
• Carry at least one week’s worth medication with you in carry-on luggage for flight.
• If you use birth control pills remember to bring your prescription with you.
• Create a First Aid kit for yourself: Tylenol (pain reliever), Antihistamine, Imodium, Antiseptic, Calamine lotion or ‘AfterBite’, band aids, insect repellent, cold medicine etc.

 

How can I manage mental health concerns while studying abroad? 

 

Traveling or studying overseas is not a cure for health conditions such as depression or attention deficit disorder. Sometimes going abroad may in fact amplify a condition. A student may not have adequate access to their prescription medication or mental health facilities. In addition, culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness can deepen isolation or depression. It is important that you make accurate and complete physical and mental health information, and any other personal data that is necessary in planning for a safe and healthy study abroad experience, with your program contacts and the Office of Study Abroad.

Before traveling abroad:

• Create a workable plan for managing your mental health while abroad. The availability and quality of mental health services differ widely from country to country. In many countries, students will find it difficult — and sometimes impossible — to find treatment for mental health conditions. With your health services provider and your program contacts, put together a workable mental health plan before you go overseas.
• If you have a medical or psychological condition that may require treatment while you are abroad, discuss this ahead of time with your doctor. A study abroad is a great opportunity to try new things, but this is not the time to experiment with not taking your medicine or mixing alcohol with medicine.
• Research the social culture of your destination to learn about how mental illnesses are viewed. Attitudes toward mental health can greatly vary between countries.
• Talk to your study abroad advisor and your program contacts about access to mental health services at overseas programs. This information can help you decide what program would be best for you.
• If currently receiving mental health services — including prescription medication — find out if those services and/or medication are available at your destination. Also, refer to the question above about medications abroad.
• Consider the support system you’ll have in place while abroad. If possible, know ahead of time who you can consult with about your mental health.

While you're abroad:

• If you find yourself trying to isolate yourself from others, seek help. The staff of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the Pat Walker Health Clinic are available 24 hours a day by telephone.
• If you find yourself overwhelmed, talk to others – sometimes a familiar voice from home helps. Sometimes, hearing ourselves talk things through is all we need. Other times, we just need to know that other people go through the same stuff. Occasionally, we need a little more. If family and friends are not as helpful as you need or would like, consider reaching out to a staff member of CAPS.
• Homesick?  While it is normal, don’t let it consume you.  Find people to help keep things in perspective and allow yourself time to process your experience.

 

What is culture shock? 

 

Not everyone experiences culture shock in the same way, intensity, or at the same time. Every experience is different, but some common signs of culture shock include:

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
• Lack of appetite or compulsive eating or drinking
• Intense homesickness
• Withdrawal (avoiding contact with others, becoming reclusive and studying all the time, reading a lot, sending lots of emails home)
• Blaming the host country and yourself for not having a good time
• Becoming very pessimistic about everything -- the food, weather, people, teachers, and other students all intolerable
• Becoming a native -- everything American is bad, and host country is good

Coping with Culture Shock
Don’t be afraid to reach out to your program contacts or friends if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms commonly associated with culture shock. Also, have your parents and loved ones read this section so they can understand what you will be going through while studying abroad. It is possible you may call them soon after arriving demanding to come home or sobbing from homesickness and it is good for them to know more about what to expect.
Additionally, you should consider:

• Keeping a journal, it may help you keep some perspective on your experience
• Keeping yourself from isolation
• Reminding yourself that rough and stressful times are part of the learning experience
• Reminding yourself that adjustment takes time
• Talking to friends/program contacts when you are having a difficult time
• Being open-minded and keeping your sense of humor
• BEING FLEXIBLE -- be prepared to accept whatever comes along

(Excerpts Courtesy of the U.S. Department of State's Mental Health for Students Abroad)

How should I manage dietary concerns while studying abroad? 

 

Eating is usually a very important cultural experience abroad and can be a lot of fun! There are some basic steps to take to stay in good shape while abroad:

• Know about the safety of water and stay hydrated with clean water
• Food safety – consult your host students and families about clean sources of food
• "Peel it, cook it or forget it" is often a smart way to approach fruits and vegetables from unsanitary sources
• Watch your stomach– try new foods in moderation, stick to a few familiar foods and let your intestines adjust

Are you a vegetarian?  Check out this video with tips on being a vegetarian abroad by the external program provider, International Studies Abroad
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