Resources for Managing your Health Abroad
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Notices
CDC Travel notices are made to let travelers and clinicians know about health concerns in certain destinations. These concerns can come from disease outbreaks, events, natural disasters, or other things that might affect travelers' health. You can review the travel notices on the CDC Travel Health Notices website with Rating: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions to a Level 4: Avoid All Travel. You can review country specific information and vaccinaiton requirements by selecting your country of travel here.
UMass Travel Clinic
University Health Services (UHS) has a full service Travel Medicine Clinic and offers care to UMass faculty and staff, along with their spouses, domestic partners and/or dependents. The UMass Travel Clinic can help you learn about specific health needs for your destination as well as administer the vaccinations you might need depending on your destination. Appointments are required and you should be seen at least four weeks before you leave. Before making an appointment, consult your health insurance plan for coverage information. Some insurers may require a referral from your primary care provider.
All travelers, regardless of destination, are strongly advised to be fully vaccinated and boosted before travel. Please carefully review if there are any COVID entry restrictions in place for your destination(s).
Please note that International Emergency Travel Insurance coverage provided by UMass does not cover evacuation or other accommodations due to disruption to travel plans resulting -from a pandemic. Coverage does include medical expenses resulting from the treatment of COVID-19, but does not extend to losses for travel and accommodation expenses. Travelers could consider purchasing additional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance.
Before You Go
In order to stay healthy during time abroad, please consider the following:
A visit to your physician, gynecologist, optometrist, and/or dentist will ensure that you are in good health before you leave and thus lower the risk of emergencies abroad.
If you have any on-going medical issues or chronic conditions, talk to your health care professional before you leave. Taking care of these issues may be rather uncomplicated in some countries and prove more difficult in others. Make copies of any important health records and know how to contact your physician or therapist from abroad.
Immunization requirements and suggestions vary from country to country. All travelers should be up-to-date on basic immunizations (tetanus, polio, diphtheria, etc.), and must check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest requirements for each country. Discuss your travel destination(s) and plans with your doctor or make an appointment with the UMass Travel Medicine Clinic.
If you require regular medication for any chronic condition, make sure you have planned for access while abroad. Do not assume that medications approved in the US are approved in other countries. Some medications regularly prescribed in the US are illegal in some countries, others might not pass immigration and customs inspections at the airport or may not be available for purchase at your destination.
If you take prescription medications regularly, bring supplies to last throughout your time abroad, if possible, and make sure to carry copies of your prescriptions, you will need a physician’s signed prescription for medication or medical supplies to pass through foreign customs. Please note that medications abroad may not be the same as those in the US. You should do some careful research on the names under which your medications may be sold in your destination abroad. Find out about the active ingredients and generic names of your medications and consider changing to a different medication easily available in the US and abroad.
It is wise to have a letter from your home physician or pharmacist describing the condition being treated and your medications, their dosage and a generic name for them. This way, you will be able to obtain prescriptions you need while you are abroad, if necessary. Talk to your physician about the prescriptions you need and how to maintain good physical and mental health while abroad.
Here are some useful resources about traveling abroad with medicine:
Here are some valuable suggestions to assist you in maintaining your mental wellness while abroad:
Stay Connected:
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Maintain regular communication with friends, family, and support networks back home.
Establish Routine:
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Create a daily schedule that includes time for studying, exploring, relaxation, and self-care.
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Stick to regular sleep patterns to ensure adequate rest and rejuvenation.
Seek Support:
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Familiarize yourself with available mental health resources in ISOS and your host country, such as counseling services or support groups.
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Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or homesick.
Stay Active:
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Engage in regular physical activity to boost your mood and reduce stress.
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Explore outdoor activities, join local sports clubs, or simply take walks to discover your new surroundings.
Practice Self-Care:
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Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness.
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Be mindful of your diet and nutrition, aiming for a balanced and healthy intake of food and fluids.
Cultural Adjustment:
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Understand that it's normal to experience culture shock and adjustment difficulties in a new environment.
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Be patient with yourself, embrace cultural differences, and seek opportunities for cross-cultural learning and understanding.
Stay Informed:
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Stay updated on travel advisories, safety tips, and local regulations to ensure your well-being and security.
While You're Abroad
In order to stay healthy during time abroad, please consider the following:
The food in your host country will likely be different from what you are accustomed to at home. While your stomach is still adjusting, you may wish to include some familiar foods in your diet. Always wash your hands with soap and water or use hand-sanitizer before eating. In the developing world, diseases causing vomiting and diarrhea are commonly found in unpasteurized dairy products and raw or under-cooked foods, such as salad and food from street vendors. In many parts of the developing world, tap water is not safe to drink; drink only bottled, boiled or otherwise purified water. If you are going to be living in a remote area where bottled water is not readily available, bring a high-quality water filter or purifier. To avoid getting sick from a food or water-borne illness, follow recommendations for food and water precautions from your program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Make sure you understand the laws regarding alcohol consumption in your host country, and remember that you are bound by these laws, not US law, while in that country. Be sensitive to cultural norms about alcohol in your host country, including acceptable levels of drunkenness and loud and rowdy behavior. Understand that drinking responsibly is essential to your overall health and safety, and remember that you are representing UMass Amherst, and Americans in general, while abroad.
Do not consume any illegal drugs. If you are caught using or carrying illegal drugs in a foreign country, you are subject to the drug laws of that country, which can include imprisonment. The only service the US government will be able to provide is contacting an English-speaking lawyer for you.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes, are present worldwide. To reduce the risk of contracting these diseases, use condoms. If you intend to be sexually active abroad, consider bringing condoms with you, as the quality of condoms in some countries may not be reliable.