Preparation and Planning
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Health Information Form
All participants of Learning Abroad Center sponsored programs are required to complete the Health Information Form. The program leader, on-site staff, and the Learning Abroad Center must be advised of any health issues to make any necessary preparations. If there is any further information we should know regarding your health, please contact your program representative at the Learning Abroad Center. If you are participating on a cosponsored or outside program, the sponsoring institution may have a similar requirement.

As a reminder, by signing the Release and Waiver you have authorized Learning Abroad Center staff or its agents to release medical information contained in the Learning Abroad Center files to health care providers and to secure medical treatment on your behalf in the event of emergency medical illness or injury. You have also agreed to accept financial responsibility for the treatment.

Pre-Departure Health Procedures & Precautions
Carefully read the information provided by your program sponsor on any required inoculations. While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish guidelines for immunizations and other health precautions for travelers, only an individualized assessment can help you decide what you should do to prepare. Usually a family physician does not have the necessary background to provide travel information, since travel medicine is a unique specialty. A travel specialist is trained to consider your health history, current medications, drug allergies, and travel plans when recommending shots and other medications.

Since many travel clinics often book far in advance (especially around the holidays), find a travel clinic and make an appointment as soon as possible so that you can get a scheduled appointment in time to complete any recommended immunization series. Some immunizations need to be started months in advance of your departure. Thus, you should call to make your appointment at least 6 months before your travel date.

A good place to start in identifying a travel clinic is with your US health insurance. This allows you to fully understand coverage, if any, for the visit. Note: travel clinic treatments are often not covered in US insurance plans.

Minnesota Travel Clinics Specializing in Travel Medicine

  • Boynton Health Service Travel Immunization Clinic
    University of Minnesota
    410 Church St SE
    Minneapolis, MN 55455
    Phone: 612.625.3222

  • Hennepin County Medical Center Traveler’s Clinic
    525 Portland Ave S
    Minneapolis, MN 55414
    Phone: 612.348.2741

  • St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health
    555 Cedar St
    St. Paul, MN 55101
    Phone: 651.292.7746 (no telephone consultation, only travel appointments)

The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) provides a listing of its member clinics by state. For more information about ISTM or a listing of clinics and doctors in your area, contact:

You can also get more information on travel clinic locations from The Centers for Disease Control by calling 404.639.3311.

Health Issues & Illnesses While Abroad
When you first arrive, eat and drink lightly for several days so your system can adjust to changes in climate and food. Depending on the country where you will be studying, you should bring along prescription medication such as Imodium for digestive illnesses. You should also check on other health issues, such as whether it is safe to drink the local water and ask your doctor about preventive medication for the common illnesses that can result.

You should understand the health conditions in your host country before you leave, and obtain information about appropriate precautionary measures. A couple of tips are especially important no matter where you will be traveling:

  • If you have a medical condition that is not easily identified (diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies), wear a medic alert bracelet while you are abroad. You should also inform the Learning Abroad Center, traveling companions, and on-site staff so that they can be prepared in case of an emergency. If you have a medical problem that could be aggravated by conditions abroad (e.g. asthma), consider carefully how you will deal with the problem abroad and discuss it with your physician before you leave home.
  • AIDS is a major concern in some locations. While abroad, avoid injections and blood transfusions. If an injection is required, make sure that the syringe comes directly from a sealed package or that it has been sterilized in boiling water for 20 minutes. Diabetics are encouraged to bring a sufficient supply of needles and syringes with a prescription or doctor’s authorization. Avoid ear piercing and tattooing if AIDS is a concern in the area.
  • Always use latex condoms if you choose to be sexually active.

If you experience sexual harassment/violence while abroad, you are strongly encouraged to seek the support of resources in country. Seek safety first; then talk to the international student office or resident director of your program abroad. Review this brochure of advocacy/help centers in many of the cities/countries with Learning Abroad Center programs abroad. Connect with the University of Minnesota Aurora Center for additional support and information while abroad and upon your return.

Health information specific to your host country will be included in your program handbook, discussed at your program orientation, and/or addressed upon arrival in your country. If you are participating on an outside program, contact your program sponsor for health-related information specific to your host country. Most travelers and students overseas will not experience anything worse than a mild case of diarrhea, and just a few common sense practices can help greatly to keep you healthy during your overseas stay.

Release & Waiver

It is extremely important that you read and follow the directions on the Information and Instructions page of the Release and Waiver. The name of the program, dates, etc. need to be typed into the fillable fields, then download, print and sign the document. No handwritten documents will be accepted.

Release and Waiver (for students participating on programs through Learning Abroad/Study Abroad Offices)

Release and Waiver (for students participating on sponsored or endorsed work, internship, volunteer and service-learning opportunities and learning abroad opportunities offered through colleges, departments, and/or faculty, including directed, research or independent study only (credit and non-credit)).

Additional Resources

State Department Travel Warnings

Center for Disease Control

Safety issues abroad

SECUSSA - A resource of web sites and publications related to study, work, and travel abroad, including information on safety issues abroad)

Safety Issues Abroad

Things you should know about foreign drug laws

You are highly encouraged to consult the US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control for further information, travel precautions, and immunization recommendations for the countries in which you will be traveling.

Health and safety information specific to your host country is included in program handbooks, discussed at program orientations, and/or addressed upon arrival in the host country. If you are participating on an outside program, contact your program sponsor for health related information specific to the host country.

Additional information can be found on Lonely Planet and Travel Health Online. They provide country specific information, immunization information, as well as links to other relevant sites, including official visitor information sites.

 

 
Last modified on December 9, 2008