Healthy Things to Do Before Departing for Study Abroad

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Make sure that you are in good health before you leave by having both physical and dental checkups. In addition to checking out your current state of health, ensure your future health by getting the required immunizations and finding out as much as you can about the health conditions in your host country. Let your doctors know where you plan to study so they can alert you to peculiar health conditions or precautions you should take. On-campus health services can usually provide you with accurate information about student health issues abroad.

Many study abroad programs require you to submit medical forms about your physical and mental health prior to enrolling. Additionally, take a copy of your medical and dental records with you, as well as the contact information for your doctors and dentist at home.

Minding your mental health

Realize that living abroad is, at times, stressful. Most likely, you will experience some sort of culture shock as you adjust to your new home. If you are already dealing with unresolved emotional issues, culture shock can intensify these feelings. Make a point of discussing any emotional or mental health issues you have with your study abroad adviser, mental health provider, or other trained medical personnel before leaving home.

Before departing, you may want to investigate the availability of mental health services in your new home. Counseling can be difficult to find in many countries in the world. Check with your program or abroad university's health center to see what psychological counseling is available, should you need it. Once you arrive at your abroad destination, program staff and international study offices will be available to help with the adjustment cycle.

If you are currently taking medication for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, keep taking your medicine when you arrive overseas. Do not assume that a mental health problem or an eating disorder will go away when you go overseas. Sometimes the initial excitement of being in a different place can make you feel overconfident, but when culture shock and everyday routines and problems begin to set in, your mental health can become even more fragile.

Coping with pre-existing medical conditions

Ongoing medical problems (such as allergies, asthma, and diabetes) require special attention. Take the time to figure out what precautions and preparations you need to consider to manage your health abroad. Bring a letter from your doctor explaining how your condition is being treated.

Not only can a doctor's letter bring whomever treats you abroad up to speed, but it can sometimes make explaining your medications to customs officials easier. Remember, while you may be tempted to stock up on medications before going abroad, your host country may have restrictions on how much you can bring in with you. Before departing, find out which medications and treatments for your condition are available in your host country. Your doctor can help you find this information and may also be able to give you the name of a reputable doctor in your host country.