Health and Security Information For Students Studying Abroad
Before you leave, the Office of Global Education recommends that you have a complete physical exam. Some study abroad programs require this as well. Check with your program for specific requirements. Some countries require proof of good health in order to be granted a visa; this is another question your host program will be able to answer for you. Other countries require certain vaccinations to enter the country. Some vaccinations must be given as much as six months in advance of your departure. All students should consult the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Homepage for further information about specific geographic health recommendations. Note that many international locations have different healthcare systems. It is important that you are aware of the differences.
The Muhlenberg College Health Center can answer many questions about preparing for a healthy study abroad experience. You can contact the Health Center for an appointment by calling 484-664-3199.
Security Updates (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department)
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.
Benefits
- Get real-time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country.
- Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy.
- Help the embassy or consulate contact you if there's an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
The Office of Global Education requires all students studying abroad to enroll in STEP prior to departure. Visit https://step.state.gov/step/ to enroll. Parents/ Guardians are encouraged to enroll in STEP as well.
Medical/ Travel Insurance
Muhlenberg College uses part of your $400 study abroad fee (or $100 MILA course fee) to buy each student study abroad insurance. This insurance covers missed or canceled flights, lost luggage, pre-existing medical conditions, emergent and emergency health issues, and evacuation from your study abroad location. For more information about this insurance package and what it covers, visit the following link. We suggest reviewing the policy and carrying a copy of your insurance card with you while abroad, downloading a digital copy of the complete insurance packet, and providing that information to a trusted family member.
What to do in an emergency?
If you experience any incident involving your personal health or safety while studying abroad, please do the following:
- Contact the local authorities and receive any necessary medical treatment.
- Contact your local program coordinator.
- Contact Muhlenberg’s Office of Global Education at Muhlenberg at [email protected] or at +1-484-664-3841. In an emergency outside of normal Muhlenberg business hours, contact Campus Safety at +1-484-664-3110. Give a full report to the dispatcher and ask that they contact the Dean of Global Education, Dr. Marcia Morgan. Dr. Morgan will contact you as soon as possible on your available cell phone, email, and/or WhatsApp number.
- File a local police report and/or insurance claim (if applicable).
- Contact loved ones at home.
If there is an incident where you are located, please pay close attention to your email and/or cell phone for additional information or requests from us and your host program to acknowledge that you are safe.
Taking Prescriptions Abroad
If you currently take prescription medication, you will want to plan ahead for your semester abroad. Medication cannot be shipped to you from overseas. Have your doctor in the U.S. write out any standard prescriptions that you use, citing the generic name and chemical composition of the medication. This includes your allergy medicine, gynecological prescriptions, etc. Frequently, medications have different names in other countries, or are not approved there; but the generic name will help a doctor fill your prescription more easily should you need more medication when you are abroad. You may also want to have your doctor prescribe a substitute or alternate prescriptions in case your exact medication is not available overseas.
Some countries restrict certain medications entirely or limit the amount you can bring with you in-country. Be sure to confirm that your medication is allowed in the country and, if so, how much you can have with you upon arrival. Visit this CDC website for helpful information on traveling with medications. Here are some pointers to keep in mind.
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Always carry your medication in its original container with the Rx number and your name on the bottle.
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Carry your medication in your carry-on luggage.
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Try to bring enough medicine for your entire stay, if allowed by your study abroad country’s laws, and if you can’t, make sure you know how to get more in your study-abroad country.
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Be sure to maintain your usual dosage and pattern of taking your medication while you're abroad.
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If you have medical issues that are not easily recognized (diabetes, allergic reactions to antibiotics or bee stings, heart conditions, epilepsy, etc), consider obtaining a medic alert identification bracelet or tag that is internationally recognized.
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You also can consider carrying an information card explaining your condition and medication translated into the native language of your study-abroad country.
Health and Safety Information
Please take time to explore the links below. They provide a great deal of information on Health and Safety abroad.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Traveler's Health
Health information on over 200 international travel destinations.
Country-specific information on safety and security affecting American citizens abroad is provided by the State Department’s Consular Information Program.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
A free service provided by the U.S. government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP provides users with travel advisories and alerts, and allows users to receive routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Immunizations
To find out what immunizations you may need, consult the Traveler's Health section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website and your study abroad provider.
It is preferable to plan to receive your immunizations well in advance of your departure. Many immunizations are given in stages. For example, you might require a series of shots over several months to acquire full coverage. Receiving your immunizations well in advance of departure also allows time for necessary treatment before your departure in the unlikely event you have an adverse reaction.
Additional information and International Certificates of Vaccination can be obtained from the World Health Organization. Be sure to let the health center or clinic know that you are inquiring about medical preparations for study abroad and advise what vaccinations you need when you make an appointment. Medical providers may need to order some vaccines and will need time to obtain them.
Some countries may require you to provide proof of your immunizations as part of the visa process or upon arrival. To supply this information, ask your physician to provide you with a list of shots you have received to date and other medical conditions. Carry this card with your passport while traveling.
