The most important aspect is that your child is safe and healthy while studying abroad. The specific study abroad program in which your child enrolls will address such concerns and will take many precautions to ensure the safety and health of your child. Nevertheless, it is ultimately the students’ responsibility to ensure their own health and safety while abroad.
Here are some tips for keeping your child safe and healthily while abroad:
Learn about your child’s host country. The U.S. State Department maintains up-to-date information about specific countries, as well as travel warnings for unstable or dangerous countries or regions.
Discuss with your child the importance of following laws in foreign counties. Speak with your child about the dangers of using or possessing drugswhile studying abroad.
Be sure your child registers with the U.S. embassy in the host country. This allows your child to be easily located in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
Obtain travel health insurance for your child. It’s affordable and essential if your child becomes ill or injured.
Discuss health conditions (i.e. allergies, asthma, diabetes) with your doctor regarding managing such a medical condition.
If your child takes prescription medicine, supply him or her enough to last the entire time your child is away.
If your child has a learning, mental or physical disability, you, along with your child should visit the Mobility International website for information on how not to let a disability interfere with the study abroad experience.
See the section on Health & Safety for in-depth information.
