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It’s important that you take personal responsibility for your health and safety while abroad. If you don't take care of yourself, there will be a greater chance of you facing health or safety problems. Remember, YOU are responsible for staying safe and healthy while abroad. Follow the links below for suggestions on how to protect your health and safety while abroad:
Research Your Host Country
You have to be aware of your surroundings when you study abroad. Before you leave, research your host country:
- Visit the State Department’s website to learn specific information about your host country
- Look for Travel Warnings about certain countries
- Register with the U.S. State Department to let them know your location, which is extremely important in case of a natural disaster or other emergencies
Staying Healthy
Staying healthy begins at home. First, learn about the health conditions in your host country. If you need travel shots (immunizations), get them as soon as possible (usually 4-6 weeks before you leave).
Before you leave home, follow these steps:
- Get a physical before you leave. Your doctor should be able to tell you about the health risk in other countries
- If you have a health condition (e.g. allergies, diabetes, asthma), discuss with your doctor how to manage them while abroad
- For students with learning, physical or mental disabilities, visit Mobility International and learn about experiences of other students with disabilities abroad
- If you take prescription medicine, take enough supply for your entire time abroad. To avoid problems, ensure the medicines is in it original container
- Bring enough supply of medicine and medical materials- your host country may not have the medicine or medical devices you need
- Pack your essential medicine or medical devices in your carry-on luggage
- Be careful where you eat and drink. All countries don’t have the same sanitation standards as the U.S. Your body will have to adjust to the new foods of your host country. This is especially important in developing countries where drinking water may need to be boiled before drinking
For up to date information on country-specific health conditions and travel health information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's travel website.
Follow the Law
When abroad, follow the local laws. Your host country's laws may differ from U.S. laws. Typically, you'll learn about specific laws during your program orientation. But remember, ultimately it's your responsibility to know your host country’s local laws. As a rule:
- If something is illegal in the U.S., it probably will be illegal in your host country
- Don’t fool yourself and think that local authorities will give you a break because you’re a foreign student
- Infractions considered minor in the U.S. oftentimes carry severe penalties in other countries
Rights of the United States Do Not Apply Abroad
Once you leave the U.S., the civil rights and liberties accorded to you by the U.S. constitution don't apply. Some countries don't even have basic laws that we are granted in the U.S. If you're uncomfortable with this, consider studying in a different country.
If in Trouble
If you find yourself in trouble for breaking the law in your host country, contact the U.S.embassy or consulatein your area (Find a Embassy or Consulate in your host country).
If you are arrested, the embassy and consulate can visit you in jail. With your authorization, the consulate can notify your family or friends and deliver request for money or aid. The consulate can help you choose a local attorney to ensure you are receiving all of your rights under the law of your host country. Consulates, however, cannot guarantee your release from jail.
Drug Use Abroad
If you're thinking about using illegal drugs when you're abroad—DON'T. In many foreign countries laws against drug use and possession are very strict. Every year thousands of Americans are jailed in foreign countries—sometimes for life—for drug possession, even in small amounts.
You are more likely to be caught as police abroad specifically target foreign students for illegal drugs. Obtain more information aboutDrug Use Abroad and what services the U.S. can and cannot provide if you are caught abroad using or possessing illegal drugs.
Behavior Tips
Staying safe while abroad has a lot to do with how you behave. Follow these tips:
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