Staying Healthy
Students should pay careful attention to what you’re eating and drinking at the beginning of the program as your body will have to adjust to the new environment. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep on a regular basis will help mitigate common illness. If you do experience an sickness or health problem, please seek attention as soon as possible.
Insurance
All study abroad students will have international insurance coverage for the duration of their program dates. Some students will have insurance coverage through 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, while others with have it directly through their program. More details about insurance are provided to you during your pre-departure process, once you are accepted to a study abroad program. If you are interested in the insurance coverage details provided by a specific program, check with the Study Abroad office.
Know Before You Go
Health Care
If you have any ongoing medical conditions, such as allergies or diabetes, you must take special precautions in preparing for and managing your health while abroad. It is important to consider how the stresses of a new environment may impact your health. If you will need continuous care while abroad, please provide medical records to the proper sources before you leave. Keep in mind nutritional requirements such as vegetarian dietary needs can be difficult to handle abroad.
Mental Health
Maintaining good mental health while abroad is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Mental health issues can affect anyone, anywhere. Traveling abroad and trying to adjust to another culture is a stressful experience for anyone, and could lead to the emergence or reemergence of mental health issues. We urge you to be open with your study abroad adviser about your pertinent health history, including mental health. Disclosing mental health information helps you plan with others so that the necessary support will be in place when you go abroad.
Prescriptions
Taking prescription medication abroad can be tricky. Certain countries have restrictions on which medications individuals can bring in, and depending upon the length of your study abroad experience, bringing enough medication to cover your time in the country may not be allowed. Prescription medications may not be sent through international mail.
If you take prescription medications, please adhere to the following recommendations:
- Bring enough medication for the duration of your time abroad. You may need to get a travel waiver from your doctor or insurance for an increased supply of medication than normally is permitted.
- Place all medications in the original container.
- Carry a current copy of the prescription with you.
- Get a letter from your physician that states the generic name of the drug, your dosage and the condition being treated.
- Carry all prescription medication in your carry-on luggage when you travel.
Disabilities
91³Ô¹ÏÍø University is committed to providing qualified students with a disability an equal opportunity to study abroad in a setting appropriate to students' needs, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Washington State Laws. Consistent with themes of justice, respect and dignity in its mission, the University strives to provide an inclusive community for students with disabilities. Foreign universities are not held to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act, so students should check with Disability Access in the Center for Student Academic Success if they have questions regarding access to technology, testing and other needs.
Emergencies
Who to Contact
- In an emergency, your first call should be to local authorities or on-site staff as instructed during your on-site orientation upon arrival.
- Additionally, you can contact 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Campus Public Safety and Security Department which maintains a 24-hour emergency hotline. Call the hotline at (509) 313-2222 and the Study Abroad Office will get back to you immediately.
Helpful Tip
Know the local emergency numbers for police, fire department and calling an ambulance. Save on-site staff phone numbers and local emergency contact numbers to your phone or keep in your wallet or purse.