Health and Safety

Safety

According to the NAFSA (Association of International Educators) family guide, most study abroad professionals believe that study in a foreign country is no more dangerous than study in the United States. However, no study abroad program, no matter how professional, experienced, or responsible, can guarantee the health and safety of participants. Just as in the U.S., a student's safety depends on them exercising mature and responsible behavior and making good decisions.

Here are some more Tips on Traveling Abroad and What to do in an Emergency.

International SOS

All Northwestern University students are required to register with International SOS, a security and travel assistance company, prior to their period of study abroad. This free service provides students with access to an array of health, safety, and other vitally important travel information and email alerts. We hope you'll find using International SOS helpful as your student prepares for their time abroad. For more information about the service and how to sign up, click here.

Note: Families going to visit their NU student abroad are also eligible to use this free service.

Health

Here are some general health tips to keep in mind before your student studies abroad:

  • Make sure your student verifies that their immunizations are up-to-date and will remain so for the entire time spent abroad. A country-by-country list of required and recommended immunizations can be found at the Center for Disease Control Travel Website or Northwestern University Travel Health Services. 
  • Your student should get a physical before leaving and advise their physician about their travel plans.
  • If your student will need prescription medicine while abroad, they should make sure to have a sufficient supply for their entire stay, or a plan for how to refill the prescription abroad. They should pack the medication in their carry-on and have a copy of the prescription with them when traveling. Due to complicated customs regulations, you should not mail prescription drugs, vitamins, or any other type of medication to your student while they are abroad.
  • If your student requires (or prefers) cerain toiletry items, they should consider purchasing them in the U.S. and bringing enough with them to last them while they are abroad. American brands may not be available; however, if they are, they may be prohibitively expensive. Similarly, feminine hygiene products may be very different, or entirely unavailable, depending on your student's location.
  • If your student requires ongoing specialized physical or mental health care while abroad, encourage him or her to disclose these needs to the program before they leave. We recommend that you review the information we provide for students regarding mental health abroad, found here.
International Health Insurance

Northwestern University requires all study abroad students to have HTH Worldwide health insurance coverage for the entire period of time they are studying and traveling abroad, regardless of any other coverage they might have from their parents, Northwestern, or their study abroad program. For more information, see Study Abroad Health Insurance.

Note: Families going abroad to visit their NU student are also eligible to purchase insurance through HTH although not through Northwestern's policy for students.