Health
You should take the following steps to stay healthy while you are abroad.
Obtain Study Abroad Health Insurance
Northwestern requires all students to have HTH health insurance coverage for the period of time they are studying and traveling abroad. Learn about this requirement. HTH Global Health staff can help you prepare for your program by answering questions about importing prescription medications or pre-arranging for needed or known treatment, such as allergy shots or therapy/counseling.
Get a medical examination before departure
We strongly recommend that you have a medical examination before you leave especially if you are taking prescription medication or are in regular treatment for a pre-existing condition. To maximize the effectiveness of your appointment, take a copy of your program information as well as a printout of the CDC requirements for your program location. An illness could negatively affect your experience abroad, so it’s best to take care of pre-existing conditions before you go.
Disclose and plan for pre-existing conditions
It’s important to disclose any pre-existing conditions, past or current treatment or medications on your NU health assessment form and/or to your Program Director so they can help you continue treatment abroad. Read our suggestions for dealing with mental health conditions.
Know Your Local Health Services
Know how to access health services, both for non-emergency routine care and emergencies. If you do need to seek medical treatment while abroad, make sure to request and keep any medical records and receipts for the treatment, as you may need to submit them to HTH for reimbursement. HTH claim forms are available on the HTH or Office of Risk Management websites.
Do not use drugs and use good judgment if you consume alcohol
Drugs are illegal in most countries in the world, with very severe penalties. Alcohol may be legal in your host country, but it is important to consume it safely. Learn more about drug and alcohol use abroad.
Eat Well, Exercise Regularly, & Get Enough Sleep
An important part of maintaining your health while abroad is eating and drinking properly – stay hydrated! Remember that in addition to the cultural and emotional adjustments you’ll be making, your body will be adjusting to a new climate, new time zone, new food, etc. and eating right, exercising and getting rest will help ease that adjustment.
Engage in healthy relationships
The “rules” of dating vary from culture to culture. It is important that you consider your behavior and inform yourself as best as possible about how dating and relationships generally function in your host culture.
Remember, HIV and other STIs are prevalent everywhere in the world. To protect yourself, do not have unprotected sex. We strongly recommend that students pack condoms, since they are not always widely available overseas. Overall, we encourage students to be cautious about their sexual activity while abroad.
