Health Information

It is a good idea to see your Doctor before you leave the country. Some programs might even require a physical before you arrive. It will also give you an opportunity to stock up on prescription medications, discuss innoculations, and address any areas of concern. Allow the following issues quide your discussions with your Doctor.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions

Talk with your doctor.
Inform OISP & the on-site program Director.
Alert the host institution, roommates, and travel companions regarding your condition and appropriate emergency procedures.
Bring medication and emergency medical supplies. You will need to bring prescriptions or a letter from your Doctor for all medication and carry them in their original labeled container. Otherwise, international customs agents may confiscate them, detain you, or jail you for drug trafficking.
Bring extra glasses or contact lenses.
If you have diabetes, are allergic to penicillin (or other commonly prescribed drugs) or have any physical condition that may require emergency care, carry some kind of identification at all times indicating the specific nature of the problem and spelling out clearly what must (or must not be done) should you be unable to communicate this information yourself.

Eating Healthy

Most people in other countries have different eating habits from the US, but try to maintain a healthy diet.
Be careful drinking the tap water (including ice) and, in many developing countries, eating meat and raw fruits and vegetables. It may take your stomach time to adjust to different foods.
In developing countries, it is best to avoid eating at street-side food stalls until you adjust, and even then, check with locals for suggestions.

Emotional & Mental Health

It is natural to experience difficulties adjusting to a different culture and different ways of communicating and behaving. It is called culture shock.
Often people unrealistically think that because they are going away, they will leave all their problems behind. If anything, being in a different environment, without traditional support systems, can magnify problems.
Talk to an advisor or counselor so that very natural feelings do not endanger you or otherwise interfere with what should be the experience of a lifetime.

First Aid

It is very helpful to bring basic first aid supplies with you.
Some helpful items include: bandages, antiseptic cream, pain reliever/fever reducer, anti-diarrhea and constipation medicine, and cold medicine.
If traveling in developing countries, you may need additional supplies (for example, disposable needles, disposable syringes, and/or anti-malaria prophylactics). These recommendations may be accessed from the Center for Disease Control(CDC) or by calling toll-free on a touch-tone phone for an autofax at 1-888-232-3299. You can also go to US Department of Sate.

Inoculations & Immunization

It always a good idea to be up-to-date with your tetanus shot. However, there may be other inoculations recommended by CDC, the US Department of State, or required by your host country for entrance. You can also contact your local county health department.

S.T.D.'s (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

This is not just an American problem; do not leave your common sense in Boston.
The safest sex is no sex. But if you think there might be even a remote possibility, bring latex condoms with you. This includes women as well as men.