Health and Safety

Medical Report Form

All participants are required to submit a Medical Report Form for term long programs or an Emergency Contact and Health Form for short term programs. For term long programs a physician who is not a family member must complete and sign this form. If you have any special medical needs, you should inform the Study Abroad program as soon as possible.

Prescription Medication

If you are traveling with prescription drugs, including birth control, make sure you take enough for your entire stay overseas. Carry all prescription drugs in their original containers in your carry-on luggage and have a copy of the prescription (including the generic name and dosage) handy. If your baggage is searched by Customs, these precautions will make the process easier.

Your HTH Worldwide Insurance service also provides information about prescription drugs in other countries, including translations and availability. Once you have your HTH ID card, check out their web site.

Additional Health Considerations

Corrective Lens and Dental

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to take along an extra pair as well as your prescription. Always carry corrective lenses in your carry-on baggage. Also remember to see your dentist before you leave so that you can avoid having dental problems while abroad. Toothaches are not something that you want to deal with and it is also not covered by you Study Abroad Insurance

Immunizations

Make sure that your immunizations are up to date. You should also review the CDC recommended health precautions for your destination with your physician. This information is available on-line at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm.

Health and accident insurance coverage is required of all participants on DePaul University study abroad programs. The Study Abroad Program has purchased a group insurance policy from HTH Worldwide that is designed specifically for students studying abroad and will provide the necessary coverage for the length of a program.

HTH offers blanket student accident and sickness insurance. Basic health needs are covered including hospital visits, fees from doctor visits and additional levels of coverage for other health care needs. Details of the HTH policy and information about claims, as well as other health and safety information can be found on the HTH website at http://www.hthstudents.com. Please note that this policy will NOT provide coverage for independent travel before the program starts or after it concludes.

Some programs will have another insurance provided by the service provider. If you have your own insurance, or are covered by a parent or guardian, then HTH acts as additional coverage.

If you are a DePaul student, but are not studying in a DePaul program, then you are subject to any insurance requirements of that institution.

HTH Insurance FAQ

When will my coverage start?

When you participate in a DePaul Study Abroad Program your coverage with HTH Worldwide will be effective on the program start date.

All international travelers should take preventative measures to stay healthy while overseas. Changes in climate and the fast pace of travel may cause health problems abroad, just as in the U.S. Many students experience colds, sore throats, coughs, or gastrointestinal disorders associated with changes in environment, food, and water while abroad. It is important to be aware of the things that can affect your health so that you can enjoy your time abroad more fully.

▶   Keep well rested. This may sound obvious, but being immersed in a new society can be tiresome. Getting a good night’s sleep will help you avoid feeling run down or falling ill. Give yourself time to relax and unwind each day.

▶   Improve your fitness before you leave and stay fit abroad. You will probably be surprised by how much walking you will do overseas exploring your new city or commuting to school. You should be able to walk 3-5 miles without discomfort.

▶   Water, water, water. A healthy traveler always carries a sturdy water bottle filled with clean drinking water. Besides saving money on expensive soft drinks and quenching your thirst, drinking water will help you keep up your strength and resistance.

▶   Wash your hands. Common sense will tell you that washing your hands will be one of your best prevention against diseases and viruses.

▶   Pack a first-aid kit. Take pain reliever, bandages and band-aids, multivitamins, scissors, sunscreen, insect repellent, antacid tabs, cotton balls, contraceptives, cold and cough medicine, anti-diarrhea, and/or antibiotics. Compact first aid kits are readily available in stores.

StIs and Aids

STIs and AIDS are international diseases. Take the usual precautions—either abstain from sexual activity entirely or practice safe sex; avoid sexual contact with high risk individuals; do not use illegal drugs; do not use needles or syringes that may have been used previously. If you anticipate needing condoms, take a supply with you. Condoms may not be readily available in some locations, or the storage may be questionable. Travelers should also know that some countries might not have the resources to adequately screen blood or provide sterile needles. If you believe you currently may be infected, knowing your HIV status will help in planning your trip.

Additional Safety Considerations

·          Be prepared; develop emergency contact procedures and research health and safety information, not only for the country in which you will be living, but also for any country you may be visiting.

·          Leave copies of your passport, visa, travel arrangements, Doctor’s information, prescriptions and airline tickets with someone reliable and easily reachable.

·          Ignorance is not an excuse; know the rules of conduct-cultural, civil, and criminal-before you go. Don't ask for trouble by acting in a disrespectful manner. Don’t assume that what is appropriate speech and behavior in the US is also appropriate in your host country. Be particularly aware of the volume of your voice in public spaces. Remember that you are the guest. You need to be sensitive to your hosts. A good rule of thumb is to carefully observe what the locals do and, when in doubt, ASK.

·          Observe all laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol use. The majority of accidents and deaths overseas involve drugs and alcohol. Being abroad, you will be less able to discern the safety of your environment and the trustworthiness of the people around you. This makes you even more susceptible to problems, such as theft and assault, when under the influence.

·          Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables (passport, money, credit card) in a safe place when at school and wear them in a money belt when touring. Do not put valuables in exterior pockets of backpacks or book-bags or leave them unattended and carry emergency cash for phone calls or cab fares.

·          Going to a political "hot spot" may sound. However, it may not always be worth the risk to your safety. Avoid demonstrations. What appears peaceful can suddenly change into a dangerous situation and you could become caught in the middle.

·          When living in a different culture, you can’t expect that relations between genders will follow American traditions and rules. Be advised that members of other cultures may mistake friendliness for romantic interest. Educate yourself about appropriate interactions and behavior between men and woman.

·          Do not drive; Traffic accidents are actually the major cause of injury and death among international travelers. Be cautious even when using public transportation, and never get in a vehicle you suspect will not safely make it to your destination. Avoid overnight transport, which may make you a target for crime. Do not hitchhike.