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What are the most important health issues while studying abroad? • Upper respiratory Common infections • Flu & Allergies • Gastrointestinal • Water-borne diseases • Sexually transmitted diseases Behavioral health issues • Sexual health • Alcohol use Emotional and mental health 0 • Injury, negligent behavior while intoxicated • Issues with safe sex supplies or emergency contraception • Deaths due to accidents are 23x higher abroad than in the U.S. • Culture shock • Anxiety/Depression Seek medical attention! All are potentially serious if left untreated Health issues – before you go • Student Health or Outside Travel Clinic • At SHS travel consultation is free, immunizations generally not covered • At Travel clinic travel consultation usually $75, immunizations generally not covered • Physical Exam • Might be required or recommended by program • If participating in extreme sports (such as hiking, etc.) a physical is recommended • Separate appointment from a travel consultation • Immunizations/Recommended Medications • Review immunization recommendations and requirements • Schedule immunization appointment well in advance of travels • Some immunizations take several weeks to be effective 1 Health issues – before you go continued…. • Review CDC Traveler’s Health Information • http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ • Includes information on immunizations, malaria prone areas, rabies, etc. • Five students with animal bites last year • Discuss pre-exposure rabies vaccine with provider • Post-exposure treatment can interfere with travels/studies • Prescriptions/Medications 2 • If you take prescription medications, vitamins, over-the-counter medications • Verify that you can take these medicines across country borders • Carry with you a written prescription • Take the supply you will need for your entire trip – do not mail them to yourself • Beware of counterfeit medications – can be very harmful General Tips – before you go • Remember to bring • Basic first aid kit including band aids, tissues, hand wipes and OTC medications such as (Tylenol, Ibuprophen, Imodium, Dramamine, Pepto-Bismol, Tums, etc.) • Water treatment pills, if necessary • Hand sanitizer • Insect repellant • Learn about preventative/health care options • Travelers’ diarrhea • Jet lag • Motion sickness • Review International SOS • http://www.internationalsos.com/en/ 3 Health Care–while abroad • Determine where to obtain follow up care abroad for any current medical issues or medical issues requiring continuing care • If you get sick – consult your local program directors or on-site personnel for local hospitals or medical providers – health care differs across Africa • Check with your health insurer regarding availability of coverage 4 Alcohol, drugs and sexual health • Stay sober and stay with others –Respect local culture – different alcohol laws may allow for ease of access but observe local customs –Know what you are drinking –Don’t abandon intoxicated friends • Penalties abroad are more stringent for possession of illicit drugs and narcotics –Small amounts may be enough to trigger strict penalties and immediate incarceration –Do not try to return to the US with any drugs • Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a lifetime of problems –Be responsible and careful –Seek medical attention immediately for any concerns –Bring your own condoms and emergency contraceptive 5 What are the greatest safety dangers/risks while studying abroad? • Tap water differs in safety Food & Water • Food should be thoroughly cooked • 115 people per 1,000 return early from a trip as a result of gastroenteritis Physical injuries • Drowning -13% of deaths abroad • Death of pedestrians 7% of accidents • 3,000 killed daily worldwide in traffic accidents Traffic accidents • Leading cause of death or injury abroad • 13% involve motorcycles 6 Transportation Safety Vehicles, motorcycles & road conditions • Do not rent a car, motorcycles or moped while in country • Many countries have no tolerance policies for DUI and the penalties can be severe • If you are involved in an accident with damages or injuries, the driver may be detained until restitution is resolved • Very hazardous – unpaved, limited signage • Check points – if you see one, do not turn around to avoid – be patient and respectful • Do not drive at night • Keep doors locked 7 What are the greatest security risks while abroad? • Most serious problem for foreigners Petty crime Targeted crime/ robbery • Thefts of personal property from residences and bags • Use ATMs located within buildings and beware of people around you • Beware of crime rings focusing on tourists and/or students Sexual harassment/ assault • Unwanted attention due to personal appearances Civil unrest/ terrorist actions • Strikes, protests 8 • Friendship boundaries are different • Riots, regional conflicts Be Smart and Alert in new surroundings! Personal safety • Do your research: know about the country, city and neighborhood where you will be residing • US State Dept., News, International SOS • Talk to returning students • Know the regional or national emergency numbers • Register with the U.S. Consulate – or your own embassy – www.travel.state.gov • Be mindful when walking alone; especially at night • Transportation Safety • Be mindful when using public transportation and/or taxis • Be aware of local issues, recent disasters and the worldwide political environment • Anti-US sentiment • Local ethnic, religious and racial profiling • Local elections may increase protests • Best to avoid demonstrations • Be conservative and discrete in both dress and conversation • avoid religion and politics with recent acquaintances 9 Personal Documents and Finances • Back up your computer – external hard drives, online services i.e., Mozy, Idrive, etc • Keep copies of Passport, credit cards and travel document s (email pdf versions to yourself) – Secure original passport and travel documents – Don’t carry them with you all the time – Check the expiration date on your passport – Keep copies with family or trusted friend • Keep some emergency funds in cash – Beware of local scams • Personal finances – Make sure credit cards are current and will not expire – Make sure debit card will work abroad – check your bank’s transaction fees – Confirm with your banks and credit card companies that you are traveling overseas – Keep some emergency funds in cash 10 Global Activities Registry - www.upenn.edu/globalactivities 11 Global Activities Registry New web-based Penn-key accessible tool How it works: • You must register with the Global Activities Registry • Either as a group or as an individual traveler • Flight information is very important • Enables you to enter personal information about side trips while you are abroad Anticipated benefits: • Expedite identification and response to international incidents • Improve data capture about Penn’s global engagement • Promote greater collaboration across the University by identifying opportunities across schools Access to information: • Few select University offices will have access to information to use in the event of emergency situations • Information automatically sent to International SOS • Periodic alert messages sent to you pertaining to health and safety 12 International SOS – www.internationalsos.com Penn Membership Number 11BSGC000012 Penn’s International Travel Assistance Partner • 24-hour emergency assistance • Physicians and nurses on-call • Security analysts • Country guides and pre-departure information • Medical/health alerts • Security alerts • Identify best call center number in the event of an emergency • Emergency assistance and repatriation Note: it is not international health insurance 13 Final Thoughts: Communicate • Stay in touch with family and friends – share contact information • Let people know your plans when traveling • Consider in-country cell phones or SIM card for your cell phone • Teach your parents how to Skype and have a communication plan • Share challenges and concerns appropriately Be Patient • With yourself – it will take longer, you’ll be less efficient and you’ll be frustrated • With others peers – they will take longer, they may be frustrated, their may be language and other communication barriers • With others associated with the program – communications, resource, cultural challenges 14 Penn resources available to you while abroad Student Health Services – travel medicine and immunization Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – pre-departure and assistance while overseas (+1.215.349.5490) Penn Public Safety: 24-hour staffed call center (+1.215.573.3333 ) Global Activities Registry International SOS – Penn’s international travel assistance provider 15