Your Health - Before you Go
Maintaining health and wellness starts before your travel. It is important to research the country and city in which you will be studying to be aware of any health concerns that may be present and actions you can take to mitigate the risk. Likewise, you should be aware of your health to take proper care of yourself and to stay well and healthy abroad.
Here are a few important tasks to do before travel:
The University has contracted with International SOS (ISOS) to provide comprehensive health and security coverage to Pitt student, faculty, and staff traveling for University-related studies or business. ISOS is the world’s leading medical and travel security risk services company.
ISOS coverage provides medical and medical assistance coverage for the dates of your program. It covers:
- Doctor and hospital visits (for physical and/or mental health needs)
- Prescribed medication
- Medically required transportation while abroad
- Medically required evacuation and repatriation
ISOS also provides:
- Travel Safety and Security Advice – The University of Pittsburgh ISOS program includes assistance in safety and security preparation before travel abroad and during travel.
- Health & Safety Line Response – ISOS provides first-line response on the Study Abroad Health and Safety Line and will only pass a call to Study Abroad Office staff in certain situations.
ISOS does NOT cover:
- Follow up care when you return to the US
- Routine care – for example: physical exams or routine maternity expenses, non-emergency mental health and substance abuse expenses, surgical second opinions, or home health care
- Injuries due to certain activities – for example: injuries related to accidents caused by using motorized vehicles and/or engaging in adventure sport activities
- Personal travel before or after the program dates
We recommend purchasing additional insurance if you are traveling before or after your program.
Before You Travel
- If you are taking any medication, ISOS can provide pre-departure guidance on the legality of medications and supplements and the process necessary to carry them with you overseas.
- If you have a pre-existing condition(s), ISOS can open a case for you before your departure for the program. Your study abroad program manager will work with you on that process after you submit your medical report.
-
We strongly recommend you download the ISOS Assistance App. This convenient app features:
- One-click dialing to the ISOS Assistance Center closest to your location, for immediate help or advice 24/7/365
- The latest medical and travel security alerts for your location, with notifications being sent before and during trips
- NOTE: You must have a functioning data plan for your country of travel and location services must be turned on for this app to work. When you first start the App, you will be asked to enter your Membership Number, please input the following: 11BMAS563390.
After you commit to the program and before departure for your program you are required to submit your medical report. The medical report is a form located within your online program application which asks you some basic questions regarding your past and present health conditions. Information you provide in the medical report does not prohibit your participation in the program to which you are accepted, but rather it will help us to navigate how to best help you to prepare you for your global experience.
Mild health conditions may become more serious under the stresses of life while away. It is important to disclose any pre-existing conditions, past or current treatment, and medications in your medical report. The ability of the Study Abroad staff and the University of Pittsburgh to assist you in case of an emergency may be compromised if you do not report a medical or mental health condition during the planning process.
- Current/previous health issues (anxiety, asthma, depression, diabetes, etc.)
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Disabilities
- Dietary restrictions
If you have a current or ongoing condition, travel can exacerbate symptoms, but an honest discussion with your healthcare professional(s) will provide you with strategies to mitigate any complications, where possible. Likewise, travel can resurface previous conditions. For example, even if you haven't needed migraine medicine in over a year, you may want to consider still discussing this with your healthcare professional.
Create a treatment plan with your healthcare professionals before you go, and share it with the Study Abroad Office via the medical report document.
- For example: for mental and emotional wellness support while traveling, International SOS also offers zoom or skype sessions with therapists through WPO. The administration or prescription of medication is not managed through WPO services; but International SOS can assist with referrals to local psychiatrists as needed. These sessions can be pre-arranged before you go.
Don’t forget a dental check-up and an eye exam (especially if you anticipate your prescription may need to be updated).
- Physical Wellness and Emotional Wellness pages
- Video from a Pitt Staff Clinician on your Global Experience and Mental Health
Advanced planning for medication
Some prescription medication, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and other forms of medicine that are legal in the US may be illegal in your host country or while traveling. If you are taking any medication, International SOS (ISOS), the University’s international health insurance provider, can provide pre-departure guidance on the legality of medications and supplements and the process necessary to carry them with you overseas.
For each medicine you will carry, perform these steps:
- Gather an ample supply to last your entire trip. Medications cannot be sent in the mail.
- Keep all drugs in their original packaging.
- Make a copy of the prescription if it is a prescription drug.
- Have your healthcare provider write a note describing the medicine and why you need it. It is best to get this on letterhead.
If you are managing a chronic condition, we request that you disclose this on your Medical Report or directly to your program manager or Pitt-recognized provider soon after being accepted to your program. By disclosing, you are providing us (or your Pitt-recognized provider) the time to make preparations to help you in the best way possible (i.e. placing a refrigerator in your room for vials of insulin, ensuring you have information for local AA meetings, etc.). Please note: disclosing a medical condition will not cause you to be removed from your program after being accepted.
- If your condition is followed/managed by a medical specialist, it is a good idea to meet with him/her before you leave to discuss a treatment plan should you experience complications abroad. Make a copy of this and carry it with you at all times—it can speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
- It is advised that you take your own syringes if you require regular injections.
- If you have a special medical condition, it is a good idea to buy a bilingual medical alert bracelet.
- If you use any kind of specific, over-the-counter medications, ointments, acne cures, etc. (that you cannot live without), take enough to last your entire trip.
International Society of Travel Medicine
Allegheny County Health Department
- Local cuisine
- Popular items to wear/ not to wear
- Musical selection
- Difference in your native language(s) vs. the host language(s)
Deep Culture
- Knowing when it is or if it is appropriate to question a professor in a classroom setting.
- Customs relating to age, class, family, etc.
- Cultural Surprise – positive phase to a new culture where new surface level culture is exciting.
- Cultural Exploration - seeking understanding of new cultural context on both surface and deep cultural level.
- Cultural Adjustment - trial and error while making conscious and unconscious decisions reflecting ability to navigate daily life in host culture.
- Cultural Conflict – response to surface level behaviors that may be of annoyance or irritation in challenging values of behaviors or encountering a difficult situation exacerbated by an unfamiliar cultural context.
- Cultural Fatigue - typically occurs in response to high levels of stimuli for an ongoing period and processing new cultural information and behaviors. Can be accompanied by "language fatigue" for individuals learning a second language.
- Cultural Stress – common response to being highly stimulated for an extended period. Can lead to withdrawal or stress response behaviors such as excessive sleeping or higher than usual emotional responses.
It can be exciting and challenging when you are confronted with cultural norms that are very different from what you know. Prepare yourself by learning all you can about your host culture. As a guest in a new cultural setting, listen, observe, absorb what is happening around you, and your own reactions to the differences. You can’t change your host culture, but you can consider changing your reaction to it.
- Have you researched the location which you will be participating in a global experience?
- Do you currently have a positive coping skill to alleviate stressful situations?
- Do you have a plan regarding how you can reach out to others if you are feeling overwhelmed by your cultural transition?
- Have you read all the resources available on the abroad website to help through this time?
- Do I have a preconception of my host location?
- What are some preconceptions my host location may have of an American student?
- Have you become familiar with cultural transition definitions on the website?
- University Student Health Service* - Provides high quality primary health care, prevention, health education, and pharmacy services to enhance student living and learning.
- University Counselling Center* - Students can engage in private or group counseling sessions, wellness workshops, have access to trauma and self-care resources, diversity resources, resources for allies and much more.
- International SOS - Provides health and security coverage to Pitt student, faculty, and staff traveling for University-related studies or business.
- Allegheny County Health Department – Provides vaccines including travel immunizations.
- The Center for Disease Control – Provides country-specific information about required or recommended immunization and medications, and travel preparation tips.
- World Health Organization - Is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
- Your Health Abroad - State Department – Provides country-specific health, safety, and security information.
- TAO* - (Therapy Assistance Online) - Private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. You can complete TAO videos or interactive modules at your own pace. Free service provided to Pitt students; login with your PittID.
-
Good Therapy - provides a list of therapists and counsellors in many destinations; also lists if the healthcare provider speaks English.
- ISOS Assistance - One-click dialing to the closest ISOS Assistance Center and medical and security travel advice before and during trips. Available for Android and iOS.
- CDC’s TravWell - Provides destination-specific vaccine recommendations, a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel, and a customizable healthy travel packing list. Available for Android and iOS.
- My Travel Health - Is based on technologies licensed from the Mayo Clinic and designed to help travelers safeguard their health before, during and after travel. Available for Android and iOS.
- TAO* - (Therapy Assistance Online) - Self-guided and interactive tool. Private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. You can complete TAO videos or interactive modules at your own pace. Free service provided to Pitt students; login with your PittID. Available for Android and iOS.
Your Health - While Away
Your health and wellness during your program have a direct impact on your academic success and cultural adaptation. If you are struggling with health issues, you may miss classes, be less involved in the local communities, and may not have an optimal overall experience. Prepare for a safe and healthy global experience by following recommendations from the Pitt Study Abroad Office, your program provider, and/or host institutions, and from the CDC and other reliable sources.
-
In emergency situations, contact the in-country equivalent of 911. Here’s a handy reference list of emergency contact numbers in foreign countries.
-
In non-emergency health and safety situations, contact International SOS, the University Health Insurance provider: +1-215-942-8478
-
In either situation, keep your faculty leader, program manager, and on-site staff informed.
For mental and emotional wellness support, International SOS also offers zoom or skype sessions with therapists through WPO. The administration or prescription of medication is not managed through WPO services; but International SOS can assist with referrals to local psychiatrists, as needed. In either situation, contact International SOS, 24/7, so that the appropriate assistance can be provided.
- ISOS will help locate a qualified healthcare provider, receive a prescription, or simply answer any general medical or security concern you may have so you get quality medical care and advice.
- In an emergency, ISOS can ensure that you get immediate care whether it requires evacuating you to a center of medical excellence or closely monitoring your condition with local doctors.
- The ISOS program provides medical, security and logistical expertise to help safeguard Pitt’s international travelers. If you lose your medication in Prague, need to see a doctor in New Delhi, get pick-pocketed in Rio or, are in an accident, you should immediately contact ISOS.
- To use this insurance most effectively, you should contact ISOS directly to coordinate care BEFORE going to a medical facility if possible or practicable. Failure to do so greatly increases the chance that you will be required to pay the costs up-front, in which case, you will need to save your receipts and contact ISOS after treatment for reimbursement instructions.
- This insurance does not cover injuries related to accidents caused by using motorized vehicles and/or engaging in adventure sport activities.
- This insurance coverage is only in effect during your actual program dates and thus it does not cover any independent travel before or after your program.
Jet lag can be a problem for travelers who are crossing several time zones. Although it is not a serious condition, jet lag can make it hard for you to enjoy your first few days on-location. Here are a few tips you can take to minimize the effects of jet lag:
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. The air on planes is extremely dry and it is easy to become dehydrated when not drinking enough fluids.
- Avoid large meals, alcohol, and caffeine during your travel.
- On long flights, get up and walk around periodically to stretch your muscles.
- Sleep on the plane if you can.
- After arrival, stay awake until the local bedtime. If you are sleepy during the day, take short naps (20–30 minutes) so you can still sleep at night. Eat meals at local meal times.
Please review these additional recommendations from the CDC on how to minimize the effects of jet lag.
Unclean food and water can cause traveler’s diarrhea and other diseases. Some locations have a higher risk for these conditions than others. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe eating and drinking habits. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid uncooked food from street vendors.
- Avoid dairy products that are not refrigerated or pasteurized.
- Eat fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself.
- Do not drink water unless you know that it is safe for drinking; bottled water is recommended. Make sure the factory seal is intact.
- Avoid ice cubes in drinks unless you know that the ice was made from water safe for drinking.
- Do not leave drinks unattended or drink anything opened out of your sight.
- Wash your hands with soap and clean water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer before eating.
Please visit the CDC’s food and water safety page for more information.
A large number of incidents while students are participating in global experiences involve alcohol or drugs. Being impaired in a foreign environment increases your risk for an incident as you are more likely to make decisions that put yourself or others in danger. For more information on this topic, please refer to the Safety & Security pages.
It is important to prepare yourself for a potentially different physical environment. Environmental risk factors can contribute to disease and injury. Locations around the world have unique environmental risk factors that you may not be used to mitigating at home. It’s important to prepare for the environment in which you are going.
Air Pollution
Many countries around the world do not have regulations on air pollution. It is important to learn about the air quality of your program’s location and how take measures to protect yourself.
Resources to help you protect yourself from air pollution during your program:
- ISOS Air Pollution - FAQs and resources on air pollution from Pitt’s international health insurance, including a live map of current air quality.
- Air Pollution - World Health Organization (WHO) information about air pollution.
- How to Protect Yourself From Air Pollution While Traveling - NYTimes article on navigating poor air quality.
High Altitude
The higher you go, the “thinner” the air becomes and if you go too fast, the body cannot properly get the oxygen it needs. Anyone that travels to above 6,500 feet can experience problems such as altitude sickness. Here are a few tips for acclimating to higher altitudes:
- Learn about your destination. An easy way to check the elevation is through websites like Velo Routes.
- Visit your doctor to learn more about their recommendations, prevention tips and remedies for altitude illness. It is especially important for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions to talk with their doctor about higher altitude before travel.
- Acclimate slowly - move slowly and take rests when you need.
- Review the resources below and learn the danger signs of altitude illness.
Resources to help you prepare for high altitudes during your program:
- Travel to High Altitudes - CDCs travel advice and resources when traveling to high altitudes.
- Altitude Sickness - UKs National Health System information on altitude sickness.
- Altitude Sickness - What is it? - Harvard Health information on altitude sickness.
Bug Bites
Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and some flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme, all of which have risk of severe and lasting consequences. It is important to check your destination (CDC) for recommended shots, medicines and advice to help you prevent bug bites.
Resources to help you prepare for and prevent bug bites during your program:
- Avoid Bug Bites - CDCs tips for avoiding bug bites abroad.
- Preventing Bug Bites - ISOS health information on preventing mosquito, tick and other insect bites (pdf).
Additional Environmental Health Concerns Resources
- WHO Health Topics - Public health, environmental and social determinants of health (PHE) information.
- For more tips and resources on your environmental well-being please visit our Environmental Wellness Page.
Making the decision to engage in a global experience wil l take you away from the familiar. This can be exciting and challenging when you are confronted with cultural norms that are different from your own. Your global experience will not be a linear graph but rather a spectrum of different emotions you can experience at different times depending on a variety of factors such as academics, health, etc. They can be similar or different from those of your classmates as we are all affected by events and life changes differently. Some transitions that you may experience are excitement, exploration, adjustment, conflict, fatigue and/or stress. Everyone experiences life shifts differently and may experience all or limited transitions as listed previously. Here are some tips for cultural transitions:
- Be aware that you may be seeing your host culture through your own cultural glasses which is influenced by your own societal surface and deep culture.
- As a guest in a new cultural setting, listen, observe, absorb what is happening around you, and reflect on your own reactions to the differences.
- Do not be afraid to ask question and speak with locals.
- You cannot change your host culture, but you can consider changing your reaction to it.
- Practice any positive coping mechanism that work best for you.
- Avoid social media and following events back home.
- University Counselling Center* - Students can engage in private or group counseling sessions, wellness workshops, have access to trauma and self-care resources, diversity resources, resources for allies and much more.
- International SOS - Provides health and security coverage to Pitt student, faculty, and staff traveling for University-related studies or business.
- The Center for Disease Control – Provides country-specific information about required or recommended immunization and medications, and travel preparation tips.
- Your Health Abroad - State Department – Provides country-specific health, safety, and security information.
- TAO* (Therapy Assistance Online) - Private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. You can complete TAO videos or interactive modules at your own pace. Free service provided to Pitt students; login with your PittID.
- ISOS Assistance - One-click dialing to the closest ISOS Assistance Center and medical and security travel advice before and during trips. Available for Android and iOS.
- CDC’s TravWell - Provides destination-specific vaccine recommendations, a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel, and a customizable healthy travel packing list. Available for Android and iOS.
- CDC’s Can I Eat This? - Helps you prevent traveler’s diarrhea and other illnesses you might get from contaminated food and water. Available for Android and iOS.
- TAO* - (Therapy Assistance Online) - Self-guided and interactive tool. Private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. You can complete TAO videos or interactive modules at your own pace. Free service provided to Pitt students; login with your PittID. Available for Android and iOS.
Your Health - When you return
After travel, you might return home with health concerns. Fortunately, many after-travel illnesses are mild, such as a head cold or an upset stomach. However, other travel-related conditions or post-program transitions may be more serious, and symptoms may not show up until long after you get home.
The CDC recommends that you seek medical attention if you are not feeling well after travel, whether you have diarrhea, anxiety, skin problems, depression, trouble breathing, or other issues. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your travel, including where you went and what you did. This information will help your healthcare provider consider infections that are rare or not found in the United States. Some details to include:
- Your vaccination history
- What you did as you traveled (activities, excursions, etc.)
- How long you were gone
- Where you stayed (hotel, dorm, homestay)
- What you ate and drank
- Whether you were bitten by bugs or bitten, scratched, or licked by animals
- Whether you swam in fresh water
- Whether you received health care abroad
- Any other possible exposures to infections like sexual encounters, tattoos
Experiencing stress, low moods, anxiety etc. is common as students transition to new environments. This can occur when you return after a global experience as well. Some students may feel that the adjustment upon returning home is more challenging than the adjustment to the new setting. These adjustments can also exacerbate an already existing condition or cause a pervious condition to resurface. There are many support options available to you for your mental and emotional wellness, some of which are referenced here. The University Counselling Center has many different services available both in person and virtually. Other resources are listed below in the Resources tab and in the Cultural Transitions tab as well as in the Emotional Wellness pages. Students may also want to connect with others who have gone through similar transitions after a global experience; the Alumni page has suggestions for how to reach out and be involved with others who can offer empathy and support.
- University Student Health Service* - Provides high quality primary health care, prevention, health education, and pharmacy services to enhance student living and learning.
- University Counselling Center* - Students can engage in private or group counseling sessions, wellness workshops, have access to trauma and self-care resources, diversity resources, resources for allies and much more.
- TAO* - (Therapy Assistance Online) - Private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. You can complete TAO videos or interactive modules at your own pace. Free service provided to Pitt students; login with your PittID.
- My Travel Health - Is based on technologies licensed from the Mayo Clinic and designed to help travelers safeguard their health before, during and after travel. Available for Android and iOS.
- TAO* - (Therapy Assistance Online) - Self-guided and interactive tool. Private online library of engaging, interactive programs to learn life skills and to help you bounce back from disappointments or stumbling blocks in life. You can complete TAO videos or interactive modules at your own pace. Free service provided to Pitt students; login with your PittID. Available for Android and iOS.