Travel Health Resources
We recommend that you spend some time researching various health topics specific to your destination as well as issues common to travelers.
Travel Health
Students on Carleton programs can access the extensive medical and security information provided by International SOS.
The CDC contains comprehensive and up-to-date information on Traveler’s Health, including a country guide, advice on immunizations, illness and injury abroad, and diseases prevalent in different areas of the world.
Tripprep is another source of information on destinations, infectious diseases, and general travel health & safety.
The Health Information section of the renowned Mayo Clinic’s website contains comprehensive information on hundreds of conditions, a symptom checker, and guides to drugs and supplements, tests and procedures.
Health and Safety Abroad by HTH Worldwide
Dr. Frank Gillingham, medical director for HTH Worldwide, offer study abroad students advice on the issues they might encounter on their trip in this YouTube video series.
Alcohol
Research indicates that alcohol use increases when students are studying abroad.
The Center for Global Education contains a wealth of information about health & safety topics, including a section on alcohol consumption abroad.
In 2004, the World Health Organization published a Global Status Report on Alcohol with data about alcohol use and abuse in many countries.
Sexual Health
The Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response website is the best source of information about what to do in cases of sexual misconduct. In addition, you may contact the OCS office or your Faculty/Program director.
The International Encyclopedia of Sexuality contains information of sexual practices and related issues by country and is a good place to begin your research by country.
International Centers for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Harassment contains a by-country list of places you can go and people you can contact if you're a victim to sexual assault or harassment abroad.
Emotional Health
Adjusting to life in a new culture (and sometimes language) can be stressful and it is normal for students to experience culture shock at some point during their program. You are encouraged to talk with your faculty or program adviser early and often and to check out the suggestions on maintaining strong mental and emotional health from the Center for Global Education and Carleton’s Student Health and Counseling Center.
Dietary concerns
Vegetarianism, food allergies, religious practices, and an interest in healthy eating are all good reasons to research food options before you travel. This section is not comprehensive and you are invited to add to our resource list using the form provided. Consult with your medical provider and other experts as well.
Vegetarian
http://archive.glimpse.org/stories/view/top-5-ways-to-be-a-respectful-vegetarian-abroad/
Celiac’s disease
Celiac Travel: http://www.celiactravel.com/cards/
Contains tips for traveling gluten-free as well as restaurant cards in 51 languages explaining the condition.
Coeliac.org.uk: http://www.coeliac.org.uk/
Contains comprehensive information on living with Coeliac’s disease in the UK. Many other countries have sister sites that can be easily found on-line.
Do you have any dietary or allergy related concerns about off-campus study? Please feel free to share your concerns confidentially with the OCS Director/Assistant Director here
