Hampshire College

The Global Education Office strongly recommends that all students going abroad actively seek information regarding health and personal safety resources in their host countries. You are encouraged to speak with your family physician and/or to Health Services about your plans so that you can be fully apprised of all personal health issues surrounding your international experience. The more informed you are, the more you will get out of your time abroad! 

On this page:

• Safety Abroad Handbook
• Health Insurance Coverage
• Additional Web Resources for Health and Safety

SAFETY ABROAD HANDBOOK

An excellent resource for information is the Safety Abroad Handbook (The Center for Global Education). This handbook provides invaluable information regarding:

• Basic health and safety
  Issues you should be aware of include infectious diseases; physicals and check-ups; food safety; prescriptions; fitness; transportation; and the use of alcohol and drugs abroad.
• Risk factors and strategies to reduce risk
  Do you know how to avoid being a target of crime while abroad?
• Special issues
  If you are a U.S. citizen; a woman; non-heterosexual; disabled; or a member of an ethnic or religious minority, you may have special concerns about traveling in a foreign country.
• Crisis management
  The key to handling any crisis, minor or major, is to be prepared. Check these tips on how to cope during a crisis.
• Adjustments and culture shock
  Learn how to identify and cope with the common challenges that come with assimilating into a new culture.

HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE

In order to study abroad for a semester or to participate in one of Hampshire's short-term field courses, you are required to show evidence of international insurance coverage. You should not assume that your health insurance policy here in the U.S. will cover you while you're studying abroad. We advise you to consult with your insurance provider to determine if your plan will travel with you overseas.

For tips on finding insurance coverage and obtaining medical assistance while overseas, see Medical Care and Insurance.

There are a number of companies that provide comprehensive emergency travel insurance for students. The Global Education Office suggests some of the following companies:

• ISIC (International Student Identity Card)
• CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International)
• International SOS
• CMI Insurance Worldwide
• StudyAbroad.com Study Abroad Insurance (brief list of providers)
• AIG Travel Guard

ADDITIONAL WEB RESOURCES FOR HEALTH & SAFETY

Centers for Disease Control
Contains information by geographic area for health, immunizations, current conditions, and precautions.

U.S. Department of State Travel Information
Provides travel warnings and "Consular Information Sheets" (basic historical and political summaries of each country) with updated information and status reports on country-specific situations. Also furnishes tips for traveling abroad and information on emergency services for U.S. citizens abroad.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates
Register with the US embassy or consulate in the destination country. In addition, carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, packed in a separate location from your actual passport. This proves invaluable in replacing your passport if it is lost or stolen.

Mobility International
Disability travel options and assistance

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Female Students