Student Handbook - Staying Healthy Abroad

Some basic tips for all students appear below. However, if you are going to Africa, Asia, or Latin America, check the Additional Health Information section of this handbook for more specific information.

• Monitor your health. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to see everything and sampling all culinary delights. Moderation will pay off.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and watch what you eat when traveling.
• Check on the safety of water, meat, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
• Take measures to prevent exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Intimate contact can expose you to various bacteria or viruses, including AIDS and hepatitis B.
• Know where to get treatment before a medical problem arises. Ask your host ISEP Coordinator for the name of a doctor and the locations of campus or community health care facilities.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Students with dietary restrictions may find it challenging to maintain their diet abroad. Here are some general tips:

• Note any dietary restrictions or if you are a vegetarian on your ISEP Student Self-Assessment Medical Form. This information will guide ISEP and your host ISEP Coordinator in making appropriate arrangements.
• You may wish to bring protein powder, vitamins, and other dietary supplements with you to ensure good nutrition while abroad.
• Ask your host ISEP Coordinator or study abroad alumni for suggestions on maintaining your diet.
• Food is an important part of any culture. Consider modifying your usual diet to better integrate into and explore the culture.
• Be prepared to find a tactful way to deal with social situations in which you are offered specially prepared meals that may not fit your diet.