Health and Safety

Protect Your Money and Valuables

• For arrival, we recommend bringing a small amount of cash in the host country’s currency (approximately $150–$200). Many U.S. banks offer currency exchange services at better rates than airport exchange counters.
• After arrival, avoid carrying large sums of cash. Instead, use a debit card and/or credit cards when possible. ATMs are widely available in most major cities, but research ATM accessibility and safety considerations in advance. For security reasons, credit cards are generally the safest option.
• Some debit and credit cards automatically block international transactions. Before departing, contact your bank and credit card provider to inform them of your travel plans and dates to prevent declined purchases. When traveling to remote areas, be sure to carry local currency.
• If you do carry cash, divide it between two locations (such as a purse and a money belt) in case your wallet or bag is lost or stolen.
• Make photocopies of your credit cards, debit cards, and other important documents. Bring one set of copies with you and leave another set with a trusted person at home.
• Safeguard your passport, visas, and other essential documents. Keep the originals securely stored in your room and carry photocopies with you unless local laws require you to carry the originals.
• While traveling, use a money belt worn underneath your clothing. Purses and shoulder bags can be easily cut or grabbed by thieves, which may also result in injury.

Be Aware of Your Personal Safety

• Share your travel plans and itinerary with someone you trust.
• Keep bags and valuables within sight and under your control at all times. Stay alert when using your phone or checking schedules, and secure bags at outdoor restaurants to prevent theft.
• Be cautious with your luggage, especially when approached by unofficial porters or drivers. Keep baggage claim receipts when traveling by air.
• Plan travel carefully to avoid arriving in unfamiliar locations late at night without confirmed accommodations.
• Secure valuables in hotel safes when available. In hostels or budget lodging, bring a padlock for lockers.
• If driving, keep doors locked, store luggage out of sight, and never leave valuables in the vehicle. Rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates are frequent targets.
• Travel in small groups when possible and avoid going anywhere with strangers.
• Dress to blend in with local customs and research appropriate attire in advance.
• Learn which areas are considered unsafe and avoid them. Stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated places.

Take care of your health  

• Talk to your host program if you are experiencing any physical or mental health problems.
• Before any medical issue arises, know where to access routine and emergency care.
• Know the signs of culture shock and use these tips for coping.
• Use these tips to maintain your mental health by recognizing what is going on as you adjust to being abroad. 

Monitor Your Alcohol Consumption

• Attitudes toward alcohol vary widely by country. Research your host culture’s social norms and expectations around alcohol use before you arrive.
• Regardless of local laws and customs, practice moderation and good judgment. Alcohol can increase your risk by impairing awareness and decision-making.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Excessive alcohol consumption has been identified as the single greatest risk factor for study abroad students.

Make Smart Choices to Stay Safe

• Stay alert and trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe or uncomfortable, move to a safe place immediately.
• Learn the local emergency number and keep your address memorized and saved on your phone. If you do not speak the local language, carry your address written in that language.
• Ask for help when needed and do not hesitate to draw attention to yourself in an emergency. Be clear about what you need.
• Be mindful of alcohol and drug use, as they can impair judgment and increase risk. Know your limits, respect others’ boundaries, and avoid being alone with people who make you uncomfortable. Stay with friends and look out for one another.
• Always carry enough money for transportation to a safe location, and keep emergency funds accessible.
• Secure your living space by keeping doors and windows locked and limiting access to trusted individuals only. Never share your address with strangers, and report suspicious behavior to local authorities.
• Walk confidently and stay aware of your surroundings. Wear comfortable shoes, avoid overloading yourself with bags, keep your keys ready, and limit distractions such as headphones or phone use.
• Remember that communication and social cues vary across cultures. If someone pressures you into sexual activity, clearly and firmly say no.
• When possible, register with your home country’s embassy so they are aware of your presence abroad and can send relevant travel alerts.

  • For U.S. Citizens and Nationals, enroll in the S.T.E.P. program

All programs will have their own emergency protocol, including their own emergency phone numbers. Please save the program's emergency number into your phone AND share it will loved ones back home.

All Lake Forest College students studying abroad on an approved program have access to EIIA's international travel assisstance.

• EIIA prioritizes the health and wellbeing of their institutions, especially when on educational trips and assignments. That is why they have partnered with Healix to provide comprehensive medical and security support during your travels. Healix is a leading emergency assistance and risk management provider, offering a wide range of services designed to keep you safe and healthy wherever your journey takes you and your family. With Healix's integrated solutions, you will have a dependable partner by your side, ensuring your peace of mind 24/7/365.

Medical Information and Preparation

Make sure your program staff are informed of any medical conditions or concerns is essential so appropriate preparations can be made for potential health-related issues during your program.

Medic Alert Emblem
If you have a specific medical condition, carry an internationally recognized Medic Alert emblem with you at all times.

Medical Records
Keep personal medical records in a secure but easily accessible location. These records should include:

• All medications you are taking

• Chronic conditions and allergies

• Immunization history

• Blood type

• Prior surgeries

• Eyeglass or contact lens prescription

• Name of your personal physician

• Health insurance information

• Religious considerations, if applicable

Make photocopies of these records and leave one set with a trusted person at home in case your copy is lost.

Medical and Dental Checkups

Before departure, review your travel plans with your physician. Only your doctor knows your full medical history and can advise whether additional preventive measures are necessary beyond the general guidelines provided here.

• Some host countries may require a health statement from your physician in order to obtain a visa.

• If you currently see a mental health professional, discuss what you may experience while studying abroad and develop coping strategies and a plan for accessing support if needed.

Bringing Medications Abroad

If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications regularly, research their availability and legality in your host country before departure.

Prescription Medicines

• Bring a supply of prescription medication sufficient for your entire stay.
• Carry written copies of your prescriptions in case a refill is needed.
• Your doctor may recommend bringing additional medications if you are prone to recurring illness, infection, or allergies.
• See 10 Things You Should Know about traveling internationally with medication. 

Non-Prescription Medicines 
If you have any favorite over-the-counter remedies, you may want to bring a lasting supply. For customs purposes, keep all medications in their original containers.
The CDC provides a list of items to consider taking as a part of a travel health kit. 

Immunizations you will need before you leave

Researching the health and safety conditions of your host country is a critical step in preparing for a successful study abroad experience.

• Bring documentation of all immunizations with you, as this may be required by your host institution.
• Many immunizations require multiple appointments or cannot be administered together, so plan well in advance.
• If you plan to travel outside your host country, research health requirements for those destinations as well.
• We recommend visiting the following organizations’ websites for detailed and expert health and safety information: 

1. 1. 1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
      2. World Health Organization (WHO) 

Content originally published by our partners at University of Minnesota.

It’s important to attend to your mental health and wellness as you plan your study abroad. Cultural adjustment and being in a foreign environment can have a big impact on your mental health—sometimes positive, sometimes negative. 

Many students find that the challenges of living in or visiting an unfamiliar culture and environment impacts their sense of wellbeing and mental health. Being away from support networks such as family and friends can additionally challenge your ability to manage and cope with stress. Emotional ups and downs are normal during travel and new living situations, but it’s important to pay attention to how you’re coping and how much stress you’re feeling. You should proactively and attentively plan for how you’ll attend to your wellness and your mental health. 

The resources below can help you prepare for your education abroad experience.

• You Can Plan for Your Mental Health Abroad UMN (1 min video)
• Tips for managing your mental health abroad (Instagram reel)
• Before You Go: Prepping Mental Health Medications and Scheduling Therapy Abroad: a 6 min video showing how to use the UMN’s international health insurance provider to plan for your mental health support needs before going abroad
• The importance of your health and wellness abroad: a 10 min recorded workshop for students going abroad (Mary Krebs, Carlson Global Institute)
• Preparing for your experience: a 10 min recorded workshop for students going abroad (Mary Krebs, Carlson Global Institute)
• How ADHD impacts personal and academic success(short online module)

Tips for Avoiding Legal Trouble Abroad

• In some countries, you may be required to complete a police information card when entering the country or registering at hotels. This may include your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for travel. In certain locations, hotels may also retain your passport overnight so it can be verified by local authorities. These procedures are normal and required by local law.

• Be aware that some countries enforce “guilty by association” laws. Avoid associating with individuals who possess illegal goods of any kind.

• Exchange money only through authorized banks or licensed exchange offices. Do not use the black market.

• Avoid areas experiencing unrest, such as protests, demonstrations, or riots.

• Do not transport packages for anyone unless you are absolutely certain they do not contain prohibited items.

• Familiarize yourself with local regulations before selling personal items such as clothing, cameras, or jewelry.

• Do not assume that activities legal in your home country are legal elsewhere. Follow local laws strictly, as penalties can be severe.

• Many countries restrict photography of certain locations, such as police stations, military facilities, government buildings, and ports. Always look for posted signs or ask an official before taking photos.

Please review the Department of State's 'Laws Abroad' and 'Arrest or Detention Abroad' pages thoroughly.

• Please note: Some information on the U.S. Department of State website applies only to U.S. citizens and nationals. Be sure to consult your own country’s embassy or consular website to learn how they can assist you while abroad if you are arrested or detained.

Drug Laws Abroad

Drug laws vary widely by country and are often far stricter than those in the U.S. If you are found in possession of illegal substances—whether “soft” or “hard” drugs—local laws apply. In many countries, penalties for possession are equivalent to those for trafficking.

Additional considerations include:

• Some countries do not allow bail and may not provide jury trials.

• Pretrial detention, sometimes in solitary confinement, may last for extended periods.

• Prison conditions may be extremely limited, lacking basic facilities such as beds, toilets, or washbasins.

• Food provided in detention facilities may be inadequate.

• Convictions may result in long prison sentences or, in some countries, the death penalty.

Your Home Country's Embassy/Consulate

The consular officers at the embassy or consulate in your host country are there to advise and help you in many different situations, especially if you are in serious trouble. Duty officers are on-call around the clock. They cannot serve as attorneys or give legal advice, but they can help you find adequate legal representation. 

1. How Your Consul Can Help 
   1. If your passport is lost or stolen, report the loss to the local police and go to your nearest embassy or consulate on the next business day to apply for a new one. If you have a police report, photos, and proof of identification (or someone who can identify you), bring them with you. 
   2. If you need emergency medical care, the consular officer will help you get in touch with a doctor or clinic. 
   3. If you are arrested, ask permission to notify the consular officer at your nearest embassy or consulate. If you are turned down, keep asking politely but persistently. The consular officer will visit you, advise you of your rights according to local laws, and contact your family and friends if you ask them to. 
   4. If you become destitute abroad, the consulate will help you get in touch with your family, friends, or bank so you can arrange to have funds sent to you.