Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
RIT Global

You are here

Study Abroad
/
Preparing to Go
/

Health & Safety

COVID-19 and Study Abroad

The RIT Education Abroad office is constantly monitoring how COVID-19 is affecting international travel, with student safety as our top priority. While RIT no longer requires students to be vaccinated, we highly encourage study abroad participants to stay up-to-date with immunizations, boosters, and social distancing policies. In fact, study abroad partners and vendors, travel providers, and foreign governments may have different requirements, and it is your responsibility to understand and adhere to all requirements and guidelines.

If you feel ill while abroad, inform your primary in-country contact immediately. At the start of your program, your program provider or primary contact will likely go over your program’s plan/policies related to COVID-19, including isolation procedures, continuing academics if you must isolate, doctor visits (if needed), or how to get medications.

All students studying abroad will have an international health insurance plan (either through RIT or affiliate program provider). International health insurance providers typically assist in finding local medical providers, coordination of illness/medical issues, coverage for medical care, doctor/hospital visits, and emergency evacuation due to accident, illness, or safety reasons. You should make sure you have the contact information and basic policy information of your international health insurance plan before traveling.

Finally, taking some time to familiarize yourself with the current state of COVID-19 in your host country will make you a more responsible and informed traveler. It's important to understand infection rates, vaccination rates, and guidelines around COVID-19 safety in the country you plan to travel to.

If you have any additional questions about COVID-19 and study abroady, email global@rit.edu.

Health

Study Abroad, as with any major life change, (regardless of length of time, location, etc.) has the potential to heighten pre-existing medical, mental health or personal issues or contribute to new ones. Local culture, custom and practices may not have/provide the support systems you might be accustomed to in the U.S.

It is your responsibility to consider how you will manage your health and wellness while you are abroad. For example, you may need to consider your dietary restrictions, allergies, medications, need for immunizations, etc.

When you are selecting an overseas program or preparing for your departure, here are some things you should consider regarding your health and wellness:

  • Medications (Over-the-counter vs. Prescription, Refills, etc.): Are my current medications legal in the countries I’m traveling to? Will I be able to bring enough to cover my full stay or get something similar/equivalent in country?
  • Allergies (Peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, etc.): Will I be exposed to potential serious allergens? How will I work to reduce my chances of or treat an exposure?
  • Meal Restrictions (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, etc.): Will I be able to identify and obtain alternative meal substitutions? How will I communicate my meal needs in the host culture?
  • Mental health (ex. Stress, Depression, Anxiety, etc.): How is my mental health condition viewed in the host culture? What kinds of resources and support will I have available to help me manage?
  • Physical health and mobility (Asthma, Diabetes, Walking aids, etc.): What kind of environment will I be living and studying in and what kind of activities will I be participating in that might be affected by my physical health and mobility? What sort of adjustments or support would I need to participate successfully?
  • Sexual health (Public Displays of Affection, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, etc.): What are the values and customs regarding romantic relationships in my host culture? What sexual health risks should I be aware of and how do I protect myself?
  • Drugs/Alcohol: (Tainted drinks, synthetic drugs, drinking age, etc.) What are the values and customs regarding drugs and alcohol in my host culture? What health and legal risks should I be aware of?
  • Learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADHD, tutoring, etc.): How are my learning disabilities perceived in the host culture? What sort of accommodations or support would I need to participate successfully?
  • Environment of Program (Climate, Altitude, etc.): How will the weather and terrain of my host country affect my health and wellness?
  • Interpersonal relationships (Roommate issues, significant other back home, homesickness, etc.): Will you be studying, living and traveling with the same small group or will you be completely alone on your program? How might you cope with these situations and what communication resources will you need to be successful?

    ​​​Below is a list of RIT health and wellness related resources available on campus which may assist you before, during and after your experience abroad. 
  • Academic Support Center
  • NTID Counseling and Academic Advising Services
  • Office for Diversity and Inclusion
  • Multicultural Center for Academic Success
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Student Health Center
  • Center for Women and Gender
  • Center for Religious Life
  • Q Center
  • Disability Services Office
  • Access Services Office

International Health Insurance
Most domestic health insurance policies don’t provide coverage outside your home country and may limit their coverage to a certain geographic area. RIT requires all students studying abroad to have international health insurance. The vast majority of students never have to use it, but it is good to have just in case. Students going abroad on an RIT study abroad program will be provided international health insurance. Read more

Country Specific Health Information

General Traveler Health 

Culture Shock

Safety Abroad

Studying abroad will expose you to all kinds of new and exciting experiences. Though this is a time of broadening your horizons, it is important that you exercise caution in order to be as safe as possible while overseas. Before traveling you should become familiar with local laws, how to avoid travel scams, and understand RIT's emergency response plan. 911 equivalent emergency numbers around the world