You should be familiar with all circumstances in your host country that could affect your health. This will require you to have an understanding of medical facilities, required immunizations, pharmaceutical availability, unique altitude or pollution issues and more. Most importantly you should verify that your current health insurance will cover you while you are abroad by calling them directly and asking for proof in writing. If you will not be covered, you will need to buy your own temporary international health insurance.
Country Specific Information
- World Health Organization - the United Nations' health summary from each country
- Center for Disease Control - get a recommendation of what vaccines you may need depending on the country
- State Department - Travelers’ Health - information from the U.S. State Department on vaccines, prescriptions, insurance, and finding medical help abroad
General Traveler Health & Safety
- State Department- Health Information - what to do in case of a medical emergency
- Center for Global Education - Health & Safety - information on basic health and safety for students abroad
Tourist & Traveler Risks
- Center of Global Education - Strategies to Reduce Risk - avoid being a crime target when you're abroad
- How to Spot Tourist Scams - keep an eye out for these scams when traveling abroad
Medical Care & Insurance
The resources below provide information on purchasing international health insurance if international coverage is not provided by your current health insurance provider.
- U.S. State Department - Overseas Insurance - explains the different types of insurance, what they cover and lists providers
- Center of Global Education - Medical Care and Insurance - how to get medical insurance in the country you are traveling to
- RIT Student Accident & Sickness Insurance Program - RIT student insurance with international coverage
- STA Travel ISIC Explorer Card - purchase of card includes international medical insurance
- Cultural Insurance Services International - international medical insurance
- HTH Travel Insurance - international medical insurance
- International Student Protection - international medical insurance
Other Insurance
You may want to consider purchasing additional insurance such as travel insurance or personal property insurance.
- InsureMyTrip - resource for finding travel insurance
- Personal Property Insurance - through RIT
Culture Shock
- Center of Global Education – Adjustments and Culture Shock
- How to Deal with Culture Shock - traveler's tips for surviving culture shock
LGBTQ Students
- LGBT Travel and Passport Information - U.S. Department of State
- LGBT Study Abroad Guide - excellent guide from GoAbroad.com
- LGBTQ Students Abroad - resources from Diversity Abroad
- International Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association - a global organization against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity
- NAFSA: Rainbow Special Interest Group - resources to help LGBTQ students studying abroad
- Asian Gay & Lesbian Resources - resources for students traveling to Eastern Asia
Students with Disabilities
- Disability Travel and Recreation Resources - accessible travel planning locations
- Mobility International - creating a world of equal opportunity for disabled travelers
- Making it Happen Video - video about studying abroad as a disabled student
- Survival Strategies for Going Abroad: A Guide for People with Disabilities (book) - twenty travelers with disabilities share their resources for study abroad
- Global Access News International Disability Links - various links for accessible travel broken down by continent
- Center for Disease Control: Travelers' Health - Travelers with Disabilities - rights of travelers with disabilities
- Rick Steve's Tips for Travelers with Disabilities - how to plan for travel with disabilities
Women's Issues
- Tips for Solo Women Travelers - how to stay safe in Europe
- Journeywoman: The Premier Travel Resource for Women - an online travel resource for women
- Journeywoman – Cultural Focused Clothing Advice by Country