Your Health Abroad

Study abroad, as with any major life change (regardless of length of time, location, etc.), can heighten pre-existing medical, mental health, or personal issues or contribute to new ones. Local culture, customs, 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 abroad. For example, you may need to consider your dietary restrictions, allergies, medications, need for immunizations, etc.

All participating students need to be able to maintain standard and reasonable health, hygiene, and personal care without assistance. A student’s personal hygiene and health care choices cannot disrupt the educational function or program activities or endanger or inhibit the success of the student, other program participants, RIT faculty or staff, local partner team members, 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 entire 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 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 my host culture’s values and customs regarding romantic relationships? 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 is my host culture’s values and customs regarding drugs and alcohol? 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?

The environment of the 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 at 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?

Students should educate themselves about program components and make informed decisions about their participation, and if making requests for accommodations, should do so in a timely and effective manner. Concerns will be addressed first by local program leaders, and corrective steps may be put in place. Continued or elevated concerns may be addressed by RIT Global and RIT Risk Management and could result in a student being sent home.

Here is a list of health and wellness-related resources available on campus to assist you before, during, and after your experience abroad. It is your responsibility to reach out to these organizations and take advantage of the support services they provide:

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. Most 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. 

Learn more about health insurance requirements and options

Medications

A U.S. citizen traveling overseas should always verify medication legality before departure, because drugs that are legal or commonly prescribed in the U.S. can be restricted or illegal in other countries. Traveling with a restricted or illegal substance in your host country could result in delay of travel, confiscation of medication, denial of entry or arrest. The safest approach is to use official government and international sources, not blogs or forums.

To Find out if your Medications are Legal:

1. If you are going on an RIT program (Global Campus, Faculty-Led, Exchange), call RIT’s Global Security Consulting Agency, Crisis24 at +1-443-569-0230

  • We have found this to be the most reliable way to learn about your specific medications.
  • It will take 7-10 days for them to provide this data.

If you are going on an Affiliate program (ex. Arcadia, CIEE, DIS, SAI, etc), ask the affiliate to help you consult their international health insurance provider or global security agency.

2. Check the Destination Country’s Embassy or Consulate Website or Call the Embassy

Each country sets its own medication laws. The foreign embassy or consulate is the authoritative source; however, their websites can be very challenging to navigate.

How to do it

Some embassies publish explicit lists of prohibited or restricted medications, especially stimulants, narcotics, sedatives, and psychiatric drugs; however, many do not, or it isn’t easy to find. [travel.state.gov] This step is critical because customs enforcement follows local law, not U.S. law.

3. Use the U.S. State Department’s Travel Health Guidance

The U.S. Department of State provides general guidance and warnings about medication issues abroad.

What to check

  • Visit the U.S. State Department website - Medicine and Health
  • Review country‑specific pages
  • Look for alerts about:
    • ADHD medications
    • Medical marijuana
    • Painkillers
    • Sleep aids

4. Search the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Database

For medications that may be considered controlled substances, the INCB (a UN body) provides country‑level information.

Use this site

Other Important Steps for Traveling with Medications:

1.  Medications That Commonly Cause Problems Abroad

Travelers should double‑check legality if carrying:

  • ADHD medications (amphetamines)
  • Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)
  • Opioid painkillers
  • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
  • Sleep aids (e.g., Ambien)
  • Codeine‑containing cough syrups
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • Medical marijuana (often illegal even with U.S. authorization)

CDC documents multiple cases where these drugs are restricted or banned internationally. [cdc.gov]

2. Check the CDC’s “Traveling Abroad with Medicine” Page [wwwnc.cdc.gov]

The CDC explains how medication laws vary internationally and outlines common restrictions. This is one of the most helpful resources.

3. Consult Your Doctor or Pharmacist

A healthcare professional experienced in international travel can:

  • Identify medications commonly restricted abroad
  • Suggest legal alternatives
  • Write a compliant medical certificate or physician letter

4. Prepare Required Documentation (Even If Legal)

Even when a medication is allowed, travelers are often required to carry:

  • Medication in original pharmacy containers
  • A signed doctor’s letter on letterhead stating:
    • Medical condition
    • Generic medication name
    • Dosage
  • Bring a copy of the doctor’s letter in the local language
  • Copies of prescriptions

5. Important Tips:

  • Some countries allow only a 30‑day supply
  • Carry what you need for the trip, plus a few extra days in case of unexpected travel delays.
  • Bring medications in your carry-on luggage, not checked baggage.
  • Be aware of restrictions not only at your final destination but also in any country you are traveling through.
  • Consult with your physician before going off of or changing a medication or dosage before your trip.
  • If you need to obtain medication in-country
    • Consult with RIT’s insurance provider, Chubb, if you are going on an RIT global campus, faculty-led, or exchange program.
    • Ask your affiliate contact if you are going on an affiliate program.

RIT Resources

Resources are available on campus, which may assist you before, during, and after your experience abroad:

More Resources

Country-Specific Health Information

General Traveler Health 

Culture Shock