Health

Students must consider their own mental and physical health concerns as they prepare for their study abroad program. Study abroad may amplify both physical and mental challenges for students.

Preparation Before Departure

Check-Ups

All UCEAP students are required to complete a health and safety course and a health clearance prior to departure. Deadlines, instructions, and forms for these requirements are available in the UCEAP Predeparture Requirements checklist. If these items do not yet appear in the Predeparture Requirements checklist, it means that the checklist is not yet ready and deadlines are not yet set. Here is the typical process for completing the UCEAP Health Clearance:

1. Review the instructions for the UCEAP health clearance (PDF).
2. Complete the Confidential Health History Form (PDF), make a photocopy, and bring it to all health appointments.
3. Complete the online UCEAP Health and Safety Course requirement and bring the certificate of completion with you to your health clearance appointment. 
4. Bring a copy of the UCEAP Health Clearance Form (PDF) with you to your appointment(s).
5. If you are seeing a specialist, schedule an appointment with the specialist before the main health clearance appointment.
6. Schedule an appointment with Student Health Services or schedule an appointment with a private physician. Appointments may need to be scheduled a month or more in advance of the health clearance deadline. Plan accordingly.
7. Attend the health clearance appointment and be sure to bring the completed Confidential Health History Form (see item #2). Consider making a copy of your signed clearance form; and transmit to UCEAP (see instructions).

Need more help figuring out the UCEAP Health Clearance? Check out the blog post, "Health Clearance Explained: When, Why, and How to Get Yours" in the Californian Abroad.

Immunization Resources & Illnesses Endemic to Study Abroad Region

Some countries may require immunizations or testing for specific diseases (e.g. tuberculosis or HIV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists suggested immunizations for travel to specific regions. If you request immunizations from Student Health Services you should request them at least one week prior to any appointment, such as a health clearance appointment.

Students going to certain regions should research the conditions of water and produce in their host region. Returnees and UCEAP Program Guides are often good sources of information on water drinkability and concerns with fruits and vegetables.

Medications

If you take regular medication for an ongoing condition, you have three (3) primary concerns when preparing to study abroad:

1. You must learn whether your medications are illegal or available in your host country. Students should contact the nearest consulate or embassy of their host country to learn whether their medications are legal. Students may also search the website of the US Embassy in their host country for the legality of certain medications. If your medication is illegal in your host country, you should discuss alternatives with your doctor. Your doctor may want to switch your medications 3-6 months before the start of your program in order to monitor your side effects and dosage.
2. You should always bring signed prescriptions (preferably by a doctor) for your medications in your carry-on luggage, keep your medications in their original containers, and learn the generic names of the medications.
3. You should plan to acquire sufficient medication to take with you to last through the duration of your program unless you are certain you can access the medication abroad. However, you should also verify that your host country will allow the quantity you plan to bring. Some countries may have a process for importing large quantities of medication.

STIs

Students should take steps to protect their sexual health while abroad. Practicing safer sex, including using protection such as condoms, can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Students should also be aware of any vaccinations or preventive care that may be recommended based on their destination or personal health needs. 

Students are encouraged to research the prevalence of certain STIs in their host country and familiarize themselves with local health care resources, including where to access testing, treatment, and sexual health services if needed. Cultural attitudes toward sex, relationships, and sexual health may differ abroad, so understanding local norms and prioritizing personal boundaries and well-being is important. 

Insurance

UCEAP fees include travel insurance for all students. In many cases, UCEAP students may also receive coverage through a national or university health care system. While UCEAP travel insurance covers students while abroad, it is not sufficient to meet UC Merced requirements and students will be automatically enrolled in UC’s Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) unless they waive out with other domestic health insurance coverage.

You can find additional information about your travel insurance, including insurance cards, claim forms, and more, in the UCEAP Portal Predeparture tab.

Special Needs

While students are not required to communicate special needs based on ability or access, UCEAP and the UC Merced Office of International Affairs strongly encourage students to disclose this information to their study abroad advisor. UCEAP has instructions (PDF) for requesting accommodations based on a physical or mental disability. If you seek accommodations for a disability, you will need to follow the instructions and provide documentation (typically a letter) from Student Accessibility Services. International Affairs urges students seeking accommodation to make those requests as soon as possible to ensure that any potential accommodations might be made on time. 

For tips and strategies abroad, Mobility International USA is great resource for disability-related questions. UCEAP also published a blog post from a former UCI student titled, "How I Successfully Studied Abroad with a Disability" in the Californian Abroad. 

Wellness Abroad

Alcohol

Alcohol laws and customs tend to differ widely abroad. Before going abroad, students who plan to purchase and consume alcohol while abroad should understand the role of alcohol in their host culture, the societal consequences of intoxication in public, and the legality of alcohol purchase and consumption. UCEAP and the UC Merced Office of International Affairs are concerned about alcohol abuse, the actions students take while under the influence, and the societal consequences of alcohol abuse, which may be cause for academic discipline including dismissal from the program and from the University of California. Both UCEAP and International Affairs encourage a personally and culturally responsible stance on alcohol consumption. The large part of health incidents abroad for UCEAP students involve a combination of alcohol and poor decision making.

Before going abroad, read Rethinking Drinking, a publication created by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and pay special attention to the section, How Much is Too Much?

Illicit Substances

Students will find that illicit substances illegal in the US will be illegal in most other countries. While these substances are consistently illegal, their possession or use abroad can have vastly different consequences, ranging from citation to the death penalty. We strongly discourage students from consuming illicit substances. The consumption of illicit substances may lead to academic discipline including dismissal from the program and from the University of California.

By signing the UCEAP Statement of Understanding you agree to abide by all University of California policies including the UCEAP Substance Abuse Policy. Alcohol and drug use that violates these polices may lead to disciplinary sanctions or dismissal from UCEAP and UC Merced. For more information, refer to the UCEAP Policy Manual and the Guide to Study Abroad.

Mental Health

Studying abroad can bring unique challenges, and mental health support services may differ from those available at home. Students may experience emotional highs and lows throughout their program, even if they have no history of mental health concerns. Some students may also need support for the first time while abroad or after returning home.

If you have a mental health condition, you are required to disclose it to the doctor or nurse completing your health clearance and on the UCEAP Health Clearance Form. You are also encouraged to discuss your needs with your study abroad advisor. Sharing this information allows you to work with professionals to develop a plan for managing your mental health abroad.

Adjusting to a new culture can also affect your emotional well-being. Homesickness, stress, and frustration are common experiences during study abroad. For more information about cultural adjustment and culture shock, refer to the Pre-Departure Orientation: Culture module.

UCEAP students have access to mental health support through Lyra at no additional cost. Services include up to 20 counseling sessions with providers in person, by video, or by phone, as well as online wellness resources. Review Lyra services and setup instructions before departure so you know how to access support if needed.

Additional Resources

Check out these posts in The Californian Abroad for advice on managing your mental health while studying abroad:

• Study Abroad and Your Mental Health: 10 Tips for Maintaining Peace and Balance
• Anxiety said "Stay" but Europe Called: Five Lessons from my Study Abroad Experience

The video below provides scenario examples of situations that can happen while studying abroad.