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.
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
:
- Review instructions for UCEAP health clearances (PDF).
- Complete the Confidential Health History Form (PDF), make a photocopy, and bring it to all health appointments.
- Complete the online UCEAP Health and Safety Course requirement and bring the certificate of completion with you to your health clearance appointment.
- Bring a copy of the UCEAP Health Clearance Form (PDF) with you to your appointment(s).
- If you are seeing a specialist, schedule an appointment with the specialist before the main health clearance appointment.
- 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.
- 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.
WorldCue Trip Planner is another great resource for location specific intelligence information. This service is free through UCEAP's security provider, WorldAware.
Medications
If you take regular medication for an ongoing condition, you have three (3) primary concerns when preparing to study abroad:
- 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.
- 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 you should learn the generic names of the medications.
- 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.
STIs
Students should avoid sexually transmitted infections by using protection (e.g. condoms or abstinence). Also, students should remember that “no” may not always be interpreted as “no” in other countries; it is important to understand gender roles and risks particularly to women. You should know what diseases are prevalent in your host country. You may also wish to look into available vaccinations to further protect yourself.
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 in the Predeparture tab.
Alcohol and Illicit Substances
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.
As a UCEAP participant, it is your responsibility to understand and adhere to UC substance abuse policy while abroad in addition to local alcohol laws in your host country if you choose to purchase or consume alcohol. By signing the UCEAP Statement of Understanding you agree to abide by all University of California substance abuse 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 Guide to Study Abroad in your Predeparture Requirements checklist.
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.
Know your rights! The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to provide assistance to individuals with mobility concerns through the airport and while boarding or disembarking a plane. If you anticipate needing help, refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation website for tips and next steps in planning your travel.
Mental Health
You may find that study abroad includes unique challenges and student health support networks differ widely. Study abroad students often find that there can be significant swings from euphoria to depression throughout the duration of the program. You need to disclose any mental health conditions in the health clearance process. Disclosing mental health conditions also allows students to work with professionals in developing a plan to succeed abroad.
While it is recommended that students disclose mental health conditions to their study abroad advisor, it is required to disclose this information to both the doctor or nurse administering the health clearance and in the UCEAP Health Clearance Form.
If you have no history of mental health concerns you may find that you need help for the first time while abroad or upon your return to UC Merced after completing your program. The video below provides scenario examples of situations that can happen while studying abroad.
