HEALTH

Personal Needs
Living abroad may lead to many changes in your personal well-being. It is necessary to be prepared for whatever you may encounter. One of the most important steps of your pre-departure planning is to investigate the health issues concerning your host country. Since some aspects of your health regimen can only be obtained at home, we suggest the following:

• Take extra prescription drugs in their original container as well as a copy of the prescription with the generic names of these drugs. Make sure that the containers clearly show the prescription number on the label
• Pack extra eyeglasses or contact lenses with a written prescription. Take sufficient quantities of contact lens solution since it may not be readily available.
• Become familiar with the dietary customs and availability of certain foods while in the host country. If you take vitamins, bring enough to last for the entire stay abroad.
• Take a small first aid kit that contains at least: adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin or acetaminophen, and anti-diarrhea medicine.
• If you have any special medical needs, check with your private physician or UCR's Campus Health Center, and perhaps even the embassy of the country to which you are traveling. (For example, if you are diabetic and need insulin injections, the embassy will tell you whether the importation of your injection kit is illegal, so you can then take the necessary precautions.)

Sexual Behavior
The most effective means of preventing most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is by being informed. STDs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B continue to pose serious health risks for travelers in virtually every country. The HIV virus, which is responsible for AIDS, is not only transmitted sexually but also through contaminated hypodermic needles and infected blood supplies.

Since some forms of contraception may be more difficult to get abroad, take what you need with you! If you have any questions or need information while abroad, contact your Faculty Program Leader.

Always use a condom! Both men and women should carry their own condoms. It is a good idea to bring latex condoms from the U.S. since brands in other countries may not be as reliable.

If you need more information contact the Centers for Disease Control, at http://www.cdc.gov , or the UCR's Campus Health Center via phone at (951) 827-3031.

Inoculations & Vaccines
Some countries have specific immunization requirements that need to be fulfilled before departure. We strongly recommend that you meet with a travel nurse or doctor to get the necessary vaccinations. This appointment can be done either with your private physician or with the UCR's Travel Clinic at the Campus Health Center.

Remember to inform your physician not only of the country you will be studying in, but also any countries you plan to visit while abroad.

All shots should be recorded on a International Certificate of Vaccination card, issued through the World Health Organization (WHO), which is available from the physician administering your vaccinations. Remember to take this card with you when you travel.

Speak to your doctor about getting a flu vaccine.

Hepatitis is increasing worldwide. You should consider getting vaccinations for both Hepatitis A and B before leaving. The vaccinations must be started six months prior to departure to complete the series.


SAFETY

Alcohol
Do not let the abuse of alcohol ruin your time abroad! If you choose to use alcohol, do so wisely. Know your limits and remember that drinking too much may put you in very dangerous situations. Be familiar with the drinking laws and cultural standards in the countries to which you are traveling. You should never feel pressured to drink more than you wish because you think you may offend another culture. If you have any questions, problems, or need help, do not hesitate to contact your Study Center Director or Program Coordinator for assistance.

Be aware of your drinks when out in public. Do not accept drinks from ANYONE other than the server. Never leave your drink unattended.

Predator drugs, such as GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) and Rohypnol have increasingly been found to be contributing factors in sexual assaults. Both of these drugs are colorless, odorless and undetectable when slipped into drinks. GHB can lead to a loss of consciousness, amnesia, coma and death. Effects can occur within 15 minutes and last up to 4 hours. Rohypnol causes an extremely intoxicated sensation and causes memory loss and blackouts. The sleep onset may last from 6-8 hours, leaving you vulnerable to being robbed, and physically or sexually assaulted.

Be conscious of the alcohol percentage in your drink. The level of alcohol of a drink in a foreign country may be considerably higher than in the U.S.

The abuse of alcohol may result in dismissal from the program as well as UCR! In addition, students may be reported to Student Judicial Affairs (SJA).

Drug Use
In other countries, the use of inebriating or hallucinogenic drugs is seldom allowed under any circumstances. Drug abuse carries with it not only immeasurable health risks but also very serious cultural and legal consequences. Remember that you are a representative not only of UCR but also of the United States.

Never accept drugs from anyone, including friends.

Never agree to transport any packages for anyone while traveling abroad. Penalties for drug trafficking vary from country to country and may include prison or the death penalty. The U.S. government may not be able to assist you once you are in the hands of foreign authorities.

Don't use illicit and/or recreational drugs! Don't share hypodermic needles, since this is a major source of HIV transmission and many other diseases.

Don't use or allow the use of contaminated, unsterilized syringes or needles for any purpose. Be aware that in some countries, even disposable equipment may be reused.

Violation of the above may result in dismissal from the program as well as UCR! In addition, students may be reported to Student Judicial Affairs (SJA).

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Travel Accident Insurance
As part of the EAP program fees, all UCR participants are covered by AIG Life Insurance Company through Hendricks-Hodgkiss Company . Detail about EAP travel insurance can be found here. OAP participants consult your program providers regarding travel insurance.

Medical Insurance
As part of the EAP program fees, all UCR participants are covered by AIG Life Insurance Company through Hendricks-Hodgkiss Company. Detail about EAP health insurance can be found here. OAP participants consult your program providers regarding health insurance.

NOTE: All students must be covered for international medical insurance prior to study abroad participation.