Study Abroad
Here are some useful health tips for students going and living abroad

Health Tips for Students Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be an exciting experience for everyone but mainly for those who are thinking of a bright and enlightening future ahead. However, since the environment in foreign countries is generally entirely different from one's native country's, students are at a great risk of falling ill. This can be caused because of the difference in climate, change in food habits, extreme stress of studies, loneliness and/or even callousness on behalf of the student. You need to take some precautions in order to keep yourself healthy when studying in a foreign land. When you are packing your bags, don't forget to keep a first-aid box with you. Make sure that you have taken all the routine vaccinations such as tetanus, measles, mumps, hepatitis A, B and C etc. Measles and mumps are very common diseases in almost every part of the world. There are some protective health measures that you must take when going abroad for your studies. Here are some useful health tips for students studying abroad.

Health Tips For Students Studying Abroad
  • It is very important to have a complete body check-up before you go abroad. This helps you in getting information about the precautions you should take to keep yourself fit.
  • once you reach the place, get a medical insurance done immediately. It may seem like an expensive thing to do but it saves a lot of your money when the need arises to get medical attention.
  • Do not drink open water or fountain drinks. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and raw food. Eat food which is completely cooked and either boil the drinking water or stick with mineral water. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. If relying on frozen foods, make sure you thaw them properly and throw away remaining thawed food after you are done eating.
  • Do not touch street animals or pets to avoid bites and diseases like rabies. If bitten or scratched, get immediate medical aid.
  • Wash your hands properly with medicated soap before eating your food. This keeps you safe from infections and diseases.
  • Be careful of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS. The best way to avoid transmission of these diseases is to desist from any kind of sexual activity with unknown people and using necessary preventions with the known ones.
  • If you are undergoing any specific health problem, don't forget to keep prescribed medicines or inhalers with you at all times. If you are suffering from any kind of allergy, diabetes or blood pressure, you need to take special care and precautions. Along with this, you must be prepared for any kind of situation which can affect your health while living in abroad. Don't forget to talk to your health care professional and study program provider about your disease.
  • If you are taking any prescribed medicines regularly, carry a complete dose because medications may completely vary overseas. Keep a copy of prescription to show at customs if required.
  • Always, keep a first-aid kit with yourself. It must have basic things like an antiseptic gel, over-the-counter pain medication, a thermometer, an adhesive bandage and a copy of your vaccination record.
  • It is essential to check the requirements of the country to which you are going because in some countries, immunizations are compulsory to enter to obtain a visa. Some may even require an AIDS test for the entrance.
  • It is very essential to have medical and life insurance before leaving your home land. In case you are on your family's policy, confirm that your documents fulfill the requirements of your program's insurance and remain valid till the time you are there.
  • Always keep the number of nearby hospital in case of any emergency.
There are some important things that a student needs to take care of while going abroad to pursue studies. Keeping track of such basic things can make your trip enjoyable and tension-free. So, be prepared and stay happy!