Pre-departure Health Tips
Students should begin planning for their international experience early. Adequate preparation helps give peace of mind, and it can ease the adjustment to a new environment abroad. You should understand the health conditions in your host country well before you leave home and obtain information about appropriate precautionary measures.
Mandatory Pre-departure Orientation at Pace
All Pace students going abroad on credit-bearing programs — whether on a faculty-led program, a short program, or a semester program — are required to attend a pre-departure orientation held at Pace. The orientation is conducted by staff from Pace Education Abroad and stresses health and safety abroad, COVID-19 protocols, as well as cultural adjustment, insurance, student identity, and other topics. It also covers Pace academic policies and procedures such as enrollment and credits. Students are also sent many resources.
Safe & Healthy Travel for Students
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice for safe and healthy travel while abroad. We ask that all Pace students going abroad carefully read through the advice given for their chosen destination(s). Pace Education Abroad can speak with you before departure to try to ensure that your needs can be addressed while you're abroad. (All study abroad application materials are kept confidential in accordance with FERPA.) The U.S. State Department also has this resource for U.S. students abroad.
COVID-19 Considerations
Read through Pace's international travel policy with regards to COVID-19.
Immunizations
By visiting the CDC's website before departure, students can educate themselves on healthcare issues they may encounter during their time abroad. The CDC advises whether there recommended or required immunizations for the country(ies) you are visiting. If an immunization is needed, it's your responsibility to visit a health care provider prior to departure.
Medical Preparation
To make the most of your time abroad, you'll need to manage both existing and unanticipated health conditions in faraway places, where finding a doctor can be more complicated. A Gallagher Global Assistance Travel Insurance representative can give study abroad participants in-country referrals. Please see the insurance page of our website for information about "On Call International" insurance coverage.
Prescription Medication
If you are taking any medication, check with the U.S. Embassy of the country where you will be studying to understand the laws for importing prescription medication. There may be restrictions on the amount you can bring into the country when you enter, and/or your medication may or may not be legal abroad. The availability of medications varies by country. Bring a sufficient supply of medication to last through the duration of your time abroad. (Medicine that is mailed abroad may be stopped, searched, and seized by customs officials, so you cannot count on it.) Always carry prescription drugs in their original container with a prescription label showing your name, the instructions for use, and the name and dosage of the medication.Travel with a copy of the prescription, in English.
Additional Pace Resources: Pace Counseling Center
As you prepare for your study abroad experience, it's important that you utilize the resources you can access as a Pace student, especially relating to mental health. We encourage you to reach out to the Pace Counseling Center for extra support. They can provide helpful tips for managing difficulties such as anxiety and depression while abroad. For a full list of services and materials offered, please refer to the Pace Counseling Center's website.