Medical Expenses
Should you incur medical expenses abroad, you and your family may have to meet some of these expenses up front. Be sure to pack several copies of your insurance company’s claim forms. Having the necessary claim forms on hand will speed up processing in the event that you have to make a claim, and therefore helps speed reimbursement.
Visit Your Doctor
Physical Health
Please remember that study abroad can be stressful both physically and mentally. If you are experiencing any physical or emotional problems, please address them before leaving the U.S. If you haven’t felt well, make an appointment with your doctor for a check-up. Another good idea is to get any anticipated dental work done before you leave, so as not to have to do it while abroad.
Emotional Health
If you are experiencing any emotional, eating, or substance abuse problems, seek professional advice and consider deferring your participation in an overseas program until you have the problem well under control. The pressures which lead to eating disorders, emotional, or dependency problems are only exacerbated when you are coping with adjustment to a new culture, language, and way of life. Leaving the country will not make your problems go away—if anything, it will make them worse. It is important to note that the range of counseling services available to students at Rhodes and other college campuses will not be available overseas.
For your safety and well being, it is vital that you inform us of any physical, emotional, or psychological difficulties or special needs you may have. Stop by or call our office to talk about your concerns.
Obtain Copies of Your Prescriptions and Vaccinations
If you have a preexisting medical condition requiring medication, you need to carry a letter from your doctor which describes your condition and the prescription medications (including generic names) AS WELL AS copies of the actual prescriptions. Since medications tend to be expensive overseas and because it can be difficult to get the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply of whatever you may need while abroad. Any medications you bring should be in the original, properly labeled containers. PLEASE CHECK with the foreign embassy of your host country to make sure your medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics.
For students who wear glasses or contacts, bring your prescription. It's a good idea to pack an extra pair of glasses in case you damage or lose your original pair, or in case you have to stop wearing your contacts for some reason (damaged, lost, or in case of developing an eye infection.) Saline solution is generally available, but it could be difficult to find/expensive.