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Study abroad can be physically and mentally challenging and the range of services may vary significantly from location to location and what you are accustomed to here on campus or at home.
For your safety and well-being, it is vital that you inform your program of any physical or psychological needs you may have or have experienced in the past.
As you consider whether, when, and where to study abroad, please ask yourself the questions in the OCS Health Self-Assessment developed by Colby’s Office of Off-Campus Study and the Garrison-Foster Health Center.
Students are urged to take appropriate health and travel precautions, regardless of where they choose to travel. Check with your program sponsors and the Centers for Disease Control to determine what vaccines or special precautions may be needed. Be aware that many vaccinations (including COVID vaccines) must be obtained weeks, if not months, in advance.
Please use the Heath, Safety & Security, and Health & Travel Insurance pages here as a resource. If you have specific questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to OCS.
The range of medical services may vary significantly from location to location and from what you are accustomed here on campus. For your safety and well-being, it is vital that you take these concerns into account and discuss any physical or psychological difficulties or special needs with your doctor or counselor, a potential program and/or the OCS office.
If you have an ongoing medical condition and take a prescription medication on a regular basis, it is very important that you discuss your plans with your doctor. You should plan to bring with you a supply for the entire semester and bring a written Doctor’s RX indicating the generic name for the medication. You should also make a note of any allergies you may have to certain medicines and remember to mention them also to your program or any attending doctor.
Many study abroad programs require a medical/physical exam before departure (not all programs do require this). Even if this is not required, consider having one anywayand bring your vaccinations up to date. Get a dental and vision check-up as well. You may also be required to have certain vaccinations or prophylaxis depending on the country to which you are traveling. Be aware that many of these inoculations must be obtained several weeks prior to departure. Discuss this with the doctor during your visit.
You can do this at Colby’s Garrison-Foster Health Center or your home physician. Call 207/859-4460 x 1 or stop by the Health Center to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to bring any program forms or other records to the meeting!
If you have any dietary restrictions, allergies or are a vegetarian or vegan, it is important that you inform your program and consider what type of living arrangement will be best for you.
It’s a good idea to pack non-prescription drugs you are likely to use, such as antacids, aspirin and ibuprofen, and anti-diuretics. You might also want to include a modest first-aid kit.
If you are taking prescription medication on a regular basis, including birth control pills, please either plan to bring with you a supply for the entire semester or bring a written Doctor’s RX indicating the generic name for the medication. If your condition requires monitoring, please bring a copy of your medical records with you and inform the resident director as soon as possible (before you leave). You should also make a note of any allergies you may have to certain medicines and remember to mention them also to any attending doctor.
If you wear contact lenses, bring supplies. Also bring eyeglasses in case you can’t wear your lenses. Bring a spare pair of eyeglasses in case one gets lost or broken.
If you choose to be sexually active overseas, it is best to bring a supply of contraceptives from the U.S. Although most countries sell condoms, they may not be manufactured and/or stored properly so as to provide maximum protection against STDs.
Risk of hepatitis A infections is high in the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, and Central and South America. If you are traveling to any of these areas, ask your doctor about getting immune globulin injections, which provide increased protection against hepatitis A.
The opportunity to study abroad is accompanied by many important considerations, including your mental health. Regardless of whether or not you have a history of mental health concerns, you should take the following information into consideration in your decisions around where to study, which programs to pursue, or even if studying abroad is a good fit for you.
Studying abroad, like any growth promoting educational experience, by its very nature is intellectually and emotionally challenging. While we encourage students to pursue such challenges, we also encourage students to be thoughtful about which opportunities they pursue and to be aware of the challenges they may encounter. It is important to recognize that adjusting to living and studying in a different culture is inherently stressful in the best of conditions. The degrees of cultural and linguistic differences and one’s comfort level and ability to adapt to those differences are important factors to keep in mind. Other factors such as living arrangements, program structure, peer support and social environment, and the program’s academic rigor are also important to consider in terms of anticipated levels of stress.
For some, the stress of this adjustment may exacerbate already existing emotional struggles like depression, anxiety, or eating and body image concerns, or may be a trigger for the onset of emotional concerns. It is not unusual for a student to encounter some level of struggle emotionally while studying abroad and for a subset of those students to consider seeking out supportive counseling.
Not all countries and study abroad programs are created equal in terms of the mental health support services available to students. We encourage students to research what, if any, mental health support services are available through the programs of interest to them and to inquire about how those resources can be accessed, as well as their associated costs. This information is particularly important for students who are in ongoing counseling during this exploratory process, or who anticipate pursuing counseling while abroad. For students taking medication(s) for their concerns, it is important for those students to talk with their prescribing professional about their interest in studying abroad and how they can maintain their prescribed regimen. The need for supportive counseling and/or the use of medication are very rarely barriers to studying abroad, but rather are issues that can be successfully managed with the proper research and planning.
Consult with Colby’s Office of Off-Campus Study and/or Colby Counseling Services for further information and support as you navigate this process. You can contact Counseling Services by sending an email to [email protected], or you may schedule an appointment online by going to myColby and clicking on the Counseling tab.
Studying abroad is an exciting and rich educational experience that can also, at times, be quite stressful and challenging emotionally. A healthy mind and body are essential to a successful study abroad experience. If you are currently in mental health counseling, or for any reason anticipate needing counseling while abroad, there are several important considerations.
Mental health services abroad vary greatly and can be quite different from country to country and program to program. You should not assume that the range of services available to you here at Colby will be available while you are abroad. You should talk with the sponsoring program about what mental health services are available for students, how students go about accessing those services, the associated fees, and how students generally pay for services.
If you are taking medication for your emotional concerns, you will need to talk with the prescribing physician about bringing a sufficient amount with you to get you through your stay, or try to figure out an alternative way of getting them while abroad. It is quite possible that the medication(s) you take will not be available in your host country.
If you are taking a prescription medication,
It is normal to feel homesick, sad or lonely while living in a new country. It can be helpful to push yourself to “get out there” and make new friends. However, if these feelings persist or worsen during your semester, don’t hesitate to seek out assistance from your program or by reaching out to someone at Colby.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the above information, you can talk further with the Colby College Office of Off-Campus Study. You may also want to meet with a professional counselor at Colby Counseling Services. Counseling at Colby is free and confidential and appointments can be made by going to myColby and clicking on the Counseling tab.
Before you go…
Many OCS programs and foreign universities can accommodate learning differences to the extent that local regulations allow and within the constraints of the host culture. You may need to bring documentation with you from your file in Colby’s Dean of Students Office. Please check with your program director or the OCS office as soon as possible if you have further questions, and in order for us to look into available resources and accommodations where you are going.
If you have any other learning or physical disability or any other concern that could affect your participation, we would be pleased to help you identify program options that can provide you with the support you need.
If you have allergies to foods, please inform your program. It is important that your host family know about your allergies. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, make sure you let the resident director know early on so that you can be placed in a family that can accommodate you. Veganism and vegetarianism are less common in other parts of the world than in the U.S., and it may not be possible to sustain a completely vegan or vegetarian diet. You should be prepared to remain as flexible as possible, particularly when dining out and participating in group activities. Bear in mind that this is for a short period of time, and you can resume your preferred diet upon return.
Following these steps will help make your trip safer and will make you a more informed and prepared traveler!
The safety and security of our students is our utmost priority for Colby and all study abroad program providers with whom we work. National and international security issues necessitate that you respect safety recommendations and security policies established by your sponsoring organization and the U.S. Embassy in the country of your destination. Remain attentive to information provided to you and stay in contact with your program, Colby College, and your family throughout the duration of your study abroad program. You and your family can monitor State Department updates and review Colby College updates and policies below.
For a listing of countries currently at U.S. State Dept. Travel Advisory Level 3, consult the U.S. State Department web site.
While there is no reason to assume that going abroad will compromise your safety, students must be sure to follow safety guidelines provided by their program at all times. They must also take personal responsibility for informing themselves of risks in locations in which they might study or travel; a good source of basic information is the U.S. Department of State web site.
The program/university with which the student studies will likely go over security policies and advice in depth during their orientation and we advise you to follow these carefully. Always inform the program’s resident director or contact person at the university of any incidents that may arise.
Note: The US State Department has advised Americans traveling anywhere to remain inconspicuous for their own safety, and we strongly support this advice. You are advised to keep a “low profile” wherever you may travel. Pay attention to culturally appropriate dress and behavior. Keep your voice down and avoid congregating in large, noisy groups, and avoid US entities considered symbols of US capitalism. Use restraint in situations that could get out of hand; your personal safety is far more important than your “honor” or your need to express yourself.
Colby College does not allow travel to countries at a Level 4 Advisory and discourages travel to countries and participation in programs at Level 3. Students wishing to travel to a country currently at a Level 3 Advisory are required to submit a petition to the Travel Advisory Review Committee providing a complete description of and justification for their study/travel at a Travel Advisory Level 3 site. Please contact OCS for a copy of the Travel Advisory Petition guidelines by writing to us at [email protected] If approved, the student and his/her parents will then be required to sign a second waiver as part of the application for approval process.
For a listing of countries currently under Travel Advisory Level 3, consult the U.S. State Department website.
In the event that a country increases to a Level 3 Advisory after a student has been approved, the student will be required to submit a petition, and sign a second waiver, in order to proceed as planned. Please contact OCS at [email protected] for petition guidelines.
Students on programs already in session when a Level 3 Advisory is issued will not be required to return, but will be advised of the Travel Advisory by the OCS office and will be required to follow the guidance provided by their program.
While you are abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country you are in, not those of the US or your home country. If you are arrested, your home country embassy can only ensure that you receive equal treatment under the terms of local law and procedure. You should always, in all circumstances, treat the police with respect and produce any document they may request, without confrontation. Do not expect that Colby College or your home country’s embassy can exert any pressure to extricate you from a situation which results from your own inattention to, or disrespect for, the laws of another country.
We suggest that you prepare all your emergency contacts and information in one place so it is handy when needed. Copy down all names, phone numbers, postal and e-mail addresses of people with whom you might need to contact while abroad.
In case of a program-related, health-related, or personal concern or emergency, your first step is to inform your program director.
Colby does not support students using independent housing for reasons of safety, security and cultural engagement. Neither the provider nor Colby will be in the position to provide resources or support in an emergency or otherwise, if a student lives in housing independent of the program. Students are expected to follow their provider’s housing policies.
Review Colby’s Director of Information Security TIPS how to protect data on your computers, laptops, phones and other devices here.
If you choose to travel independently during your semester, please follow your program’s guidelines and:
You should also be aware of the following reasonable precautions for traveling:
Colby’s policy is to respect the laws of the host countries of its programs. Where it is not legal to use drugs, including marijuana, do not do so. Most programs have a zero tolerance policy concerning drugs. If a student is caught using illegal drugs, either by the police or by the resident director, that student may be sent home immediately, without prior notice, and with no credit or refund of fees. Students caught selling illegal drugs may be dismissed from the program and from Colby College.
If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, be aware that you must know your limits and be moderate in your use of alcohol. Excessive consumption will jeopardize your health and physical safety, and can lead to unsafe (or embarrassing) situations. Most student incidents that occur are usually alcohol-related. The director of your program will usually have the authority to dismiss students from the program for violation of the alcohol and drug policy. If a student is expelled from the program, the student may be sent home with no credit and no refund of fees. Colby takes the alcohol policy very seriously, and asks students to take it seriously as well.
All students studying on Colby programs abroad are subject to the laws of the host country, including those pertaining to alcohol and/or drug purchase and/or consumption. Additionally, Colby College responds to the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) by implementing measures to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs by students, faculty, and staff, on campus as well as on College sponsored programs abroad. The following has been excerpted from the Colby College student handbook and clearly states the College’s position on alcohol abuse:
“Students are adults and are thus expected to obey the law and to take personal responsibility for their conduct. Colby does not police students’ personal lives on or off the campus, but disciplinary action will result if a students’ use of alcohol creates disorder, public disturbances, danger to himself or herself and others, or property damage. Similarly, hosts of parties or sponsoring organizations may be held accountable for violations by the College and by civil authorities under Maine law.”
Please refer to the Colby College student handbook for complete details of U.S. laws and applicable legal sanctions.
While participating on Colby sponsored programs abroad, adherence to the U.S. and Maine laws shall be interpreted in the following manner:
Additional Resources:
U.S. State Department Worldwide Caution
Travel Advisories and Consular Information Sheets
Colby Emergency Plan For Colby Programs
Emergency Plan for Off-Campus Programs in Times of Emergency
Colby College: Policy Regarding Off-Campus Programs and Cancellations
Most study abroad programs require students to have health insurance abroad and show proof of such coverage. Some providers will include the cost of the insurance in their fee and purchase it for you. Students attending both Colby and non-Colby programs abroad should review their major medical insurance policy with their parents and confirm that it will provide coverage while abroad. Students on Colby programs will be required to show proof of their insurance policy by submitting a letter from their insurance carrier stating that they are covered abroad.
If you and your parents have determined that your insurance coverage will not extend to the overseas program site and there is no possibility of purchasing a rider to extend coverage, you can consider purchasing a policy with Cross Insurance by contacting 1-800-537-6444 ext. 211 or www.crossagency.com. Be sure to specify that you are a Colby student.
For students attending Colby programs in Dijon, Salamanca, St. Petersburg, and Bigelow, Colby requires proof of primary medical insurance that covers you abroad, and for sites abroad, purchases iNext supplemental Platinum insurance plus security evacuation. For all students on non-Colby programs, the college highly recommends that, in addition to your primary insurance, all students studying and traveling abroad purchase supplementary travel insurance through iNext. For students on Colby faculty-led JanPlan programs, Colby purchases iNext comprehensive insurance (which includes medical coverage) plus security evacuation and it is included in the program fee.
Students on non-Colby programs can purchase an iNext card on-line at www.iNext.com. Simply create an account online and follow the prompts to select your level of coverage, complete your profile, upload a digital photograph, and make your purchase. Your card will be sent to you the following business day. You will also be able to print a confirmation of insurance directly from the iNext website.
This supplementary insurance offers benefits such as accident and sickness expenses, emergency medical transportation, 24-hour medical, legal and travel assistance, travel document replacement, and student discounts. Five supplementary policy plans are offered, varying in cost from $36- $215 for one year of coverage. It is important to understand that, as with any travel insurance policy, this coverage is secondary to your primary medical coverage and certain exclusions may apply. If you have any questions about the iNext travel insurance coverage or how to purchase a card online, please feel free to contact 207-553-4039 or [email protected] or check www.inext.com.
