Health and Study Abroad

Students with certain medical issues should think carefully about the advisability of studying abroad. Having a mental health or medical issue is nothing to be ashamed of! However, it is important to fully understand the implications of foreign study for your condition. Psychiatric conditions can be especially difficult to handle during a study-abroad semester or year. Cultural differences in mental health care can limit resources available to students. Access to counseling services and psychiatric medication can be limited in many countries. The use of psychiatric medication in particular is less common in countries outside the United States. Students should consult early on with their medical and mental health providers about the advisability of studying abroad if they have, or have had, depression, an eating disorder, or other psychiatric condition.

Eating disorders can be difficult to handle abroad. Travel and culture shock can dangerously exacerbate an eating disorder. Adjusting to different food and having limited food choices when living with a host family can be extremely stressful. Students need to be willing to embrace the cultural differences around food in order to have a successful study-abroad experience.

Once you and your medical clinician have made the decision that study abroad is a reasonable option for you, we urge you to consult confidentially with the resident director of the program you have chosen. The resident director can guide you to resources, and discuss whether the resources you need will be available. Involving the resident director is essential to ensure an optimal experience. The more the resident director knows about your medical issues and needs, the better he or she can help you—from picking the best host family match, to helping you find a clinician, or accessing needed medication.

Students taking regular medication need to be proactive in developing a plan for obtaining refills while abroad. Many countries limit the amount of medication that can be taken through customs. Can you get refills mailed to you? Can family or friends who are visiting bring refills? Or will you need to consult with the resident director to see if there is a clinician where you are studying who could prescribe refills? Is the medication you are taking even available in the country you are going to? All this must be researched and planned well ahead of time.

For more information on Health issues and Tufts Programs Abroad, please click here.