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Physical Exams and Vaccinations
The International Academic Programs does not require you to have a physical
exam before going abroad. However, it may be required for certain countries/visas.
We do recommend that you schedule a visit with your medical provider to
discuss any concern; mild physical or psychological disorders can become
serious under the stresses of life while studying abroad. We also recommend
you have a dental check-up and complete any necessary dental work before
you go abroad.
We urge you to consult with your physician about any inoculations you
should have before leaving for the countries in which you will be studying
or visiting. It is ultimately your responsibility to have all necessary
shots. Inoculations should be recorded and certified in the yellow "International
Certificate of Vaccination" pamphlet. You can get one of these from
the Post Office when you turn in your passport application or from your
physician.
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Medical Insurance and CISI
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States.
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide for payment of medical
services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require
medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. That is why the University
of Wisconsin System has mandated that all University of Wisconsin students
studying/traveling abroad under a UW sponsored program must enroll in
health insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).
In addition, certain countries require that foreign students participating
in study abroad programs purchase health insurance in their country; it
is your responsibility to make sure that such a requirement is in effect
for your study abroad program. Check with your Student Services Coordinator
if you are not sure.
Health insurance is included in your program fees. For most IAP programs,
the insurance is provided by Cultural Insurance Services International
(CISI) and is designed for the University of Wisconsin System study abroad
and exchange abroad programs. Coverage duration varies by program location
and term, but generally will start a day or two before the official program
start date and terminate within a week or two of the program's conclusion.
You may extend your coverage (if you continue to travel after your academic
program ends) by contacting Cultural Insurance Services International
at (203) 399-5132 or River Plaza, 9 West Broad Street, Stamford, CT 06902-3788.
Please see the "World Class Coverage Plan" brochure included
in your acceptance packet for additional information.
If you need a full-time enrollment letter in order to maintain your current
health insurance coverage, please contact a Student Services Coordinator
in our office and they will issue it.
All students should have adequate health insurance coverage for travel
within, to and from their host country, and for visits to neighboring
countries.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
CISI Health Insurance
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Health and Diet
AIDS and STD's
As in the U.S., students traveling abroad should take appropriate precautions
to avoid exposure to the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.
For more information, contact the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS,
or the World Health Organization at 1-202-974-3000.
Transmission:
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is transmitted PRIMARILY in the following
ways:
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Blood to blood contact (i.e., unsterilized
needles, ear piercing, tattoos)
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Sexual fluid to blood contact (semen
and vaginal/cervical secretions)
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Congenitally (from mother to fetus;
transmission may occur during breast feeding, though scientific evidence
is being debated).
Blood, blood transfusions, and blood products are NOT tested for HIV
in many foreign countries, especially in Africa, South East Asia, and
former Communist/Eastern Block countries. In addition, because of the
shortage of medical supplies, items such as hypodermic needles are often
reused.
If you are in need of medical care or blood, we suggest you contact the
American Embassy about where to go. If you need a transfusion, we advise
that you receive blood from a travel companion who has tested negative
for the HIV virus.
Prevention:
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Either abstain from sexual activity entirely, or practice safe sex.
Use latex condoms or barriers (animal skin condoms are NOT effective)
during vaginal, anal or oral sex, as well as a spermicide containing
non-oxynol 9. When traveling to developing countries, purchase condoms
and a spermicide or water-based lubricant before you leave the United
States. Do not engage in unprotected oral sex, especially after brushing
or flossing or when you have cold/canker sores.
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Do not use intravenous drugs or share needles. Tattoos, acupuncture
treatments, and injections for medical or dental procedures are risky
because the equipment may be contaminated.
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Avoid the use of locally produced immune globulin and blood-clotting
factors in countries where the blood supply is not routinely tested
for communicable diseases. If a blood transfusion is necessary, contact
the nearest American Embassy/Consulate for advice.
You are strongly encouraged to talk with health professionals or go to
the Bluebus Clinic, located on the first floor of the University Health
Service, to obtain the information you need to protect yourself from HIV/AIDS
and sexually transmitted diseases.
If you are HIV-positive, be aware that some countries may require HIV
anti-body tests and there may be constraints on what countries you might
enter. Contact the Consulate or Embassy of the country in which you will
be studying and any others you plan to visit. In addition, be aware that
many medications are not universally available; discuss with your physician
the availability of medications you may need in the country where you
will be staying. Be sure to follow the directions for carrying any prescription
medicines. If you have any concerns or questions, we encourage you to
contact a staff member in our office.
Dietary Needs for Vegetarians
Vegetarians or students on a special diet need to be aware that their
dietary needs might not be easily met in some countries. Be sure to discuss
this with your medical provider. You may also wish to consult the guidebooks,
which include information for vegetarians.
Alcohol
As with many customs, cross-cultural differences exist in the consumption
of alcohol. Depending on your host country, you may find the availability
and public consumption of alcohol greatly increased or decreased. Often,
rules about the acceptability of alcohol use in certain situations or
contexts are very different than at home.
If you choose to use alcohol, use it responsibly. Keep in mind that being
under the influence of alcohol also impairs judgement and increases your
chances of being the victim of crime, whether robbery or sexual assault.
If you are in recovery, or think you may have a problem, we encourage
you to contact an IAP staff member with whom you feel comfortable, so
that we can pursue finding support contacts for you at your program site.
Also, please be aware that there are Alcoholic Anonymous meetings internationally
which are held in many cities abroad.
Alcohol Use for Women Abroad
Please be aware that over consuming alcohol can especially put women
in unsafe circumstances. Women who are publicly drunk may be looked at
differently abroad than in the U.S. In many countries, a woman who is
publicly drunk is looked upon as "loose" or "unladylike"
or inviting advances from men.
Food
Though food is safe in many countries, in numerous others one needs to
exercise caution. There are some basic rules of thumb that should help
you stay healthy.
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Avoid uncooked food purchased from street vendors
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Be careful with dairy products that are not refrigerated or pasteurized
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Do not drink water unless you know that it is safe for drinking; bottled
water is recommended
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Avoid ice cubes in soft drinks unless you know that the water is safe
for drinking
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Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!
These are all precautionary measures that you should use upon arrival.
Once you are more comfortable with your country's culture and food, you
may decide to be more liberal in your approach to food.
Illegal Drug Use
Illegal drug use and possession are serious crimes. While drugs in some
countries may seem easily available, this does not mean they are legal.
Penalties for use or possession of illegal drugs can include jail terms,
hard labor, and even the death penalty. If you are arrested, you are subject
to the host country's laws and neither the UW-Madison, International Academic
Programs, nor the U.S. Embassy can protect you from the local legal consequences.
In some places, even association with people possessing or using illegal
drugs is considered the same as personal use or possession. While on a
UW-Madison study abroad program, you are responsible for obeying all local
laws.
If IAP hears reports that program participants are
using drugs or breaking other local laws, they will be confronted with
the issue and may be asked to leave the program.
Eating Disorders
There are many cross-cultural differences in the meanings of food and
in standards of beauty. Students with eating disorders may find these
differences create additional challenges for them. A well-meaning host
may insist on serving you more food than you care to eat or someone may
intend to compliment you by saying that you have put on weight. Remind
yourself that this is simply a reflection of the speaker's cultural beliefs
and values.
Be sure to discuss your plans to study abroad with your health care providers
before you leave. We also encourage you to contact a staff member in our
office, with whom you feel comfortable, so that we can pursue finding
support networks for you at your program site.
If you will be living with a host family, fill out your housing form
completely and don't be afraid to be honest about what you need. Stating
your needs before you arrive may be easier than having to explain them
in person. In most other housing situations (dormitories, apartments),
you have more control about when and what you eat.
Health Resources Abroad
For more information about emergency health procedures and precautions
abroad, please visit the World Health
Organization website and the
Center for Disease Control website.
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Prescriptions
If you take prescription medicine regularly or expect to take any while
away, make sure to bring a sufficient supply with you for the time you
will be abroad. Your insurance company may ask you for a letter, which
certifies that you will be studying overseas. Our office will issue this
letter if you request it.
Ask your doctor about the availability abroad of any prescription medicine
you take regularly. Even if your prescription is available, it may be
simpler to take an adequate supply with you for the period you are abroad
(provided it is not perishable). Be sure to keep all prescription medications
in their original bottles to facilitate clearance through customs. In
many places, you will also need to carry a letter from your physician,
stating why you need your prescription medication. Also, be sure to carry
a copy of all current prescriptions, including that for eyeglasses, when
you study abroad. Pack all prescription medicines in your carry-on luggage
in case your checked baggage is lost or delayed.
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Safety and Security
IAP is dedicated to maintaining the personal safety and security for
each of our study abroad participants. Our office takes necessary precaution,
remains in close contact with the program staff, and will work with them
in case of an emergency. We encourage you to contact us if you are concerned
about your (or your student's) safety or welfare. We assure you we are
working hard to assist all students to be safe. Listed below are a variety
of resources that we monitor regularly and that are open to the public:
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State Department resources.
The U.S. government provides accurate and timely information for
overseas travelers on their websites: www.state.gov/travel
and www.travel.state.gov.
You may find information about emergencies, country info, visas,
passports, living abroad, and other topics.
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Consular Information Sheets.
Consular Information Sheets are available for every country
of the world and are given to all study abroad participants
prior to departure. They include such information as location
of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the subject country,
unusual immigration practices, health conditions, minor political
disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime
and security information, and drug penalties. If an unstable
condition exists in a country that is not severe enough to
warrant a Travel Warning, a description of the condition(s)
may be included under an optional section entitled "Safety/Security." Consular
Information Sheets generally do not include advice, but present
information in a factual manner so the traveler can make
his or her own decisions concerning travel to a particular
country.
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Public Announcements.
Public Announcements are a means to disseminate information about terrorist
threats and other relatively short-term and/or trans-national conditions
posing significant risks to the security of American travelers. They
are made any time there is a perceived threat and usually have Americans
as a particular target group. In the past, Public Announcements have
been issued to deal with demonstrations, conferences, and violence by
terrorists.
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Travel Warnings.
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based
on all relevant information, to recommend that Americans avoid travel
to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended
will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets.
In addition, students should consider the following safety-related
issues.
Participants may want to consider having insurance to cover damage
or theft of personal property, which they take with them abroad. Although
occurrences are rare, your student may encounter personal property
loss due to a fire or other incident in the local residence overseas.
Insurance company policies vary widely on the circumstances and amount
of coverage for personal property abroad. In some instances, your
homeowner's policy or your student's own renter's insurance policy
is enough to provide limited coverage. In other cases, a special policy
must be purchased. Check with your insurance company, or contact any
insurance company that provides home or renter's insurance to learn
more about the extent of coverage possible for personal property that
your student will take with abroad.
UW-Madison International Academic Programs study abroad participants
who are US citizens must register with the nearest U.S. Embassy as
soon as possible after arrival in their host country. Citizens of
other countries should register at their own country's Embassy. Registering
will aid students if an emergency occurs in the country in which they
are studying or if they lose their passport. In addition, UW-Madison
study abroad participants who are on a student visa to study in the
United States should remain in close contact with UW-Madison's International
Student Services office regarding their U.S. visa.
The staff in IAP monitors the U.S. State Department's consular information
sheets, public announcements and travel warnings and will contact
on-site staff and participants any time there is an update. Students
should always check their e-mail, as it is our only way of easily
contacting them. Also, students should always keep in touch with their
study abroad site staff. You and your student may also check the U.S.
State Department's website at http://www.state.gov
Before students travel to a country outside the host study abroad
country, they should make sure to know the safety conditions of the
country they will travel to as well as any countries they will be
traveling through.
Most large cities as well as remote areas, in the U.S. and abroad,
suffer from common crimes. Students should use the same precautions
abroad that they would in any large metropolitan area. The following
are some general safety precautions we give to students:
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Know where you are going. Do your homework before traveling: read
guidebooks, look at maps, check with local staff, etc.
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Leave expensive or expensive-looking jewelry at home.
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Do not carry valuables, even in a backpack or locked luggage.
If you must carry cameras, radios, etc. don't leave them unattended.
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Do not flaunt wallets, purses, cell phones or cameras. Wear a
money belt, concealed under your clothing.
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Put valuables in the hotel safe or ask your local contact about
storing valuables while at the program site.
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Avoid unlit places and walking alone. Stick to well-traveled streets
and walk in groups at night. Be especially cautious when you are
new to a city and know little about what parts of town may be less
safe.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC also provides valuable information for travelers on its website:
www.cdc.gov/travel/
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Personal Safety for Female
Travelers
Female students may or may not have thought about what it might mean
to live as a woman in the country in which you will be studying abroad,
but we encourage you to do so. While it is impossible to generalize about
the experience of women traveling in all places in the world, you may
experience some gender-specific challenges when you live or travel abroad.
This is not to say that it is more dangerous to be a woman elsewhere in
the world. In fact, the incidence of violent crime against women is higher
in the U.S. than in many other countries. However, language and cultural
differences might mean what you consider appropriate behavior for a woman
in the U.S. will be interpreted much differently by the men-- and women--of
your host country. This is further compounded by the fact that the people
in some other countries may have distorted or stereotyped notions about
American women, based on images acquired through American films and advertising.
The very characteristics of U.S. women such as independence and strength
may be conceived differently in other countries.
A smile, eye contact, certain clothing, or the way you carry yourself
can connote different things in different cultures. While we will
supply you with what information we can, you are your own best resource.
Read travel guides or articles and talk to women who have been to
your host country. The more familiar you are with the customs and
traditions of your host country, the more understanding you will
have for why they exist and the safer you will feel while abroad.
Some safety suggestions women on past programs have made include:
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Take a self-defense class before leaving the U.S., to increase your
confidence and teach you important skills.
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Follow the example of women from your host country, in terms of culturally
appropriate dress and demeanor.
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Trust your instincts. If you do not feel safe in a situation or someone's
behavior is making you uncomfortable, get out.
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Travel in groups of at least two, especially when you are unfamiliar
with a city or town.
-
Lock hotel rooms when traveling. Do not stay in hotels without adequate
locks. The money you would save is not worth putting yourself at risk.
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Walk with purpose and avoid eye contact with strangers.
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Firmly say "no" to any invitation you do not want
and turn away. Ignore persistent overtures.
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Do not drink alcohol in excess.
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Safety Precautions for
Times of Political / Social Unrest or Conflict
In times of political or social unrest in the host country or region,
or when the United States becomes a party to a political conflict anywhere
in the world, additional precautions are advisable:
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Keep in touch with the current political situations by listening daily
to the television or radio if available. If not, ask friends, host family,
and colleagues to share with you any relevant information they learn.
In case of an emergency, advisories may be made to the general public
through the media. In case of an emergency, remain in contact with the
on-site staff.
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Make sure that you are registered with the closest American Embassy
or Consulate. (It is required!)
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When in large cities and other popular tourist destinations, avoid
places frequented by North Americans: bars, discos, and fast food restaurants
associated with the US, branches of US banks, American churches, US
businesses and offices, US consulates or embassies.
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Keep away from areas known to have large concentrations of residents
aligned with interests unfriendly to the United States and its allies.
Always consult with the on-site officials before undertaking travel
to neighboring cities or popular tourist destinations.
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Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Wear moderate
colors and conservative clothing. Avoid American logos on your belongings
and clothing. Avoid large loud groups.
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Keep away from political demonstrations, particularly those directed
toward the United Sates. If you see a situation developing, resist the
temptation to satisfy your curiosity and investigate what is happening.
Walk the other way.
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Do not agree to newspaper or other media interviews regarding
political conflicts. It is important to remain as inconspicuous
as possible. Do not make reference to your program group. In
such cases, always say "no comment" and hang up or
walk the other way.
Refer to your program specific handbook or sponsoring institution for
more detailed information on health and safety issues as they pertain
to your particular program and destination.
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Emergency Phone System
If an emergency comes up during business hours (7:45am - 4:30pm
Central Time), please call our office at (608) 262-2851 and a staff member
will assist you.
If an emergency comes up during non-business hours, parents and
students can reach a member of the IAP staff by calling (608) 516-9440 to
reach a cell phone that is carried by a staff member after business hours.
This is for EMERGENCIES ONLY, where the
health/safety of the student is an issue.
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