Study Abroad - Once Accepted
Return to Checklist: Fall / Winter / Spring / Summer
Healthy Travel, Part II:
How you can protect your health once you're there
While not all of the following information is applicable to all of our study abroad destinations, these are good general guidelines. Use your common sense while abroad. If you're uncertain about any site-specific health issues, talk with your faculty director.
And remember, if you'd like more information about traveling abroad in good health, call Student Health Services at (302) 831-2226 and make an appointment with one of the SHS staff members to discuss what you can do.
Be careful of what you eat. Try to avoid fresh fruits and vegetables, unless you wash them yourself in what you know to be safe water; you never know what's sticking to the peels, rinds and skins. If you're dining out and your food hasn't been cooked thoroughly, send it back. And don't eat food prepared by street vendors; these booths often lack facilities for safe food preparation.
Watch out for the local water! Any change in water can trigger diarrhea, so make sure that you treat your water by boiling it (for at least 15 minutes) and storing it in a sterile container, or by using a chemical purifier (be warned that these vary in quality and effectiveness). Drink only bottled or purified water. Be sure you break the cap (seal) on the bottle. Don't even brush your teeth in unpurified water --and don't forget that ice cubes are dangerous too. One little bug can ruin your week...
Wear proper footwear, and try to avoid footwear that exposes parts of your feet. Sandals are often stylish --but they increase the likelihood that a piece of debris will find its way into your shoe and your skin. Also, there are many parasites (many of the boring variety) that make their way into the human body through the feet --so cover up. And remember: even slaves to fashion have arches that fall, blisters that rise and toes that ache. Wear sensible (even if less-than-attractive with your outfits), rugged shoes.
Bring back postcards --not piercings and/or tattoos. In many countries, needle parlors are not held to sanitary standards as strict as those in the United States; don't risk it.
Just say no to drugs. Really. Not only are they illegal in most countries, forbidden by the University of Delaware's rules, and a very bad idea, they can also be extremely dangerous, if not lethal. We cannot urge you strongly enough to avoid drugs, and to avoid situations in which you might be exposed to them.
