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Preparation and Planning

There are many things to consider and accomplish prior to your education abroad experience. The following a small selection of important considerations related to your health, safety, and security.

  1. Complete your Health Information Form with your doctors as well as the Glavin Office of International Programs
  2. Visit a Travel Clinic
  3. Register with International SOS to establish a Traveler Profile and Emergency Record
  4. Review general and country specific information
  5. Register your trip abroad with the U.S. Embassy  

Health Information Form

All participants of Glavin Office of International Programs Education Abroad programs are required to complete the Health Information Form.  The program leader, on-site staff, and the Glavin Office of International programs must be advised of any health issues to make any necessary preparations.  If there is any further information we should know regarding your health, please contact your program representative at the Glavin Office of International Programs.  If you are participating on a Co-Sponsored, University Study, or Petition program, the sponsoring institution may have a similar requirement.

Pre-Departure Health Procedures & Precautions
Carefully read the information provided by your program sponsor on any required inoculations.  While the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish guidelines for immunizations and other health precautions for travelers, only an individualized assessment can help you decide what you should do to prepare.  Usually a family physician does not have the necessary background to provide travel information, since travel medicine is a unique specialty.  A travel specialist is trained to consider your health history, current medications, drug allergies, and travel plans when recommending shots and other medications.

Since many travel clinics often book far in advance (especially around the holidays), find a travel clinic and make an appointment as soon as possible so that you can get a scheduled appointment in time to complete any recommended immunization series.  Some immunizations need to be started months in advance of your departure. Thus, you should call to make your appointment at least 6 months before your travel date.

A good place to start in identifying a travel clinic is with your US health insurance.  This allows you to fully understand coverage, if any, for the visit.  Note: travel clinic treatments are often not covered in US insurance plans.

Boston Travel Clinics Specializing in Travel Medicine

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Travel Medicine & Immunization Clinic
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Phone: +1-617-632-7740

The International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) provides a listing of its member clinics by state. For more information about ISTM or a listing of clinics and doctors in your area, contact:

• International Society of Travel Medicine
Phone: +1-770-736-7060
Fax: +1-770-736-6732
Email: istm@istm.org

You can also get more information on travel clinic locations from The Centers for Disease Control .

Pre-Departure Safety Procedures & Precautions
International SOS

Registration with US Embassy

Release & Waiver
As a requirement of all Babson College education abroad participants, it is extremely important that you read and follow the directions on the Information and Instructions page of the Release and Waiver. The name of the program, dates, etc. need to be typed into the fillable fields, then download, print and sign the document. No handwritten documents will be accepted.

Release and Waiver (for students participating on Semester and Academic Year-long education abroad programs)
Release and Waiver (for students participating on Babson Elective Abroad and J-MCFE education abroad programs)

Safety Resources for Student Abroad

You are highly encouraged to consult the US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control for further information, travel precautions, and immunization recommendations for the countries in which you will be traveling.

Health and safety information specific to your host country is included in program handbooks, discussed at program orientations, and/or addressed upon arrival in the host country. If you are participating on an outside program, contact your program sponsor for health related information specific to the host country.

Additional information can be found on Lonely Planet and Travel Health Online. They provide country specific information, immunization information, as well as links to other relevant sites, including official visitor information sites.

Note About Illegal Drugs

While abroad, avoid all temptation to buy, sell, carry or use any type of drug.  Most countries have VERY strict drug laws.  Long trials, prison sentences, and even the death penalty can result from drug possession. 

Remember that you are subject to your host country's laws.  If arrested, the American consular officer cannot get you released from jail.  For more information, contact the United States Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. 

 

 
Last modified 08/22/2012
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