Health Tip: Studying Overseas

-- Spending a semester in another country can be an incredible experience, but it doesn't come without risk of travel-related illness.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to prepare for a semester abroad:

• Learn about health concerns in your host country.
• At least a month before you leave, make an appointment with your doctor to get needed vaccines and medicines.
• Pack a travel health kit, to include: needed medications, first aid supplies and your health insurance card.
• Check to see if your medicines are permitted and properly packaged.
• Pack your medicines in your carry-on, in case your packed luggage is lost.
• Monitor travel warnings at your destination through the U.S. Department of State website.
• Enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get safety updates and phone numbers in case of an emergency.
• Leave copies of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, and proof of school enrollment with someone at home, in case you lose them.
• Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation.