Once you arrive to a new country, you will soon discover that many elements in the environment may affect or alter your health. Most likely, you will be eating different foods, living in a different climate, and reacting emotionally in some way to this new experience.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Please review important information on alcohol, prescription medication, and illegal drug use.
Culture Shock & Adjustment
Culture shock is a typical phenomenon that happens to most travelers who venture to a new culture and country for an extended period of time. Many of the experiences and practices you may take for granted in the United States may be perceived and accepted differently in your host country.
There are many emotional effects of facing new values, habits, and lifestyles. You may experience confusing emotional highs and lows during your time abroad. You may also feel impatient, bewildered and depressed at times. These are all initial symptoms of culture shock, and may easily be overcome.
Be aware that a moderate amount of anxiety and stress is a natural part of intercultural transitions. A new language, exotic foods, registration, beginning classes, and even changes in the weather can affect your stress level. This stress is nothing to be afraid of and can easily be dealt with by having a positive attitude and taking good care of yourself emotionally and physically.
Cultural adjustment is a continuous, on-going process. It never stops, and it varies from one individual to another and from one culture to another. Your own situation may require you to confront not only differences in your new culture but it may also force you to take a good look at your own cultural values and practices. The concept of adjustment implies change. In your case, you will be moving from your American culture to one overseas. The nature of your adjustment depends on the nature of the differences between your original culture and the new one and on the objectives you seek to complete in the new culture. The concept of adjustment assumes that you already have well-established sets of behaviors for operating in your own culture.
Remember, you are a representative of Mesa Community College, MCCCD, the state of Arizona, and the United States while participating in a study abroad program!! Your ability to successfully interact with host families, program participants, and foreign nationals is a direct reflection on your fellow travelers and other Americans overseas. Ask questions of your Program Director and other participants to learn as much as possible about your destination.
An exciting world awaits you!
Find Out About Available Resources in Host Country
Learn how to get medical help and how to use your medical insurance BEFORE the need arises.
Is there a 911 equivalent emergency number and, if so, what services does it access? Who will provide routine medical care, and how can you reach that provider? Ask the program director what steps need to be taken in these situations.
If you require regular medical care for any condition you have, tell those in your host country who can be of assistance. Make sure to notify the program director(s) and the host family (if applicable) of any special needs.
For Students with Health, Physical or Learning Difficulties
Students with disabilities that require accommodation are encouraged to study abroad, though advance planning is essential. If you are currently registered with a College’s Disability Resource Service (DRS) office and plan to study abroad, you are encouraged you to take the following steps:
- PLAN early and communicate with advisors at DRS and the Study Abroad program. You should begin planning at least one year before the date you wish to study abroad.
- GATHER information from your departmental academic advisor as soon as possible.
- RESEARCH various study abroad program options. Consider the connections to your educational and personal goals as well as the requirements for acceptance to a study abroad program.
- IDENTIFY accommodations with DRS that would minimize barriers and enhance your participation and enjoyment while abroad. Keep in mind that due to differing environments, you may need accommodations or assistance abroad that you may not typically need in the United States, or you may find that the accommodation you need is not available overseas.
- COMPILE information on each program relating to your individual needs (e.g. arranged and public transportation, housing, alternative test taking, course requirements, etc.). Remember to work with DRS because not all locations can accommodate all disabilities.
- SELECT a study abroad program and apply!
Once accepted into a study abroad program, coordinate with DRS to disclose your need for special accommodation. The sooner you do this, the better our ability to secure such accommodation. NOTE: There is no guarantee that the request can be accommodated.
Traveling with Disabilities
Individual countries have their own standards of accessibility for disabled travelers. Some countries have nondiscrimination laws that help to protect travelers with disabilities, while other countries do not. Preparation before you go can help ensure that your planned destination will be accessible, safe and enjoyable. In addition, travelers with disabilities should consider the following tips:
- Plan: Consider the level of health care available and whether your health needs and any emergencies can be met. If you take prescription medicine, do your research to make sure your prescription medication is legal to bring into your host country. Be sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, or that you can fill your prescription in your host country. Make sure any equipment you use is in good working order before you leave.
- Travel Smart: The additional physical activity undertaken during travel is strenuous, and sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler. Allow ample personal time, whether to adjust to the current time zone or to enjoy another travel site.
Accommodations and Access: Learn about planned stops and ask questions about services available. Inquire about accessibility and available assistance at the airport, your hotel, on public transportation and at all travel sites. Be sure your needs are clearly understood by those who will assist you, but understand that your needs may not be accommodated in all locations.
Gender Identity Abroad
Whether you’ve traveled before or this is your first time abroad, it’s important to consider your host country’s cultural attitude towards gender identity. Depending on where you are, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on these factors. Everyone should consider possible issues, challenges and changes they may face while abroad regarding societal perceptions of gender. When researching potential programs, consider your host country’s cultural differences and how these might impact your everyday life.
For information on issues and resources pertaining to gay, lesbian, and bisexual travel, you may want to consult publications available in some bookstores and libraries. Additional resources and support about LGTBQ issues abroad can be found at the IES Abroad website.
Jet Lag
Depending on where you fly to, you may experience jet lag or traveler's stress.
Some helpful ways to counteract jet lag include: getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food, drinking plenty of fluids (particularly juices and water), getting some moderate exercise and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.