Health Abroad

 

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The Health and Safety of our students abroad is very important to California Baptist University. We ask that all students and their families take time to review the following information to better prepare for their study abroad experience.

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Health Practices:

Students should be aware of how to stay healthy while abroad. Find out if water is safe to drink in your destination countries by checking the health conditions on the CDC’s Traveler's Health website. For students studying or traveling to developing countries, be aware of the following:

• Eat and drink with care as diarrhea affects up to 50% of travelers to developing countries
• Wash your hands before and after you eat
• Do not consume tap water or ice
• Drink bottled water or bottled soda
• Hot tea or coffee is okay if made with boiled water
• Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and hot
• Avoid raw vegetables and fruit

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Medications:

Students should make sure to pack their prescription medications for overseas travel. Common medications in the United States can be illegal in other countries, so make sure to research what is and is not allowed in your host country ahead of time. Its also a good idea to bring a letter from your doctor listing your medication(s) and your reason for them. Any medications should be taken in their original marked containers. Other important things to pack, recommended by the CDC, include:

• Prescription medicines
• Travelers’ diarrhea antibiotic
• Medicines to prevent malaria
• Medical supplies
• Glasses and contacts
• Medical alert bracelet or necklace
• Inhalers or EpiPens
• Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
• Hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) or antibacterial hand wipes
• Insect repellent (with an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin)
• Sunscreen (with UVA and UVB protection, SPF 15 or higher)
• Sunglasses and hat 

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Physicals and Checkups: 

Students are encouraged to get a complete physical, eye exam and dental checkup before departing on study abroad. Many study abroad programs will require health check ups before students depart for their host country, but even if this is not a program requirement, its a good idea. While health care is typically good quality in Western Europe and many parts of the developed world, the quality and cost of medical care differs in the various countries or regions you may visit.

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Mental and Physical Health: 

An unfamiliar environmental, culture, and academic system can put a lot of pressure and stress on students studying abroad. Consider your own mental and physical health issues when applying for a study abroad program, and make all your necessary health information available to your program's administrators in the U.S. and abroad so they can assist you with any special needs, or advise you on the risks you might face. Study abroad may include both physical and mental challenges for students, so make sure you establish a support network of program administrators, family and friends who can help you. 

Source: studentsabroad.com

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Alcohol and Drug Use

Students accepted/approved for study abroad, international internships, and other global programs must abide by the California Baptist University policy regarding alcohol and drug consumption as is detailed in the CBU Student Handbook. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not permitted on University Premises or at University-sponsored or supervised activities, regardless of a Student’s age. Study abroad is considered to be part of a university-sponsored program and these rules follow students anywhere they go in the world. Any violation of these standards will be reported to the Office of Student Services and could result in judicial sanctions upon your return, including dismissal from the study abroad program at the expense of the participant. 

There are also a number of reasons related to student safety abroad that pertain to drug and alcohol use. Nine out of ten times when an incident or crime occurs related to Americans overseas, it is alcohol or drug-related. Alcohol or drug use abroad makes students vulnerable and puts them at risk. There are also social and cultural consequences to consider as well; one of the most persistent stereotypes people from other countries have of young Americans is that they abuse alcohol and drugs. Alcohol has a different place in most cultures than it does in ours, and drinking and public drunkenness carry far greater stigmas abroad than in the United States. Here are some other things to consider:

•  When you are in another country, you are subject to its laws which can be very different from the United States. You can be arrested while abroad for actions that may be allowed in the United States. What is considered acceptable in the United States may vary widely from country to country, along with the penalties.
• Being caught with drugs in many countries can carry severe consequences that include imprisonment, harsh sentences, and even in extreme cases, penalty of death. 
• Americans can be targeted while consuming alcohol. Because of the stereotypes Americans carry abroad, predators may see Americans engaging in alcohol consumption as easy targets.
• Alcohol is strictly prohibited in most Muslim-majority countries and in some other parts of the world. American students have even been detained for having alcohol in their luggage in certain countries.
• Do not accept packages or gifts from anyone while abroad - they could contain drugs which will carry severe punishment, regardless of whether you knew or not.

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Clinics Specializing in Travel Medicine:

Loma Linda University Center of Health Promotion - International Travel Clinic
11234 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92354 Phone: (909) 558-4594

San Bernardino County Health Department Travel Clinic
351 N Mountain View Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92415
Phone: (800) 722-4777

Passport Health San Bernardino
399 E. Highland Avenue Suite 117 San Bernardino, CA 92404
Phone: 909-751-2149

Passport Health Anaheim
300 S Harbor Blvd. Suite 720 Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: 657-230-7891 

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