Travel is an adventure of the mind, body and spirit. Traveling overseas is an exhilarating experience — it should also be a healthy one.
Many places you travel will cause no special health concerns. Healthcare systems and facilities in many countries are quite similar to those in the United States. In other regions, however, there are differences and specifically recommended health procedures.
This form is meant to be used by participants as a general reference only. It is by no means comprehensive; therefore, travelers should consult with a physician or other resources regarding particular health questions.
Participation Requirements
Please view the “What to Expect” section on each program’s web page.
Alumni & Family Travel programs vary in pace, but in general, they require you, the participant, to be capable, without assistance, of walking a minimum of one mile at a time over uneven terrain, and up to five miles total per day, of climbing stairs that may not have handrails, of climbing in and out of a variety of transportation vehicles, of keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling, of dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing a different culture, and of being capable of traveling with a group for several hours each day. St. Olaf has published specific requirements for each Travel Program. You are responsible for reviewing the specific requirements for your program and judging the appropriateness of these travel activities to your physical, mental and behavioral capabilities. Any participant who is unable to fulfill the program requirements may have their registration cancelled. Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the program leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.
When it is possible to do so, St. Olaf strives to make reasonable efforts to accommodate disabilities and other special needs of program participants if we are notified at the time of registration. If you have a special need regarding your participation in the program or will need an accommodation, you should contact the Alumni Travel Director as soon as possible. Unfortunately, St. Olaf may not be able to accommodate all special needs. Facilities, resources, accommodations and protections for disabled and special needs individuals can be sharply limited outside the U.S. St. Olaf reserves the right to refuse to make an accommodation when not required to do so by law.
You are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other travelers, tour leaders, staff and other persons with whom you come into contact during the program. If you behave, in the opinion of the program leader, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger the safety of other travelers, you will be expelled from the group and will have to make your own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the unused portion of the program will be given.
Upon Registration
- Review Your Health Insurance
Participants are solely responsible for their own insurance coverage while traveling on the St. Olaf Travel program. Many medical providers do not cover you outside the United States. Check with your own provider first. If you are not covered, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. See the travel insurance information at the end of this document. - Identify Your Health Needs
Inform us of health or other special needs issues when you register. Describe all allergies, disabilities, psychological treatments, dietary requirements and medical needs. Resources and services for people with disabilities vary widely by country and region. If you have a disability or special need, please identify it immediately so that we may research what accommodations, if any, can be made. - Check Health Advisories
Research recommendations for your destination country and check regional health and medical advisories. Check the travel recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov and from the World Health Organization at www.who.int.- What immunizations are required or recommended? Obtain this information as early as possible, as some immunization cycles require several weeks.
- What illnesses, if any, are specific or endemic to the region? Are there ways to avoid these illnesses through medication or behavior?
- What is the altitude and average daily temperature?
- What is the water quality?
- What are the laws governing import of medications and medical supplies?
- What treatment is available, especially by an English-speaking physician, in case of illness?
Before Departure
- Visit Your Health Care Provider
Visit your doctor or a travel clinic physician to find out whether you need to take any special precautions based on your medical history and destination. - Prescriptions
Update your health records and prescriptions for medications and corrective lenses or equipment. Carry medications in their original containers. Arrange to bring necessary prescription medication with you. If prescriptions will need to be filled overseas, carry written prescriptions using generic names to facilitate refills, and check with your doctor, pharmacist or other resources to ensure that refills will be available. It may also be helpful to have a letter from your physician that describes the health issue, the prescribed dosage and the generic name of the medicine. - Anti-Depressant/Anti-Anxiety Medications
If you take anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications, physicians often recommend that you stay on them during the program, even if it would otherwise be time for you to taper. Be particularly cautious about doseage changes prior to departure. We encourage you to consult your physician on this matter. - Allergies
If you are allergic to anything, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace and carry an identification card to inform health care personnel in the event of an accident or injury. - Food Allergies
We strongly recommend carrying a printed warning card listing what you are allergic to, both in English and in the appropriate foreign language, if possible. This can be shown to servers or directly to the chef, both when you are dining as part of the group and dining on your own. In addition, be sure to carry an Epi-Pen with at least to vials of epinephrine. Finally, consider consulting the International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) Directory, listing hospitals at your destination with English-speaking staff. Should you need medical attention, pointing a cab driver to the list may get you help more quickly. - First Aid Kit
You may wish to carry a small first aid kit. The kit could be quite simple or more comprehensive, depending on your destination. It could contain such items as bandages, ace bandages, thermometer, adhesive tape, gauze, sterile cleansers, antibacterial ointment and antiseptic cream. Depending on the region, you might include antihistamines, salt tablets, sunscreen or insect repellent. - Over the Counter Medications
Pack an adequate supply of any over-the-counter medications you take regularly, as well as remedies for motion sickness (if you are prone) and diarrhea. Remember that the food abroad will be different from what you’re used to at home.
En Route
To help ameliorate jet lag, follow these tips on the airplane.
- Drink liquids to avoid dehydration
Water and fruit juices are best. During flight, alcohol dehydrates you and affects you more quickly and strongly. It can also cause joints to swell and make it harder to adjust to time changes. - Move
Stretch, stand and walk around as much as possible. - Sleep
If possible, sleep during the flight. If you can find an empty row, lift the arm rests and stretch out. - Set your watch
Change your watch to the new time when your flight departs. Attempt to eat meals on destination time. - Sleeping on arrival
If you arrive in the morning, stay awake until a usual bedtime (or at least until 8 or 9 p.m.). If you arrive later in the evening, try to go to sleep early. Try to establish a regular sleeping pattern as soon as possible.
During the Program
Because of cultural and environmental differences, many matters need to be addressed after you arrive.
- Finding Medical Assistance
Learn how to find medical assistance, whether routine or emergency, before the need arises. Is there a 911-style emergency number? If so, what services does it access? Who will provide routine medical care and how can you reach that provider? If you need any special resources, find out how to get them. Is there a coordinator on site who can assist you with finding this information? - Culture Shock
Culture shock can be a real health issue. Traveling through time zones and for long periods of time, facing different values and habits can leave travelers impatient, bewildered and depressed. You may find yourself alternately exhilarated and exasperated — thrilled at the experiences the new culture offers and frustrated by the culture’s differences from your own. Ups and downs are natural. If you are angry, impatient, homesick, or depressed during the first few days, remind yourself that these things will pass once you are sleeping and eating normally. If these feelings are prolonged, please seek help. - Diet and Routine
Food in other countries may be quite different from what you are used to at home. It may be healthier in some instances (more vegetables and fruits) or less healthy in others (more fried foods than you usually eat). If you have special dietary restrictions or needs, you should consult with St. Olaf College before departure. Depending on your destination, you may need to drink only bottled water and avoid ice cubes. At any rate, drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. If you have special dietary needs, make arrangements in advance. Despite the change in environment, you can still keep some of your routines from home. Get enough rest, especially the first few days. Be as active as you normally are, but beware of extra activity and strain, as travel itself is taxing.
Upon Return
- Illness
If you become ill when you return home, contact your doctor. Sometimes illnesses first appear weeks after initial exposure. Inform medical personnel about the countries you have been in. Many diseases that are indigenous to foreign countries are unfamiliar to doctors trained in the United States.