Student health and safety is a priority at Tusculum College. The Center for Global Studies will provide an overview of health and safety issues in the general orientation with particular focus on specific cautions or warnings relevant to the host country. Students should read the U.S. State Department’s travel warnings and advice for the country they are traveling to before their departure. Topics to include at the program-specific orientation may include (but are not limited to): tips to avoid theft, food safety, over-the-countermedication, local healthcare options and aspects of the program that may have a higher risk of danger.
Maintaining contact with students
If students are traveling independently during a program (on free weekends), it is imperative that the Center for Global Studies know where they are traveling, and when they will return. This communication can either be done by e-mail or phone. Student provided information will include with whom the students will be traveling and where they will be staying (hotels, hostels, etc. with phone numbers and addresses).
Illness or injury
Should a student become ill or sustain an injury while abroad, every attempt should be made to contact the Center for Global Studies either by phone or e-mail in a reasonable amount of time. NOTE: It is important for the Center to have knowledgeable information about the situation before parents begin to call with questions.
Insurance
Tusculum requires that each student carry international insurance while abroad. If a student is a dependent, the subject policy could be obtained through adding a “rider” on the one owned by their parents. Please consult an insurance agent for additional information.
Emergency preparedness plan
It is important for students to be aware of specific challenges or conditions of their destination (from crime situations to bungee jumping).The Center for Global Studies will address issues that we know about through the pre-departure orientation by making students aware of:
- potential natural disasters to which the destination may be prone (earthquakes, weather, etc.) and ways to deal with them
- methods the local government might use to get your attention (emergency broadcasts, sirens)
- areas to avoid at the destination due to crime or other circumstances
- food or drink to avoid
- CDC required or recommended vaccinations for the destination
- other issues specific to the destination/region
The Center for Global Studies must be aware of medical issues for students.
In addition to considering emergency situations that may arise in the country travelled to, the Center for Global Studies will also create an emergency plan and review with all participants at the pre-departure meeting. A successful evacuation plan would include:
- registration of all participants with the closest US Embassy
- designation of at least two (2) places students can meet in the event of an emergency
- instructions on how to reach the designated place
- a list of all contact numbers important for the group including the phone numbers of each participant
- a plan to stay in contact with Tusculum College to provide updates on the status of the program
- a plan to stay in contact with the closest US Embassy to update you on the status in country
Medications
Students must make sure that they take enough medication (prescription or over-the-counter) for the entire study abroad duration, since medications cannot be sent through the mail. Students must also take copies of prescription documentation. Students must talk to their medical doctor prior to departure if it is not possible to secure enough medication to last the entire time abroad. It may be necessary to visit a doctor before departure to get a new prescription written, since foreign countries cannot honor American doctors’ prescriptions.
Before leaving the United States, the Center for Global Studies will check whether or not student prescriptions are categorized as controlled substances in the countries visited while abroad.
It is also a good idea to know the generic names of common over-the-counter medications. Often, brand names are not international (for example, Tylenol is known as acetaminophen outside the U.S.). This information can typically be accessed through a doctor or pharmacist. It is recommended that students do not take any drugs out of their original packaging. Combining many types of pills into plastic bags or one bottle may also look suspicious to security and customs officials.
Long term health care needs such as physical therapy or counseling can often be met overseas with careful planning. Please notify the Center for Global Studies with further questions.
Travel health tip
Pack a “mini” first aid kit that includes band-aids, Tylenol/Advil, an Ace bandage, Neosporin, and mole skin (for blisters).
Immunizations
Only a health care professional can advise students about certain immunizations or precautions. Students should, therefore, talk to their medical doctor about their travel destinations.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
This is a government website which issues information valuable to travelers regarding the health considerations of world regions. Students can find information regarding common travel ailments and area-specific advice. While this site will recommend vaccinations based on destination, students should talk to their health care professionals about what is best for his or her time overseas.
Prescription medication
Students may need prescription medication at different times. It is advisable that students have a complete physical and dental check-up before departure, refill their prescription medication and include a copy of their prescription in their important documents. This includes a prescription for eye glasses. The use of prescription medication does not constitute grounds for trip exclusion; however, it is important that the Instructor and/or the Center for Global Studies are knowledgable about student medical requirements. Any medical information provided will remain confidential and is requested in order to ensure that the appropriate mental, emotional and physical services are available to students. Full disclosure is required
