Bing Overseas Studies Program

Health Planning and Risks

Students on international programs should be aware that attitudes toward medical conditions, disabilities, and psychological conditions vary by culture and all legislation is dictated by the host country. These differences impact the level of treatment and accommodation available abroad. Students should give serious consideration to their health and personal circumstances when accepting a place in a program.

Important Considerations

  • Because Stanford wants you to enjoy a successful and rewarding study abroad experience, we encourage you to disclose your medical conditions and or accommodation requests at the time of acceptance and no later than four weeks prior to the beginning of the program abroad.
  • The information you provide is considered confidential and will be shared only with those individuals who will need to know.
  • Stanford will work to assure reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, visual or hearing conditions). If you presently require such arrangements, please let us know so that we can work towards making suitable arrangements while you are abroad.
  • If you choose not to request an accommodation, Stanford will not be able to provide you with arrangements after the start of the program.
  • Students with medical conditions should consult with their families and personal medical providers for ways to manage their conditions while overseas.

General Travel Health and the Vaden Health Center

Make an appointment early in your orientation quarter with the on-campus Vaden Health Center Travel Clinic at (650) 498-2336 or with your personal clinician to discuss any health concerns you may have before going abroad. Plan to do this early, because you may choose to have immunizations that need to be administered several weeks before you leave in order to be effective. It is your responsibility to obtain the proper vaccinations for your time abroad. If you are traveling from your BOSP destination to another international location, be aware of local health conditions abroad. You should be especially aware of any public health service recommendations or advisories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information on health conditions as well as health advisories by country.

Physical and Psychological Considerations

Studying abroad can be stressful. Physical or psychological disorders that you may manage well on campus or at home can become serious under the additional stresses of adjusting to a new culture. If you have a physical or psychological issue that requires ongoing treatment or surveillance by a clinician, you should consult with your medical provider about the prospect of studying abroad and the potential ramifications of cultural adjustment and different medical practices. We also encourage you to talk with a provider at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) before deciding to study abroad. The clinicians at CAPS are familiar with BOSP programming and can discuss ideas for managing your well-being in the setting of a BOSP program.

Thinking About Alcohol and Drugs Abroad

While traveling, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Alcohol and drug laws vary depending on where you study abroad. Some countries are stricter than others when it comes to public intoxication and drug use. The best resources for learning about local laws and policies will be your local program staff, the American Embassy/Consulate in your host country, and the US Department of State website.

As a participant in a BOSP program, you are still expected to uphold the Fundamental Standard, the Honor Code. and the Student Alcohol Policy at all times while you are away. As a Stanford student, you are always representing Stanford University no matter where you go.

Whether you choose to drink or not, it is important that you stay safe and look out for your fellow students. At Stanford we have a culture of taking care of one another. It is important to continue that culture at each of our abroad programs. Be sure to stick together and don’t be afraid to say something to your friend or the local program staff if your friend is engaging in harmful behavior.

Medication & Prescriptions

  • Fill all your prescriptions before you leave and make sure you bring a sufficient supply to last during your time overseas, along with a clinician’s note or the original prescription to avoid problems with customs.
  • Discuss this in advance with your clinician and insurance provider before you go.
  • You cannot have prescription medications mailed to you overseas.
  • Be sure to take a copy of the full prescription drug name with you in your hand luggage in case your medication is lost, stolen, or expires.
  • If you have severe allergies which are debilitating or life-threatening, or have a medical condition that is not immediately apparent or easily identifiable (such as diabetes, allergies to drugs, epilepsy, etc.), please ensure that you bring any medication or medical devices you use regularly or in an emergency with you. Notify BOSP program staff of your condition.
  • See the website of the embassy for your program location for common prescriptions that are banned from your program location. Contact the Vaden Travel Clinic or Crisis24 for further information.

Helpful Links

Students Abroad: Health
Vaden Travel Clinic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Crisis24 (log-in with your Stanford email)