Outlined below are general recommendations to prepare for a healthy and safe international experience.

• Consider making a Travel Consultation appointment through Texas A&M University Health Services https://uhs.tamu.edu/index.html to discuss preparation and potential vaccinations. It is also a good idea to verify that your standard vaccines are up-to-date (e.g. tetanus shot).
• Verify recommended and/or required immunization(s) for your destination with your provider or institution and with the CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel) Some immunizations need to be administered a few weeks or months prior to departure.
• Complete a routine wellness checkups (medical, dental, vision, and/or specialist).
• Verify legality of prescription and medication in host destination(s) and request ample supply for the duration of your experience.
• Research destination (e.g., cultural norms, local laws, health and safety risks, and water and food quality). Education abroad resources are available through your program leader, as well as Education Abroad Library Resources.
• Inform your program leader of medical conditions, dietary restrictions, allergies, disabilities and/or other accommodation needs.. For details on the process to secure program adjustments and/or academic accommodations, please visit Disability Resources
• Register with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/step/) to receive travel notifications prior to departure and while abroad. Note: for some programs, students are automatically registered with S.T.E.P., please verify with your program leader.
• Check with your education abroad advisor to find out if international health insurance is included in the program costs, or if you need to purchase it yourself. International health insurance will provide you with the necessary coverage should you need to visit a doctor or hospital while abroad. Refer to your program’s insurance policy for more details. If not provided, students may purchase coverage through the Texas A&M System policy, If not provided, students may purchase coverage through the Texas A&M System policy, Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). For more information about international health insurance, review CISI Policy Brochure (pdf document download)