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CIEE High School Abroad programs, Summer High School Abroad programs, and Gap Year Abroad programs provide U.S. high school students and recent high school graduates with an unforgettable international experience. Since 1947, CIEE has sent over 50,000 U.S. youth to locations around the globe. These programs allow U.S high school students and recent high school graduates to study abroad, to live with a native host family, work abroad, and/or volunteer, and to challenge themselves on a new level by becoming fully immersed in a language and a new culture.

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health and safety

Your son or daughter is going abroad and it's time to think about their health (both physical and mental). In fact, when choosing a study abroad program, I'm sure you evaluated the overall “health” - How good is the program orientation? Is there knowledgeable, available on-site staff? Is insurance included in the program fee? Living abroad means a new lifestyle and a new environment––two things that can really affect your child's health. The good news is that with planning and awareness, living abroad can be a very healthy experience. Here we help you prepare for and contribute to your child's “healthy” study abroad experience!

health

CIEE has partnered with experts in producing resources that address health concerns for students who are thinking about studying abroad. As a commitment to the success of students abroad, CIEE has published The Knowledge Series, intended to enhance pre-departure preparation for both students and their parents with additional resources to assist in the process. *

Of course, individual health concerns should always be addressed by a timely visit well in advance of your departure to a qualified travel medicine physician.

NOTE: Please click here to view the latest health alerts.

*Note: The Knowledge Series has been created as a resource by CIEE Study Abroad programs for university students, however, most topics are relevant to High School Study Abroad participants, and will be found useful.

safety

CIEE is a leader in security and safety for students studying abroad and continues to be committed to the operation of safe, secure, study experiences. CIEE was a founding member of the Interassociational Advisory Committee on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad (formerly the Interorganizational Task Force on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad). Additional information on the Task Force and study abroad safety issues in general can be found here.

identify your needs

Understand—and communicate—any health requirements your child has when applying for a program and making housing arrangements. This means allergies, psychological therapy, dietary requirements, disabilities, and any other medical or special educational needs. Disabled students study abroad successfully all the time, though resources and services for people with special needs vary widely by country and region. If your child has been using services here at home to address those needs, make sure you and your child understand ahead of time exactly what accommodations can and will be made. In some cases, your needs may determine which program is suitable for you.

ask questions, get answers

There are health-related things you'll need to know about your child's host country, from the quality of water to the laws governing the import of medications to customs concerning the use of alcohol and drugs. Some places to start asking:

check health advisories

Learn about immunization requirements and recommendations and check for regional health advisories for your child's host country. If your child has special health needs, think about any conditions that may affect him/her particularly.

arrange doctor visits

A visit to the physician, gynecologist, and dentist is a must to ensure your child leaves healthy—and prevent emergencies abroad. Get immunizations and hepatitis protection if needed for the region your child is traveling to. Check whether medications and medical supplies are available in the host country; if not, make sure your son or daughter carries a supply with them. Prepare and give copies of all medical records and prescriptions, including for eyeglasses, to your child. If you think they'll need regular medical care abroad, give a letter for him/her to bring with them from their doctor at home that includes details of his/her medical treatment.

verify health insurance coverage

It's something to consider when choosing a program. Check your regular policy to see what coverage it provides for medical services abroad-and whether your plan pays the provider in your child's host country directly, or your son/daughter must pay up front and seek reimbursement later. Be sure your child has coverage for medical evacuation, in case you need to be flown back to the U.S. for medical treatment. Make certain you'll have coverage for continuing treatment of newly acquired medical conditions once you return home. For more information, click here to read about your sons or daughter's iNext coverage.

promote first-aid

Never underestimate the importance of being prepared. Encourage your child to travel with basic medical supplies close at hand such as band-aids, sunscreen, pain relievers, regular medications, and insect repellent. Your child has access to more detailed packing lists including medical supply tips.