Health and Safety

Safety depends on a partnership between the program, St. Lawrence University, program participants, and their families.

We remind students that study abroad programs cannot provide the same level of support that they have on campus in the areas of physical and emotional healthcare.

If they have an on-going health concern, stress, eating disorder, emotional challenge, or any issue which could be exacerbated by great distance from home and immersion in a different culture, we ask them to discuss it with their physician, counselor or therapist to develop a plan for how to manage best it in this new situation.  Staff in CIIS is happy to be a partner in such discussions. Note that your physician may not be fully aware of the conditions on a particular study abroad program - one good reason to consult with this office.

In preparation for the semester or year abroad, we also recommend that students visit their physician and dentist for a check-up prior to departure; that they obtain a second pair of glasses/contacts; and that they secure any required prescription medication to last throughout the duration of the program. 

Not all US prescribed medications are available abroad (for example ADHD medications), and there are restrictions on mailing medications to many countries.  Prescription medication should be packed in the carry-on in its original container to avoid delay at customs.  We also recommend that students carry a copy of all prescriptions including the latin compound of the medication.  US prescriptions may not necessarily be filled abroad, but the prescription will allow a physician or pharmacist in the host country to know what has been prescribed in the past.

A Medical Orientation session will be conducted by staff from the University Health Center for students participating in a program that requires immunizations/vaccinations. 

For further information on Travel Health, please consult the Power point presentation developed by the Health Center and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health site.

Safety while studying off-campus:

In fostering student learning through travel, St. Lawrence’s first concern is safety.  University sponsored student travel may be restricted based on the security of the study site, and in all cases requires that students understand the risks and follow safe travel practices. 

For over fifty years the university has maintained its own programs abroad and has selected additional programs in which our students may participate.  The St. Lawrence University Center for International and Intercultural Studies has primary oversight for off-campus study and is responsible for selecting well-qualified students, providing orientation and helpful information about health, safety, insurance and other risk concerns, and developing good practices in each program for the health, welfare, and safety of students. In addition, St. Lawrence University programs are led by St. Lawrence University faculty assisted by at least one local staff member whose responsibilities include the health and safety of their students. 

While St. Lawrence University is vigilant about its off-campus programs, it cannot eliminate all risks or guarantee the safety of each participant.  Safety depends on a partnership between the program, St. Lawrence University, program participants, and their families.  For further information please see "Safety and Security while studying off-campus", and visit the US State Department’s web site to learn more about the country/region where your student will be studying.  All students are required to enroll in the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (or their country’s equivalent of this program).