Health and Safety

The University of St. Thomas uses U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Notices as guidelines in determining whether its students or employees may travel abroad.

To minimize health and safety risks, St. Thomas students and faculty/staff whether as individual travelers or leaders of group travel must request and receive permission from the university before being allowed to travel to any country for which there is a Level 3 or Level 4 U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory or a Level 3 CDC Health Notice.

St. Thomas' Travel Risk Advisory Committee (TRAC) is responsible for reviewing travel proposals and making recommendations for final review and decision making.

If St. Thomas withdraws its approval of a program in a country for which a student is preparing to study due to a travel advisory, the student is subject to the policies of the program organization/institution regarding cancellation and reimbursement of any payments or deposits. The Office of Study Abroad will advise and assist the student in finding another suitable program if time allows or advise the student on registering for St. Thomas classes.

If St. Thomas withdraws its approval of a program in a country where a student is currently studying, St. Thomas will offer advice on arranging departure from that country. The student is subject to the policies of the program organization/institution regarding reimbursement of any recoverable costs and the possibility of completing the requirements for earning academic credit for the program.

See Study Abroad Policies for the full policy details.

Students may be required to have a physical exams and certain vaccinations for the country or program they are in. Schedule a travel clinic visit to figure out what vaccines are required for travel to your country.

Practicing self-care is an important part of any study abroad experience. Learning to live in a new place is a big undertaking, and you will have highs and lows just as you do at home.

Don't underestimate the value of enough sleep and good nutrition and hydration. This probably seems obvious, but we are all closer to operating at our best after good rest and a healthy meal. Maintain medications, and moderate or eliminate alcohol, cigarettes, and other substances.

What are some specific practices that are important for YOUR health? Is there anything you need to pack related to them?

It's easy to feel a need to do and see everything but remember down time is not wasted time. Alternating high energy and relaxing activities is good planning. Try to avoid late nights followed by early mornings and trying to travel too much. Recognize when you need to rest or recharge! Relaxation can be a lens for creative exploring - e.g. read in a famous park, find good hiking spots, or catch a movie filmed in the host country.

What do you like to do to relax and what are your hobbies? Research some places in your host country where you might do some of these activities.

Reach out to other students in your program and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them! You'll all be experiencing similar things and sharing this with each other can be one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad. Know when you need alone time or want to talk with your family back home, but remember to balance this with enjoying the community onsite. Look out for and support one another, learn from each other, and enjoy the chance to form new friendships.

What can you do to get to know others in your program?

Some needs will, of course, be unique to you. If you see a counselor or take medications related to mental health, talk with your care provider(s) about your study abroad plans and how you might prepare for the experience. Now especially is not a good time to change or eliminate medications unless advised by your doctor. If you think you might need additional help or care once on-site, talk to your program directors or staff!

How will you know if you're having a hard time or could use some help?

And ask right away and about anything! Maybe you're wondering about a cultural practice you don't understand, or you're feeling homesick; you don't have to figure it out on your own. Both before you leave and once onsite there are always people who care about your well-being and are eager to help you adjust to your host country, support your health, and answer questions.

What is it like for you when adjusting to a new place? Are there things that tend to be easy or difficult? Do these things tend to come up right away, or later?