Health & safety while studying off campus

Health and safety planning starts before you leave. Review your destination, understand your insurance, make a plan for medications and ongoing care, and save the contacts you may need.

We don’t anticipate that you’ll experience a serious health or safety issue while studying off campus. Still, unexpected situations can happen anywhere. Your program and Skidmore College have resources and plans in place to help you respond and get support when you need it.

While you are away, follow local laws, program rules, and guidance from your on-site staff. Read messages from your program and Skidmore, and respond promptly when action is required.

Read the OCSE Student Handbook for detailed health and safety guidance

Need help now?

If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help:

1. Move to a safe location, if possible.
2. Contact local emergency services.
3. Contact your on-site program staff.
4. For after-hours emergency assistance, call Skidmore Campus Safety at 518-580-5566.

U.S. citizens abroad may also contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Students who are citizens of other countries should contact the nearest embassy or consulate for their home country.

Prepare before you go

Your program will provide health and safety information specific to your destination. Read it carefully and complete all required preparation.

Before departure:

• Review current travel advisories, local laws, and destination information.
• Check health guidance and recommended immunizations for your destination.
• Save local emergency numbers and contact information for your program, insurance provider, and nearest embassy or consulate.
• Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP, if you are a U.S. citizen. Other students should use their home country’s traveler registration service, when available.
• Keep secure copies of your passport, visa, insurance information, prescriptions, and payment cards separate from the originals.
• Share independent travel plans with your program staff and trusted contacts.

Make a plan for your health

If you have ongoing physical or mental healthcare needs, meet with your healthcare provider before departure. Changes in diet, climate, elevation, air quality, routine, and stress can affect conditions that are well managed at home.

Discuss:

• How you will continue treatment while away
• What medical records or documentation to bring
• How to access care in your program location
• What to do if your symptoms or needs change
• Whether travel or time-zone changes will affect your care

Your program provider can help you identify local medical and mental healthcare resources.

Travel with medications safely

Medication laws and availability vary by country. A medication that is legal or available in the United States may be restricted elsewhere.

Before traveling:

• Check medication rules for your destination and any countries where you will have a layover.
• Talk with your healthcare provider about alternatives if a medication is restricted or unavailable.
• Bring enough medication for your program, plus extra in case of travel delays.
• Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Pack medications in your carry-on luggage.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions that include the generic names of your medications.
• Ask your provider about storage, refrigeration, injections, and changes across time zones.

Review current security requirements before flying with medications, liquids, or medical equipment.

Review immunizations and destination health guidance

Stay current on routine immunizations and review recommendations for your destination. Some vaccines require several doses or need time to become effective, so begin this process early.

Your program may also have health requirements based on its location or activities.

Support your mental health

Living and learning in a new place can bring excitement along with changes in routine, sleep, eating habits, stress, or feelings of homesickness and isolation.

If you currently receive mental healthcare, work with your provider to create a plan before departure. Discuss how you will maintain care, access medication, and find support if you need it while away.

Students on international programs can access mental health support through Skidmore’s international insurance plan. Students studying off campus in the United States may have access to Skidmore teletherapy resources.

If you need support, reach out early. Your on-site staff, program provider, insurance provider, and Skidmore can help you identify available resources.

Understand your international health insurance

Skidmore College provides international health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions, formerly GeoBlue, for approved students studying in a country other than their home country. You may see either name in current insurance materials.

OCSE enrolls eligible students shortly before their programs begin. You will receive an email with instructions for completing enrollment and accessing your plan. Follow those instructions and download the mobile app before departure.

The plan can help students:

• Find medical professionals and facilities
• Arrange appointments
• Request a guarantee of payment for eligible care
• Review medication availability
• Access mental health support
• Understand covered services and travel assistance

Some program providers may offer coverage through the same insurer. Students will not be enrolled in duplicate plans.

Stay informed while you are away

Most health and safety preparation comes down to a few habits: know your surroundings, stay connected with your program, and pay attention to local guidance.

While away:

• Follow guidance from your on-site staff.
• Learn local emergency numbers and basic emergency phrases.
• Keep your phone charged and emergency contacts saved.
• Pay attention when walking, biking, driving, or using public transportation.
• Follow posted warnings and local weather guidance before swimming or taking part in outdoor activities.
• Secure your passport, phone, laptop, wallet, and other valuables.
• Use good judgment when traveling independently, particularly in unfamiliar areas.
• Limit alcohol use and avoid situations that could impair your judgment.
• Read local news and official alerts.
• Respond to messages from your program and Skidmore.

Your identities may affect how you experience local laws, customs, and attitudes. Include those considerations in your destination research.

If something happens while you're away

Your first steps will depend on the situation, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Your on-site program staff should be one of your primary contacts and can help you understand local resources and next steps. Skidmore and your insurance provider may also be able to assist.

For detailed instructions and guidance, see: 

• What to do if you become ill or injured
• What to do if you experience a crime
• What to do if you experience an emergency

These links should point directly to the corresponding sections of the OCSE Student Handbook.