Your health and safety is one of Skidmore's top priorities! We, along with our program partners, are constantly working to evaluate the programs and provide up-to-date information to you. In addition, please review the resources and reminders below to help you prepare for your semester. 

Health

Staying healthy while abroad is important to having a successful study abroad experience. We strongly recommend that you read all the information your program provides on health issues in your host country, and then read this information again!

Safety

Your safety is important and you are responsible for your safety. The most likely causes of student accidental injuries are road-related, alcohol related or water-related. Read through your handbook and watch the video below for additional safety considerations.

COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to be a determining factor of health and safety across the world. It is your responsibility to keep yourself safe and those around you safe. You are obligated to comply with all regulations put forth by Skidmore, your program and your local host city/region/country. 

Insurance Coverage

Skidmore College has secured international health insurance valid for the dates of your program through GeoBlue. Students approved to study off-campus in a country other than their home country will be covered under this plan, receiving details of coverage via email directly from GeoBlue shortly before their program start date.

You MUST complete the registration with GeoBlue once you receive the "Welcome" email. Your coverage will not be activated until you do so.

Details of the insurance plan and travel services can be found here: 

International Health Insurance Brochure.

In addition to the Skidmore GeoBlue coverage, your prorgram provider might also provide you with health insurance coverage. You will receive separate information from your program about coverage and instructions on how to register, if needed. Some of you might have double coverage, and that's ok!

Property Insurance

As you prepare to study off-campus, please consider securing a personal property insurance policy for your valuables (i.e., laptop, cell phone, jewelry, clothes, books, etc.). Most plans will provide coverage in the case of theft, damage (water, fire or accidental) and vandalism. Please refer to the OCSE Pre-departure Handbook for a suggested list of companies that offer personal property policies or you can conduct your own internet search. 

If your parent/guardian owns your home, coverage may be provided for your valuables when traveling under their homeowners policy. You can ask your parent/guardian to contact their insurance agent/company to confirm coverage or add a rider to their current policy to provide coverage for personal articles.

Medications

You should speak with your medical provider about obtaining prescriptions for your entire semester abroad. Certain prescribed medications may not be available in other countries. You should work with your physician and insurance company to obtain the necessary amount for your term off-campus. Please note that generally, prescription drugs cannot be mailed. There are also some medications available in the U.S. that may be considered illegal in other countries. Please consult with your program staff, review the consult the country’s consulate website and the U.S. Department of State country page to confirm availability. You may need to work with your physician, insurance company, and on-site staff to find an alternative medication.

Vaccinations

Please consult the CDC website as international entrance requirements are constantly changing and it is your responsibility to know what you need to do to prepare for your flight and arrival.

Although testing and vaccination entry requirements for COVID have shifted, there is always a possibility they could be reinstated or changed. Please make certain you are aware of entry requirements for your country of study. Your program will send you guidance on this and our staff can certainly help you decipher what you need to do.

In addition, you might need additional vaccinations and we encourage you to refer to the CDC website for additional information on the country you are traveling to.

Coming up next week....

In next week's pre-departure email, we will focus on Mental Health & WellBeing.

#globalskidmore