Our first piece of advice is to consult your doctor and insurance provider about your travel dates and arrange for a sufficient supply of medications. Be sure to bring enough to last for the entire duration of your time abroad, as it may not be possible to refill U.S. prescriptions in foreign countries. Also, remember to carry your medications in their original packaging, clearly labeled with the prescription, when you board the plane.
Allergies
If you have severe allergies and require an EpiPen, we recommend bringing at least two—one to carry with you at all times and another to keep in your room as a backup in case the first one is used.
Mental Health
If you have a therapist/counselor back home and they can continue to do virtual sessions while you are abroad, this would be ideal, as they already know your history and you are already comfortable with them.
However, we understand that many counselors must abide by state licensure laws so if they cannot serve you while abroad, we are offering a service calledLet's Talk, which allows you to sign up for 30 minute virtual sessions with our licensed counselor. While not meant to be utilized on a regular basis, they will be a good resource should you need to talk to someone.
If you find that you need someone on a more regular basis, please talk to CIS On-site Staff who can direct you to a local counselor. Mental health is insured up to $1000 USD for outpatient care as part of the CISI medical and accident insurance included in the CIS Abroad fees.
Past Injuries
If past injuries or medical conditions still affect you, particularly when navigating hilly, uneven streets or stairs, please contact CIS On-site Staff or your program leaders. We can work with you to ensure your comfort during local excursions in advance.
Italy Narcotic Recommendations:
Many drugs used forADD or ADHD are considered narcotics, such as vyvanse, klonopin, focalin, are considered narcotics in Italy, and as such, are a controlled substance. While we've had no issues with students bringing them in, please note that these will not be available in Italy should they be lost or stolen. Therefore, we advise the following documentation so you can bring enough in-country:
Bring a signed and date stamped note from your doctor (on letterhead) that states the following:
The name of the medicine (including the medicine’s generic name) and that the medicine is not a narcotic.
The patient (full name) is carrying X amount of the medicine (boxes, grams, etc.) to last X number of months/weeks.
The medicine is necessary for the patient’s health (name the condition), and that the patient cannot go without it during their stay in Europe.
Upon arrival, have your site director translate it.
Keep the letter on you, but only tell those on a need-to-know basis (maybe just your roommate) to reduce the risk of theft while traveling.
Keep the medications in their original bottles/packaging and that they are clearly labeled.
Note that sharing or mixing these medicines with alcohol may be considered a crime, so make note of that when taking.