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Common Traveler's Illness
  Safety Overseas  

Be careful not to contract these common traveler's diseases, which are usually a result of consuming strange food and unclean water.
a) Diarrhoea
b) Vomiting
c) Fever
d) Liver Damage
e) Malaria
It would also be smart to protect yourself against insect bites and to never swim in water which is not chlorinated.

Vaccines
Consult your doctor for the required vaccinations at least 6 weeks prior to your departure. We recommend these vaccines.
a) Hepatitis A & B
b) Japanese Encephalitis
c) Typhoid
d) Booster Shots for previously accquired vaccines.
e) One time polio vaccine dose for adults

What To Bring With You
Pack smart and you will not be left wanting for anything when you are overseas. Among your other items of clothing and equipment, we recommend these essential items.
a) Long sleeve shirt and pants to prevent insect bites between dusk and dawn.
b) Insect repellant containing DEET
c) Over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea medicine like Imodium
d) Iodine tablets and portable water filters, just in case
e) Sunblock and sunglasses
f ) A lasting supply of personal prescription medications and a copy of the prescription

How To Stay Healthy
You will get the most from your education if you learn to stay healthy. Follow these simple tips.
a) Drink only bottled or boiled water, or opt for canned or bottled drinks.
b) Eat healthy. Stay away from late night junk food binges during exam periods.
c) Protect yourself from insect bites by remaining in well-
screened areas, using insect repellant and keeping well covered in long sleeve shirts and long pants.
d) Prevent fungal and parasitic infections. Invest in a good pair of house slippers, and keep your feet clean and dry.

How To Avoid Getting Sick
Stay healthy by following these simple prevention tips.
a) Don’t eat food from street vendors
b) Don’t drink beverages with ice
c) Don’t handle animals especially monkeys, donkeys and cats to avoid bites and serious diseases

You cannot eliminate risk while overseas, but you can certainly minimize it!

a) Don’t drive
Foreign countries have different traffic laws. Driving styles also differ, making it difficult to anticipate potentially dangerous circumstances while on the road.

b) Practice caution always
Don’t go out at night alone and certainly never accept rides from strangers, or go home with one. Select well-lit areas to walk, especially at night.

c) Don’t use drugs
For obvious reasons! A prison or a death sentence would ruin your life. If it doesn’t, the drugs certainly will.

d) Be careful of strangers
Whether it’s a harmless looking grandpa or a helpful local, they may be out for just your money or more.

e) Be aware of current events
Be aware of what’s going on around you, or you may just find yourself participating in potentially dangerous political rallies without realizing it.

f) Don’t advertise yourself
Don’t attract attention to yourself by dressing and behaving like a foreigner. Obey local laws and pay respect to the local culture.

g) Women should take special precautions
Women should keep their doors and windows locked at all times. Be careful about making male friends and always walk away from uncomfortable situations.

h) Know the location of the embassy
Students are usually required to make contact with their local embassy or consulate when they begin their studies. Keep their contact details handy in case of emergencies.

i) Keep people informed
Always let someone know where you are going, whether it is for a few minutes or for a whole day.

j) When travelling with a laptop
Don’t carry your laptop in a laptop case as that is a clear signal for thieves to do their work. Always keep it close to you while travelling.

k) Health and travel insurance
Local medical insurance policies don’t always cover trips overseas. It would be wise to consult your insurance provider regarding travel insurance for students.
   
   
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