B. Advise participants that traveling abroad can cause psychological stress, especially as the participants’ daily routine is likely to change. Inform participants about jet lag and sleeping adjustments, change of diet, possible lack of exercise, homesickness, loneliness, language barriers and culture shock. C. Direct participants to carry the following with them at all times: any personal medications that they require, international insurance cards, passport, visas (if required) and emergency contact information. Remind participants to be mindful of any prescription drug or over-the-counter medication program they take and to plan with their medical provider and insurance carrier to ensure an adequate supply for the duration of their time abroad; some prescriptions and over-the- counter medicines are not obtainable abroad. Remind participants to use caution when purchasing or using unfamiliar over-the-counter medications. D. Advise participants that food and water-borne illnesses are a common ailment for travelers in many parts of the world where water sanitation and hygiene are different. Often, intestinal problems results from ingesting food or drinks that contain contaminated particles. Trip supervisors should inform participants if the water supply at the international location is potable or if participants should treat the water before drinking it (or using it for teeth-brushing). Iced beverages may also not be safe, depending on the water the ice was made with, so caution should be advised. Fresh fruits should be washed and peeled carefully. Food prepared without proper hand washing and food that is sitting out and exposed to flies and bacteria or unrefrigerated for a period of time may become contaminated. Careful attention to food and drink can prevent sickness. The trip supervisor needs to direct all participants to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travel Smart: Get Vaccinated site for additional information: cdc.gov/features/vaccines-travel/index.html . E. Remind participants to take necessary precautions during times of extreme temperatures. For instance, when it is hot, participants should stay hydrated, wear light clothing and use sunscreen if there is sun exposure. F. Trip supervisors are required to discuss with participants that alcohol use and misuse while abroad is a risk. Although alcohol may be legal at a younger age abroad, its use and abuse are many times tied to students being victims of crime, violence, accident and injury. Drug use abroad can result in severe legal and judicial consequences, including arrest and imprisonment in that country. G. Advise participants that traffic rules vary in different countries and remind participants to use caution when crossing busy streets. H. Remind participants that cultural expectations related to gender may differ internationally. Trip supervisors should inform participants about local customs
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