Most students on study abroad will have three insurance policies. Each student, in collaboration with family and/or friends, assesses the level of insurance provided by their own primary health insurance coupled with the supplemental emergency international health insurance provided by CMC and the student’s program provider, to determine whether these levels of insurance are adequate. Any additional insurance is at the student’s discretion and expense.
- Students maintain their primary health insurance while on study abroad, as required by The Claremont Colleges. Students with a family, state or personal insurance plan work directly with the Dean of Student’s office to waive The Claremont Colleges’ Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each summer, just as they do when studying on campus.
- Study abroad students will receive supplemental emergency medical and evacuation insurance through The Claremont Colleges International Travel Insurance. This is a supplemental policy and students must maintain a primary insurance plan as noted above. The supplemental coverage extends two weeks before and after the official dates of the study abroad program.
- Nearly all students will also have supplemental insurance through their program provider or enroll in national health insurance through their host country. Information about this will be included in pre-departure information issued by the program provider.
Students should not rely on international mail or local pharmacies to refill current prescriptions while abroad. Instead, students are encouraged to work with their primary care physician and insurance provider to obtain a full semester’s supply to carry with them on their flight. Program provider advisors are able to assist with host country laws as well as answer questions about access to prescriptions while in the host country. Students should not stop or alter their ongoing prescription medications while on study abroad.
Many students are very excited during their first few weeks in a new country. It is not unusual, however, for students to experience culture stress accompanied by actual physical symptoms. For some students this may happen right away while for others it may not happen until later in the semester. Please know that culture stress is a normal part of adjustment to a new situation and, with some persistence, this stage does pass. Each of the host-country programs have on-site staff, administrators, and faculty who are able to assist students with academic challenges, medical needs, and emotional concerns. They have the local understanding of what it means to be an international student on the program and the cultural stressors that arise because of it. Additionally, they have access to local English-speaking medical professionals when circumstances warrant. As CMC students, TimelyCare (24/7 virtual care, self-care, and well being tools) is still available while on study abroad.
One question most students ask is, “How can I expect to be viewed and treated, especially based upon my identity?” This is an excellent starting point in selecting a study abroad program but actually living in and with the host culture norms and attitudes may cause a student to explore these questions at a deeper level. No matter a student’s race, size, religion, socio-economic background, hair color, gender identity, or who they love, at CGE we strive to keep our students educated and safe. Again, the on-site staff and faculty are the best resources for students abroad. Political correctness may not be a cultural norm in the host country. Language nuances considered rude or inappropriate at home may not be equally viewed so abroad. Actions deemed safe at home may not be safe everywhere abroad. Indeed, laws and human rights may also be viewed and valued differently. It is important to remember to research the local city, review local laws and cultural norms, and attend program arrival orientations and guides on identity and safety abroad. Your program advisor and on-site staff are great resources for personalized guidance, whether pre-arrival or while abroad respectively.
In addition to CMC Study Abroad Alumni on campus, other resources include but are not limited to: