You asked, we answered: Top five questions SIT’s Student Health, Safety, and Well-being team receive

April 3rd, 2025   |   SIT, SIT Graduate Institute, SIT Study Abroad

Traveling abroad is exciting and life-changing, whether you’re joining an SIT Study Abroad program or becoming a student at SIT Graduate Institute. However, there are questions that arise while you’re preparing for your adventure. SIT's Student Health, Safety, and Well-being (SHSW) staff are here to help, and they assist students with resources and support throughout their programs. Student health, safety, and security are our highest priorities, and having access to the right information ensures SIT students are set up for success abroad. Here are the top five questions SHSW staff receive.

What will access to health care or emergency care look like on my program?

Our travel insurance provider, GeoBlue, has a global network of doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers that students have access to. Students are also covered 100% for any accidents or illnesses they might encounter while abroad. Families can visit our Participant Insurance page for more info. Accessing care will look similar to accessing care in the U.S. Students will make an appointment with an in-network or out-of-network provider, call GeoBlue to request a guarantee of payment, go to their appointment, and file a claim for reimbursement if they didn't receive a guarantee of payment. There is no deductible, and students can see any provider they wish. GeoBlue has an app that lists in-network providers by location if students want to see one of their providers.

Additionally, SIT has mental health resources available to students. Living abroad offers exciting academic and personal challenges, including the experience of adapting to another culture. The cultural adjustment process requires psychological flexibility in the face of sometimes different customs, beliefs, and living conditions. The adjustment process, with all its ups and downs, is a manageable experience for most participants, but occasionally preexisting health conditions can become exacerbated in new settings or new conditions can emerge. SIT students have access to several different options for mental health and counseling support. Options available through GeoBlue for routine, ongoing counseling are fully covered by SIT’s student health insurance. SIT mental health consultants are available for scheduled support conversations as needed.

How do I travel with my medications, and how do I get access to my medications abroad?

SIT always recommends that students bring a full four-month supply of all their prescription medications to their program as some medications are not available in their host country. Students are instructed to have a signed doctor’s note listing all medications and quantities to travel through customs and border patrol. If a student runs out of medication, we can connect them with GeoBlue to get a doctor's appointment and new prescription. Some medications, like ADHD medications, are harder to acquire abroad.

SHSW staff are always available to support students navigating the process if they need additional medication. Students are encouraged to work with our health and wellbeing manager and GeoBlue prior to departure to learn if their medication is available or considered a controlled substance in their program country. SHSW can also address any student concerns of not having enough medication before departure.

Can this program support my dietary restrictions and if so, what does that look like?

Certain dietary restrictions may be easier to support, depending on location and local diet, but our health and wellbeing manager works one-on-one with students, laying out the realities and challenges of supporting certain dietary restrictions so that students can make informed choices. During the confirmation process, we encourage students to reach out to SHSW if they have any medical or religious dietary requirements so we can explore program options and secure a homestay family that can fit their needs.

How can I get more involved with my local community while abroad?

There are many ways students can get involved with their local community abroad. For most, this comes through activities done with their host family. Our program centers provide ideas and suggestions on other ways students can get involved: joining a local gym or sports team, or doing activities like dance classes or cooking classes. Many of our programs collaborate with local universities and local college students, so there are numerous opportunities for students to get involved and build their own community away from home.

Will there be opportunities for solo travel?

Yes! Students on all programs are allowed to travel independently and internationally during program free time. Many students plan trips together, have family members or friends visit, or travel to meet up with extended family. If families want any information on our safety practices, they can read our independent travel policy.

Still have questions? Visit https://www.sit.edu/health-safety/ to learn more about SIT’s SHSW initiatives and resources.