Kansas State University

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC is one of the best sources for information health abroad.  Searching by country will be bring up listings of recommended and required vaccines as well as potential health risks associated with that region of the world.

• Lafene Health Center Travel Clinic

A Travel Consult is available at the Lafene Allergy and Immunization Clinic to assist students, faculty, or staff who are traveling state side or beyond the borders of the United States. 

What to expect at your travel consultation?

The consultation will include:

• Individual review of vaccination requirements for the region being visited.
• Travel recommendations for the region based on current health and safety precautions.
• Worksheet completion listing requirements and recommendations.
• Referral to a physician for any medications, health assessment, or needed instruction.
• Vaccinations are available and may be initiated at the time of the initial consultation.

What to do and know ahead of time?

• Appointments should be scheduled well in advance (2-3 months) of the desired travel date because some vaccination requirements may take several months to be completed.
• An initial consult requires a thirty minute appointment.
• If vaccinations are to be given, allow for a sixty minute appointment time.
• If a physician visit is recommended, an appointment may be made after the initial consultation.
• Bring a record of prior immunizations to the initial appointment.
• Bring your completed Travel Clinic Form to your initial consult.

What is the cost?

There is no charge for travel clinic visits. Charges assessed include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Medication(s) purchased through the Lafene Pharmacy
• Vaccinations given at the Health Center
• Physical examinations given by the Health Center Staff
• Current prices for services, appointments or additional information may be obtained by calling 785-532-6544.

In some study abroad locations, students will find significant cultural differences in attitudes towards women.  Women may not be viewed as equals to men and may experience different treatment than in the U.S.  Men in other cultures may demonstrate their appraisal of a female student by staring, making verbal comments, following a woman on the street, or honking a car horn, for example.  At first, some women feel flattered, but for many women, the attention comes to be annoying.   Ignoring such attentions helps discourage them, and there are other ways students can reduce them.

In a different area, there are different social rules for women’s behavior.  Be careful not to send signals you don’t mean to send!  In the U.S., acting friendly towards a man is frequently a part of common courtesy, but may be misinterpreted abroad.  Be aware of the fact that in many countries, American women have the reputation of being “loose” or “easy.”  While Americans usually smile and make eye contact with strangers on the street and in other public settings, such behavior may bring unwanted invitations in other countries.  Accepting a drink in a bar could also mean something different than what you think it does.   In addition, you may want to dress more conservatively than you would in the U.S. – the tank tops you frequently wear in Manhattan may bring you increased attention. In general, watch the behavior of local women and take your cues from them.

Women should also practice the safety precautions they frequently take at home.  It is wise in both the U.S. and abroad to avoid walking alone late at night, or in certain neighborhoods.  It may be a good idea to team up with a friend when going to a party or bar where you may be consuming alcohol.  As in Manhattan, avoid drinking beverages that you haven’t opened yourself or gotten directly from a bartender or waiter.  If you put your drink down and leave it unattended, do not drink from it again!  If meeting someone you do not know well, always meet in a public place.

If an incident should occur, go to the hospital for medical attention and call the police.  If you chose not to go to the police you can still receive help from the Women’s Center at K-State and Counseling Services.  We encourage you to seek help through all avenues.

When you arrive in your host country ask the study abroad staff for tips on ways to minimize risk. 

Women’s Center
Phone: 785-532-6444
E-mail: womenscenter@ksu.edu

Counseling Services
Phone: 785-532-6927
E-mail: counsel@ksu.edu

Students who are members of minority groups (ethnic minorities, participants with disabilities, participants who are overweight, religious minorities, gay and lesbian students) may face particular challenges in the study-abroad setting. For example, African-American students in St. Petersburg and white students in the Dominican Republic may experience similar feelings of discomfort and may learn that host country nationals hold misconceptions about ethnic groups.

Non-visible minority groups, such as gay students in China or Japanese-American students in Japan may face different challenges. The gay student, who could be openly gay on the home campus, may feel pressure to modify his behavior in a culture where homosexuality is not accepted or is against the law.  For support, GLBT students can head to the NAFSA Rainbow Special Interest Group, particularly designed for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students abroad. 

For some students, the culture shock may be double: students can be in the minority in their own group of study abroad students as well as in the host culture.  Study abroad advisors and resident staffs are sensitive to these issues and will provide as much information and support as possible.

Office of Diversity 
Phone: 785-532-6276
E- mail: ddcd@ksu.edu

Students with physical disabilities can find support and tips through Mobility International found on the web.  Students with learning disabilities should let their program know before they arrive so that arrangements can be made to accommodate special needs.

Disability Support Services
Phone: 785-532-6441
E-mail: dss@ksu.edu