Adjusting to US Environment
When traveling abroad, you always have to be ready for extreme or unfamiliar conditions. You might have an upset stomach or other digestive problems in the first few days as your body gets adapted to the climate and the food. It is even common to catch a cold. You may also have trouble adapting to the altitude if you are going to a mountainous area. Even the most seasoned travelers and the fittest athletes have to deal with these problems when they leave their country. These discomforts can, however, be controlled. Here are a few tips to help you adjust.
- Take it easy for the first few days or a week. Your body will need to rest if it is to adapt to local conditions.
- Get enough sleep.
- Wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes in order not to come in contact and be infected with various viruses.
- Medication for headaches, colds, upset stomach, minor injuries, and other ailments is readily available in the United States. It is not always advisable to bring medication from home into the United States since some restrictions apply. The pharmacist at any drugstore can assist you in finding medication for your needs.
- If you are going to a warm area, wear a hat on sunny days to avoid sunstroke, use sunscreen to protect your skin against sunburn, and drink a lot of liquids (nonalcoholic and without caffeine) to prevent dehydration.
- Contact your international student adviser to find the location of the nearest medical clinic. Most universities maintain a health clinic on campus.
Campus Health Clinics
Most colleges and universities in the United States have a clinic, an infirmary, or some other form of health care service for students, though usually not for their families. The "health fee" the student pays each term goes toward providing such services. Therefore, the services provided are often free or offered at a greatly reduced cost.
Health Insurance Plans: If the university or college you attend does not offer a health insurance plan, it is extremely important that you obtain coverage of your own to protect yourself against potentially very high medical costs.
There are countless numbers of health insurance companies and each has numerous plans. Also discuss health insurance plans with your international student adviser, either through correspondence or when you arrive on campus.
Health Insurance Plans: If the university or college you attend does not offer a health insurance plan, it is extremely important that you obtain coverage of your own to protect yourself against potentially very high medical costs.
There are countless numbers of health insurance companies and each has numerous plans. Also discuss health insurance plans with your international student adviser, either through correspondence or when you arrive on campus.
