While disabilities by no means should prevent any person from traveling abroad, they can present a challenge in mobility and accessibility. It is important to do extra research on the intended host country and programs, to make sure that accommodations can be adjusted according to need. Please contact Sherrie Borowsky, Coordinator of Disability Services at Haverford, and use these links for further resources.
Health
Preparedness is paramount in a traveler’s ability to ensure a safe trip abroad.
All students and faculty traveling abroad through Haverford are required to have insurance that covers them throughout the travel experience.
Traveling abroad can be physically and mentally demanding, and illness or injury is always possible. All people traveling abroad through Haverford should receive a physical examination by a physician and a mental health practitioner, as needed. In addition, it may be necessary to receive vaccinations or travel medication (anti-malarials, etc.), depending on the host country.
Students should also contact their on-campus program advisor before departure to discuss any special medical conditions that may affect their participation in the program. When you travel, bring copies of prescriptions, and a medical authorization for any special medical equipment.
Travelers' Health
The Center for Disease Control offers comprehensive health resources for those traveling abroad.
Health Services
Haverford Health Services offers a variety of immunizations and testing.
- Disabilities and Travel Abroad
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Medical Consent for Domestic Partners
Medical consent and visitation laws vary by country, but same-sex partners rarely have any legal standing when it comes to emergency hospitalization. If you are critically injured abroad, your partner may not be able to make medical decisions on your behalf, or even visit you in some circumstances. A Medical Power of Attorney is a simple legal document that confers in many countries the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf to anyone of your choosing. After having a lawyer draft the document for you, be sure to travel with notarized copies.
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Study Abroad Pre-Departure Handbook
Designed for students traveling abroad through Haverford's approved Study Abroad programs, the health and safety information contained inside is helpful for all travelers, regardless of age. Refer to this guide for information and advice on topics like vaccinations and immunizations, physical and mental health abroad, remedies for travelers’ diarrhea, documentation to carry with you while abroad, LGBTQ health and safety abroad, and sexual health.
The most current version of the Pre-Departure Guide can be found on Study Abroad: Planning.