It is essential that your family keep the Study Abroad team informed of any changes in your child ’ s health before departure . YFU USA will need to relay all new health related information to the National Office of the host country .
MEDICAL TREATMENT WHILE ABROAD
Medical treatment and orthodontic work is available overseas ; however , in some countries , different systems and types of treatment are used . Your child ’ s host family may be able to recommend specialists in their local area ; it is always best to consider services that are convenient for the host family . The United States embassy overseas can also provide a list of local English-speaking doctors .
Pre-Departure Checklist
□ Apply for your passport .
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Get any required immunizations .
□ Get a letter from your physician about any restrictive condition . Send this to YFU USA .
□□Get copies of prescriptions ( medications , eyeglasses ) to carry to host country . Get extra medication you will need while abroad .
□□Talk to your school about its requirements for accepting school credit from your host country . Get any forms you may need to be signed by your school abroad .
□□Complete all visa requirements . Start the process now !
□□Get a two-language dictionary for English and your host country ' s language .
□□Choose some small gifts to bring for your host family and new friends .
□□Choose the “ things from home ” you would like to take with you while on exchange .
□□Get an ATM card , as well as foreign currency to take with you .
□□Plan with your natural parents how and when they will send you money and determine a budget .
□□Attend all orientation meetings or programs provided by YFU - contact Study Abroad for more information .
□□Pack your luggage so its size and weight are acceptable to the airline . Be sure you can carry your luggage by yourself . Don ' t forget your YFU luggage tag ( s ).
□□Put a YFU tag on each piece of your luggage . Write your name and address of your host family on each tag . Also put a tag with your name and host family ' s address inside each piece of luggage . Pack health insurance information .
□□Prepare a packet to carry with you on the plane that includes the following : airline ticket / e-ticket itinerary , passport , Visa Form , the YFU emergency travel number ( 1.800.705.9510 ), special medical information from your physi cian ( if needed ), and your host family ' s contact information .
□□Your host family has been selected based on what you wrote on your application . If anything has changed ( smoking , health , other important information ), write to your YFU Admission Counselor and explain .
20 - Study Abroad Family Handbook