Health

One should be in good health before coming to Beijing. Visit your doctor, your dentist, your eye doctor, and any specialist you are seeing for a check-up prior to departure. No vaccines are required for China; however several are recommended. It is best to check with the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov for the most recent news.

SOS International Medical Assistance provides emergency medical assistance and evacuations. Health insurance is required of all students. If you are currently insured through a school policy or a family policy make sure that policy covers you in China. If you need insurance, many companies have special insurance for students studying abroad. Consult your Study Abroad Office or call our office in Chicago for additional information. Bring your insurance information with you.

Normally you will not need malaria or rabies vaccine for where the group travels but it is good to read the CDC recommendations. It is best to consult your doctor and then make your own decision. Bring your prescription medication with you. If you are currently on a medication, bring a supply with you. Be sure to pack needed medicine in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is delayed. Many prescriptions can be filled at the pharmacies in Beijing but it’s safer to bring a supply along. Although you can find most over the counter medications in Beijing, many students prefer to bring along their own supply of anti-diarrhea medicine for the first month of travel, as a precaution.

Safety

Beijing is very safe compared to any major American city. Many students remark that they feel safer in Beijing than in the cities at their home universities. Chinese people are very curious towards Western students and want to present the best face of China at all times. Any infraction of that would be a loss of face - a serious offense. Nevertheless, as in any major city, crimes do occur and students should always be careful.