Health (physical and mental)

• Adequate travel insurance must be in place as well as an understanding of what is covered (medically).
• Visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Ensure vaccination courses and boosters have been obtained for regions visiting; check recommendations by the NHS, FCO, MASTA.
• Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
• Observe basic hygiene rules, for example, always wash your hands after going to the lavatory, before handling food and before eating.
• If you have had first aid training then give details.
• Agree that you will ensure dental work is carried out prior to the commencement of your trip to reduce risk from contaminated needles.

Stress and personal safety:

• You are unlikely to be too far from Wi-Fi/internet cafe and means to stay in contact. A quick chat, or an e-mail with somebody at home can often relieve the most stressful situation.
• You should have also setup a contact frequency with someone at the University – supervisor if postgraduate or director of studies/senior tutor if undergraduate.
• There are many useful links found in the section below that provide information about how to deal with mental wellbeing factors that can also apply when studying or working away – please ensure that you familiarise yourself with services that you can use.
• If the type of work that you are undertaking is likely to have an impact on your mental wellbeing then you will need to describe in detail precautionary measures that you can take to combat this. Your supervisor, Occupational Health, the Disability Resource Centre and other online resources below can help with this.
• Be explicit in steps that you will take to avoid emotional distress.

Pre-existing medical conditions & personal fitness:

• Ensure that you have sufficient supplies of prescriptions or medicines to cover delays or lack of availability. How much can be carried to where you are going and where can more be obtained if not all required medication can be taken?
• What measures will be put in place to reduce the risk of a medical condition being exacerbated? E.g. staying out of the heat, working for shorter periods of time or taking extra breaks.
• If you have a medical condition that requires you to be within a certain proximity to medical facilities you should include how you propose to stay within access.

Practical work:

• List any mitigation measures you will put in place to reduce the risk of physical injury as a result of practical work e.g. extra training you have received.
• Include how you will reduce possible risk to others, for example, opportunity to opt out of studies, rigorous preliminary checks done to ensure that participants can cope with the demands of practical studies.
• How will you cope with the physical demands of practical studies?
• If the work that you will be doing is routine work that you also carry out in Cambridge then use the control measures section of your form to explain this including what steps you usually take to reduce risk.
• If there are different regulations/health and safety requirements around practical work in the region you are visiting what have you done to prepare for this? Demonstrate that you understand fully what is expected of you and how this may differ to similar work that you do routinely in Cambridge.
• How will you ensure you are adequately supported in carrying out practical work? Is there a colleague or another student who will be assisting you?
• Will the host institution/employer acquaint you with all site rules?
• Will you be health and safety trained on site/by the employer?

Significant infectious disease:

• Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro.
• List measures that will be taken to avoid risk of infection with disease e.g. insect repellent, avoidance of certain areas.
• Carry appropriate hygiene supplies and medicines which may not be available locally. If you are visiting a developing country you need to take sensible precautions to protect yourself against HIV. These include taking with you sterile needles, syringes, gloves and dressings. Be aware of the potential for blood products to be contaminated.
• Be aware of the symptoms of viruses prominent in the area. In case of developing any go to a local doctor or hospital immediately.

Foodborne/waterborne illness:

• Take a first aid kit and lots of provisions to deal with the symptoms of food poisoning (e.g. Imodium, rehydration salts etc.).
• If you are visiting a remote location your doctor may be able to prescribe antibiotics for you to take in the event of severe diarrhoea or other infections.
• If you have any doubts about the water available for drinking, washing food or cleaning teeth, boil it or sterilise it with disinfectant tablets, or use bottled water in sealed containers (preferably carbonated).
• Avoid ice unless you are sure it is made from treated and chlorinated water. This includes ice used to keep food cool as well as ice in drinks.
• Eat fresh, thoroughly cooked food that is still piping hot. Avoid food likely to have been exposed to flies or that has been kept warm.
• Eat at secure, reputable restaurants – explain how you will identify these e.g. from asking locals or a guide which restaurants are safe to eat at or using online sources.
• Know your alcohol limit. Always keep your drink in sight.
• If you have any food allergies you should include what measures you will take to avoid a dangerous reaction, for example, medication you will take with you in case of ingestion, details of allergies kept on your person – translated if necessary.

Facilities/Emergency Services:

• Take into account that facilities at private clinics may be better than at government hospitals.
• Indicate, by listing, that you are aware of all emergency service numbers and understand emergency procedures and what is expected from you in case of emergency.
• If there is no local hospital then you should indicate the quickest route to the nearest one including a backup route in case of crisis affecting transport.
• Indicate what you will do to mitigate the risk of poor hygiene at accommodation. For example, take a sleeping liner if there is a risk of poorly sanitised bedding.