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Gap Year/Study Abroad

Many college students choose to study abroad. With plenty of advance planning, your bleeding disorder doesn’t have to stand in your way. When thinking about studying abroad, consider the same questions you had when choosing a school away from home.

Choosing a Study Abroad Program

Visit your school's Study Abroad Office long before you want to travel. It’s a great resource. In addition to giving you information on the programs your school runs in other countries, a study abroad advisor will also be able to tell you about other programs that may fit your needs.

You’ll want to think carefully about where you want to study. Talk to your study abroad advisor, and maybe even do some research on your own.

Here are some considerations:

  • What country do you want to study in? Besides considering your ability to speak that country’s language, the classes offered, and the cultural experience, think about which locations will be best for you medically.
    • What is your plan for delivery of factor and other medications? Other countries may have different laws about shipping medications from overseas.
    • Will you be able to store your factor? If you are studying in the middle of the desert or in a remote location, you might want to make sure a refrigerator is available to store your factor products, if necessary.

For travel research, go to Travel.

Is there access to good medical care? Will you be permitted to carry a portable emergency kit?

  • Will you be in an environment where you can infuse safely?
  • How will you get to class each day? What will your daily routine be like? If you have a bleed or sustain an injury, will you be able to use public transportation to get where you need to go?
  • There may be extra costs associated with studying abroad.
    • Check with your school and study abroad advisor. You may be able to cover these costs through grants and scholarships.
  • Consider how studying abroad may affect your end-of-school requirements, such as your finishing credits, internship/community service, and finding a job.
Leave yourself plenty of time to plan for studying abroad.

Before You Go Overseas

Investigate your insurance options. If your current plan doesn’t cover you while you are out of the country, you may want to purchase additional travel and/or evacuation insurance. This type of insurance will cover visits to the doctor or hospital and any medication or other health care costs you may have, including transportation back to the United States.