You’ve been accepted into your study abroad program. The flights are booked, your accommodation is sorted, and you’re already imagining weekend trips across Europe, beach days in Australia, or exploring night markets in Southeast Asia.

But while most students spend months researching classes, visas, and packing lists, many forget one important thing: their health.

Studying abroad isn’t the same as taking a one-week vacation. You’ll be living in a new country for months, trying unfamiliar foods, navigating new healthcare systems, and potentially travelling to multiple destinations during your time abroad.

At Virtual Travel Clinic, we help Canadian travellers prepare for international adventures with personalized travel health advice, vaccine recommendations, and travel prescriptions, all through convenient virtual appointments.

Do Students Really Need Study Abroad Vaccines?

Short answer: Usually, yes.

Many students assume they don’t need to think about vaccines because they’re young, healthy, and travelling to countries that seem safe.

The reality is that every destination comes with different health risks.

While some countries have excellent healthcare systems, you may still be exposed to illnesses that aren’t commonly seen in Canada. Factors such as local food and water standards, mosquito exposure, animal contact, and regional disease outbreaks can all affect your travel health recommendations.

The good news? Most travel-related illnesses can be prevented with proper preparation.

A travel health consultation helps identify which study abroad vaccines and travel medications may be appropriate for your specific destination, travel style, and length of stay.

Why Travel Health Matters for International Students

One of the biggest differences between studying abroad and taking a vacation is the length of time you’ll be away.

When you’re spending several months overseas, your exposure to potential health risks naturally increases. 

You may be: 

• Living in student residences
• Using public transportation daily
• Travelling to neighbouring countries
• Eating local street food
• Participating in outdoor activities
• Visiting rural areas during school breaks

These experiences are often the highlights of studying abroad, but they can also introduce health risks that require additional preparation.

Common Health Risks Students Face While Studying Abroad

Food and Water-Borne Illnesses

Trying local cuisine is one of the best parts of travelling.

Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common ways travellers become sick.

Traveller’s diarrhea, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid can all be transmitted through contaminated food or water in certain parts of the world.

This doesn’t mean you should avoid local food altogether. It simply means understanding the risks at your destination and preparing appropriately before departure.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Depending on where you’re studying, mosquito-borne illnesses may be a concern.

Certain destinations throughout Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America may present risks for illnesses such as:

• Malaria
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Dengue Fever

If your program includes rural travel, volunteer placements, field work, or extensive outdoor activities, additional precautions may be recommended.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Even in developed countries, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases still occur.

Measles outbreaks, for example, continue to occur worldwide, making routine vaccine updates especially important for students spending extended periods abroad.

Animal Exposure

Many students spend time hiking, backpacking, or exploring rural regions during their studies.

Animal bites and scratches can happen unexpectedly, especially when travelling in areas with stray dogs, monkeys, or wildlife.

Depending on your destination and planned activities, Rabies vaccination may be worth discussing during your consultation.

Study Abroad Vaccines: What’s Commonly Recommended?

Travel vaccine recommendations vary by destination, but some vaccines are more commonly recommended for international students than others.

Your recommendations will depend on factors such as:

• Destination
• Length of stay
• Accommodation type
• Planned activities
• Previous vaccination history
• Personal health considerations

This is why personalized travel advice is so important.

Ready to travel with confidence? Book your travel consultation today.

Travel Prescriptions Students Should Know About

Vaccines are only one piece of travel health planning.

Depending on where you’re studying, certain travel prescriptions may also be recommended.

Malaria Prevention

If you’re travelling to a malaria-risk area, preventive medication may be recommended.

Options may include:

• Malarone
• Doxycycline
• Mefloquine

Your healthcare provider will help determine which option best suits your itinerary and medical history.

Traveller’s Diarrhea Medications

Nobody wants to spend a week of their semester abroad stuck in bed.

For certain destinations, clinicians may recommend carrying medications such as:

• Azithromycin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Loperamide

Having these available can provide peace of mind while travelling.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Planning a trip to Peru during reading break? Heading to high-altitude regions in South America?

Altitude sickness can affect even healthy travellers.

Ready to Focus on Your Studies, Not Your Health Concerns?

Booking your travel health consultation is quick and easy. 

1. Book online
   Choose a time that works for your schedule.
2. Complete your pre-travel questionnaire
   Tell us where you’re going and what your travel plans look like.
3. Meet virtually with a travel health professional
   We’ll review your destination, discuss any recommended vaccines or travel prescriptions, and answer your questions.
4. Receive your recommendations
   If medications are recommended, prescriptions can be sent directly to your local pharmacy.

We’ll review your destination, discuss any recommended study abroad vaccines or travel prescriptions, and help you prepare for a healthy semester abroad. 

Book your consultation today or give us a call at 1 833-359-4669.

FAQ’s