The chance to study abroad comes but once in a lifetime, which means that you should do everything possible to ensure that you can make the most of your trip. A major issue that could put a damper on your multicountry adventure is sickness, as it may leave you feeling so wiped out and crummy that you won't have really be able to take in all the sights and experiences that each city has to offer. Bearing this in mind, you will want to take the utmost care of yourself so that you stay in good health and have enough energy to explore every destination to its fullest.
Just think about what happens when you fall ill at home – it can take every ounce of strength out of you, right? Well, however bad that may be, you can always spend all day recuperating in bed and eating chicken soup. When you are traveling overseas, you won't necessarily have that luxury. Not to mention, the last way you want to pass your time abroad is couped up in your hotel room rather than being out and about, drinking in all the culture that different portions of the world may unveil.
Steer clear of unclean restaurants
While contracting a cold could always happen, especially during transatlantic flights, the most significant threat you need to avoid during your study abroad program is food poisoning. Food storage and preparation habits vary from place to place, though European nations are generally very good about keeping their restaurants clean. This means that you don't have much worrying to do, but you still have to exercise smart judgment to determine whether a particular eatery is subpar in terms of health standards.
That being said, Americans tend to be vigilant with their refrigeration practices, other countries' approach may be more lax. The same goes for sanitation. Bearing this in mind, you may want to eat items like sandwiches that are on display in cases and that contain meat or dairy products earlier in the day to guarantee that they are still fresh. On top of that, there are a lot of traditional dishes that boast raw meat or fish, such as carpaccio or ceviche. These foods are prepared with natural acids like citrus juices to rid them of bacteria. Other than these dishes, you should really be certain that these ingredients are cooked all the way through. If a restaurant doesn't look particularly clean, then you will want to avoid eating these foods altogether.
Get basic exercise and supplement up
After using your discretion when eating out during your international learning experience, you can take extra precautions to guarantee your health is in tip-top shape. By packing some vitamins and supplements, you may be able to maintain an optimal level of energy and encourage your overall well-being. For instance, yogi Seane Corn told The Daily Traveler that she brings iron and B12 pills, which tend to give her a boost of energy and leave her feeling fully charged so she can take on whichever adventures are at hand. In addition, Corn takes acidophilus – a probiotic – so that her digestive system is not thrown off by her travels.
Although you may want to dedicate every waking moment of your study abroad experience to sightseeing, it could be beneficial to your health to carve out some time to exercise. If you don't feel like hauling your running gear overseas, then you should still make an effort to take a long walk around the city each day. This way, you can explore your latest surroundings, breathe in some fresh air and have a healthy dose of exercise.