Health and Safety Information

All students are required to complete a health clearance appointment between 90 and 45 days before departure to receive medical advice and a clearance to ensure that students are physically and mentally prepared for the journey ahead. Please refer to the Health Clearance Form for instructions. Students can make an appointment with their primary provider who knows your health needs or the Pepperdine Student Health Center (free for office visits and low cost immunizations).

Health Clearance Process Steps

• When you are directed to do so by International Programs, make an appointment with the student health center, your doctor, a local urgent care center, or at another facility of your choice.
• Print out the Health Clearance Form and bring it to your appointment. This is a good time to discuss questions like:
  • Do I need any additional vaccines or other medications before my trip?
  • What is the best way for me to access my prescriptions abroad?
  • How can I stay healthy while traveling in this location and in surrounding countries?
  • Are there any particular health concerns related to this location that I should be aware of?
  • Will I need additional clearance from a specialist before going abroad?
• Follow the instructions on page one. Be sure that the medical practitioner completes page two, including signing, dating and stamping the form. Be sure that you have signed and dated page two of the form. If your doctor determines you need a specialist's review, you will need to get additional authorization from them on page two.
• When your health clearance form is complete, take a photo or scan and upload it to etrieve (log in to etrieve and search for "IP Study Abroad Health Clearance" then follow the prompts). You must turn in your health clearance form between 90 and 45 days prior to your program departure. The exact deadline to complete this varies by program. 

HEALTH FORM FAQS:
I attended an IP program in the past. Is my old Health Form still valid?

Health Clearance Forms are valid for 365 days from the date the doctor signed them, and must be valid for the entirety of your time abroad. If you think your previous health form is still valid, please contact us to confirm.

I'm going abroad this summer and next year. Will my Health Form cover both programs?

See previous question. Your health form must cover you for the entire time you are abroad. Contact us if you have additional questions about this.

How will I know when you have received and approved my Health Form?

We will process Health Forms on a rolling basis and will contact you if there are any issues with your submission.

Can I email it to you/turn in a paper form?

No. We only accept Health Clearance Forms via etrieve.

What if I have additional questions about accessing healthcare in my abroad location?

We encourage all students to call our international travel concierge service, International SOS, before going abroad. It's free! Just call 1-215-942-8226.

All International Programs students who study outside of the United States are automatically enrolled in GeoBlue health services which are accessible through contacting International SOS (our trusted international travel concierge services company). 

GeoBlue health services:

• GeoBlue provides coverage up to $250k per person per year and covers routine, preexisting, and emergency care abroad.  No deductible or copay for office visits, inpatient/outpatient hospital services, or emergency services (if reasonable expenses). View GeoBlue's summary of benefits and exclusions for additional details. 

• Visit our finance page for GeoBlue cost information (refer to the 'global health fee').

• Students simply contact International SOS through a phone call, email, or chat message through an app and International SOS will provide health advice, telemedicine, or can arrange for an appointment with a local GeoBlue medical provider.

• GeoBlue health service premiums are charged to students' Pepperdine accounts.

• Students are covered with GeoBlue 30 days outside of their semester program dates (before, after, or a combination). Academic year students are covered with GeoBlue for 30 days outside of their fall and then 30 days outside of their spring semester dates (a total of 60 days). Similarly, a student studying in 2 study abroad programs in the same summer will have 30 days of coverage outside of their program dates for each program.
• Students should purchase their own international health insurance coverage since we cannot extend GeoBlue coverage. 

Reimbursement Process:

• In the event a student must pay for office visits, prescriptions, or tests, they should seek reimbursement directly from GeoBlue by using the GeoBlue claim form. The claim form should be sent to customerservice@geo-blue.com.  Visit GeoBlue's contact page for further support.
• Students submitting a claim for trip interruption due to an infectious disease must fill out the PDTI Form. 
• Students will need to communicate their GeoBlue plan number which students received via their Pepperdine email to providers.

Local Program Health Fees (all fees posted to a student's account)

Depending on the program, additional locally mandated health fees may apply. Below is a summary of programs and their local health fees:

• Florence (All Terms): Required by the government to pay a local emergency health insurance fee.
• London (Academic Year Only): Required by the government to pay a national health fee which enables them to access National Health Services (NHS) in The UK. Non-US passport holders studying for one semester may need to pay for NHS services.
• Switzerland (All Terms): Required by the government to be enrolled in a health plan that meets specific coverage areas
• Heidelberg (Academic Year, Fall and Spring): Required by the government
• Select faculty led summer programs: View details on each program page

International Programs participants in the Washington, D.C. program or other U.S.-based locations can take advantage of a number of Pepperdine health and wellness resources including virtual health care services, online fitness classes, and resillience-informed skills education programs (in-person mental health care providers available in Washington, D.C.).

Pepperdine provides all IP program participants with an emergency travel assistance program through International SOS. All participants are automatically enrolled in this program. International SOS provides the following types of support:

• Health, safety, and travel advice
• Cultural advice
• Assistance with passport replacement
• Medical assistance, including on-call doctors and nurses, referrals for medical care, and guarantee of payment for medical expenses
• Emergency assistance

We strongly encourage all students to contact International SOS during their pre-trip preparation process to discuss safety and health information. This is a free service. 

International SOS also offers free medical tele-consulting if using the International SOS Assistance App available in your smartphone's app store.

International SOS has several global customer service centers . The U.S. office can be reached at philadelphia@internationalsos.com or 1-215-942-8226

Pepperdine does not pay for student travel insurance. As stated in our IP Student Handbook, Pepperdine will not reimburse students for personal travel costs in the event a program is suspended. Therefore, students should consider purchasing their own travel insurance to cover any and all associated costs with their personal travel (e.g., flights, hotels, activities). Flight insurance or refundable tickets may be available for purchase through Pepperdine's travel partner - Corniche Travel. 

If you have pre-existing medical problems you should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic name of prescribed drugs. Any medications you carry overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Some U.S. prescription medications are illegal in foreign countries.  Whenever possible, carry enough medication to last your entire time abroad.

Please review the CDC destination guide to understand basic immunization and medication information by country. Look at all destinations you are planning to apply to as well. 

If the CDC destination guide does not speak to your specific medication(s), please email Pepperdine's trusted travel health and safety partner (International SOS) at philadelphia@internationalsos.com or 1-215-942-8226 and ask your questions including the following: 

• Can medication(s) be obtained in countries I am traveling to?
• What is needed to transport these medications overseas (i.e., prescription information, letter from doctor, etc.)?
• Can medication be shipped from my home country to my host country?
• If not legal or available in countries I am traveling to, what are your suggestions on other solutions?

All students studying outside of the United States may access mental health services by contacting International SOS at 1-215-942-8226 and will be matched with an approved provider and will receive mental health solutions. Washington D.C. students are provided with contact information for a locally-based mental health provider. 

All students are required to complete a health clearance process and vaccines should be discussed while meeting with a health care professional. Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (aka Yellow Card) or other proof that they have had certain inoculations or medical tests before entering or transiting their country.  Therefore, International Programs strongly recommends students carry an International Certificate of Vaccination with them to their program location. Students can consult with Pepperdine's Student Health Center (extension 4316, option 3) and they provide select immunizations to students from low to no cost. As additional resources, students can review the US Department of State's country specific information and refer to the CDC website for a list of appropriate immunizations. 

An Introduction
Our desire is for all Seaver students to take part in our nationally renowned study abroad programs. To this end, Pepperdine has created information to assist students in decision making regarding service animals and their study abroad opportunities. Every campus location and locations students choose to travel internationally have their own local disability guidelines. American Disability Act (ADA) policies and guidelines are not extraterritorial (not applied internationally) so it is important for students to understand the realities of bringing a service dog to various international contexts. Please note that while Pepperdine assists students with accommodating service animals abroad, students are not able to bring emotional support animals to international study abroad locations (Washington D.C. students may inquire with OSA about the possibility of bringing emotional support animals to D.C.).

Questions Students Should Consider:
What should a student planning to bring a service dog abroad consider?

1. Review airline, TSA, and customs policies on flying with service dogs before making a decision on whether or not you would like to study abroad to that location.
2. Consult with a veterinarian to make sure the animal is healthy enough to travel abroad and how to monitor the animal's health and safety while in transit.
3. To learn how to reenter the US with a service animal, we recommend viewing the CDC website and US Dept. of Agriculture website.
4. IP classes as well as internships make for long days, usually 8 hours or more. Students should consider how to manage the care of an animal during class, excursions, and internships.
5. Most programs have an overnight or multi-day excursion. Many students do considerable personal travel during the programs. How will the service animal factor into this travel?
6. There will be personal costs associated with assistance animals in IP: licensing, animal transportation, food, medical care, and possible boarding. We advise students to explore these costs prior to their study abroad decision.

International Programs Site Specific Service Animal Information
The International Programs Office can provide students with IP campus-specific service animal information upon request. Please note that information provided, by campus, is subject to change at any time without notice. Students are encouraged to investigate site specific information further by contacting the International Programs Malibu Office for additional support.

Additional Support
Please refer to Pepperdine's Animal Policy and contact the Office of Student Accessibility for additional information and support regarding the accommodations process.

International Programs participants in D.C. and around the world can take advantage of a number of Pepperdine health and wellness resources. 

As students prepare for their abroad experience, it is very common for students (and family members) to experience 'cold feet' or nervousness about the upcoming experience. This is a very normal occurence. Learn more about how to transform cold feet into courage.

Below are some resources to help students select appropriate study away options. We strongly recommend connecting with IP Staff, Faculty-in-Residence, and IP Alum throughout the application process. 

On Campus Resources

Student Veterans and Military-Connected Students Information Page.

Spiritual, Cultural, or Other Adaptation: The Hub for Spiritual Life provides spiritual, religious, and philosophical advice and support.

The Student Care Team is committed to providing Pepperdine students with wellness and health resources.

The Intercultural Affairs Office provides students with diversity and inclusion resources. 

Contact Office of Student Accessibility: 310.506.6500 or student.accessibility@pepperdine.edu and the IP Office if you have further questions.

For additional questions, please come to the IP Office or contact us at 310-506-4230 or international.programs@pepperdine.edu.

Off Campus Resources

US Department of State has information pages to help travelers consider how characteristics (e.g., race/ethnicity, faith background, sexual orientation, etc) can have an impact on their travel experience. 

Diversity Abroad – A leading international education organization that connects students interested in issues related to diversity with international study, internships, teaching, volunteering, degree, and job opportunities. Diversity Abroad’s mission is, “To ensure that students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds are aware, have equal access and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities afforded through global education exchanges.”

Diversity Guide to Study Abroad – learn more about how identities may impact experiences abroad.
Destination Guides – learn more about your specific study abroad destinations.

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) – Advancing disability rights and leadership globally by empowering people with disabilities to travel abroad.

General Information

Accessibility is an important consideration to be mindful of when deciding where to travel and study abroad. Be aware that unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for persons with disabilities. Pepperdine embraces the opportunity to support students by working closely with colleagues at the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) to create inclusive experiences. Together we can support a successful experience abroad. This work is reliant upon student research and communication during their pre-travel planning which includes contacting the OSA and the International Programs Office to discover accommodation information prior to commiting to a study abroad program. 

Students must apply for their accommodations through the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) to be applied to their study abroad program. 
Though we do our best to accommodate, tot all accommodations requests can be met abroad. Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility before submitting your IP application for counsel and details.

Disability accommodations abroad may include supportive measures that address the following:

• Classroom accommodations for learning disabilities.
• Mobility-related accommodations for physical disabilities.
• Housing and dietary-related accommodations which address access needs relative to the student living environment.
• Please note that service animals (not emotional support animals) may possibly be allowed in our Washington, D.C. location but there are significant challenges with transporting and supporting service animals abroad. Please refer to the service animals section of our health and safety page for further information and contact the IP Office before submitting an application.

Questions to Consider

• How do the host program and location meet my mobility needs regarding public transportation, street conditions, elevators, bathrooms, classrooms, etc.? Can I arrange for test accommodations? Do I have the appropriate documentation?
• Does the program's housing fit my needs?
• Does a program fit my learning style? How accessible are mandatory excursions?
• What are the cultural attitudes and laws surrounding disability in my host country, and how might I respond to those differences?
• How will I overcome a language barrier and ask for help?
• What arrangements must I make for a service or emotional support animal while I am abroad?
• What assistance might I need for airline travel, public transportation, and sidewalk navigation?
• What extra expenses may I have to consider (personal assistants, interpreters, technology, equipment, etc.)?
• Have I spoken with my doctor and/or mental health counselor about being abroad?
• Is my medication legal and available in my host country?
• How will I cope with possible “flare ups” in my mental health, due to homesickness, culture shock, stress, and unpredictability?
• Are relevant medical professionals available in my host country? Will I need to meet with my current healthcare providers virtually while abroad?

For more information about university services to support students with disabilities, contact the Office of Student Accommodations Contact Page for details.

Additional Resources

US Department of State has information pages to help travelers consider how characteristics can have an impact on their travel experience. 

Diversity Abroad – A leading international education organization that connects students interested in issues related to diversity with international study, internships, teaching, volunteering, degree, and job opportunities. Diversity Abroad’s mission is, “To ensure that students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds are aware, have equal access and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities afforded through global education exchanges.”

Mobility International USA (MIUSA) – Advancing disability rights and leadership globally by empowering people with disabilities to travel abroad.

Dietary Needs

Students should complete their due dligence on diertary needs and/or preferences before submitting an application to one or more international programs.

• OSA Registered Food Allergies: Dining accommodations are available for those with disability needs to the best of IP's ability. Please contact the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) before applying to a program to ensure food allergies can be managed. If food allergies can be managed abroad, ensure to request an acommodation be applied to the select program at least three months before departure. Note that not all restaurants are equipped to support a variety of food allergy concerns. For students registered with OSA the international program offices will work with restaurants used in program activities to safeguard your nutritional safety.
• Student food preferences (not allergies or intolerances) are not always able to be accommodated abroad. While we try to offer a variety of options, students with food preferences without an accommodation from OSA (e.g., preferences like non-dairy, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, no red meat, no seafood, etc.) are not automatically accommodated. Therefore, students with food preferences should contact OSA and the IP Office to understand what can be expected prior to submitting an application. 
• Food services by campus location: Students at all campus locations (not faculty led programs) will receive payments to purchase their personal meals for select meals every month. Many restaurants outside of the United States do not offer the variety of vegan and vegetarian options that one might be accustomed to in the US.
  • Students have access to a refrigerator and/or kitchen at all our international campus locations (not including summer faculty-led programs)
  • London: community meals in London are hosted at restaurants with a variety of selections.
  • Switzerland: mostly on-campus through the University's catering company. Fruits are available at all breakfasts and salads at all campus-based meals. Restaurants for group meals have limited selection.
  • Heidelberg: mostly at restaurants with set meals.
  • Florence: Mixture of meals in the villa and at restaurants.
  • Buenos Aires students have most meals at their homestay and we endeavor to match students with the most suitable homestay.
  • Washington, D.C. students have more meal flexibility because students obtain most meals outside of the Pepperdine facility.
  • Faculty-led program meal options vary greatly. Contact the specific faculty-led program director for further guidance.

Housing

Students with housing accomodation needs should speak with International Programs staff before commiting to a program as we are limited in our ability to meet housing accommodation needs. Students in Europe and Washington, D.C. live together on campus. Room sizes range between 2-8 people depending on the location and room. Students should keep in mind that being in smaller rooms with less roomates does not equate to a better living experience. It is very common for students to room with students that they have not met before and often report developing meaningful relationships and a enojoayble experience with more roommates. Students in Buenos Aires, Argentina live with homestay families. Florence and Washington D.C. have bathrooms within rooms. Faculty led programs in the summer that go to other locations besides our campuses have unique housing options and students should speak with the faculty led program director for details.

Pepperdine recommends that all students consider purchasing renter's insurance through collegestudentinsurance.com

• Covers all electronic devices
• Covers laptop and cell phone at the same time
• Covers theft
• Covers accidental damage
• A coverage settlement can be used for an upgrade if the student chooses

Safeguarding the student experience abroad is a combination of steps Pepperdine has taken to protect students and students following Pepperdine-provided guidelines and strategies.

The following are steps Pepperdine takes to safeguard the Pepperdine community abroad:

• Require all participants to take study abroad student health and safety courses through International SOS prior to departure
• Provide in-country safety briefings
• Campuses equipped with security cameras, secure entry doors, and locally contextualized policies, support, and systems
• Update emergency plans and critical incident guides that cover a multitude of scenarios
• Provide students access to a travel assistance program (International SOS) that provides students with select emergency assistance offerings
• Assess educational field trips and faculty-led summer programs for safety and risk purposes. Please click here to learn more.
• Restrict student personal travel to higher risk locations 
• Ensure students receive safety and health related notices about locations when they log their travel within International SOS' travel log system

What students do to safeguard themselves:

• Fully and accurately fill out Pepperdine's travel log system for all weekends and travel breaks. Click here for instructions on how to properly log travel.
• For U.S. Passport holders: Required to enroll and log all travel in STEP (U.S. Department of State Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) which enables students and and emergency contacts to receive travel advisories and alerts
• Follow safety guidelines provided by the University 
• Items like pepper spray or tasers may not be legal in the countries students plan to visit or may require a special permit. Make alternative personal safety plans as needed.
• Speak with parents/guardians about an agreeable personal travel itinerary on weekends and travel breaks.
• All students are able to use the Live Safe App which can link students with Pepperdine personnel at anytime provided device has network connectivity
• Have proper telecommunications capabilities: All students are required secure a phone that can make/receive calls and texts at all times. Visit our technology abroad page for further information.

Please note that Pepperdine does our due diligence in regards to community safety and cannot plan for or anticipate every emergency. We, like any other institution, cannot guarantee safety and do everything reasonable to safeguard community members.