Your Health, Safety, and Well-Being Abroad: What You Need to Know

If you're signing up to study abroad, you're about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life. It's a time to meet people from around the globe, explore a different part of the world, and grow personally and professionally in ways it's hard to imagine before you go.

You're also about the live in a new country where everything is different. We know this can feel overwhelming because we've all been there, too. You might face stress, loneliness, or homesickness. This is all normal.

And this is why we make your health, safety, and well-being a top priority. From medical insurance to 24/7 mental health support, we've got your back so you can stay focused on making memories you'll never want to forget while you're away from home. 

Our philosophy is to take a holistic approach to your well-being that values each student as an individual.

Health & Safety: How You Can Count On Us

When you study abroad with ASA, you’re not navigating everything on your own. Our dedicated, caring, and experienced team to support you before and during your program. Here’s what’s included in every program (at no extra cost):

• A one-on-one, pre-departure health & wellness check-in with Dr. Katie Roller DiDonato, our Assistant Director of Student Welfare & Alumni Affairs. She'll help you prepare for any health needs while abroad such as - how do I get my prescriptions?
• Course selection assistance and schedule planning
• Course selection assistance and schedule planning
• Expert visa support

• Medical insurance so you can get the care you need without worrying about surprise bills.

• 24/7 mental health support, so whether you’re having a tough night or need ongoing counseling, you’ll always have someone to talk to.

• Safe, centrally-located housing that’s carefully chosen so you don’t have to stress about your living situation.

• A market-leading mobile app that makes safety resources and program information easy to access.

• Emergency assistance anytime, day or night.

• Support for prescriptions, accommodations, and visas, plus resources for LGBTQIA+ students, students of color, and anyone navigating unique needs abroad.

• Skill-building opportunities: Internships and Jetsetter program

All of this is built in already, so when challenges do come up (and yes, they inevitably will), you have a safety net to lean on.

Why Mental Health Matters So Much Right Now

If you've felt anxious, stressed, or isolated recently, you're definitely not alone. There have been studies done that show Gen Z is in the midst of a mental health crisis. 

• About 60% of young adults report struggling with anxiety.

• Nearly half report feeling lonely.

• 95% of students say their mental health affects their schoolwork

And it’s not just stress from school. The U.S. Surgeon General recently called loneliness an epidemic, linking it to serious health risks like depression, heart disease, and even a shorter lifespan. One study found that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

And while studying abroad won't erase the challenges of our world today by any means, studies also show that with the right support, studying abroad can help students feel more connected, more confident, and more resilient. 

And our goal is to give you the support that you need to come out stronger at the end.

How We Help You Thrive While Abroad

With the support systems we have in place, know that you can count on us...

...When you're homesick: You can always reach out to a mental health professional through our 24/7 support instead of bottling it up.

...If you're worried about safety: You’ll have access to an emergency line and a safety app with quick resources.

...For stability: Safe, central housing helps you feel more at home and less cut off from your community.

...When you have specific challenges: ASA program leaders can help coordinate academic or medical support, as well as help you with other challenges that arise. 

In other words, you're not going to go live in a new country for a semester or a summer with no one to lean on!

Tips for Protecting Your Mental Health While Abroad

On top of the support ASA provides, here are a few things you can do to take care of yourself too:

1. Save the emergency numbers and app info before you leave. Knowing where to go in a crisis will help you feel more secure.

2. Get involved early. Go to orientation, join student activities, turn to someone sitting next to you and say hello, have dinner with your roommates, etc.

3. Keep a routine. Whether it’s daily journaling, fitting in time for exercise, or scheduling in weekly video calls with family or friends back home, routines can give you peace of mind and something to look forward to.

4. Be proactive about reaching out. Don’t wait until you’re struggling to use mental health support. Gen Z is more open than any other generation about mental health challenges and more willing to seek support. We applaud you for this!

5. Remind yourself: you’re not alone. Many students feel the same way, and there are people ready to help.

Visit our World of Care page to learn more!