General Cultural Resources

Mental Health and Wellness Abroad

At AIFS Abroad, we support all participants in your study/intern abroad journey. We invite everyone to engage with the cultures around you while at home and abroad. Everyone is complex, and the uniqueness of who we are is important when deciding on a program and location. Exploring who you are and learning about the uniqueness of others is an important part of this journey. Thus, we invite you to take the time to learn about the cultures you embody and the cultures of others on your program as well as the cultures that are a part of your host country.

Everyone’s experience is unique. We recognize the location you choose can have an impact on your sense of community. We encourage you to use the information below as you review your options to select the program and location that will be the best choice for you.

Questions to Think About: 

• How is mental health and wellness viewed at your host institution, host country, and host culture?  
• What resources do you usually use to maintain your mental health and wellness? Will they be available to you during your time abroad? 
• Do you regularly utilize any health or counseling services at home, and will these be available and covered by insurance abroad? 
• What healthy coping mechanisms can you utilize while adjusting to a new culture and/or experiencing culture shock?  
• Do you regularly utilize medication to maintain your mental health? If so, is the medication legal in your host country? If not, is there an alternative medication or treatment that your doctor can prescribe? Are you able to bring enough of the medication with you? If so, what is the legal amount of medication that you can bring?  
• Are there support groups at your host institution or organizations or groups in your host community?  

Tips to Consider While Abroad: 

• Although mental health and wellness are perceived differently in different countries and cultures, many universities around the world have professional and medical support structures in place that you may find helpful in addition to the AIFS Abroad staff on-site and insurance. 
• AIFS Abroad staff in-country are there to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. They can provide insight into local cultural norms, connect you with resources in your host community and assist you if you experience challenges. 
• Create an additional support system of family, friends, mentors, program alumni, and/or staff from your home institution and host institution that can be of comfort and encouragement as you navigate your journey abroad.  
• Remember that all your life experiences will be great training for any difficulties you might face while abroad. You have the means to navigate this experience successfully, and doing so will better prepare you for your career and life ahead. 

If you witness or experience discrimination while abroad, we encourage you to report it to AIFS Abroad staff. If you do not feel comfortable reporting to staff on-site – or if the incident involves on-site staff – please email reporting@aifs.com. 

Questions and tips include selections from the University of Alabama Capstone International and Michigan State University Office for Education Abroad websites. 

Although AIFS Abroad is committed to supporting all students in their study abroad journey, we cannot guarantee that it will be possible to honor all accommodation requests. AIFS staff will review all requests, consult with onsite staff and host institutions and communicate with you throughout this process.

AIFS Abroad Scholarships and Grants  

AIFS Abroad offers scholarships and grants for participants. Learn more: