Medical Facilities & Services: Health and Safety
Medical Facilities/Services
Medical facilities and services will not be the same in every country, and thus it is important to understand these differences in your host country before you should need them. Be sure you obtain information when you arrive abroad about medical facilities and services in your host city/country. You will need to understand where to go for common health needs (i.e., cold, stomachache, flu, etc.) and where to go for emergencies, as well as how medical services are paid for (i.e., out-of-pocket by the student, by insurance, by the host country or institution, etc.).
Know whom to contact abroad and at home in case of a medical emergency.
Disabilities
We encourage all Pratt students to study abroad, including those with disabilities or access needs. However, attitudes, accessibility, legal rights, and accommodations for students with emotional, mental, learning, or physical disabilities vary around the world. If you have a disability or access need and plan to study abroad, think about how you will manage needed accommodations, consider programs that can best support you, and seek as much information as possible before you depart. The laws around disability and accommodations in higher education are NOT applicable outside the United States, regardless of whether the student is participating in a Pratt-sponsored program. Some countries are more progressive with accommodations, and others significantly less so.
Advance planning is the key to a successful study abroad experience. Research the country/region you are traveling to in order to determine a good fit for your disability and accommodation needs. For more resources, visit the Learning/Access Center - Pratt Institute website.
If you require accommodation(s) in order to participate in your program abroad, we encourage you to self-identify and contact the Pratt Learning/Access Center (if you have not already done so) to request copies of your Pratt-approved Letter of Accommodation and other documents to provide to your Study Abroad program or foreign university. Students seeking accommodations while studying abroad should contact the Pratt Learning/Access Center well in advance of the study abroad term to ensure a smooth transition into life abroad. While it is your responsibility to initiate this process, Pratt Education Abroad will support you throughout the process.
- Pratt Learning/Access Center: 718.802.3123, lac@pratt.edu, or Cannoneer Court, Room 103
Mental Health
Not all countries have mental health support services that are similar to those available in the U.S. Thus, access to mental health services may not be available in some countries or locations. It is important for you to know if, what, and where such services might be available in your host country and to research this well in advance of departure. You should prepare as much as possible for cultural adjustment before studying abroad.
International Affairs can provide you with a list of readings that can inform you about the cycle of adjustment to a different culture. Although this information will not prevent you from experiencing cultural adjustment problems, it can help you to prepare for the usual symptoms and cycle and provide some helpful advice for a successful adjustment. If you currently use or have in the past used mental health services, you should contact Pratt's Counseling Center or a private mental health practitioner before going abroad. Your counselor should be advised as to your plans and needs so that he/she can help you develop a health care plan while abroad.
If you are currently involved with mental health services, you should seriously discuss with your mental health practitioner the advisability of participating in study abroad and issues related to cultural adjustment.
Institutional Equity and Title IX
Pratt Institute’s Title IX, Nondiscrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy applies to all Pratt community members, including students participating in study abroad programs. All students are expected to uphold Pratt’s standards of respect, equity, and inclusion while abroad.
If you experience or witness an incident of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking) while studying abroad, you are encouraged to report the incident to Pratt’s Institutional Equity and Title IX Office. There are multiple ways to report, including online, or via email at titleix@pratt.edu. The Institutional Equity and Title IX Office can provide support, resources, and guidance to students even while they are outside the United States.
Please note that Pratt employees are considered mandatory reporters for matters involving discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. This means that any information shared with a Pratt employee about these types of incidents must be reported to the Institutional Equity and Title IX Office.
If you wish to speak confidentially, you may please consider contacting one of the confidential resources listed on the Institutional Equity and Title IX Office webpage. You can also contact Pratt’s Counseling Center, which offers confidential support and can help connect you with appropriate resources both at Pratt and abroad.
Be aware that resources, confidentiality protections, and response procedures in other countries may differ from those in the United States. The way incidents are investigated or addressed locally may also vary depending on local laws and practices.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, contact local law enforcement or emergency medical services. You may also contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area for assistance and guidance.
If you are safe and comfortable doing so, you are strongly encouraged to reach out to Pratt’s Institutional Equity and Title IX Office, faculty traveling with you, and/or the Study Abroad Office as soon as possible. These offices can help you understand your options, coordinate support, and connect you with resources both locally and through Pratt.