Allergies

  • Travelers who suffer from environmental allergies should do additional research on the potential exposure to allergens in the destination country(ies) prior to travel. Air quality and pollution may be a major factor impacting quality of life in some regions and should be taken into consideration with those who have sensitivities to airborne pollutants.  Resources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and AQICN among others can provide air-quality metrics for a variety of cities and countries around the world.

    Students on an education abroad program seeking specific and reasonable accommodations (e.g. transportation, housing) are advised to disclose this information in their education abroad program application or communicate this information to their program coordinator or travel providers to determine reasonable accommodations. Travelers who rely on specific items such as fragrance-free products or portable nebulizers should plan to pack them as access to such items may be limited in-country.

    During transit, travelers with severe allergies can and are encouraged to notify the airlines of any needs, however there are no standard requirements to which airline carriers must adhere. Travelers with specific concerns can take steps such as traveling with disinfectant wipes and packing any necessary medications in carry-on luggage. If traveling with an emergency epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it is accessible and not stored in an overhead bin.

    In the event that a traveler has a severe allergy, it is highly recommended to carry a medical ID or translation card with information about the allergen written in the local language.  It is additionally a good idea to know how to verbally communicate your allergy in the local language, when possible.

    Be advised that allergists or specialists may be limited in your intended destination(s). Contact CISI directly to identify medical resources available to you.

    If you are traveling on an education abroad program, please be advised that most faculty and staff are not medically trained to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis nor administer epinephrine. Kennesaw State programs do not travel with medications, including EpiPens. However, making program leaders aware of your allergy as well as the specific signs and symptoms of your allergic reaction as well as if you use or carry specific medications can help them recognize and assist you in a medical emergency.

  • Travelers who suffer from food allergies or have dietary restrictions for medical reasons should do additional research on the potential exposure to allergens in the destination country(ies) prior to travel.

    Students on an education abroad program seeking specific and reasonable dietary accommodations are advised to disclose this information in their education abroad program application or communicate this information to their program coordinator or travel providers to determine reasonable accommodations. This is especially true if the food allergy may prompt a life-threatening reaction or require medical assistance.

    During transit, travelers with severe allergies can and are encouraged to notify the airlines of any needs, however there are no standard requirements to which airline carriers must adhere. Some airlines may offer special meals, avoid serving nuts or create a buffer zone.  Travelers with specific concerns can take steps such as traveling with non-perishable food to eat during the time abroad, keeping in mind that some countries have strict regulations on food items which are allowed to enter into the country. Be advised that similar products manufactured in other countries may not contain the exact same ingredients.

    Travelers should also pack any necessary medications in carry-on luggage. If traveling with an emergency epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it is accessible and not stored in an overhead bin.

    In the event that a traveler has a severe or life-threatening allergy, it is highly recommended to carry a medical ID or translation card with information about the allergen written in the local language.  It is additionally a good idea to know how to verbally communicate your allergy in the local language, when possible.

    Be advised that allergists or specialists may be limited in your intended destination(s). Contact CISI directly to identify medical resources available to you.

    If you are traveling on an education abroad program, please be advised that most faculty and staff are not medically trained to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis nor administer epinephrine. Kennesaw State programs do not travel with medications, including EpiPens. However, making program leaders aware of your allergy as well as the specific signs and symptoms of your allergic reaction as well as if you use or carry specific medications can help them recognize and assist you in a medical emergency.

  • Researching the local cuisine as well as common food preparation and ingredients is a key step travelers with dietary restrictions or preferences should conduct in advance of travel. If you are a student traveling on a Kennesaw State University faculty-led education abroad experience, be sure to convey any significant dietary requirements, restrictions, preferences or allergens to your program coordinator early in the application process so that every effort may be made to accommodate your dietary needs.

    Travelers with specific concerns or dietary needs can take steps such as traveling with non-perishable food to eat during the time abroad, keeping in mind that some countries have strict regulations on food items which are allowed to enter into the country. Be advised that similar products manufactured in other countries may not contain the exact same ingredients.

    If your dietary restriction is related to a food allergen, please see Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions for more information on traveling abroad with a food allergy.

    Travelers with eating disorders are disordered eating are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider(s) to discuss their travel plans and itinerary, as well as research and review the role of food in the culture along with local diet and food preparation.  Some accommodations and locations may not have the option for travelers to prepare their own meals. 

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