Study Abroad

Health and Safety

Health and Safety Information

In the event of an emergency, please call (202) 744-5214 or (800) 621-9559.

The health and safety of American Councils students is our primary concern, and we are dedicated to providing participants with a safe experience abroad. However, it is important for participants to understand that overseas study can involve various health and safety concerns. American Councils staff is happy to answer any questions and concerns that participants and their families may have before and during their trip. Participants must also understand that they will not be accompanied by a staff member at all times in Russia and are ultimately responsible for their own health and safety. Please find below information, advice and precautions on health and safety in Russia.

Before You Go:

Vaccinations

Before going to Russia, you should consult your physician about updating vaccinations. Some physicians recommend that you have a hepatitis inoculation (A and B) and it is very important that your immunizations for diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, polio, and rubella be up to date. We recommend that participants consult the Center for Disease Control’s profile on Russia: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationRussia.aspx

Prescription Medicines

If you take a prescription medicine, you should make arrangements to bring a supply sufficient for your entire stay in Russia. It is not possible to mail prescription medication to Russia.

Medical/Health Insurance

Health and accident insurance is provided for all participants. Participants are enrolled through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) under a plan that covers the period of the program and 30 days after the program for illnesses diagnosed by a physician while on the program.

CISI covers medical expenses up to $100,000 after a $25 deductible per accident or illness; accidental death and dismemberment up to $25,000; emergency medical evacuation and repatriation costs up to $100,000. CISI provides no dental coverage. http://www.culturalinsurance.com/

Dental

Before leaving for Russia, we recommend that you visit your dentist. The CISI health insurance plan does not provide dental coverage and while western styled dental services in Russia are available, they are also very expensive.

Your Health and Safety in Russia:

Medical Facilities

There are several excellent Western-style clinics and hospitals in each of our host cities. In the event of illness or accident while in Russia, participants will be accompanied by an American Councils staff member to a clinic of their choosing.

Water Quality

Participants who travel to St. Petersburg are cautioned that the water there carries the giardia lamblia parasite, which does not affect residents but can make visitors very sick. Participants should not drink the water there unless it has been boiled for at least fifteen minutes, or use commercially available brand name bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used even for brushing teeth.

In Moscow, the quality of water varies from district to district, but it is also recommended that those living in Moscow drink only boiled or bottled water.

In Vladimir, the water quality is similar to that in Moscow. Only boiled or bottled water is recommended for drinking.

Safety and Security

Crime, particularly crime that targets foreigners, has been on the rise in major Russian cities. The safety of our participants is an important concern and, thus, all participants receive ample information in the Participant Handbook, as well as at orientation, on how to avoid potentially dangerous situations and what to do if participants should find themselves in such a situation. American Councils staff is available 24-7 in the case of an emergency and all participants will receive a laminated Emergency Contact Card with a list of pertinent phone numbers at pre-departure orientation.

Students, staff and Resident Directors have submitted the following safety tips for participants:

  1. Always be aware of your surroundings.
  2. Do not try to call attention to yourself as an American (i.e. do not speak English loudly in public areas).
  3. Use the buddy system when traveling – travel in small groups. Never walk alone at night. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
  4. Observe traffic lights and regulations. Drivers in Russia are generally aggressive and occasionally erratic.
  5. When asking directions, approach older women first.
  6. Do not ride in unmarked taxis. Only use reliable, commercial taxi services.
  7. Keep an eye on your purse, bag or wallet, especially in crowded public areas.
  8. Be wary of large groups of people, especially public gatherings that could potentially get out of control.
  9. Avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol, particularly with people you do not know well in public places. Drinking in public is illegal in Russia.
  10. According to Russian law, you must carry your documents on you at all times.
  11. Avoid carrying large sums of money.
  12. Ask your Resident Director how to handle encounters with Russian police.
  13. Do not eat food prepared/sold on the street!

Please also see the NAFSA "Responsible Study Abroad: Good Practices for Health & Safety."