You’re setting off on an incredible adventure, but your body and safety don’t take holidays.
Preparing these aspects in advance will allow you to enjoy your internship without having to deal with medical issues or unnecessary stress.

1. Before you leave: the essential health check-up

The goal: to avoid discovering a problem in the middle of your internship.

Make an appointment before you leave
Visit your GP for a quick check-up, renew your prescriptions and make sure everything is in order for a stay of several months.
If you wear glasses/contact lenses, also schedule a quick check-up and get a spare pair.

Vaccinations and country recommendations
Find out about the vaccinations that are mandatory or recommended in your destination country (hepatitis, yellow fever, etc.).
Some must be done several weeks before departure, so it’s best to start early.

Personal medication
If you are taking regular medication, make sure you have enough for the entire duration of your stay or know how to get it locally.
Keep your prescriptions with you (ideally in English or the local language) to present in case of inspection or purchase abroad.

2. Health insurance, repatriation and paperwork (not fun, but vital)

Now is the time to read the fine print… to avoid big bills.

Check your coverage
Check carefully whether you are covered abroad for: medical consultations, hospitalisation, emergencies and repatriation.
This may be provided by your student insurance, your parents, private insurance or sometimes your bank card.

Repatriation and civil liability
Check that a repatriation clause is included (in case of serious problems) and that your civil liability also applies in the country you are travelling to.
These elements are often requested by the school or internship organisation, and for good reason.

Keep the information accessible
Make a note of your insurance emergency number, your policy number and the steps to take in case of a problem (notify them before going to hospital, send supporting documents, etc.).
Keep this information both on paper in your wallet and on your phone.

3. Health and hygiene kit: your mini ‘survival kit’

You don’t need to pack a whole pharmacy, but a few essentials can save the day.

The must-haves
Pack a small kit with:

painkillers,

plasters,

disinfectant,

medication for digestive problems,

allergy medication if you need it.
It’s nothing spectacular, but it’s what you’ll use most on a daily basis.

Local conditions
Adapt your kit to your destination: mosquitoes (spray, cream), sun (sunscreen, after-sun lotion), water (purification tablets if necessary).
Also find out about the quality of tap water and any food precautions you should take at the beginning of your trip.

Where to keep what?
Your important medicines should be in your hand luggage, not in the hold, to avoid losing them or being separated from them during the flight.
Keep your prescriptions with these medicines to avoid problems at security checks or customs.

4. Everyday safety: reducing risks without panicking

The aim is not to scare you, but to help you avoid problematic situations.

Find out about local areas and customs
Before you leave, find out which neighbourhoods to avoid, which modes of transport to use and the common scams in the country.
Once you arrive, ask your colleagues or flatmates: ‘Which places should I avoid at night? What are the best habits to adopt here?’

Documents and valuables
Keep a copy of your passport separate from the original, and avoid carrying everything with you (passport + large sums of money + all your bank cards).
If possible, use a safe, a discreet pouch or at least a bag that closes securely, carried in front of you in crowded areas.

Getting around
Choose transport options that are known to be safe (official companies, well-known apps, recommended public transport).
Avoid walking home alone late at night in isolated areas, especially when you are still unfamiliar with the city.

5. Mental health: don’t ignore how you feel

Going abroad is great… but it can also be emotionally intense at times.

Culture shock and slumps
Fatigue, irritability, feelings of loneliness or disconnection are common at the beginning or after a few weeks.
This is not a failure: it is a normal reaction to changing countries, languages and reference points.

Create some landmarks
Keep some reassuring routines: sport, cooking, journaling, regular calls with loved ones.
Having fixed points of reference in your week helps a lot to stabilise your mood.

Ask for help
If you feel really bad (severe anxiety, isolation, low mood), talk to someone you trust: your internship supervisor, your school advisor, a friend or a loved one.
Some schools and organisations also offer remote psychological support for students on mobility programmes.

6. Emergency plan: know what to do ‘just in case’

The goal is to hope you never need it… but to know exactly what to do if it happens.

Numbers to keep with you
Write down and keep the following numbers handy:

local emergency number (police/ambulance),

your insurance number,

contact details for your internship supervisor,

contact details for your school,

embassy or consulate number.

In case of health problems
If possible, first contact your insurance company to find out which hospital/centre to go to and what steps to take.
Keep all supporting documents (invoices, medical reports) for reimbursement and follow-up.

In case of theft or loss of documents
Report the theft to the police as soon as possible and contact your embassy/consulate to find out how to obtain a new passport or laissez-passer.
Copies of your documents (which you will have scanned before leaving) will save you precious time.

By preparing for your health and safety as seriously as you prepare your CV, you will create a solid framework for getting the most out of your internship.
You can never control everything, but you can greatly limit the risks… and that is one of the best gifts you can give yourself before boarding the plane.