Mental Health Abroad

• What are the societal views around mental health in your host country? 
• What types of support are commonly available? 
• Is neurodivergence considered a medical condition?

• Can you legally bring your medication to your host country? Are there import forms that must be submitted in advance? 
• Can you legally buy or refill your prescription in your host country? 
• Can you bring enough medication to last through your entire global learning experience? 

Please do this research early so you can discuss with your medical provider if changes in your treatment plan may need to be considered. 

• What types of services do you normally access in Calgary (counselling, therapy, etc.)? Will you be able to access them on your desired global learning program? 
• Do you receive academic accommodations at UCalgary? Are you registered with UCalgary Student Accessibility Services?

For exchange programs: The letter provided by SAS for your UCalgary instructors is enough for us to start conversations about your accessibility needs with your host university. If there is a similar office at your host university, your Global Learning Advisor may be able to arrange for the accessibility offices to speak directly to each other or with you, instead of going through the international offices first. We can initiate these conversations before you apply so that you are confident in your exchange program selection.

For Group Study Programs: As these programs offer UCalgary courses, SAS should be able to provide a letter for your instructor. You can approach your Global Learning Advisor and/or your instructor (before or after you apply) to gain more insight about the program structure and what accommodations may be possible. 

Please see the Disability & Accessibility Abroad page for more information about arranging academic accommodations.

• What aspects are significant to your overall wellbeing? (physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, etc.)
• How do you normally manage your wellbeing at home? 
• Do you have a support person or support network that you can stay in contact with while on a global learning program? 
• What self-care strategies can you bring with you?
• While you are abroad, how often would you like to check in with home? Will you have access to the technology you need to check in (phone, internet, etc.)? Is there time in your global learning program schedule to have your preferred frequency of check ins? 

Keep in mind that self-care is an ongoing, evolving process that will look different for everyone. It's not just about actions you take; it's also about being able to check in with yourself, process your experiences and reactions, and identify patterns in your thoughts/behaviours that aren't supporting your wellbeing.