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Bard Abroad

Health and Safety

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Health issues are generally the same in Germany as they are in the United States. Adapting to a new climate, food, water, and way of life may affect one’s health during the first few weeks but usually has no lasting effects. If you plan to travel to Germany and beyond, it is advisable to make sure that your medications are up to date. For more information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

COVID19 Coronavirus & International Travel

Students are advised to review the following resources related to the COVID19 coronavirus and international travel, particularly in advance of making plans for spring break or other travel opportunities. All students are advised to speak with our on-site program staff ahead of independent travel or if they are feeling unwell for any reason.

  • British Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • GeoBlue Coronavirus Information
  • International SOS
  • NAFSA Coronavirus Critical Resources
  • U.S. Department of State

Health and Safety Resources

GeoBlue Worldwide Health Insurance

Students on Bard Abroad programs have access to medical, security, and travel-related services through GeoBlue. GeoBlue provides a searchable database of GeoBlue doctors and facilities in the GeoBlue-contracted community.

GeoBlue Worldwide Health Insurance

  • Doctor and Hospital Profiles: Search for GeoBlue doctors and facilities in the GeoBlue-contracted community.
  • Brand Name Drug Translation Guides
  • Medical Phrase and Term Translation Guides
  • Destination Profiles: Access useful information like emergency phone numbers, high-quality hospitals, vaccination requirements, pharmacy information, and more.
  • Security Profiles: Check the host country’s political climate, communication infrastructure, and prevalence of crime/terrorism, as well as the reliability of police, hotels, and transportation.
  • Health and Safety Alerts: Learn about healthy travel practices, health hazards, and disease outbreaks around the world.

  • GeoBlue Student Portal
  • GeoBlue Parent Portal
  • The Healthy Travel Blog
  • Global Wellness Assist
  • Global TeleMD
  • My Online Therapy FAQ

Health Care in Germany

Physicians on Campus
Bard College Berlin has a contract with an experienced primary care physician, who holds office hours on campus and who will refer you to a specialist if needed. Students can arrange appointments with English-speaking psychologists in Berlin through GeoBlue’s doctor network (see information on GeoBlue coverage above). If you need to see a physician off campus, Berlin program staff can assist you in setting up appointments for medical care. Staff will accompany participants to the doctor if so desired.

Pharmacies
German pharmacies are well stocked with over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicine, vitamins, and anything else students may need. You should be able to meet your cosmetic and toiletry needs in local shops, unless you are attached to a specific American brand.

Prescriptions
U.S. prescriptions cannot be filled at a German pharmacy. It is also illegal to mail/ship prescription drugs. Students who are on a regular medication are strongly advised to strategize with the GeoBlue Global Health Team in preparation for their time abroad.

Safety and Security in Berlin

Berlin is generally a safe place, with crime levels similar to large cities in the United States. Petty crime is by far the most widespread form of criminal activity and can be dealt with by using everyday street smarts. Students should keep their wallets or purses in secure locations and be aware of their bags and pockets, and they are advised not to carry large sums of money unless absolutely necessary.

If students ever find themselves in immediate danger, our program staff is on call 24 hours a day. Our program orientations feature extensive units on safety in Berlin, and the student handbook is an invaluable source of information for those who are concerned about their security abroad.

We encourage students to review the information on safety and security in Germany available from the U.S. State Department.

U.S. State Department Overview

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