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Bard Abroad

Health and Safety

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Health issues are generally the same in Russia 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 Russia, it is advisable to make sure that your inoculations against diphtheria, polio, and tetanus are up to date. Inoculations against hepatitis A and B are also advisable but not required. It is important to keep in mind that Russia has a high STD infection rate, including HIV/AIDS. 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 for 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

Bard-Smolny Health Insurance

Health Insurance is included in the program cost. All students participating in the Bard-Smolny Program are enrolled in the travel health insurance plan written for Bard College for use on study abroad programs (see GeoBlue section above).

Most health care providers abroad do not have direct billing relationships with U.S. insurance companies and require payment at the time of service. Therefore, students may be expected to pay for treatment and submit receipts to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Prescriptions and Medical Services

U.S. prescriptions cannot be filled at a Russian pharmacy. It is also illegal to mail/ship prescription drugs. It is best to bring a supply of prescription drugs that will suffice for your entire stay. Be sure to bring a copy of your prescription with you in case customs authorities ask you for it.

Russian 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 Russian drug stores and “parfumerias,” unless you are attached to a specific American brand.

Psychiatric care in English is available in Saint Petersburg at both the Euromed Clinic and Medem International Clinic and Hospital. If necessary, students may schedule private consultations with a Smolny psychotherapist who is a professor of psychology at Saint Petersburg State University and has worked with foreign students for many years.

Safety and Security in Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Russia available from the U.S. State Department.

U.S. State Department Overview

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