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Mentor Advice

Question

Is it safe for me to take medicines offered in foreign countries I study in?

2 Replies from Mentors

  • mentor picture Dawn Anderson
     
    Dawn Anderson
    Housemaster at MIT and a professional photographer
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Generally yes, but it depends on what it is and your dependency on it. Ideally you want to get...
    Generally yes, but it depends on what it is and your dependency on it. Ideally you want to get your doctor to prescribe enough medication to last the duration of your stay. Some countries may not have that medication because they treat whatever ailment differently. Some may have it but in a generic form so you even if you get a full supply, always bring a prescription written in the generic form. Do not forget medication and expect your parents to mail it to you because it could get stuck in customs even if it is a matter of life or death.
  • mentor picture Christa Sanders
     
    Christa Sanders
    Associate Director NYU in Ghana
    New York University
    While it’s always best to plan ahead and bring the required prescriptions or over-the-counter...
    While it’s always best to plan ahead and bring the required prescriptions or over-the-counter medications from home, there is no reason why you cannot seek out a physician/hospital in the country of study to obtain a prescription or medication. Much of the medication abroad is exactly the same as in the United States but it just has a different brand name. Medication purchased abroad also tends to be less expensive than in the US.