Tag: health

Dealing with emergencies in Toulouse

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By: Eva Kristinova (Sciences Po Toulouse, France)

By this point you surely realize how incredibly fun it can be to study abroad. But let’s be real, it might not always be. All the same, know that if you ever find yourself in a less welcoming, stressful, or (God forbid) emergency medical situation, there are places you can go and seek help from. Here are some insights for what to do if you find yourself in need in Toulouse.

Physical and mental health support and advice

The best place to look for support and advice related to anything to do with health is the University Medical Centre. All you need to do is call the office number, and you can be professionally assessed by a nurse directly on the phone. She usually asks you about the issue and offers advice right away, but if you deem it necessary, she can also set up an appointment with a specialist depending on your needs. This is usually quick, even the same day. The centre provides generalist medical services, but also has nutritionist, gynecology, or mental health specialists. You might think it quite daunting to pick up the phone or even talk to someone in a foreign situation, but there is no need to worry, even when it comes to the language barrier. If you don’t speak French, it’s no big deal – most specialists also speak English and/or Spanish.

Link: https://www.ut-capitole.fr/universite/gouvernance/services-administratifs-et-techniques/service-interuniversitaire-de-medecine-preventive-simpps–42796.kjsp

Medical emergencies

For most purposes, the University Medical Centre should be your go-to, however there might also be times when you find yourself in a situation requiring urgent medical care and cannot wait for an appointment, or when the issue cannot be resolved over the phone. In that case, I recommend going straight to the nearest walk-in emergency clinic (Urgences in French). These can be isolated clinics or part of larger hospitals. For such a visit, you will need to bring your identity card (usually a passport) and medical insurance card. In these situations it’s much easier if you can speak French so that the doctor can ask questions and examine you without any barriers, however, most places in big cities like Toulouse will also have professionals who speak English.

If you find that you cannot get to an emergency clinic on your own, here are the necessary emergency numbers you can call (not just medical):

112 (European number for all emergencies)

15 (Medical emergencies)

17 (Police)

18 (Fire brigade)

114 (Number for people with impaired hearing)

A note on insurance

In terms of the documents you will need in these places, thankfully, the University Medical Centre doesn’t require anything besides your student card. For walk-in emergency clinics or hospitals, you will need an identification card of some sort, whether it is a country-issued ID card (EU) or a passport. In addition, you will need an insurance card. Note that although UoM insurance covers you for some incidents, it might not cover you for everything in France. Likewise with an EU-issued insurance card from another country. To avoid paying for the clinics services, I suggest you get a carte vitale (French medical card) as soon as you arrive in France. This can be obtained on request at the local mairie if you already have an EU insurance card. Alternatively you will need to apply for it ahead of time, the same way you would for visa and social security in France, and pick it up when you arrive.

Social security: https://www.securite-sociale.fr/accueil

Carte vitale: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/remboursements/etre-bien-rembourse/carte-vitale

Needless to say, I hope you won’t need to use any of the above information, but it never hurts to be prepared.

For those away from home, studying online, or not studying at all :)

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Whether you are studying abroad at a different university or on placement/ interning in a different city or country, being away from your comfort zone and in a new environment will sometimes come with its own difficulties.  The effect of moving away on mental health is often not spoken about before departure, and this can potentially end up completely overshadowing what should be a year of making new friends, improving language skills and learning a new way of life.

So it is important to recognise that these transitions can be challenging, and anticipating being away from home and familiar support networks can sometimes lead to worry, anxiety and stress. These emotions are to be expected, especially when you’re adapting to a new environment, culture, group of friends, education system, and sometimes even a new language in a short timeframe.

Here are a few tips to look after yourself whilst abroad and a list of some resources that are available to you if you live or study in Amsterdam more specifically.

Continue reading “For those away from home, studying online, or not studying at all :)” →

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Studying Abroad

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By George Davies – The University of Calgary, Canada

There is no doubt that going away for a year to a foreign land can be remarkable. The endless stream of Instagram posts and vlogs are clear evidence of this. From the shots of students lost in the urban paradise of Hong Kong, to my fellow Mancunian travellers taking snaps in the idyllic rural landscapes of South America. For those that want study abroad, there is certainly enough substance out there to tickle your taste-buds and inspire you to go on an adventure.

Continue reading “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Studying Abroad” →

A Year of Self-Indulgence?

With the focus on you, the traveller/student/wanderer, transitioning abroad can be tough. There is no doubt that it could be the personal journey of a lifetime. But how much do you want this adventure to be about you?

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By George Davies – The University of Calgary, Canada

Being thrusted into a world of independence and personal adventure can be daunting. One noticeable theme that developed whilst preparing for, and moving into, my year in Canada was that of feeling self-absorbed. In no way was I ungrateful for the opportunity that lay ahead on the other side of the pond. I was also prepared for my family and friends to be excited and intrigued by my upcoming adventure. Yet, it felt like the spotlight was unavoidable, and largely consumed the weeks leading up to my departure. Continue reading “A Year of Self-Indulgence?” →

Fitting In

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Salma Rana, Queen’s University

During my year at Queen’s, there was a huge variety of ways to get involved with both the University community and the larger Kingston community.

THE MSA

I am very much involved with the Muslim community at University of Manchester (shout to Manchester ISOC!). However, I quickly realized that Muslims are a true minority in Kingston, Ontario. Even more than any place I have been to in England. There is only one mosque. Nevertheless, I quickly realized something else: the love in this community is one of a kind. The transport links to the mosque aren’t too good, so it can be difficult to get there, but QUMSA (Queen’s Muslim Student Association) do a lot to make sure students are truly catered for. From hosting congregation prayers, regular lectures, socials and charity events. Continue reading “Fitting In” →

Coping With the Physical and Mental Strain of Studying Abroad

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By Imogen Henry-Campbell, Case Western Reserve University, USA

Studying on a year abroad is one of the best opportunities that you will ever have in your life. Meeting new people, being in a different culture and learning to be completely independent are incredible skills to have, but studying abroad can also be extremely tough, especially if you get ill. I, unfortunately found myself in the hospital after a month in and although it was hard, I am feeling much better.

As a student who has also suffered from anxiety and stress-related problems, year abroad can be especially tough on your health. So these are my tips for coping with the mental and physical strain of being abroad:

  • If you are feeling sad or homesick, speak to someone about it. I can’t stress how much better I have felt after just explaining to someone how I feel. If someone asks ‘how are you’ and you are feeling homesick tell them! Chances are they will make you feel better and offer empathy. Don’t be afraid to tell new people how you are really feeling.
  • Listen to your body! If you feel unwell please go and see a Doctor, you know your body best if something does not feel right then go and see the Doctor as soon as possible.
  • Make sure you have health insurance. I am on the student health plan here and although it is expensive the care I got whilst in the hospital was incredible and so efficient.
  • Speak to a good friend or family member. Most people are only a phone call away. I have sometimes avoided ringing people as I thought it would make me feel more homesick but it was the complete opposite.
  • Do not isolate yourself. It can be easy when things get difficult and lonely to isolate yourself further by staying in your room. But get out there! Explore the area, go for a coffee on your own, be brave and text a new friend. It is really important to spend time with people.
  • It is okay to have bad days and to cry. (even if it means crying in the food hall whilst eating your waffles) Sometimes you just need to let out the emotions you are feeling.
  • Write down your feelings. I have been keeping a diary and been trying to write it in as much as possible, especially when I am finding it tough. It is good to look back on the times you felt bad and realise they are just days and you have got through all of them.
  • Fuel your body with good food. It is easy to forget about simple things like eating when you are so busy especially if you are missing home-cooked meals. However, your body needs fuel and energy
  • Spend time in nature. I have organised to go hiking and escape from the city and campus for a day.
  • Use the services your university provides. At Case, we are so lucky to have a walk-in counselling service where you can be seen immediately if you need someone to speak to. There is also a service called ESS who can help you time manage your week and prioritise your work.
  • Switch up your work environment. Working in the same place every day can quickly become boring. Maybe work in a coffee shop, or form a study group with friends.
  • Join a society or club. It is definitely an easy way to meet like-minded people who share the same interest as you.
  • Get active! Doing exercise has definitely helped me, but remember to also have breaks.
  • Study 45 minutes on and 15 minutes off. This method has helped me especially when I have put off starting work. 45 minutes doesn’t seem too daunting and taking regular breaks is important.
  • SLEEP!
  • Most importantly, take time out to yourself. Have a day to just do absolutely nothing and unwind when you need it.

Studying abroad for me has been a great opportunity to learn a lot. It can be hard and lonely at times and especially so if you get sick, but for every bad day, there are plenty more good days.

If anyone needs someone to talk to then email me or send me a message: imogen.henry-campbell@student.manchester.ac.uk

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