Are you allergic to nuts, don't eat pork or shellfish for religious reasons, have celiac disease, or are a vegan? None of this has to stop you from studying abroad! More and more students with food allergies and other dietary issues are studying abroad. You just have to do a little more preparation before you go.
As someone with food allergies, I am very aware of some of the difficulties in traveling abroad. I want to share with you some tips I have picked up over the years. In addition, a recent article in the Living Without magazine has an article on traveling with food allergies and they provide some excellent suggestions.
Pre-Departure Preparation
- Translate all of your allergies or dietary issues into the language of your host country and make a wallet-size card that you can carry with you. If you plan on traveling to several countries, include those translations as well.
- Many of you will be purchasing prepared foods. In order to avoid specific ingredients that could contain restricted foods, make a list of those ingredients and translate those as well. Or better yet, just avoid purchasing prepared foods! Cooking from scratch is a healthier, tastier option.
- Talk to your doctor about medications to take with you and make sure you have your medication in your carry-on bag. If you use an epi pen, make sure to bring it with you!
- ALWAYS inform your program of any allergies or dietary issues. This is the only way we can help you have a successful experience.
- Pack some food for your trip abroad in case you are stuck in an airport with nothing that you can eat safely.
While Abroad
- Inform your roommates about your allergies or dietary issues so they are aware of what you need to avoid. For example, if you have an allergy to a food that is environmental as well as eating you need to let them know you cannot have it in the apartment. This can be a sensitive issue so make sure you approach it diplomatically but firmly as this is a health issue.
- Also let your roommates and friends on the program, as well as your resident director, what to do in case you accidentally consume something that causes an allergic reaction.
- If you are a vegetarian or vegan, or only eat some meat, make sure to tell your resident director at the beginning of the program.
- When going out to eat, order things plain. Sauces often contain the most allergenic foods (wheat, milk products, onions, and nuts).
- My own rule: If I can't identify all the ingredients and the server can't tell me either, I don't eat it. It's just not worth it!
I studied abroad for a year and have traveled abroad extensively without too many food problems. By being careful I have had wonderful experiences even if I can't eat everything that everyone else can. So can you!
- Ann Halpin