Your health

In order to be an effective volunteer not to mention enjoy your time abroad you will need to take good care of your health. This means getting any necessary vaccinations (visit one of the links below to learn more about what vaccinations are recommended or required for the country you will be visiting), ensuring that you have medical coverage abroad (including asking if its provided by a volunteer-sending organization, notifying any existing insurance carrier of your international plans, and/or purchasing insurance), and taking with you enough needed medical supplies (insulin, prescription drugs, etc.) For more information on health insurance abroad, read this page by the University of Michigan International Center.It's also a good idea to prepare to be at your optimum physical and mental health before departing; between the different diets and culture shock, your body will likely be going through some pretty dramatic changes. Prepare for this by fitting in some extra exercise while still at home (walking is a great low stress option) and, to boost your immune system, eating healthy foods rich in vitamins. If possible, try to incorporate some of the foods you will be eating abroad into your diet before you leave. And if you are a vegetarian or vegan, be sure to research what your options will be; if you are heading to a locale where most people eat meat, you will want to think of some feasible alternatives in advance.