For me, studying abroad to the United Kingdom was the most incredible three weeks of my life. Not only was I exposed to an entirely new culture, but I was also introduced to those people who would become more family to me than friends.
If you get the chance, study abroad. It is amazing!
Now, for people who have Crohn’s, there are a few extra things we have to keep in mind while traveling (others with disease may also have to keep these in mind):
1. Do I have my medication...and can my medication travel? For me, the answer was a hazy yes. I was terrified of losing, breaking, or diluting my Humira pen. My pills liked to run away in my suitcase sometimes, too. Pro-tip: ALWAYS KEEP MEDICATION IN YOUR PURSE OR CARRY ON.
2. Can I eat this mysterious food? The answer is yes, as long as there is a bathroom nearby. I learned the hard way.
3. Is there a bathroom nearby...that is free? The answer is almost never, especially when you are near a castle. McDonald’s, however, are some of the rare exceptions. Thank you, McDonald’s.
4. Should I tell my friends about my disease? Perhaps. Perhaps it is a good way to open them up to learn about them, too.
5. Keep calm and have fun! The odds of you having a reaction while studying abroad are super low! Especially because studying outside of the country is a great way to encourage positive feelings! Therefore, your stress should drop.
I hope you get the chance to study abroad, whether you have an invisible disease or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment