Health & Well-being
Your health and well-being are very important and essential to a successful program. While studying abroad, we want to make sure you stay healthy, especially during this extraordinary time. If you have medical or dental needs, be sure to visit your primary care physician and dentist before you leave. Also, if you currently take prescription medications, we strongly advise you to bring a sufficient supply of medications to cover the entire duration of your stay abroad.
See the Emergencies page for emergency protocol
Health & Safety Resources in Rome
Visit the UW Rome Center website for extensive information about health and safety in Rome. The UWRC website covers the following topics.
Identity, Wellness & Self-care
Studying abroad can be exciting and transformational, but it can also be really intense. You may have different experiences and interactions based on aspects of your identity – both those that are visible and those that aren’t. The resources on this page encourage you to reflect on some of the different aspects that make up our identities, learn about host country norms that may impact your experience, and access tools to engage critically with your own identity development. We also include tips on how to take care of yourself on study abroad and in general.
Many of the resources below are specific to Rome and Italy. You can also visit the UW Study Abroad Identity Matters page for more information and broader materials. Contact us if you are have any questions or would like additional resources to help you navigate your identity while studying abroad.
Race, Culture & Ethnicity
Learn More
- In Nero: Black Girls in Rome – video
- Being Black in Italy – an Emory College student’s experience
- My Very Personal Taste of Racism Abroad – NY Times essay
- Asians in Italy – video (the host slips into Italian for a quick bit, but goes back to English for the interview)
- A Hong Kong Student Shunned in Italy – NY Times essay
- Why Some Italians Still Fiercely Defend Columbus Day – NY Times article
- Italians, the first Latins! – a blog post about the origins of language and terms
Gender, Sexuality, & LGBTQIA+
Learn More
- Italy LGBTQIA+ Resources – mostly focused on the history of laws around sexuality in Italy
- Is Italy LGBTQIA+ Friendly? – travel article
- 5 Things to know about LGBTQIA+ Culture in Italy – a student account of studying in Florence
- Sexual Harassment And Prevention In College Students Studying Abroad – resource guide
Well-being & Accessibility
Learn More
- Facts About Rome for Disabled Travelers….(and Everyone Else) – blog post, mostly focused on mobility
- Tips for Travelers with Disabilities – Rick Steve’s Europe, mostly focused on mobility
- How to Practice Self-Care While Studying Abroad – IES Abroad article
- Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle – Brene Brown podcast featuring Emily and Amelia Nagoski
- Dietary Concerns – IES Abroad resources
- Insight Timer – a free meditation app with tons of different types of meditations, sleep stories, and nature sounds – download from whatever App Store you use
Mental Health Resources
The last few years have been tough for all of us. Taking care of your mental health is a priority and especially important on a study abroad program. Everything is new and different. Sometimes you need additional support. Below are resources you can access from abroad. You can also come to Lauren or Shawn if you are seeking help.
Student Abroad Health Insurance
The UW Student Abroad Health Insurance plan offers assistance in locating English speaking mental health providers in Rome. They can also connect you with a tele-medicine appointment for virtual support. Visit the UW Student Abroad Insurance webpage for information. If you have questions about the Student Health Insurance, email travelemergency@uw.edu.
Husky HelpLine
UW offers students access to same-day, confidential mental health and crisis intervention support, 24/7 and in multiple languages through the Husky HelpLine. Visit the UW Mental Health website for more information.