Besides taking up much-needed space in your suitcase, here's what you can do to make sure yourself safe, healthy, and well fed.
1. Make it official.
GiphyLet your program director know ASAP so that their official records on you state your allergies. They should be asking about special diet requirements in the medical forms, but make doubly sure that the information is available and let them know personally. They can coordinate with the stops on your itinerary including hotels, student housing (if board is provided), and the special stops or excursions. Airplane food might be trickier, but usually, there are some snacks or a vegan gluten-free meal available that should cover most allergies.
2. Do your research.
GiphyDo your research ahead of time. Use Google. Make a list of restaurants near the places where you will be staying that are in your price range. Save that list to your phone and print a copy for your luggage. Do the same with grocery stores and specialty food stores. You'll never be without somewhere to find food!
3. Know your allergy.
GiphyKnow your allergy. Is your throat going to close if someone two tables over orders a steaming pile of shellfish? Check the menu before you go. Is coconut milk going to turn your face into a nightmarish mass of a million hives? Maybe don't study abroad in Thailand. Or alternatively, do you need your chicken grilled in a gluten-free environment so that you can hang on to your guts? You need to know. Know the warning signs of an allergy attack, know your next steps if you are accidentally introduced to your allergen, and know what to ask for to avoid it. You need to be honest with everyone you deal with, more than likely they really want to help you! They just need to know how.
4. Choose plain foods.
GiphyChoose plain foods. Know your totally-safe foods and make those choices often. Salad with no dressing? Good. Steamed rice? Good. Fried rice? Definitely not if you have a gluten allergy. Ask for your food without sauce, or seasonings if you think that will help.
5. Learn the language.
GiphyLearn the language! Its a lot easier to get what you need when you are capable of asking for it in the local language. A few phrases and vocab words are probably enough to get you through the most basic interactions. The more you know, the safer you're likely to be.
