Learning about your destination country
Mini Exercise 1
Go to World Health Organization Web site and click on the link for International Travel and Health. There, you will find an e-book called "International Travel and Health".
- Skim through chapter one and answer this question: What six factors determine the risk a traveler may be exposed to?
- Scroll down to page 2 and review the list of items recommended to include in a first aid kit. Have you packed these items?
- Next open chapter two. What does the WHO suggest for dealing with jet lag?
- Why might chapter eight be especially relevant to Medical Teams International volunteers?
Country-specific Orientation
Visit the following three Web sites:
- Central Intelligence Agency (choose World Factbook under Quick Links)
- Library of Congress (choose Global Gateway and then (a) Portals to the World or (b) Research Guides and Databases and then click on Country Studies)
- World Bank (click on Countries in the light blue bar at the top of the page)
Which would you recommend for up-to-date and detailed country-specific information for persons going on a short-term work trip?
Mini Exercise 2
Using the Web site you prefer, answer these questions about your destination country:
- Name two major cities.
- What are the primary religions?
- What are the national languages?
- Name the type of government system.
- Who is the head of state?
Visa Requirements
Go to the U.S. Department of State Web site and follow the links until you can find the answer to this question: What are the visa requirements and entry procedures for U.S. Americans visiting your assigned country?
Note: Your team coordinator will let you know what you need to do regarding a visa for your trip.
Medical Teams International Travel Tip
Medical Teams International recommends that you register your trip with the U.S. State Department.
Register now 