Medical Approval Process

As part of your enrollment, all participants must complete a full medical review. This helps us understand any medical or mental health needs and determine if SFS can provide the necessary support. The Medical Approval Process is not meant to exclude, but to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

If there are concerns about a participant’s ability to participate in the program due to a physical or mental health condition, we’ll reach out to the participant and their healthcare provider to discuss accommodations and strategies for success.

Please note, any inaccurate or incomplete information may affect admission or participation in certain activities. Participants must also notify SFS of any health or medication changes after submitting medical forms. Program participation is contingent upon medical approval.

For questions, please contact SFS Student Life: studentlife@fieldstudies.org.

General Recommendations and Guidelines Prior to Joining an SFS Program

General Health: Highly recommended to be in good physical health and capable of managing personal medical conditions without routine medical care and have maintained good health standing for 12 months prior to joining an SFS program abroad. SFS programs are not appropriate for those who need routine in-person care while abroad.
Mental Health: Highly recommended to have maintained good mental health standing for 12 months prior to joining an SFS program abroad. SFS programs are not appropriate for those who require ongoing therapy to maintain stability or are currently in or in need of an intensive treatment program.
Medications: If prescribed medication, participant must demonstrate stability on current medication and dose for at least 6 months prior to SFS program start date (stability includes the absence of any side effects and a prescriber’s willingness to provide enough medication to last the duration of the program.
Self-care: Be prepared to prioritize well-being through maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and balanced nutrition and engaging in a variety of self-care activities. These may include exercise, journaling, meditation. Recognize when they need support and are willing and able to reach out for support when needed. Embrace the opportunity to build new coping skills in a setting where familiar routines, like gym access, workout schedules, alone time, or reliable Wi-Fi, may be limited or unavailable.
Physical Demands: Each SFS program has unique physical challenges. As a participant, you must be ready to meet the physical demands of the program, which may include hiking, swimming, snorkeling/SCUBA, and carrying gear for extended periods in unfavorable weather conditions such as high heat, humidity, rain, snow, wind, etc.
Adaptability: Be prepared for significant levels of unfamiliarity and discomfort that naturally occur while traveling, particularly in developing nations. Expect there will be changes in diet, extremely basic lodgings, unfamiliar surroundings, homesickness, long days, and changes in routines.
Support: Recognize that standard sources of support (e.g., family, friends, doctors) will not be readily available.
Health Disclosure: Communicate openly and honestly about any physical and/or mental health challenges that have occurred before or during the program. Adhere to all medical and mental health guidance provided prior to departure and/or while abroad.

MEdical Forms

The SFS Medical Forms can be found in the students’ SFS Application. Any questions regarding the medical review process can be directed to studentlife@fieldstudies.org or the students’ admission coordinator.

MEdical Forms Required of All Students

Health History Form: Set of self-disclosure forms completed by the student.
Physical Examination and Authorization Form: To be completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or registered nurse practitioner who is not related to the student.

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendation and Policy Acknowledgement
- This is an electronic acknowledgement designed to inform each participant of the COVID-19 recommendations and related policies SFS maintains.
- All SFS program participants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. SFS program locations do not currently maintain entry-requirements related to COVID-19. However, participants who join their cohort without a COVID-19 vaccination may be barred by local authorities should COVID-19 requirements be reinstated at any point while abroad.
- More information can be found here.

SFS Medical Acknowledgement
- This is an electronic acknowledgement designed to inform each participant of the personal responsibility for preparing for their international experience.

Medical Forms Required As Applicable

Mental Health Provider Evaluation: To be completed by the student’s mental health practitioner. Required if a student has been in counseling for any reason within the past two years.
Psychotropic Medication Form: To be completed by the student’s prescribing physician. Required if a student is currently taking a psychotropic medication.
Lifesaving Medication: If the student is prescribed any lifesaving medication (Epi-Pen, Rescue Inhaler, Insulin, Post-Seizure Medication, etc.), the Lifesaving Medication Form is required and must be completed by the students’ allergist, neurologist, or physician who manages this condition.
Medical Specialty Provider: (Physician, PA, NP): If the student has visited a medical specialist for any health reason in the last two years and/or if they are under long-term care of a specialty provider for any reason.
Divers Medical Questionnaire (Turks & Caicos ONLY): Required for all students who intend to SCUBA dive. A complete guide to completing the DMQ form can be found in the SFS Application for TCI Students.
Spirometry and/or Pulmonary Function Test Results (Turks & Caicos ONLY): Required depending on student medical history.

Program Specific Items

Depending on the program, students may be required to submit additional medical forms, vaccination documentation, or letters of medical clearance.

Immunizations: Some SFS programs require students to receive a specific vaccination prior to program participation. For these programs, students must submit documentation of the completed vaccination(s) in their SFS Application. Students should consult the Field Guide and the MEDICAL PREPARATION FOR THE FIELD: A Guide to SFS (School for Field Studies) Medical Approval Process found in their SFS application page for information on SFS vaccinations requirements for program participation. Students should also consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health website for a list of recommended vaccinations.
Follow-up Call: As part of the medical review, students may be required to complete a phone call with one of our team members to discuss preparation and expectations for the program. The SFS Student Life team will contact students directly to schedule this call after submission of the required medical documents.