Health and Insurance

Health issues are generally the same in Russia as they are in the U.S. Adapting to a new climate, food, water, and way of life may affect one's health during the first few weeks, but usually has no lasting effects.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control maintains updated information about health concerns abroad, including Russia (www.cdc.gov). It is advisable to make sure that inoculations against diphtheria, polio, and tetanus are up to date. Inoculations against hepatitis A and B are also advisable but not required. It is important to keep in mind that Russia has a high STD infection rate, including HIV/AIDS.

All participants of the Bard-Smolny Program should be covered by their own American medical insurance. Be sure to bring all the necessary information with you and keep it in a safe place. Students will also be provided with HTH Worldwide insurance, which will cover their period of study with the Bard-Smolny Program. The policy is valid in Russia as well as other countries (other than the U.S.) during this time and offers:

• 100% coverage for services, including everything from doctor visits to medical evacuations;
• No deductibles;
• Cashless service - direct pay to providers (if visit is pre-approved);
• coverage limit of $100,000 per illness or injury;
• Pre-existing conditions covered;
• Online and phone access to worldwide providers;
• Political evacuation services;
• Assistance with appointments; and
• 24/7 - 365 day toll-free access to customer service.

While there are no official HTH doctors in St. Petersburg, the insurance policy will cover pre-authorized visits to the three western-style clinics operating in St. Petersburg, where consultations in English are available.

Each program participant will receive his/her own insurance card and will be able to manage his/her healthcare through the tools provided on the HTH website: www.hthstudents.com. Once you have received your insurance card and password you may also register your parents to the www.hthparents.com companion website. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of the pre-departure planning and services offered on the HTH websites.

Do not count on being able to fill a U.S. prescription at a Russian pharmacy. It is best to bring a supply of prescription drugs that will suffice for your entire stay. Be sure to bring a copy of your prescription with you in case customs authorities ask you for it.

Russian pharmacies are well stocked with over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicine, vitamins, etc. In general, unless you are particularly attached to a specific brand, you should be able to fill your entire cosmetic and toiletry needs in Russian drug stores and "parfumerias."

Psychiatric care in English is available in St. Petersburg at both the Euromed Clinic and the American Medical Center. In addition, students will be introduced to a trained psychotherapist and psychoanalyst at orientation. The psychotherapist has worked with foreign students for many years at her private practice and is also a professor of psychology at St. Petersburg State University.

Safety and Security

St. Petersburg is generally a safe place, with crime levels similar to large cities in the United States. Petty crime is by far the most widespread form of criminal activity and can be dealt with by using everyday street smarts. Especially Westerners are often the target of petty crime, as they are perceived as naive, wealthy, and as easy targets. A common problem on crowded streets and on public transportation is pick pocketing. Students should keep their wallets or purses in secure locations and be aware of their bags and pockets. Students should be especially aware on buses and at metro stations on Nevsky Prospekt, where pickpockets specifically target foreigners. be conscious of your surroundings, especially when taking money out of ATMs, and when walking on the street at night. Do no carry large sums of money unless absolutely necessary.

It is generally a good idea to try to assimilate to local dress and customs to avoid unwanted attention. Behavior that makes one stand out asa tourist or foreigner (such as speaking loudly in English in public or taking photographs of surroundings in areas not frequented by tourists) can bring on unwanted attention or crime.

Also, attitudes among Russians towards Americans have tended to become less favorable in the past few years, so that announcing your citizenship to unknown people on the street is not a good idea. People of color, of Asian descent, and homosexuals are often the target of unwarranted attention and harassment.

In their August 2006 publication Hate Crime and Skinhead Violence in Eastern Europe, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) reported on racially motivated violence in Russia: "In the past year, reports of racially-motivated violence in Russia have made international headlines. According to the Moscow-based non-governmental organization Sova, from January to June 2006, 18 people were killed and 147 were injured in these attacks. Amnesty International argues that the number of murders, attacks and incidents of discrimination attributed to racial hatred continutes to grow while numerous Russian authorities believe that the problem is being blown out of proportion by the international press. Moreover, Russian officials claim that Russian nationals are also victimized, but that such attacks do not get the same publicity as those involving foreigners. Regardless of the rate increase, skinheads in Russia continue to target people that are non-white, Jewish and homosexual."

The Smolny College Human Rights faculty are among those individuals who are best informed about the activities of Fascist groups in St. Petersburg. The Human Rights faculty are available to meet with Bard-Smolny Program participants to ensure that they are fully cognizant of the dangers, to the extent that we can know them. In addition, our experienced staff in St. petersburg receive regular updates about Fascist group activity during the semester, and pass pertinent information on to our students.

Additional Web Resources

• US Department of State about traveling to Russia