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Cross-Cultural Consideration for Vegetarians and Students with Dietary Restrictions

Vegetarians and vegans may find it more challenging to maintain a strict vegetarian/vegan diet while abroad, since many places use some form of meat as the staple of their cuisine. There is a good chance you will be traveling to a country where residents will be uninformed or unsympathetic to your concerns. You may also find yourself in a place where fresh fruit and vegetables can not easily be obtained. You should consult your healthcare provider prior to departure for more information on staying healthy while abroad.

Be sure to research your host country prior to departure. Most good travel books will include a section for vegetarians. If you have a housing option where you prepare your own food this may be better than a homestay that prepares meals for you. If a homestay is your only option, notify your study abroad advisor far in advance and they will inform the on-site staff. It is also important to work with your program coordinator in country regarding non-offensive ways to refuse food. In the end it the responsibility of the student, not the program or the host country, to adapt.

Students with dietary restrictions for religious reasons should also research common foods in their country of study. Some cultures use pork or beef as the dominant meat while others may utilize chicken or fish. Kosher offerings may be especially hard to find and will often be more expensive.

Students with severe food allergies, such as to nuts or wheat, will also have problems. Food product ingredients are rarely as well-marked as they are in the United States. You should research the health care system and food staples of any country you are considering before choosing a study destination. Definitely consult with your doctor prior to departure and notify the appropriate AU Abroad or on-site staff member far in advance. Be sure to bring an ample supply of all medications with you. Some previous students have also brought supplemental food with them or had food shipped to them mid-semester.

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