Health and Safety

Health and safety information is provided for all CSU faculty/staff-led education abroad participants during this orientation. Plan to make an additional appointment at the CSU Health Network or with your primary care physician as soon as possible to update any routine or recommended vaccinations. Some immunizations are given in a series and may require time to build up. To schedule an appointment with the CSU Health Network, call (970) 491-7121. Fees may apply.  

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers up to-date information on vaccinations and immunizations that you will need for travel.  

Routine immunizations:

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap)  
• Meningococcal meningitis 
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) 
• Polio
• Varicella (chickenpox) 
• Influenza (flu shot) 

Recommended immunizations:

• Hepatitis A  
• Hepatitis B 
• Typhoid
• COVID-19

Vaccinations make you and the communities you interact with safer. The CDC recommends not travel internationally until you are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. You can read about vaccinations, where to get the vaccine, and CSU’s policies on Colorado State University’s COVID information and resources page.  

• Drink plenty of purified water. 
• Wear a hat and sunglasses. 
• Do not drink the water from the faucet. Use bottled water even when brushing your teeth. 
• Be consistent in using bug spray, to prevent possible mosquito-borne diseases. 
• Avoid going out alone. There is always greater safety in numbers, both during the day and at night. 
• Use only reputable boat or water tour providers. 
• Don’t put yourself in risky situations. 
• Know emergency phone numbers. 
• Remain alert at all times. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
• In Mexico, marijuana is currently illegal. 

For additional helpful travel information, visit travel.state.gov.  

• Steer clear of dogs and cats to avoid bites and infections.
• Do not touch wildlife or provoke wild animals. 
• Be aware of sea lions, moray eels, sharks, and especially sting rays. 
• Don’t put your hands into places you can’t see.
• Be aware of snakes in the desert. 
• Wear long sleeves and tightly woven clothing to avoid mosquito bites. 
• Use chemical repellents with DEET and a mosquito net over your bed when necessary. 
• Check shoes for scorpions. 
• Keep an eye out for jellyfish and wear a rash guard or long shirt to prevent stings. 
• Don’t touch fish, especially stinging fish. 
• Wear water shoes to avoid stepping on harmful fish. 

Always wear shoes, do not go barefoot! Wear protective clothing, such as long pants and shirts, to avoid scratching your skin.

It’s important to attend to your mental health and wellness as you plan your education abroad. Many students find that the challenges of living in a new cultural environment impact their sense of wellbeing and mental health. We encourage you to proactively plan for how you’ll attend to your mental health overseas. If you have concerns, follow these steps to take to ensure you have the support you need while studying abroad:  

• Proactively plan for how you will attend to your mental health and wellness overseas. 
• Create a self-care plan for yourself that includes regular communication with your support networks while you are in-country. 
• Meet with your mental health professional to discuss how you plan to manage your health while abroad, including what you will do if you are having increased symptoms or concerns. 
• Meet with the CSU Student Disability Center to prepare a request for accommodations, if needed. 
• Disclose with your Education Abroad Coordinator if you are uncomfortable. 

Students with mental health concerns go abroad every year and have fulfilling experiences. By proactively planning for your mental health, you can as well!  

Be vigilant in using insect precautions and personal protection measures against mosquitoes.  

• Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants. 
• Use mosquito netting over your bed. 
• Use insect repellents on skin, clothing, bedding, and netting. 
• DEET-containing products may be used on skin in concentrations up to 30%, and on clothing in higher concentrations. 

Students planning to travel to other parts of Mexico should check the CDC website for further considerations about mosquito-borne diseases.  

It is recommended that you leave valuables at home and do not carry large sums of cash on your person.  

• Do not store valuables in a backpack. 
• Keep a close eye on your luggage and belongings, especially when at the airport. 
• Keep all credit cards, cash, and your passport in a money belt or inside pocket. 
• Keep photo copies of important documents in a separate location. 
• Avoid traveling alone, especially at night. 
• Don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches. 

It is very important to check the U.S. Department of State to ensure your medication is legal in your destination country; if not, discuss this with your provider. See the CDC’s Traveling Abroad with Medicine page to learn more about traveling with medications. 

To guard against sunburn take at least SPF 30 and a good hat, and wear both (even on slightly overcast days) especially in coastal areas, as the sun reflects against the water. Be sure to cover all exposed skin with sunscreen and reapply often.

Many travelers experience moderate to severe diarrhea as they adjust to differences in food. Talk with your doctor about a prescription antibiotic for self-treatment of traveler’s diarrhea. 

CSU Todos Santos team members or approved community vendors will be driving a van to transport you to program locations and on excursions. It is important that you wear safety belts and do not distract drivers while the vehicle is moving. Keep all valuables hidden while in vehicles.  

Tap water and ice made from tap water are not safe to drink in Mexico. Filtered water is provided at CSU Todos Santos in water coolers. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle to fill up when necessary. Bottled water may be provided on excursions as well. Keep your fluid level up to prevent dehydration, and take re-hydration salts if necessary. Note that on faucets ‘C’ means ‘caliente’ (hot) and ‘F’ means ‘frio’ (cold) — but do not drink the water from the faucets!  

Drowning is the number one cause of death for U.S. citizens in Baja California Sur. Be aware of current water conditions and signs that indicate it is not safe to swim. Know your limits — ocean swimming is challenging even for experienced swimmers. If you are in open water, take care with strong waves and rip tides. Avoid diving, always swim with a buddy, always wear a personal flotation device, and never drink and swim.