Many Harvard students spend summers and semesters abroad, increasingly in developing countries. About 150 join study abroad programs in general each year, and an additional 25 work abroad with the Weissman program. Many other students participate in programs not run by the Office of Career Services (OCS), according to International Experience Office Director Jane Pavese.

There is such a high demand, in fact, that University Health Services (UHS) will soon publish a guide for students travelling abroad.

Pavese says all students embarking on a study or work abroad program are required to attend pre-departure meetings designed to educate them about health and safety in foreign countries.

Study/work abroad programs also require participants to have health insurance.

"Students need to be prepared," Pavese says.

According to OCS statistics, about 60 percent of the students in study abroad programs travel to Western Europe.

But less-developed areas like Latin America, parts of East Asia and Russia, pose more health risks for travelers, and are also popular travel destinations.