Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Lafayette College is committed to supporting students with dietary restrictions as they pursue international study opportunities. Whether due to allergies, religious practices, or personal choices, careful planning and resourcefulness can ensure a safe and enriching experience abroad.

Travel Tips

  • Before your departure, consult your healthcare provider to discuss managing dietary needs while abroad.
  • If you have any severe allergies or other medical conditions, pack any necessary medications before your trip, such as an EpiPen.
  • Obtain any medical documentation, such as allergy action plans or physician letters, which may be useful while traveling and receiving medical care abroad.
  • Consider preparing travel cards that clearly state your dietary restrictions in both English and the local language.
  • Communicate with your study abroad program coordinators regarding your dietary restrictions to ensure appropriate accommodations are available.
  • Exercise caution when trying unfamiliar foods, especially in settings where cross-contamination risks may be higher.
  • Advocate for yourself in any setting where you aren’t preparing your own food.

Resources for different diets

Food allergies

Religious diets

Vegan and vegetarian

Did we miss something?

Contact studyabroad@lafayette.edu if you have any suggestions for our page or if you’d like to share your story about navigating dietary restrictions. Alternatively, you can fill out our student experience form.

Student experiences

Write down and translate a list of dietary restrictions for you and your host family. It's good to familiarize yourself with the names of these foods in your host country's language.
Jayson Genao ‘27
Costa Rica
While living in Scotland, restaurant staff often asked for any dietary restrictions and provided me with a list of foods that I could eat without any modifications, plus other dishes they could modify. I was also able to cook as I lived in a flat with a kitchen, which made it much easier to make sure my food was something I could eat.
Lauren Thomas ‘26
Scotland
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