[Studying abroad; the other side of the coin]

All Dutch universities encourage their medical students to follow part of their Bachelor's or Master's degree abroad. In doing so, students encounter other cultures and see medicine from a global perspective, including possible inequalities in health care access. Though it is well-known that these experiences often have a profound impact on an individual student, little is known as to whether this also leads to better future physicians. More importantly, travelling to certain areas where endemic infections occur poses an additional risk. Universities should inform students adequately about possible health risks, while travelling abroad for their studies. Students should realize that in addition to it potentially being a great experience, despite all precautions, it could also be a negative experience and there is the possibility of contracting a disease.