There is little arguing that going abroad to study is one of the most beneficial experiences a person can have in their life, as it enables them to grow on a personal level and fosters networking in social as well as professional circles. However, a new location does bring about some safety issues that merit attention.
The CDC and similar institutions have numerous risks associated with their Gap travel and study abroad programmes. These preparations, for most, are critical to facilitate international travel. Whether you're going to study for a semester in Europe or taking a full study abroad programme to Asia, this guide is designed to help you effectively prepare.
Recent Trends and Statistics
Over the last few years, the picture for health and safety for international students in most countries has improved. This is due to advocacy efforts that have facilitated the development of safeguarding strategies in safety programmes developed by organisations such as the CIEE during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, universities actively and meticulously collect and analyse student data for study abroad programmes. With 21,579 students, the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities has the most students studying abroad in the US, followed by the University of St. Thomas with 7,706 students.
"Those who prepare for health and safety before any journey are more likely to succeed at it," says Sarah Mitchell, PhD, Director of International Student Services with Global Education Consulting. "The purpose is to address physical health and supportive mental health issues before the border is crossed."
Health Preparation
Vaccination and Check-Up
Begin health preparation 6-8 weeks before departure. Plan for an encounter with an authorised healthcare provider and engage the following:
Risk Management:
- Define your health concerns
- Check and recommend routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, and flu shots)
- Traveller immunisations
- Chronic condition management
- Medications relevant to the condition may need to be prescribed
Document Preparation:
- Compiling and organising your health and medical history
- Locating medical prescriptions that need to be ordered
- Identifying and securing the name of a physician to determine contact orders
- Preparing, completing, and issuing cards for emergency medical data
Managing Medications Abroad
Planning is needed to determine regulations for the use and management of medications whilst travelling.
Stepwise Preparation of Medicines:
- Talk to Your Doctor: Tell them how long you will stay abroad and ask them to prescribe enough medicines to cover the duration of your stay plus an extra 30-day supply
- Research the Rules: Some medicines may be prescribed as controlled substances or wholly prohibited in the destination country
- Obtain the Necessary Documents: For each prescription, ask the physician for an official letter that records the specifics
- Pack Smart: Medicines need to be packed in both cabin and hold luggage and must stay in proper sealed original packaging
- Seek International Equivalents: Find sources that can offer prescribed medicines in the destination country and provide local names of the drugs
Selecting International Health Insurance Plans
International Student's Insurance (ISI) is one of the practitioners offering reasonable and reliable student insurance and has earned a 5-star rating for customer service. Nevertheless, international travel and studying insurance is multi-faceted and requires a tailored deal, which is why some level of research is needed.
Criteria for Comparing Available Options:
- Coverage scope restrictions (e.g., coverage less than £100,000)
- Premium reduction goals
- Pre-existing conditions subject to coverage waiting periods
- Psychological coverage and other forms of psychotherapeutic aids
- Coverage for medical transportation and medical evacuation
- Contracted medical institutions in the area
Safety Guidelines
Accommodation Safety
No matter what your accommodations might have in the way of safety features, consider your room a space that you should be able to secure on your own.
Accommodation Safety Checklist:
- Entry Control: Test locks and understand building access points, including emergency exits
- Communication: Develop a system for family contact during emergency check-ins
- Emergency Numbers: Save local contacts for police, ambulance, and fire in your phone
- Neighbourhood Crime: Review local crime reports and determine safest routes to campus
Transportation Safety
All means of transport abroad require a reasonable degree of alertness, planning, and preparation.
Transportation Safety Protocol:
- Public Transport: Investigate local bus and train systems and learn safety measures
- Ride-sharing Services: Use only top-rated and trusted transport apps, verify driver and vehicle IDs, and send ride details to trusted contacts
- Walking Safety: Devise safe walking strategies that avoid secluded places for night-time mobility
- Emergency Transport: Identify trustworthy taxi companies
Money and Document Security
Document Protection System:
- Store legally protected originals in protective accommodation vault
- Take certified copies for transport
- Use encrypted cloud accounts for storing copies
- Contact home embassy or consulate directly
Financial Safety Measures:
- Inform financial institutions about planned destinations
- Take multiple payment methods including different cards
- Lower daily bank withdrawal limits
- Manage personal belongings to hide valuable items and money
Mental Health and Wellness Support
Cultural Views on Mental Health
Different countries have different mental health attitudes. These attitudes can affect healthcare availability for people needing assistance whilst travelling.
Psychological Preparation before Departure
Evaluation and Preparation Procedures:
- Current Therapy Evaluation: Students requiring mental health support need to speak to their mental health practitioner about the possibility of a semester abroad
- Insurance Approval: Check whether you have mental health insurance coverage when travelling
- Treatment Continuity: If you are in therapy, discuss temporary suspension or tele therapy alternatives
- Crisis Resource Identification: Research relevant mental health services and English-speaking clinicians in your destination country
Support Networks Abroad
Networking Facilitated by:
- University Resources: Contact the international student office and counselling centre
- Student Associations: Join international student networks and clubs
- Community Participation: Participate in community activities and conversation exchange programmes
- Network Expansion: Keep in touch with other international students facing similar challenges
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Contacts
Essential Contact Categories:
- Local Emergency Services: Police, fire, and ambulance
- University Contacts: International student adviser, campus police, student residence officer
- Foreign Contacts: Embassy or consulate, university international office, family emergency contacts
- Service Providers: 24-hour healthcare services and travel insurance assistance
Emergency Communication Protocol
- Primary: International mobile coverage, including purchasing local SIM cards
- Backup: WiFi-only apps like Skype and WhatsApp
- Location Information: Inform emergency contacts how to reach your location
- Documentation: Securely document vital information at relevant places
Risk Assessment Preparation
Risk Assessment Domains:
- Weather Related: Hurricane season, severe flooding, extreme temperatures
- Geological: Earthquake zones, active volcano areas
- Political Disorder: Election periods, civil disorder, terrorism threats
- Health: Disease outbreaks and underdeveloped health systems
Technology and Digital Security
Protecting Your Digital Identity
Online Security Measures:
- Use VPN applications for private browsing and data protection
- Avoid sensitive applications on weak networks
- Maintain all devices with current security updates
- Create electronic document archives
- Avoid public WiFi for sensitive communications
Regular Communication
It is encouraged for students to remain in steady contact with families and friends to assist with adjustment and integration whilst monitoring safety.
Cultural Understanding for Security
Learning Host Country Social Norms
Culture is important for your social engagement and safety during your stay abroad.
Areas of Cultural Learning:
- Interactions: Appropriate greetings and personal space
- Social Boundaries: Cultural boundaries on opposite-sex interactions
- Religious Traditions: Local faith traditions and required courtesy
- Commercial Practices: Associated with casual employment or work experience
Basic Language Proficiency
Basic language proficiency assists with and improves safety.
Focused Language Instruction:
- Emergency Situations: Medical emergencies, assistance required, incident reporting
- Transportation: Questions about transport and associated terminology
- Health: Signs of ailments, medications, and allergies
- Social: Conversation initiation and courtesy gestures
"Language preparation should concentrate on the most fundamental and practical means of communication. Travellers who return with reports of fewer troublesome situations are those able to express their needs clearly," says Prof. Maria Rodriguez, Director of International Education Safety Branch, Global University Consortium.
Conclusion
Studying abroad entails certain risks that must be planned for and well mitigated. The combination of advanced planning, purposeful communication with key participants, and readiness for last-minute adjustments determines success.
International education requires functioning from a foundation of safety as well as a centre of growth. With relevant health and safety measures and a proactive approach, expect advantages in both personal and academic growth from your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the first thing I do when I'm ill whilst overseas?
First, determine the severity of your illness. If it's not serious, follow your insurance company's outlined steps for local primary healthcare. If serious, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Always carry your insurance card with your passport and emergency numbers.
What do I do when I'm experiencing homesickness?
Most students experience homesickness. It's rational to want proximity to loved ones. For emotional wellbeing, develop connections in your current area. Attend student involvement and cultural activities. If the problem worsens, utilise available school counselling services.
What happens if there's civil unrest in my destination country?
Monitor travel advisories from your home country's state department. Register with your embassy or consulate. Avoid political activities and always know exit locations. Stay in contact with your university's international office. If conditions remain problematic, consider relocation.
Do I need separate travel insurance for overseas study?
Evaluate your health insurance plan thoroughly, as many domestic plans offer limited or no overseas coverage. Travel insurance is important as you'll likely need coverage for non-medical issues during your trip.
Student Testimonials
"I enjoyed my semester in Germany, but building a support network was challenging. The international student mentor programme was able to provide a solution. I was paired with local and American students. It certainly alleviated my homesickness and helped with academic pressure challenges." --- Jessica Chen, University of California Berkeley.
"The £2000 cost from my allergic reaction in Barcelona was covered via comprehensive travel insurance. I had my insurance card, planned ahead, and researched what hospitals to go to. Packing my insurance card seemed pointless, though, in hindsight, it was perhaps the most crucial thing I wished had been packed."--- Emma Richardson, University of Manchester.
"Studying the fundamentals of the Italian language was essential especially before I had to go to Rome. On a particular occasion, I was able to find my way home safely when it got dark, and it was because I had studied the language previously. Those 30 hours on language apps were absolutely worth the investment."--- James Mitchell, University of Edinburgh.
