Pre-Departure Orientation Checklist for Students - Study Abroad

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION | HEALTH & SAFETY                                                  

Reminders/To Do                                                                                                                                    

• Update your UAbroad profile with phone numbers and addresses abroad once you have this info
• Check in during major events (friends, family, emergency contact)
  • During any event that would be reported in the news
  • To ensure piece of mind for your loved ones
• Notify local faculty, coordinators or emergency contact of any travel plans
  • https://international.arizona.edu/travel/independent-travel-staff-led-trips
• Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the program staff
• You are still subject to the UA Code of Conduct abroad.
  • When you are on a Study Abroad program you are on University at all times and the code of conduct applies to you
  • Violations often result in removal from the program and can follow you back to the University
• Register with the U.S. Dept. of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step
• UA Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy (Title IX)

Resources                                                                                                                                                 
 

Health 

• UA Study Abroad Health Information Form
• Helpful Websites
  • Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/travel
  • Traveling Abroad with Medication
    • Do your research; common medications can be illegal in other countries and can result in arrest
    • Plan ahead
  • UA Travel Clinic: https://health.arizona.edu/immunizations-travel-clinic 

GeoBlue

• Travel insurance required for all Study Abroad students
  • Insurance coverage by reimbursement only
  • Have a payment method to cover medical costs
• Destination Dashboard - https://members.geobluestudents.com/DestinationDashboard/Preview
  • To learn about health services available in your destination (log-in required)

Safety

• Carry contact information with you (hard copy, not just in your phone) for:
  • Local faculty or coordinators
  • Local emergency services
  • Study Abroad: (520) 626-9211 or UAPD: (520) 621-UAPD/8273
• Carry hard copies in black and white of important documents, leave the originals in a secure location in your accomodation
  • Passport
  • Visas
• Obey host-country laws – see U.S. State Dept. website regarding arrest or detention abroad
  • Do your research before you go
  • Results in University disciplinary action and removal from the program
  • The University is extremely limited in the assistance it can provide to students in case of an arrest
• Photography Abroad
• Drink responsibly and legally (if you drink)
• Tips:
  • Use the buddy system
  • Vary daily commuting routes and times
  • Let people know where you are going; text your location to a friend
  • Check in with your family, let them know if you are travelling
  • Make sure your phone is charged and that you have a backup power source
  • Never resist a robbery attempt
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Stay away from demonstrations
  • Follow the news
  • Trust your instincts
  • Listen to your homestay if they give you advice about what to do and what not to do and ask questions
  • Avoid sharing details about your travel plans with strangers or within earshot of strangers
  • Avoid displays of relative affluence
     

Student Resources

• UA Culture & Resource Centers
• Mobility International: Traveling abroad with a disability: http://www.miusa.org
• Pathways to Safety International – Empowering victims of interpersonal & gender-based violence abroad
• Diversity and Identity Abroad - https://international.arizona.edu/study-abroad/diversity-identity-abroad