STUDY ABROAD PREDEPARTURE MODULE HEALTH AND SAFETY

1. STUDY ABROAD PREDEPARTURE MODULEHEALTH AND SAFETY Presented by: Study Abroad Office

2. Safety Abroad Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the choices you make regarding your safety. Many places abroad are safer than the US, but your lack of familiarity with the culture, language, people, and locales may put you at higher risk. “Travelers never think that they are the foreigners.” Mason Cooley, American Aphorist

3. Health & Safety Emergencies • What is considered an emergency? • Any medical or legal emergency, or an incident when the student has been the victim of a crime or natural disaster and are in need of immediate medical assistance or evacuation Visit our Health & Safety website before you go abroad: world.utexas/edu/abroad/health • UT Study Abroad Office’s email to contact: emergencyabroad@austin.utexas.edu

4. Preparations to go abroad All students must have appropriate health insurance coverage for the duration of their time abroad, must register with International SOS, and must obtain authorization to travel abroad from UT. • Authorization • All students must obtain authorization to travel abroad • Forms found on the SAO website under “Student Travel Policy” • If traveling to a restricted region, students must obtain additional authorization from the university • International Health Insurance • All students will be automatically enrolled in the Cultural Insurances Services International insurance plan through UT, with a fee of $19/week assessed on your What I Owe page

5. Preparations to go abroad • International SOS • I-SOS provides students with 24-hour medical, security, and travel assistance worldwide • Students are responsible for registering themselves on the I-SOS website using the member number and information found on the SAO website • International Student ID Card (ISIC) • Students are no longer required to obtain ISIC cards, but are still encouraged to research the benefits from obtaining one Note: all students are strongly encouraged to maintain their US health insurance in case treatment is necessary upon return to the United States

6. Health abroad Students should familiarize themselves with conditions at their destination that could affect their health – high altitude, pollution, types of medical facilities, required immunizations, availability of required medication • Immunizations • Some countries may require certain immunizations before you can enter the country • General guidance on vaccinations and health precautions can be found at the Center for Disease Control’s travel website, at www.cdc.gov/travel • Local Emergency Service • Be familiar with local hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in case of emergencies

7. Safety The safety of our students is of the utmost importance. There are no guaranties when it comes to safety, but risk can be limited. We strongly encourage students to thoroughly consider the safety and risk information provided and stay aware of current events in the countries in which they are studying.

8. Four Principles of Personal Risk Preparedness • Awareness • Be informed about local hotspots, events, and general safety – read newspapers and talk with local residents or students about happenings around your host city • Learn which areas are safer and which methods of transportation are ideal • Seek out advice from locals • Communication • Check in with your family regularly via phone or email • Consider obtaining a cell phone while abroad • Stay in contact with the Study Abroad office and always contact us if you have concerns or issues

9. Four Principles of Personal Risk Preparedness • Cultural Common Sense • Apply cross-cultural understanding to preserve your safety • Recognize that cultures are different, and consider your new culture – what do people in this culture value most? • What behaviors, manners, and clothing blend in or stand out? • What are the norms for alcohol? Going out? Walking alone? • Personal Responsibility • Safety and security begins with you! • Your decisions matter – from the transportation you choose, to whom you associate with and when you go out • Alcohol consumption is the greatest threat to student safety abroad

10. Street Smarts • Female travelers are more likely to encounter harassment – avoid it by dressing conservatively and not being overly friendly • Avoid walking alone at night or in questionable neighborhoods, and do not hitchhike, no matter what! • Be assertive when confronted with unwanted situations – if you feel unsafe, you probably are • Do not attract attention to yourself by speaking English loudly in public spaces or wearing expensive looking jewelry • Taxis are not safe everywhere – inquire with locals about them • Your life is more important than your possessions – let them go and run if necessary!

11. Risk Factors • Some factors that increase safety risks are: • Being intoxicated • Being alone at night, especially after midnight • Being alone in an isolated area • Being alone in a high-crime area • Being asleep in an unlocked place • Being out after a local curfew • Being new to the country • Being unable to speak the local language • Being in a new place and having no established friends

12. Other Safety Tips • Stay informed by local news and people • Have documents and cash available, but in a safe place on your person • Don’t dress like an American (leave the Texas cap at home) • Don’t discuss politics, and don’t feel compelled to defend any US policy in a bar or public area • Avoid American hangouts

13. Personal Stories from students and staff