UT INTERNATIONAL TRAVELSpring 2011
“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is
yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese
Pre-Departure Forms
For Students participating in:
International internships
International practicum’s
International research
International service learning
International volunteer work
Follow this process:
http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/ITR/processa.html
Forms in MY SAO
Pre-Departure Forms
For Students participating in:
International travel with registered or sponsored student organizations
International travel to meetings and conferences that are academically related
Follow this process:
http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/ITR/processb.html
STOP!
If you will be traveling to a country on UT’s Restricted Regions List you MUST seek approval from UT’s International Oversight Committee (IOC) prior to travel.
http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/health/suspension.html
Health & Safety Abroad
Let’s Focus on:
Good Resources
Preparing for an Emergency
Responding to an Emergency
Tips for Safe Travels
Resources
International SOS www.internationalsos.com(Member ID: 11BSGC000037)
UT’s emergency assistance provider
US State Department www.travel.state.gov
Find country-specific information
US Center for Disease Control (CDC) www.cdc.gov/travel
Advice on vaccines, medications, etc.
US Embassies & Consulates www.usembassy.gov
Connect with local Embassy
International SOS
UT System provides all students and faculty with access to International SOS, an international emergency assistance service. This is not insurance. Rather, it is a global 24-hour help line that will help you:
locate hospitals or pharmacies
identify English speaking health professionals
request emergency medical assistance, including evacuation
coordinate payment of medical services (if insurance provider cannot assist)
Their website allows you to upload your travel itineraries and any pertinent health information so that doctors may access it internationally in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Preparation
Be knowledgeable –do all your research pre-departure
Get acquainted with region-specific health/safety concerns Diseases or parasites
Access to clean water
Cell phone coverage
Crime rates and trends –kidnapping, ATM scams, assaults, etc.
Civil unrest…
Distribute your emergency info to people at home
ALWAYS carry info that will help YOU in the event of a crisis
Rehearse what to do in an actual emergency situation –have an EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Emergency Preparation, cont’d
Suggested documents to bring with you:
Copy of Passport and Visa
Emergency Contact Info
Copy of Insurance Card
International SOS Card (available on SOS website)
Copy of Home (and/or International) Drivers License
Items to have with you at all times:
Communication Device (mobile phone, PDA, calling card…)
Funds (Local, USD, credit/debit card)
First Aid Kit
A Few Safety Tips
Make Copies(Passport, license, credit cards numbers, etc)
Keep a Low “American Profile”
Tourists are often preyed upon –adapt to the culture
Have Street Smarts
Use the same logic you would at home
Trust your instincts
Move away from uncomfortable situations
When in doubt, play it safe
Money
Never carry large amounts of cash on you. ATM cards are great for accessing cash abroad
Learn the Laws of the Land
You are subject to the laws and regulations of that country’s legal system
If you are arrested, there is very little that UT or the US Embassy can do for you
Emergency Action Plan
STEP 1: Remain Calm - Remember, UT has resources to help you
STEP 2: Assess the Situation - Is this a true emergency?
STEP 3: Take Action - Assess the situation and decide whom tocontact for immediate assistance
STEP 4: Get in Touch
Update your local contacts
International SOS &Health Insurance
Can help coordinate medical response
SOS will make contact with the UT
STEP 5: Monitor Situation
#1 Health/Safety Tip
Focus on what you can control & prepare for what you can’t…
….and safe travels!
Questions? www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/ITR/index.html
Email us:
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