Health & Safety Abroad

Unfortunately, there are unexpected situations and emergencies that happen while abroad. All students, staff, and faculty are covered under TWU’s International Travel Insurance Policy. Zurich Insurance and On-Call International provide pre-trip information, travel services, and emergency medical services. You can call the insurance provider for any assistance you need including but not limited to:

Referral to a hospital or doctor for medical, dental, and counseling services
Hospitalization
Evacuation or repatriation
Translation services
Lost Passport, baggage, personal effects
Travel delay and/or canceled flights
Stolen items
Sudden occurrence of a political or military event

In the event of a serious medical or legal emergency abroad:

Call the local equivalent of 911
Contact the on-site program representative immediately
Contact TWU’s international insurance provider:

Toll-free from U.S. and Canada: 833-808-0251
Call collect from anywhere in the world: +1-978-651-9219
Email: mail@oncallinternational.com
SMS Text: +1-844-302-5131

Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for guidance
Contact TWU

Education Abroad Director, Taylor Morgan and/or Education Abroad Advisor, Alex Roman
Education Abroad Office at 940-898-3338
TWU Dept. Public Safety at 940-898-2911

Being prepared

All participants should register travel with the U.S. Department of State with their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Review local laws, regulations, attitudes, and customs

U.S. Department of State Traveler’s Checklist has resources regarding safety, security, required documents, country-specific information, health precautions, and tips
You are expected to obey local laws, which may include dress standards, photography restrictions, communication restrictions, curfews, transportation, and more.

Situational awareness

Be smart and keep aware of your surroundings
Protect your passport and don’t carry large amounts of cash
Be aware of location-specific known scams or crime
Avoid civil disturbances and political or otherwise demonstrations, they can quickly turn violent.

Navigating a new culture and taking care of yourself

This could include gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, class, religious beliefs, sexual identity and expression, ability, and neurodivergence/mental health. We have more resources on our Student Resources page.
Words can have different meanings abroad. Body language, physical space, and eye contact can be very different and challenging.
You are a cultural ambassador. Reflect on how you are representing yourself, TWU, and the U.S. while abroad.
Explore your cultural biases and work to combat preconceptions and stereotypes. Lean into learning from the citizens of the country you are visiting.
Consider your intersecting identities and how social and cultural interactions may differ abroad.

Intercultural communication

Accept and expect culture shock. Be kind and patient to yourself. Know when to ask for help. Stay connected with peers who are also going through these challenges. Stay open-minded and flexible.

Useful websites

State Department Students Abroad

State Department Travel Advisory Updates

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health

Page last updated 1:01 PM, September 18, 2025