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
Page last updated 10:22 AM, March 22, 2024