This document provides information and resources for UT students traveling internationally. It outlines the pre-departure forms and approval processes required for different types of international travel. It also shares health and safety resources like International SOS and recommendations for emergency preparation, such as having copies of important documents and an emergency action plan. The main tip emphasized is to focus on preparing for foreseeable risks and controlling your own behaviors while abroad.

1. 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

2. 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

3. Forms in MY SAO

4. 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

5. 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

6. Health & Safety Abroad Let’s Focus on: Good Resources Preparing for an Emergency Responding to an Emergency Tips for Safe Travels

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. #1 Health/Safety Tip Focus on what you can control & prepare for what you can’t…

14. ….and safe travels! Questions? www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/ITR/index.html Email us: liah@austin.utexas.edu