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Wake Alert

Wake Alert

Study Abroad Travel Safety for Students

These are some general tips for students to consider before traveling abroad. If you are studying abroad, you will have a detailed pre-departure orientation that covers these topics in more details. However, if you have questions at any point regarding the information below please feel free to contact the Center for International Studies at 336.758.5938.

Before you leave

  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the projected date of your return and that you have signed it.
  • Carry at least one photocopy of your passport with you.
  • Leave a photocopy of your passport with your parents.
  • Take only the credit cards and personal identification you will need.
  • Take different credit cards, for instance a MasterCard and a Visa.
  • Leave your Discover card at home; they are not widely accepted abroad.
  • Leave a photocopy of your credit cards with your parents and take a copy with you.
  • Be sure to have the 24-hour international phone number for your credit cards and banks in case you need to report them lost or stolen.
  • Contact your bank and credit card companies before leaving to let them know where you will be traveling (dates of travel and countries to be visited).
  • Speak with your credit card companies and bank to find out what fees you will be charged for using your cards abroad.
  • Obtain enough prescription medicine to last until you return home.
  • Carry medicine in its original container.
  • Take a copy of your prescription; ask your doctor to include the generic name for any medications.
  • Have your doctor write a letter you can carry explaining your need for the prescription and the treatment plan.
  • Meet with a travel nurse in the Student Health Center to learn about recommended immunizations for all locations where you plan to travel.
  • Notify your medical insurance company of your overseas travel.
  • Discuss your benefits and determine if coverage is sufficient or if you need to purchase additional international coverage (contact the Center for International Studies for information on international insurance providers).
  • Obtain instructions on filing claims.
  • If you have any medical conditions, it is recommended that you get a medical bracelet.
  • Pack light: remember everything you pack you may have to carry at some point.
  • Mark your suitcase with identifying features like a ribbon.
  • Make sure that your suitcase is properly labeled inside and out.
  • Obtain local currency before departing the United States.
  • You can purchase currency at banks for a reasonable exchange rate.
  • Most international airports will have currency exchange counters.
  • If you cannot obtain currency before departure, then try to obtain it upon arrival in the airport at an exchange counter or using a local ATM.

While Traveling

  • Check in early; some overseas airlines will not allow you to board if you're late.
  • Plan connecting flights so a delay will not cause you to miss your overseas flight.
  • Confirm when you are checking in that you have all of your boarding passes for later flights.
  • Use a money belt when traveling to keep your money, credit cards and passport on your person. Options include around your waist or around your neck and can be found in most large stores and luggage stores.
  • Dress casually and do not wear expensive jewelry.
  • It is recommended that you do not bring expensive jewelry or other expensive items with you when you travel.
  • Do not bring anything you cannot stand to lose.
  • Do not leave your personal items unattended on the plane.
  • Drink water, since it is easy to become dehydrated on long flights.

In Country

  • If you have not prearranged ground transportation, you can often find information desks at the airport offering assistance.
  • Ask about fees prior to using transportation.
  • Do not engage in idle conversation with strangers, especially if they ask personal questions or say they want to practice their English.
  • Beware of individuals trying to distract you while their partner steals your bag or picks your pocket.
  • It is not advised to carry large amounts of currency on your person; carry only enough money for the day.
  • In some hotels you may need to turn in your passport.
  • Always ask when you can retrieve it and get it back as soon as possible.
  • Make sure that you have a copy of your passport before turning it over to someone.
  • When you arrive at your destination, register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/).
  • If you have a medical emergency and cannot find an English-speaking doctor, or if you need a referral to a doctor or dentist, contact International SOS (www.internationalsos.com) for assistance with translation. The WFU membership number is 11BSGC000047.

Safety practices

  • Pay attention to what is happening around you (situational awareness).
  • When you go out, go with a friend.
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • Don't sleep on public transportation.
  • Know and obey local laws.
  • Always maintain a low-key profile.
  • Never loan your house or room keys to anyone.
  • Pickpocketing and theft of a purse or bag is common.
  • Keep your valuables in a money belt under your clothing.
  • Wear jackets with zippers and inside pockets.
  • Never place your jacket on the back of a chair or your purse on the ground by your feet.
  • Avoid protest groups and other potentially volatile situations.
  • Politely decline offers of food or drink from strangers.
  • Learn local customs and dress in a manner that is not offensive.

Weekend travel

  • Confirm that you have all the necessary documentation to travel.
  • Check to see if you need a visa to enter another country. A visa is an official permission for people to enter into a foreign country. People entering a country without a visa are breaking the law and the consequences can be severe.
  • Always tell someone your travel plans, including destination, hotel, dates of travel, and method of travel.
  • Travel with people you know.
  • Avoid travel at night.
  • Do not hitchhike.
  • Use reputable hotels, hostels, etc.
  • Check websites and speak to friends before booking.
  • Check the State Department travel web site to see if there is a travel advisory for your destination.

If you have a problem

  • Contact your resident professor or the emergency contact person for your program.
  • If you cannot reach someone in your program, call the WFU Police collect at 336-758-5591.
  • If you cannot call, e-mail: hotline@wfu.edu.
  • If you have a medical emergency and cannot find an English-speaking doctor, or if you need a referral to a doctor or dentist, contact International SOS (www.internationalsos.com) for assistance with translation. Other services [link to attached Intl SOS document] are also available. The WFU membership number is 11BSGC000047.
  • Call the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Obtain the number prior to traveling at http://www.travel.state.gov.
  • If you are arrested, cooperate with local authorities and ask to call the U.S. Embassy.

See: Introduction to International SOS for Students »

WFU Police
Phone: 336.758.5591
Fax: 336.758.4283
Web: http://www.wfu.edu/police
hotline@wfu.edu

Center for International Studies
Phone: 336.758.5938
Fax: 336.758.4809
Web: http://studyabroad.wfu.edu