Money

Before departure, you should call your financial institution to let them know that you will be traveling abroad. Your bank may freeze your account if they are unaware of your travels. Not all bank or credit cards work in every country or every ATM. Ask your bank if they can identify locations for ATMs that accept your debit cards. 

If you are traveling to Europe, investigate the possibility to have a credit card with a chip and a pin.

Don’t forget about recurring bills and other financial obligations. You will need to make sure to make arrangements for your bills to be paid while away. 

While traveling, you should also think about having a source of funds for emergencies. You may need to pay out-of-pocket for a trip to the emergency room.  This source could be an extra credit card, back-up ATM card, or ways that parents or friends can put extra cash into your checking account or wire to you if needed. Plan to get $75-$100 in the foreign currency of your destination to prepare for unexpected needs during transit to your study abroad program. You may not be able to quickly change money immediately when entering the country. 

If you want to learn more about the local currency and exchange rates of your destination, visit: www.xe.com or www.oanda.com .

Budgeting

If you run out of money, you will be responsible to get more sent to you to cover your daily needs. We strongly encourage you to create a budget.

To help understand costs, take time out to learn the foreign currency BEFORE you go abroad. The buying power of any country's currency is always updated and should be reviewed.  One such guide to help you understand purchasing power is the Big Mac Index. It compares the cost of a Big Mac in different countries can give you a benchmark to plan for your daily expenses. 

Document Safety

When preparing for your study abroad experience, you should review what to take and what to leave at home. Certainly, if it is a mandatory item such as your passport or cash, bring it. But, if you don’t want it stolen and don’t want to hassle getting it replaced when you come back home, don’t bring it.

You should leave at home all extra credit cards, house or car keys, driver’s license, social security card, USF student ID, your birth certificate and any other items not needed abroad. Always leave a hardcopy and a digital copy of your valuable documents that you are bringing with you with someone you trust at home. Items to leave copies of include: flight itinerary, in-country travel itinerary, contact information, passport, credit and debit cards (front and back), etc.

It is your responsibility, not your program leader's, to keep your travel documents, credit cards and valuables safe. Do not keep valuable documents or items in a hand carry purse or the outside pocket of a backpack.

Your passport, credit card and/or debit card, and money should be worn in a pouch or a money belt as close to your body as possible when you are traveling abroad. Remember, money belts are worn under your clothes, not like a fanny pack.

Please note that some countries require you to have your original passport on your person at all times. If unsure, ask your program leader or an education abroad advisor.

Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage! Carry it on your person when at airports and boarding planes. Purchasing a neck lanyard is a good idea as it makes carrying your passport safe and convenient!

A helpful tip for protecting your chip credit card information from getting stolen from walk-by scanners is putting a piece of aluminum foil in your wallet or buying a protective wallet.

Know Your Destination

To get very objective and balanced information, we strongly encourage you to visit the U.S. Department of State’s website and read the Country Information Sheets prepared by the U.S. Department of State.  This is the same place where you discovered Passport Validity. U.S. Department of State Country Information Also, you can check out the CIA World Factbook for more information about your destination.

For a student perspective on traveling, also sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is a site created by students for students: https://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en.html

Visit the U.S. Embassy’s own website for the location you are going to. They often have a lot of information about activities you may find relevant. They also keep a list of all special advisories, security messages and emergency messages. U.S. Embassy Websites 

STEP Enrollment

USF Education Abroad registers all USF student travelers with the US Department of State into the Smart traveler Enrollment Program. The benefit is twofold. On one hand enrollment lets the local embassy know you are there and how to contact you. On the other hand, enrollment means you get notices and information that is sent out by the local embassy. This information can be invaluable to you when security or safety issues arise.

 Below are the types of messages/alerts that could be sent to you while abroad:

• Emergency Messages are issued to inform U.S. citizens about imminent events or threats that can affect their personal security and that may require immediate action by U.S. citizens on their behalf, or by others, to ensure their safety.

• Security Messages are issued to communicate information about personal security threats of a general or systemic nature, or events/threats where local law-enforcement has taken measures to address or provide enhanced security to the general public.

• Travel Alerts are issued to quickly inform you about relatively short-term conditions posing imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens/nationals. Examples of events that might prompt a Travel Alert include terrorist attacks, coups, election-related demonstrations or violence, or demonstrations related to an international conference or sporting event.

• Travel Warnings are issued to advise U.S. citizens about the risks of travel to countries where conditions are dangerous or unstable and/or where the U.S. government’s ability to assist its citizens is constrained because of an Embassy drawdown or closure.

Create your own account

You can create your own account and use it anytime you travel internationally. Just go to this site and follow the instructions: https://step.state.gov/step/. You will get notices during the dates of travel that you add to your itinerary.

Adjustments for Women Abroad

The overwhelming majority of students who study abroad are women and they report back that they have had incredible experiences. However, in certain locations and programs, women may have a difficult time adjusting to attitudes they encounter abroad, both in public and private interactions between men and women. Some men openly demonstrate their appraisal of women in ways that many women find offensive. It is not uncommon to be honked at, stared at, verbally and loudly approved of, and, in general, to be actively noticed simply for being a woman, and in particular, an American woman.  Sometimes the attention can be flattering.  Soon, it may become very annoying and potentially even angering or frightening. Local women, who often get the same sort of treatment, have learned through their culture how to respond to the attention.

Eye contact between strangers or a smile at someone passing in the street, which is not uncommon in the U.S., may result in totally unexpected invitations, and some women feel forced to avoid eye contact.  You will have to learn the unwritten rules about what you can and cannot do.  Women can provide support for each other; you may wish to get together several times early in your stay abroad to talk about what does and doesn’t work for dealing with unwanted attention.  U.S. women are seen as liberated in many ways and sometimes the cultural misunderstanding that comes out of that image can lead to difficult and unpleasant experiences.

These cultural differences may make male-female friendships more challenging. Consider the implicit messages you are communicating, messages you may not intend in your own cultural context.  Above all, try to maintain the perspective that these challenging and sometimes difficult experiences are part of the growth of cultural understanding, which is one of the important reasons you are studying abroad. 

Female travelers may be more likely to encounter harassment such as unwanted sexual gestures, physical contact, or statements that are offensive or humiliating. Such uncomfortable situations may be avoided by taking the following precautions:

 Dress conservatively; while short skirts and tank tops may be comfortable, they may encourage unwanted attention, and in some countries it is entirely inappropriate – like a woman walking around in a bra and underpants.

• Avoid walking alone late at night or in questionable neighborhoods.
• Do not agree to meet a person who you do not know in a non-public place.
• Be aware that some men from other cultures tend to mistake the friendliness of American women for romantic interest.

 

If, after acknowledging cultural differences, you still feel uncomfortable with what you interpret as sexual harassment, you should talk with your leader, resident director, or other on-site personnel.  This conversation may provide you with some coping skills and a possible action plan to avoid future encounters.  It may also help you gain a different perspective by understanding the local customs and attitudes.  It could be possible that the behaviors you feel uncomfortable with are behaviors that are also considered unacceptable in the host culture.

If you feel you are being sexually harassed by your fellow American students, speak with your program leader. If you feel you are being sexually harassed by your program leader, resident director, or other on-site personnel, contact the International Risk and Security Officer at the 24/7 International Assistance Line (813)-317-5815.

Roommates and Guests

Student Housing while Traveling Internationally

Living in an apartment, hotel, hostel, homestay or any other facility while on an international activity registered with the Education Abroad Office is the same as living on the campus of USF in the eyes of many jurisdictions.  International travel is a unique opportunity to experience life abroad. Students may likely be sharing facilities with other USF students, but possibly with citizens of a different country.  In such a community, students are afforded rights, but at the same time, students have responsibilities to uphold under not just the rules of USF but with the country they are residing in.  Please be aware that in addition to the rules stated in our adaptation of the 2016-2017 Resident Handbook (PDF), students are responsible for knowing, and will be held accountable to, local law, the USF Student Code of Conduct, Federal and State Law, and USF World and the Education Abroad Office policies and procedures.

Students are expected to be aware of and adhere to these rules for their own well-being as well as that of the others they will be sharing this experience with. The rules and regulations of the University and the residence halls are clearly explained in the Resident Handbook 2016-2017 Resident Handbook (PDF). We have adapted those to the international experience in the Education Abroad Office Resident Handbook (See Attachment).  Students are responsible for knowing these rules and for adhering to them at all times. Remember that due to the local customs, local laws or specific requirements and needs of your international travel program, further restrictions may be imposed.  Violating these rules and/or additional restrictions may result in a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (SCC).

CONDUCT PROCESS

Please visit the USF Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities website for information: http://www.sa.usf.edu/SRR/

All housing on a USF international travel experienced is subject to Education Abroad Office Resident Handbook (See Attachment). Housing is segregated between male and female. There are no co-ed sleeping arrangements.  Students who are transitioning may select the gender that they identify with.

No overnight guests are permitted in USF housing accommodations, and this includes every location you are staying in while on a USF International Experience experience.  It is important to understand that many countries specifically ban guests who are not registered with the hotel or housing facility. It can get you thrown out.

Guests are also not permitted during most USF international programming. Check with your program leader or advisor if unsure.  Generally, they cannot ride the bus with you, go to class with you, go to dinner with you, or otherwise spend any time with you while you are actively participating with your group or program.

Housing

Your housing may be pre-selected for you or you may be traveling independently where you will need to select your own housing. In either case, please understand that there is no such thing as a 100% "safe" location. Great effort has been made to identify locations where risk can be mitigated, but ultimately it is your responsibility to make good decisions. This means, pay attention to both housing considerations and room considerations. Therefore, pay attention to the following suggestions when you both plan for and arrive at your destination.

If you are responsible for booking your own housing, avoid unsafe neighborhoods. Ask the International Risk and Security Officer if you have any doubts at EAassist@usf.edu . Sometimes the U.S. Department of State has information about crime in certain locations. You want to avoid locations in a part of town known to have high crime rates, frequent demonstrations, ethnic or political tensions or any other issues which could lead to violence against the hotel or hotel guests.

Avoid hotels located adjacent to high-profile targets such as foreign embassies, government offices, landmarks, train stations, bus stations, stadiums, etc. These often crowded locations are also usually a place of high crime, especially pick-pocketing, robbery and assaults.

Preference should be given to housing with 24/7 reception. When you have a receptionist 24/7, you can sleep better knowing that unwanted guests are being greeted at the door, and turned away.

If you ever feel unsafe or threatened, make sure to immediately notify your program leader or the International Risk and Security Officer.

Renters Insurance may also be available to you. It can sometimes offer compensation for items lost or stolen.  Check with an insurance company if you do not have it on campus. See if your policy covers you internationally. If not, sometimes you can purchase a rider to cover your belongings internationally. Remember, if you have any items that turn up lost or stolen, it is your responsibility to pay for to replace them. It is not the universities responsibility to replace items you had lost or stolen.

Remember, your health, mental health, medical evacuation, and evacuation for natural disaster or political unrest insurance is already provided by registering with the Education Abroad Office. See this Link Insurance Coverage.  This policy does not include travel insurance or renters insurance. Travel insurance and renters insurance are your responsibility.

Room Safety

• When you first enter your room, check it out.
  • Check windows, doors & locks. Doors should have a solid deadbolt & peephole
  • Select rooms with a solid door chain
  • Read hotel information regarding security concerns and limits to liability against theft of guest valuables, in-room safes
  • Avoid rooms on the ground floor when possible
  • Check for a working telephone with emergency information
• Think Fire Safety!!
  • Look for posted fire protection and evacuation information in guest rooms
  • Check fire extinguisher/detectors
  • Check for a fire sprinkler protection
  • Avoid rooms above the 7th floor
  • Identify emergency exits and fire escape routes in the event of a fire
• Do not give out your room number
• Do not open the door unless you expect the person

Travel Arrangements

Unless the Education Abroad Office has expressly told you that they will be arranging the transportation on your behalf, it is your responsibility to arrange for your own transportation to the destination and your return home from the destination.  If you have the opportunity to travel on your own during the experience, you must provide the Education Abroad Office or your Program Leader your itinerary, transportation information and contact information for that period of travel.  You must still agree to abide by all USF World policies, procedures and restrictions associated during such travel.

Countries with Travel Warnings: USF World has categorized countries into three tiers that each have specific restrictions.  See Tier Chart.  Tier One Countries (or locations) have the most significant risk. By USF World definition, a Tier One country has been issued a Travel Warning by the U.S. Department of State advising US citizens to avoid traveling to the country or portion of the country. Student travel to a Tier One location is not permitted by definition unless a waiver is granted (See GRAC Process) . Travel to a Tier Two country may also not be permitted.  It is your responsibility to review the risk factors and follow USF World policies, procedures and restrictions before traveling to any county.

Personal Travel During a Program

1. Personal Travel outside of a program city is discouraged as it limits USF’s ability to respond in case of an incident.
2. Personal Travel to a location under a U.S. Department of State travel Warning is not permitted as described here: See Tier Chart.  
3. If a student makes an independent decision to travel during their free time, they must be advised that:
   1. They will be responsible for consequences related to such travel that adversely disrupts the program, such as returning late and missing class time.
   2. They are expected to provide to the Program Leaders or EAO the dates of travel, method of travel, location address, contact number, and their contact phone number in case an incident arises.
   3. They will be advised if they fail to provide this information that it would seriously impede USF from responding to an incident and they could ultimately be held responsible for their own wellbeing

Staying Connected with Home

It is your responsibility to notify family that you have arrived safely abroad. However, if you encounter a flight delay abroad, do not hesitate to call the 24/7 International Assistance Line and we can help facilitate communication with people concerned about you. 

FERPA

Your travel abroad as a USF student is protected by FERPA – the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. That means that we need special permission from you to discuss your activities with your family, friends or guardians. You were requested to list someone as your emergency contact, and we can call them and speak to them freely about an emergency where you may not be able to speak on your behalf. Those situations generally are rare and would involve being incapacitated in a hospital, missing or arrested.

Therefore, it is important to make sure family and friends are kept informed of your day to day activities.

First, do not purchase your airline tickets until you are told to do so by your Education Abroad Advisor or your Program Leader. If you purchase your tickets too early and the program is changed or cancelled, you will be responsible for the cost of your tickets. Group ticket purchases are often handled by the Education Abroad Office though you may also be responsible to purchase your own ticket. When flying as a part of a group, you must follow the flight itinerary as planned for the group. If you wish to travel outside the group schedule, you will be financially responsible for those additional travel costs.

You may feel tempted by very inexpensive ticket prices online but you must be cautious. Not only compare prices, but compare the terms and conditions. Very cheap tickets also have very restrictive baggage limitations, high change fees and no refunds allowed. Research weight and luggage restrictions of each airline with which you plan on traveling. You do not want to be surprised with extra charges when you check in.

When purchasing tickets, do not include any transfer points or connecting flights in a country that is under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning .  If you must travel through a country with a travel warning, you must petition to the Global Risk Assessment Committee (GRAC).  For instructions on what the GRAC is and how to petition, click on this link.

Take the time to not only research the airports that you will be visiting. You can learn about the airports you will be flying into or out of, by visiting such sites as http://airport.airlines-inform.com/. It has maps of the airports you will be traveling to. It also provides reviews and rankings of airlines. Especially if you have connecting flights, knowing the layout of a particular airport can also help you understand how much time you will need between flights. Do not skimp on the time you will need to get from one gate to another. You can also use that time to read about their airport security, and find out about construction updates.

Travel Delays and Travel Insurance

The USF international health and evacuation coverage (See this Link) does not include travel insurance or renters insurance. Travel insurance and renters insurance are your responsibility.

Travel Insurance is intended to cover trip cancellation fees, lost luggage, flight accidents and other losses incurred while traveling. Sometimes it covers theft. Look closely at the policy to be sure. You can acquire travel insurance through many providers. Usually the airline or travel agent you used to book your tickets will offer insurance. It comes under many different names: trip cancellation, trip protection or travel insurance.

Your cell phone can be your lifeline in an emergency.  Prepare to have a cell phone that can make and receive international calls without needing WiFi.  Emergencies do not only happen when wifi is available.

Sometimes you can simply call your phone company to activate global coverage. You may need to unlock your phone and buy a sim card. Or, you may just want to wait and purchase a disposable phone when you get into the country. Check with other travelers to see what worked for them. Then, plan on getting a real phone.

Phone Apps for WiFi/Internet Connection

If you bring a smart phone, you may already be familiar with apps that can help improve your communication with friends and family. USF World’s 24-7 International Assistance Phone is already set up to use WhatsApp, Twitter, and Skype. But, it is always best to make a regular phone call to the 24-7 International Assistance Line at +1-813-317-5815 to have the best chance of immediate response.

24-7 International Assistance

WhatsApp: Risk Security Office 813-317-5815

Twitter: @USFchamberlain

Skype: ben.chamberlain.usf

Below are a couple of examples of available services. Remember, you can still text 24-7 International Assistance Line at +1-813-317-5815 and call 24-7 International Assistance Line at +1-813-317-5815 the old fashioned way!

WhatsApp – This is a free international text message app that uses your mobile cell number, but does not offer voice calls. Users can create groups, send each other unlimited images, video and audio media messages.

http://www.whatsapp.com

Viber – this app offers free text messaging and free voice calls to other Viber users, and has group text messaging. It is available for the iPhone, Android phones, BlackBerry but not for Nokia and Symbian.

http://www.viber.com/en/

Preparing for Jet Lag

There are a number of stressors that are associated with study abroad and jet lag may be one of the most confounding. Jet lag can affect your mood, the ability to concentrate, and physical and mental performance. In fact, many mental health experts agree that jet lag can trigger a mental health issue that you may never have experienced before. Therefore, it is very important to prepare to deal with jet lag before you go!

Some suggestions offered by international travelers include: Set your watch to local time before landing Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated when you arrive DO NOT SLEEP WHEN YOU LAND! DO NOT SLEEP WHEN YOU LAND! Go to sleep at your normal time in the current location

A great source for preparing for jet lag comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/jet-lag The CDC suggests the following:

Before Travel

• Exercise, eat a healthful diet, and get plenty of rest.
• A few days before you leave, start going to bed an hour or two later than usual (before traveling west) or earlier than usual (before traveling east) to shift your body’s clock.
• Break up a long trip with a short stop in the middle, if possible.

During Travel

• Avoid large meals, alcohol and caffeine.
• Drink plenty of water.
• On long flights get up and walk around periodically.
• Sleep on the plane if you can.

After You Arrive

• Don’t make any important decisions the first day.
• Eat meals at the appropriate local time.
• Spend time in the sun.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol or caffeine.
• If you are sleepy during the day, take short naps (20–30 minutes) so you can still sleep at night.

You can review worldwide health information and country-specific health requirements including immunizations for all countries in which you will visit at The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of State  websites.

If you are traveling to a location where mosquitoes are common, please review this document for additional prevention information: Mosquito Bite Prevention

Immunizations

All countries recommend that travelers be up-to-date on routine immunizations (but check with your doctor or health care professional first)  These are the recommended routine immunizations:

• Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTP)
• Hepatitis B
• Polio
• Meningitis
• Chicken pox (Varicella)
• Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
• Influenza

Some immunizations require a series or spacing for protection (as long as three months for a series of shots), so allow as much time as possible for immunization.

Zika Virus

The CDC has issued a Level 2 Travel Alert (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for all travelers to the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, Puerto Rico and South America due to ongoing transmission of the Zika Virus through mosquito bites in numerous countries in the above regions. For a list of all Zika-affected countries visit: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus will become ill. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, and headache. Symptoms usually last up to a week. Infection with the Zika virus usually does not require hospitalization and deaths from this virus are rare. There are no vaccines or medication to prevent this virus. All persons traveling to these areas are strongly encouraged to exercise standard precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby causing significant neurological birth defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes. The CDC is recommending that women who are pregnant in any trimester consider postponing travel to countries where Zika virus is present. If travel cannot be postponed, the CDC is recommending that pregnant women talk to your doctor first and strictly follow the CDC's guidelines to prevent mosquito bites

Any woman who is pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant, traveled to the above regions, and has experienced the above symptoms is strongly recommended to contact their physician for further consultation.

If you have further question regarding the Zika virus or other medical concerns regarding traveling outside of the US, contact Student Health Services Travel Clinic at (813) 974-2331.

For more information on Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers, click here

(To view the most up-to-date Student Health Services statement, please follow this link: http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/services/zika-virus.aspx

Safety Around Animals and Rabies Prevention

Animals can be cute and you may want to pet them, but any animal, even if it appears to be friendly or harmless, can be dangerous. Any animal can bite, scratch, kick, or otherwise injure you, even if you did nothing to provoke it. Some diseases can cause an animal to behave aggressively toward people, even if it had previously been friendly; thus, do not touch animals including domestic pets—especially monkeys, dogs, and cats—to avoid bites and serious diseases such as rabies and plague. In many countries, pets may not be vaccinated against harmful diseases the way they are in the United States.

• Before departure, the CDC recommends that you should have a current tetanus vaccination or documentation of a booster vaccination in the previous 5–10 years. Travel health providers should assess a traveler’s need for pre-exposure rabies immunization.
• Consider a rabies vaccination if one of the following apply:
  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to a country designated by the CDC as having a concern about rabies. http://www.cdc.gov/
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
• While traveling, you should never try to pet, handle, or feed unfamiliar animals (whether domestic or wild, even in captive settings such as game ranches or petting zoos), particularly in areas where rabies is endemic.
• You should never attempt to feed, pet, or handle any animal such as monkeys, bats, or rodents while traveling. To mitigate the risk of exposure to rabies, stray dogs should be avoided, and travelers should avoid the temptation to adopt a stray dog from abroad.
• To prevent infection, all bite and scratch wounds should be promptly cleaned with soap and water, and the wound should be promptly debrided if necrotic tissue, dirt, or other foreign materials are present. Often times, a course of antibiotics is appropriate after dog or cat bites or scratches. Wound care is especially important.
• All bite and scratch wounds should be considered as a possible rabies case. If you think you might have been exposed to rabies, you should contact a health care provider as soon as possible for advice about rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The USF 24/7 International Assistance Line can be a good first step to initiate a report.
• Even if you have been vaccinated against rabies, you must get rabies shots as soon as possible if you are exposed to an animal that might have rabies; having vaccine before traveling will simplify your post-exposure management and may give you more time to seek care. Being vaccinated only buys you more time to get treatment after an exposure.

Act quickly if an animal scratches or bites you!

• Wash the wound well with soap and water
• See a health care provider right away even if you don’t feel sick or your wound does not look serious

References:

Be Safe Around Animals

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/be-safe-around-animals

Animal – Associated Hazards

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/the-pre-travel-consultation/animal-associated-hazards

Completing the Medical Information Questionnaire

The most important questionnaire you need to fill out in your Education Abroad application is the Medical Information Questionnaire. The questionnaire will not be used in the decision whether to accept you into the program. However, it is a mandatory form that must be completed within 1 week after opening the application, and no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.

This form will be reviewed by the Director of USF Student Health Services or his designee, the Director of Education Abroad, the International Risk and Security Officer or his designee, the Associate Director of Education Abroad, and the Assistant Director of Education Abroad. It is important that USF Student Health Services and the Education Abroad Office be aware of any health conditions which might affect your ability to fully enjoy and participate in this education abroad program. The information you provide will be used by USF Health Student Health Services and the Education Abroad Office to help you prepare for your education abroad experience as well as to provide appropriate assistance to you should the need arise during your experience abroad.

The information you provide will be kept confidential as required by law and by professional ethical standards. In an emergency, this form may provide critical health information to the medical professionals treating you and others who may be assisting you in obtaining treatment. We ask that you disclose all of your health history honestly. In case of an emergency or illness, the ability to coordinate care depends on this information being accurate. Failure to complete your health form accurately may cause delays in care or prevent treatment you may need.

Disclosure will be made only to persons having a genuine need to know in the case of management of an illness or emergency.

USF strongly recommends that you voluntarily share information with your faculty leader, host family, or the host institution’s resident director. Students with chronic conditions are encouraged to talk to their faculty leader about plans to manage their condition abroad.

Make sure you are complete and thorough. Your well-being abroad will depend on it.

If you have any questions regarding medical problems, immunization requirements, or other health issues that may affect your ability to successfully and completely participate in the program, you are expected to consult with a physician prior to departure.

Make an appointment.

You can call USF Student Health Services at (813) 974-2331 or visit the Student Health Services website.

Even if the countries you plan to visit have no required immunizations to enter, but you have a chronic disease, a pre-existing medical condition or are on regular prescription medications, you should visit a health practitioner to discuss managing your condition and/or your medications abroad. This discussion may also include obtaining recommended, but not required vaccinations. Remember, not all family physicians are certified in international travel medicine.

Make your appointment 6-8 weeks before departure.

This is especially important if you:

• Are not up-to-date on your immunizations
• Have a pre-existing condition or chronic disease
• If you are currently taking prescription medications since some medicines are unavailable or illegal abroad
• Are traveling to areas that have higher risk of infectious diseases or other health risks such (e. Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Russia and the Middle East)

Medical ID's Save Lives

USF Student Health Services recommends that if you have a pre-existing condition or chronic condition, that it is a good idea for you to consider purchasing a Medical ID before you travel abroad. If you are confused whether you should or not, discuss your concerns with a healthcare practitioner at Student Health Services.

Medical IDs are a simple way to communicate important information to first-responders in an emergency. With custom medical IDs there are a lot of features to consider.

You can print the order form here or go to this website http://www.identifyyourself.com/  to see what options are available that best fit your lifestyle.

Do you have a disability(s) that will require accommodation(s) while abroad?    If yes, please make sure to first visit with USF Students with Disabilities Services.   You can discuss what accommodation(s) you may need to be able to participate abroad.

Even if you are already registered with SDS, meet with SDS staff to discuss your needs.  Ideally, this process must start at least six (6) weeks prior to departure to allow for evaluation and implementation of any accommodation. If you do not timely disclose your disability or request accommodations, USF may not be able to evaluate and implement an accommodation.  More time is needed to manage significant accommodation requests.

To assist you with making the most of USF services, SDS and Education Abroad have developed the checklist below.  Follow it to make sure you are prepared for your next international experience.

Students with Disabilities Abroad Checklist

Studying Abroad Soon? What Will You Need?

I

Getting Accommodations

Register with Students with Disabilities Services (SDS)

You may already be registered with SDS for academic accommodations. If not, you must register with SDS in order to receive accommodations. You can do this by visiting the Forms tab on their website and complete an application. You will also be required to supply your disability documentation before your application can be reviewed. Once registered, you will be assigned a coordinator.

Request a SDS Verification Letter be sent to the Education Abroad Advisor

Schedule a meeting with your SDS coordinator to discuss your plans of studying abroad, and request a SDS Verification Letter to be sent to the EAO regarding your unique circumstances and the accommodations you may need. 

II

                  Steps to Prepare              

Meet with the Education Abroad Advisor, Program Leader and SDS Coordinator as appropriate

To prepare for this meeting, please consider how your access may be impacted in the following areas. Please take into account that unlike on campus, international travel involves all aspects of living abroad, not just classroom time.

• Classroom accessibility
  • Are there ramps, elevators?
  • Are the bathrooms close to your classroom? Are they accessible?
  • Library and other resources?
  • Communication
  • Notetaking during class
  • Reading texts required for class
  • Completing exams
• Housing
  • Do you need to request a bedroom on the first floor?
  • Are you going to need access to an elevator, ramps?
  • Handrails in the bathroom? Accessible shower?
  • Accessibility features (automatic doors, visual fire alarms, bed shakers, etc.)
  • Is it close to your work placement or school?
• Transportation
  • Do you need to have access to public transportation, cabs, or specialized cabs?
  • How will you get groceries, attend church, go shopping, take trips with the class, etc.?
  • Are you able to navigate new environments independently (read maps, identify crosswalks, ask for directions, etc.?)
• Health care
  • What medications do you need to take with you?
  • Do you have adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, power equipment, and specialized computer software) that may require additional planning?
• Dietary
  • Are you familiar with the dietary preferences of your destination?
  • Do you have specific dietary needs related to a medical condition or disability?

Receive a confirmation letter from your Education Abroad Advisor

This letter should include the accommodations available including any limitations or additional agreed upon costs. If there is a Program Leader for the proposed international travel, they should be included in the receipt of this letter.

III

Understanding Disability Culture

• The Americans with Disabilities Act does not necessarily accompany you as you travel abroad. Research the legislation and approach to persons with disabilities within the culture you will visit.

If you need prescription medication while traveling, be sure to bring an adequate supply in the original container as well as a prescription with your physician's explanation of the condition and generic and brand names of the medication and dosage information.

Also, know that some common prescription medications in the U.S. are illegal abroad. Check with Student Health Services to make sure your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications are available abroad and permissible abroad.

Do not plan on having family or friends send medications abroad since it will require customs paperwork and may be delayed in delivery. Be sure to maintain your usual dosage and pattern of taking your medication while you're abroad and ask your physician how to make adjustments due to any time zone changes.

In Summary:

• Review this “Medical Checklist”. (Attachment)
• Plan ahead since some common prescriptions and over the counter medications in the U.S. are illegal or unavailable abroad, ask at Student Health Services.
  • Check with the USF Travel Clinic to make sure your medications are permissible overseas. Medications that are narcotic or psychotropic in nature may have some restrictions and require additional documentation.

• Bring an adequate supply of your medications, plus an additional week of supply in the original, labeled container. Also, bring a written prescription for each medication from your doctor during your travels. Remember this also goes for vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter drugs, too.
  • Prescription glasses and contacts are not covered by insurance and hard to replace abroad! Bring 2 sets and your favorite contact lenses solution.
  • Bring what you are especially familiar and comfortable with. Your favorite or preferred contraceptives or feminine hygiene products may not be easily available. Remember that AIDS and STDs are world-wide epidemics – condoms in some countries may be of substandard quality.
  • Mini First Aid kit. Here is an example from the Mayo Clinic.
  • Other items for personal health protection include: Hat, Sunglasses, Insect repellent, and UVA/UVB Sun block
  • Contraceptives, feminine hygiene products etc. in countries where these items are not easily found: Remember that AIDS and STDs are world-wide epidemics – condoms in some countries may be of sub-standard quality.

The single most common health issue abroad comes from eating foods that are either spoiled or are not readily accepted by your stomach. Traveling abroad requires defensive eating habits. Take note of any environmental allergies, food allergies, or dietary restrictions and share them with your program leader, assistant, preceptor or hosts. USF does not share health information without your consent. Plan ahead if you have a restrictive diet. Ask for help from Student Health Services in planning your food intake if necessary.

Be prepared to be challenged by a new local cuisine. This is a great opportunity as many cultures develop around the local food they eat, but take your time and ease into it. Adjusting to a new location can take a toll on your health so do not try to experiment with new food items too early on. Provided the food is not on your list of dietary restrictions or allergies, do make an attempt to try new foods. Of course, if you cannot stomach the local cuisine, make sure to ask for food that can sustain you. You may wish to pack some processed food such as health bars or snacks that you can fall back on if you need a quick bite to eat.

While contaminated food and water is more prevalent in the developing world, you can suffer from stomach and intestinal problems even in developed countries.

Please follow these food and water precautions when traveling abroad:

• Do not drink tap water and stay away from ice cubes. Don’t even brush your teeth with tap water. Fortunately, bottled water is for sale in most parts of the world. Check tamper seals on the bottles to help ensure quality for safe drinking.
• Bottled or canned beverages are usually okay to drink.
• Boiled beverages, such as coffee and tea are also generally safe.
• If you are traveling to remote locations, pack water-purification tablets, iodine, chlorine, or water filtration devices to make the water potable.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
• Stay away from raw or uncooked meat and shellfish.
• Unpeelable fruit (such as grapes and berries), raw vegetables and salad greens are likely rinsed in local tap water. Be careful when ordering these.
• Beware of foods sold by street vendors, especially in developing countries. Do not eat sauces, salsas, or anything else that has been sitting on any table for a long period of time.

Adventure Activities vs. Learning Activities

Please keep in mind that USF international travel is not designed to promote adventure tourism. Any one of the activities discussed below can lead to an injury or even death, ending your experience for good.

The participation in any sports activity listed below that is not specifically authorized, sponsored and supervised by USF is not insurable under our international health and evacuation policy:

Rugby; or cave diving; or rock climbing; or ice climbing; or mountain climbing; or base jumping; or bull riding; or heli-skiing; or surfing; or motorcycle racing; or climbing above 20,000 feet; including: bungee jumping; or parachuting; or skydiving; or parasailing; or hang-gliding; or caving or spelunking; or extreme skiing; or heli-skiing; or skiing outside marked trails; or mountain climbing; or ice climbing; or scuba diving; or professional or semi-professional sports; or extreme sports; or body contact sports; or hot-air ballooning; or base jumping; or sail gliding; or parakiting; or parkour; or racing including stunt show or speed test of any motorized or non-motorized vehicle; or rodeo activities*

If you intend to participate in any risky activity, please first check with the International Risk and Security Officer to clarify if it is a covered activity.

*There are exceptions when they pertain to the educational goals of your program, but even then compliance with licensing and training are strictly enforced. Speak to your program leader or advisor for more information.

Driving a Motor Vehicle Abroad *

Driving is the number one cause of serious injuries and fatalities abroad, next to swimming. DO NOT do it.

USF World does not support the operation of a motor vehicle by a student when abroad on a USF international experience. In fact financial aid will block any funds associated with a student planning to use such funds to drive abroad.

You may be tempted to rent cars, mopeds, or motorbikes during your time abroad, but often without thinking about the risks of driving in a country where the rules of the road are unfamiliar. Every year, student international travelers from around the nation have been injured and even killed while driving or riding in vehicles with drivers unaccustomed to local driving practices and traffic patterns. To prevent such accidents, some countries also limit the minimum age for drivers to rent a motorized vehicle. Also, note that most countries will require an international driver’s license, and driving without one could result in a severe penalty.

So, be prepared to rely solely on public transportation for the duration of your international experience.

*If driving a motor vehicle is a requirement of your USF international experience, you may petition to have driving privileges.  Contact the International Risk and Safety Officer for more information at EAassist@usf.edu

Every U.S. Department of State Country Information Sheet has a section on Travel & Transportation Risks.  Always review this before you travel.

Every year, 1.24 million people die and 50 million are injured on the roads of the world. (ASIRT)

Passengers and pedestrians must be careful.  Road safety is not something that you may necessarily think about in planning your international student related travel experience, yet the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) reports that road crashes will soon become the third greatest global health concern. In fact, death and serious injury from road crashes are among the greatest risk for healthy travelers. And, contrary to popular belief, 85% of such crashes occur in industrialized countries. You can minimize your risk by assessing road culture in your areas and implementing safe precautions.

ASIRT suggests that you:

• Select the safest form of transportation in your area
• Avoid late night road travel in counties with poor safety records and/or mountainous terrain
• Understand how seasonal hazards affect road conditions
• Know the dates of local holidays (when road accident rates rise)

Additional suggestions for pedestrians are:

• be aware of traffic patterns in your area and what other pedestrians are doing (they may be very different from the US)
• be especially alert at intersections
• wear reflective clothing if jogging at dusk or dawn (especially in locales where jogging may be uncommon)
• do not walk where you cannot be easily seen
• remember most road fatalities are pedestrians
• do not hitchhike

Additional suggestions for passengers are:

• avoid riding with a driver that appears intoxicated, irrational, or over-tired
• always ride in the back seat of a taxi cab
• wear seat belts whenever possible

Traveling in some developing countries may pose additional road risks. Public transportation in some areas may consist of overcrowded, overweight and top-heavy minivans or buses. Taxicabs may not appear in good condition; drivers may or may not be licensed. Sidewalks may or may not be lit, or exist at all. In these cases, follow the advice of the on-site staff or your faculty leader.

Swimming Abroad

USF World does not support any swimming activity when a lifeguard is not present.**

Even though many of us growing up have learned to swim, it is important to understand that not all swimming beaches and swimming conditions around the world are like ours. Swimming in unfamiliar conditions is extremely risky. In fact, swimming in very polluted waters can also expose you to serious infectious diseases. Note the red arrow in the picture at the left. It identifies a rip current you may not see from beach level.

 Because the risk of drowning is such a serious concern, you must keep the following in mind:

• Take warning flags on beaches seriously: Many drownings occur when swimmers are overwhelmed by the water conditions. If black or red flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong undertow and rough surf along beaches are more common than you may think, especially on the Pacific coast. If you swim with a life guard present, still always exercise caution.
• Many international beaches are not protected and health and hazard warnings are not posted for the public
• Risk of rip currents (undertow) is a significant threat. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and do not try and fight the current by swimming against it. Once you are out of the current, swim towards the shore.
• Swimming/rafting in rivers and lakes also carries the risk of disease & parasites
• If the place where you want to swim looks inviting but there is no one swimming in that location, there is usually a reason that they don’t swim there.
• If there is no lifeguard on duty, Do Not Go In The Water!

**If swimming at a location without a life guard is a requirement of your USF international experience, you may petition to have swimming privileges.  Contact the International Risk and Safety Officer for more information at EAassist@usf.edu

1. Dating, Sex and Travel Abroad
2. Bystander Intervention – Who Are You?
3. It's on US!
4. Additional Resources for Dating, Sex and Travel Abroad

Dating, Sex and Travel Abroad

Around the world, U.S. Embassies receive reports from U.S. Citizens that have been victimized by individuals that managed to take advantage of them. It is so persistent that the U.S. Department of State issued an alert that recommends that U.S. citizens take the following precautions.

When traveling internationally:

• Do not go out alone at night.
• Do not walk alone in isolated areas.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers or casual acquaintances.
• Keep an eye on all drinks in public places.  
• Avoid late-night or illegal after-hours clubs.
• Never leave anyone alone

When traveling internationally, USF recommends that you always travel with others - these can be other students, friends or peers. Unfamiliar locations make a traveler who is alone vulnerable to unforeseen problems.

• Use the buddy system to ensure that all members of your group are accounted for.

• Always stay with your Buddies!

Much like all other matters of importance, getting to know your destination is right at the top of the list for this category of risk as well. It is important to note that different cultures have different norms with regard to gender identity and gendehow to act, what to say and what not to do) for certain situations within a social/dating environment. However, you have learned that totally within the culture of the United States. It is extremely important to understand that social cues in other cultures can be very different and often times at odds with what we would act, say and not do here. This could lead to you letting your guard down and becoming vulnerable to people who may want to take advantage of you or even worse. Social miscues can be deadly.

Since you cannot be sure you understand all the signals you are sending and receiving, be extra cautious and a little more conservative than you might be at home. A term coined by a professor who leads study abroad programs in Somalia describes a helpful type of vigilance he calls “Productive Panic”. He postulates that becoming hyper-vigilant – sometimes verging on panicking - is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you do not take it too far. Question others motives. Question the surroundings. Don’t simply trust someone because of the way they dress, wink at you or engage in small talk. Make your hyper-vigilance (panic) productive! In fact, that same professor states, “Productive Panic” is the cure for perceptual blindness. Because you are not necessarily aware of the societal norms and cues in this new culture, you may become blind to what is going on around you. Therefore, he adds that the safest way to meet locals is in small groups and through friends or others you know and trust.

If you choose to be sexually active, ask yourself why you are choosing to be sexually active. Set your boundaries and be aware of partner expectations. If you choose to be sexually active, practice safe sex and protect yourself and your partner from unintended pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases, AIDS, and misunderstandings about the meaning of the relationship.

Bystander Intervention – Who Are You?

The "Who are you?" multi-media campaign was initiated and launched in Wellington, New Zealand, and is a collaborative effort from Tu Pakari Ora – Sexual Assault Assessment and Treatment Service, Sexual Abuse Prevention Network, Wellington Sexual Health, Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation, Radio Network Wellington, Hutt Rape Counselling Network, Wellington Police, Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care and Regional Public Health. http://www.whoareyou.co.nz/

Trigger Warning: 

This video shows a fictional scenario leading up to a rape. It does not show the rape itself, but may be triggering to some people. Please take this into consideration before viewing the film. You may wish to seek someone out to speak to confidentially about your feelings.

A great resource available to you is the USF Center for Victim Advocacy. They have someone to speak with confidentially 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (813) 974-5757 - Victim Helpline

To learn more about Bystander Intervention at USF, contact the USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention Office: (813) 974-5756 Victim Helpline (813) 974-5757 - Fax: (813) 974-8589 Email: va@admin.usf.edu

The USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention has a program called REAL-Relationship Equality and Anti-violence League. It is a special project designed to engage men in prevention efforts and to provide leadership opportunities for students to become allies in sexual and relationship violence prevention. Click here to visit REAL on facebook!

It's on US!

TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 21, 2014) - As a part of the national It's On Us campaign students, faculty and athletes from the University of South Florida joined together to take the pledge against sexual assault and violence. The campus community created a video message expressing their commitment to take a stand at ending sexual assault and violence. The collaborative effort between Student Government, University Communications and Marketing and Student Affairs encourages students, faculty and staff to be vigilant and stand up against sexual violence. Take the pledge today at itsonus.org and share the link using the hashtag #ItsOnUSF.

Additional Resources for Dating, Sex and Travel Abroad

Who's Got Your Back? "Who's got your back?" card.

Partying and Consent: Consent is a voluntary, active agreement with any person to do something sexual or have something sexual done to you.

Still wanna have sex?  Learn how to do it right by watching this video:

Good Men Needed  Project Unspoken: Revolution and Rape Culture from Emory University. Visit their site here  and view the video here To get involved go to: www.mencanstoprape.org

This content provided in part by www.futureswithoutviolence.org and Campus card Final-2401.pdf

Hanging Out or Hooking Up? "Hanging out or Hooking up? card

How to Help a Friend Visit www.loveisrespect.org  and give them a copy of this card.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255;  24/7 International Assistance Line 813-317-5815; or Counseling Center 813-974-2831 and press #3 to speak with a crisis counselor

Everybody Texts: Figuring out what to say can be hard, For tips on what to say go to:
www.thatsnotcool.com

What About Sex?  Try using this card as a conversation starter. “I got this card in a clinic and wanted to talk about it with you.”  This content provided in part by www.futureswithoutviolence.org  Hanging_Out_2014-1823.pdf

The USF Student Code of Conduct, USF Alcohol Policy, and other relevant USF regulations such as USF Housing Policies apply to all international student related travel.

1. Alcohol Consumption Abroad
2. Alcohol Poisoning
3. Alcohol Misuse
4. Controlled Substances
5. Arrests Overseas

Alcohol Consumption Abroad

Most USF first-year students do not drink at all and over a quarter of them have never drank alcohol. USF World believes that most students are smart when it comes to their choices about alcohol.

Nevertheless, to paraphrase the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “Virtually all college students traveling abroad experience the effects of college drinking – whether they drink or not. The problem with college drinking is not necessarily the drinking itself, but the negative consequences that result from excessive drinking.” http://niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/special-populations-co-occurring-disorders/college-drinking

The drinking age is generally much lower in all other countries than it is here in the United States, so it is possible that you may think it is wise to experiment with alcohol. This can lead you down a path that can end tragically. It is important to keep in mind that even if you are of legal age to drink abroad, your behavior resulting from alcohol consumption can still be a violation of the USF Student Code of Conduct as well as local laws.

Alcohol consumption can lead to an arrest, accident, violent crime, or even death. In many locations, just as in the U.S., disturbing the peace, lewd behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation may all be considered criminal activities by local authorities — is it worth it? USF provides a great deal of information and support regarding Alcohol & Other Drugs. Visit this information presented by the USF Student Affairs Community. http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/wellness-education/health-topics/alcohol-and-other-drugs.aspx

You may be interested in how alcohol affects your body. Take a moment to review the Anatomy of a Hangover.

http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/wellness-education/documents/anatomy-of-a-hangover-flyer.pdf

Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning can also kill. Learn about the warning signs!  (From Michigan State University Olin Health Center)

Always Be Safe, Not Sorry!

If you think someone may have alcohol poisoning:

• Call an Ambulance (Know your local equivalent to dialing “911”)
• Stay with the person until help arrives. Turn them on their side to keep them from choking if they start vomiting
• Do not induce vomiting!
• Don’t second guess yourself. If you are concerned, make the call

Most Students Make the Call

Signs and Symptoms

• Person is unconscious or semi-conscious and cannot be awakened by shouting, pinching, or prodding.
• Person has cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin.
• Person is breathing irregularly – which means fewer than eight breaths per minute, or ten or more seconds between breaths.
• Person vomits while passed out or doesn’t wake up after vomiting.
• Person is unable to make eye contact or unable to maintain a conversation.

Most countries, with the exception of those with religious prohibitions, tolerate social drinking.  Intoxication, public drunkenness and inebriating behavior, however, are seldom allowed under any circumstances. If you attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in the United States, check the AA Web page for information about meetings abroad (http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa/world/1 )

Alcohol Misuse

The USF System does not prohibit the legal consumption of alcohol on its campuses. USF recognizes that as part of a well-planned and structured program, the serving and consumption of alcohol may take place. However, any behavior deemed disruptive that interferes with the rights of students due to alcohol consumption will lead to disciplinary action. The entire USF Alcohol Policy can be read here: http://regulationspolicies.usf.edu/policies-and-procedures/pdfs/policy-30-023.pdf

At the USF Education Abroad Office, bad behavior resulting from alcohol consumption is called Alcohol Misuse. Alcohol misuse will not be tolerated on USF Student Related International Travel.

YOU can be sent home at your own expense for misusing alcohol while abroad.

What is “alcohol misuse?”

Alcohol misuse is present when:

• A student misses any scheduled event because of the effects of alcohol consumption;
• A student becomes ill due to the effects of alcohol consumption;
• A student is disrespectful of others sharing the same or neighboring housing, due to the effects of alcohol consumption;
• A student engages in inappropriate behavior toward other individuals that is the result of alcohol consumption;
• A student becomes so intoxicated that he/she cannot walk unassisted;
• A student engages in destructive behavior toward property that is the result of alcohol consumption;
• A student does not abide by the laws of the country in which he or she is staying;
• A student engages in behavior that causes embarrassment to the other members of the group, the faculty member(s) or the in-country host(s) as a result of alcohol consumption;
• A student engages in behavior that causes his/her companions concern for the safety of the individual or the group;
• Students in a group encourage or ignore a fellow student who is misusing or abusing alcohol; or
• Students who transport quantities of alcohol to program sites with the intent of sharing the alcohol with members of the group.

Controlled Substances

Regardless of your position on marijuana or other drugs, do not attempt to import, purchase, use, or have drugs in your possession. It is not worth it. USF World has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the purchase, possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange or distribution of illegal drugs by students participating in USF affiliated international programs.

If you are in violation of this zero-tolerance policy by the purchase, possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange or distribution of illegal drugs while on USF Education Abroad Office registered travel, you will face the following consequences:

• Immediate Referral to Student Rights and Responsibilities for violation of the USF Student Code of Conduct with possible disciplinary action while abroad
• Possible dismissal from the program
• Possible academic withdrawal from the University for the semester in progress; and
• Possible further disciplinary action upon return to campus.

Remember, your in-country institution may have other sanctions including the right for immediate dismissal, regardless of any finding by USF.

Be sensible. Drug charges can carry severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is even tried. A conviction carries several more years of imprisonment in a foreign jail. In some countries it does not matter if you are underage, you can still be charged as an adult.

Also, if you are caught with the purchase, possession, use, manufacture, production, sale, exchange or distribution of illegal drugs by local authorities, you may be incarcerated and it could mean:

• Interrogation and delays before trial including mistreatment and solitary confinement for up to one year under very primitive conditions
• Lengthy trials conducted in a foreign language, with delays and postponements
• Weeks, months or life in prison (some places include hard labor, heavy fines, and/or lashings) if found guilty
• Death penalty in a growing number of countries (e.g., Malaysia and Pakistan).

• If you are purchasing prescription medications in quantities larger than that considered necessary for personal use, you could be arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.

The U.S. Embassy cannot:

• Demand the immediate release of a U.S. citizen arrested abroad or otherwise cause the citizen to be released;
• Represent a U.S. citizen at trial, give legal advice, or pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. Government funds.

Arrests Overseas

If you are arrested while abroad for any reason, it is important that you know what the U.S. government CAN and CANNOT do for you.

The U.S. Consular Office CAN:

• visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest
• give you a list of local attorneys (The U.S. Government cannot assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of these individuals or recommend a particular attorney)
• notify your family and/or friends and relay requests for money or other aid - but only with your authorization
• intercede with local authorities to make sure that your rights under local laws are fully observed and that you are treated humanely, according to internationally accepted standards
• protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities

The U.S. Consular Office CANNOT:

• demand your immediate release or get you out of jail or the country
• represent you at trial or give legal counsel
• pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. government funds

Overseas Citizens Services

• The Education Abroad Office will register all participants with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program in all countries included in your travel itinerary. 
• The Overseas Citizens Services of the Bureau of Consular Affairs  is responsible for the welfare and whereabouts of U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad.  American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS), a branch of OCS, assists in all matters involving protective services for Americans abroad, including arrests, death cases, financial or medical emergencies, and welfare and whereabouts inquiries.  The OCS toll-free hotline is (888) 407-4747.  From overseas, call (202) 501-4444. An OCS duty officer is available for after-hours emergencies and during Sundays and holidays at (202) 647-4000. 
• Further information regarding the emergency services to U.S. citizens abroad and related U.S. Department of State services can be obtained at their International Travel  Web site.

If you believe that you or someone you know is experiencing a life threatening emergency, call 911 (or the international equivalent while abroad)

If you or someone you know is in crisis (but not life-threatening), on campus please:

• Call 813-974-2831 and ask to speak with the on-call counselor
• Attend a walk-in urgent appointment Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-4:00 pm in SVC 2124

• After office hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays):        

• 813-974-2831 and press #3 to speak with a crisis counselor (This works when you travel!)

You can participate in international student related travel with a mental health issue.

Today it is commonly reported that many of us are struggling with bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress management, family or other relationships, career decision-making, cultural identity, interpersonal concerns, sexual assault, and many others. With a combination of medications and therapy, the vast majority of us are having productive and enjoyable experiences at home and abroad.

Experiencing another culture is an exhilarating, but often stressful experience. The experience can sometimes cause symptoms or conditions to appear seemingly out of no-where, or worsen if already present, even if only temporarily. For these reasons, we recommend discussing the rigors of your program with your therapist and physician so that you are more prepared to handle them abroad.

Prepare before you go!

Make an appointment with USF Counseling Center

Make an appointment with USF Student Health Services

When we talk about well-being, it is important to understand the role that mental health has in the overall concept of well-being. In this next section we will go over some aspects of mental health and its importance on your overall experience. Immersion into a new culture, even one you may have visited before, can challenge your senses and your concepts of who you are and why you are there. Sometimes, it may make you wonder if you are just finding it hard to adapt or if it really is a mental health crisis. Questioning your identity is to be expected. This can naturally produce various emotions, bringing both highs and lows. Yet, if you go with the flow and try not to fight it, the end result is often the same: successful adaptation to your new found home.

Culture Shock:

• In the beginning phase, there is a honeymoon period where you are researching your country and everything is exciting and new
• The first stage of feeling sad or depressed usually comes in many forms. The most common is from being homesick. You don’t feel that you have the support of your own personal network of family and friends and you miss the familiar (food, bed, access to being connected electronically).
• Then the apparent differences in culture start to become more evident and we become frustrated by these differences more than we were in the beginning
• Slowly you begin to adapt and make more friends and understand the culture and language more.
• The latter part is the same as the first part but in reverse. This is known as reverse culture shock.

These are some of the timeless tips for a speedy acclimatization and a more meaningful stay abroad:

• Learn about your destination before you leave.
• Talk to others who have been there and ask them how it affected them;
• Learn the local language, even if it’s just a couple of phrases;
• As soon as you recover from your jet lag, plunge into the local life in your new home;
• Accept the challenge of establishing yourself in the new country and work hard to enjoy your stay;
• Don’t allow initial negative experiences to sour you on the country;
• Write in a journal/start a blog;
• Stay Healthy! Try to eat a healthy diet and avoid over-indulging, Exercise/Walk, and do not use alcohol – it is a depressant.
• Set up a schedule of communicating with family or close friends (e-mail, letters, phone) but plan to only stay in touch at most once per week. Studies have shown that daily contact with home can actually make you more homesick or depressed!

Note that culture shock is a normal developmental phase of adjustment to a new cultural environment, not a psychological disorder.  However, reactions to culture shock can mimic more severe psychological problems such as clinical depression and anxiety.

Some common manifestations of stress are:

• Irritability over small things
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Queasy stomach
• Desire to run away
• Constant feeling of tiredness
• Psychosomatic illness
• Excessive criticism of others
• Poor work performance
• Difficulty making decisions
• Eating disorders
• Being unusually introspective
• Feelings of guilt, loneliness, worry and anxiety

Poor coping choices include:

• Resorting to heavy alcohol use
• Staying in bed 12-14 hours a day  or staying in your quarters all day
• Eating excessively
• Avoiding friends and neighbors
• Escaping into sexual relationships

Better coping choices:

• Immerse yourself in study/reading that is satisfying or keep a journal of your experiences
• Find a local person with whom you can talk regularly
• Make a healthy routine, such as taking a walk through the park every day after lunch.
• Practice your faith through prayer, meditation, reading, etc.
• Write letters/e-mails (or make audiotapes) to family and friends
• Visit fellow students
• Meet with Resident Director/Faculty to talk about the stress
• Eat healthy and get regular exercise

If you notice poor coping choices by you or in someone else, please contact the program leader or the International Risk and Security Office – we will help.

• USF Education Abroad 24/7 International Assistance Line: +1-813-317-5815
• USF Education Abroad International Assistance Email: EAassist@usf.edu

More and more students with mental health conditions or a history of previous mental health challenges are attending college. Some reports peg this number at 25% with diagnosed conditions and another 25% that could benefit from a counselor or therapist but haven’t gone yet.      

50% of us likely have a disorder or are diagnosable. - The Forum on Education Abroad Fireside Dialogue 2014

Today, many students report struggling with bi-polar disorder, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress management, family or other relationships, career decision-making, cultural identity, interpersonal concerns, sexual assault, and many others. With a combination of medications and therapy, the vast majority of these students have productive and enjoyable experiences at home and abroad.
 
Experiencing another culture is an exhilarating, but often a stressful experience that can sometimes cause symptoms or conditions to appear seemingly out of no-where or worsen if already present, even if only temporarily. For these reasons, we recommend discussing the rigors of your program with your therapist and physician so that you are more prepared to handle them abroad.

If you have a history of mental health issues, or any questions or concerns, we strongly suggest that you speak with a therapist, counselor or mental health practitioner. Tell them where you are going, what concerns are, and ask them to help you come up with a plan to cope.

Some of the triggers and other things to think about include:

• During many international programs or travel, you will not have your own space, you may not be able to choose your roommate, and you may be surrounded by more people than you are accustomed to. You may be living with a host family, and continually traveling with the same group of U.S. students. Your access to private bathrooms and showers may be somewhat limited or non-existent.
• You are likely to have far less down-time and must often keep to a regimented schedule.
• You may have difficulty sleeping due to the change in time, full-schedule, change in diet and climate, and unfamiliar and potentially noisy surroundings.
• You may not have the benefit of understanding what is being said around you. Even if language is not a barrier, cultural differences are significant and being a foreigner can be somewhat alienating at times.
• Over the past few years, there has been growing anti-American sentiment in some places around the world. Generally this has been directed at U.S. policy rather than individual Americans, but it can be difficult to remove yourself, as a U.S. citizen, from the criticism you may hear.

Finally, experiencing some level of depression or anxiety about your study abroad experience prior to departure can be expected. However, if you begin to doubt your readiness to participate or you fail to complete pre-departure requirements, you should discuss your feelings with a medical professional.

The benefits of a USF international travel experience far outweigh the difficulties, and if you develop coping skills to deal with these and other issues, you will have a very positive experience. In addition, we recommend that you identify ways of keeping in touch with support systems at home – family, friends,

Drugs and alcohol often do little to address the underlying mental health symptoms and ultimately create a whole new batch of problems while increasing the severity of the original mental health symptom or symptoms. Chronic drug and alcohol abuse results in poor decision making and increases the chances of breaking the law or becoming a victim of assault or rape.and your therapist – in the event that you are experiencing difficulties.

Keypoint - Alcohol and Drug Use is not a cure for mental health issues and often triggers additional mental health symptoms and increases threats to your safety and security.

Recognize Distress

When you do, you can generally intervene early to minimize its effects. Below are the three main levels of distress, how to recognize them and how to intervene if it happens to you or another in your program:

Mild Distress

You or another participant demonstrate behaviors that do not disrupt others but may indicate something is wrong and that assistance is needed.

Examples of Mild Distress include:

• Difficulties in concentration and motivation
• Disrupted sleep (too little or too much)
• Loss of energy or general body weakness
• Loss of appetite and/or reluctance to eat local foods
• Euphoria and happiness in the presence of generally unpleasant situations

Action for Mild Distress:

• Consult with friends or program leader or call the 24/7 International Assistance Line
• Convey warmth and respect, and express empathy and support
• Ask open ended questions and listen to the story
• Help identify possible solutions

Moderate Distress

You or another participant demonstrate behaviors that indicate significant emotional distress and may be reluctant or unable to acknowledge a need for help.

Examples of Moderate Distress include:

• Intense difficulties in concentration and motivation that affect participation
• Disrupted sleep (too little or too much) that affects ability to stay awake during activities or class
• Excessive loss of energy or general body weakness that keeps you out of activities or class
• Severe loss of appetite where you are hungry and weak all of the time
• Excessive euphoria, manic behavior, giddiness, laughter and feelings of grandeur completely out of context with the current situation
• Withdrawal from activities or class, refusing to leave your room
• Episodes of crying which are generally spontaneous and may not be controllable
• Persistent loneliness and sadness that affects ability to participate in activities or class
• Disabling anxiety or exaggerated fears that keep you from participating in activities or class

Action for Moderate Distress:

• Explain reasons for concern in concrete and specific language
• Avoid labeling behaviors
• Consult with program leader, someone in authority and/or education abroad 24/7 International Assistance Line

Severe Distress

You or another participant demonstrate behaviors that signify an obvious crisis that necessitates emergency care

Examples of Severe Distress include:

• Acting or verbalizing a desire to hurt oneself or others
• Inability to get out of bed, with a persistent claim of pain or loss of all energy
• Manic and uncontrolled euphoria placing you in danger
• Inability to stop crying, often coupled with debilitating thoughts of sadness and hopelessness
• Hallucinations and belief in seeing spirits or beings that may be threatening or speaking to you

Action for Severe Distress include:

• This is an emergency! Contact program leader, someone in authority or call 24/7 International Assistance Line immediately!
• Consider impact on other participants and hosts
• Debrief with the program leader or someone in authority during and after incident and upon re-entry

If you notice distress in yourself or someone else, consult with someone right away or call the

 USF 24/7 International Emergency Assistance Line +1-813-317-5815

For a brief overview of coverage information, please view the following form: UHCG 2017 FAQ USF.pdf

For the full United Healthcare Global policy, please view the following: University of South Florida Final policy.pdf

If you need a confirmation letter from UHCG for your visa application, contact the International Risk and Security Officer at EAassist@usf.edu .

Coverage is mandatory for all USF international student related travelers.  United HealthCare Global (UHCG) is our provider of this comprehensive insurance policy. Once your international student related travel application is accepted by the Education Abroad Office, you will be enrolled automatically into the policy.  You will receive proof of UHCG insurance coverage via your USF email address approximately 2 weeks before departure.  If you have not received your coverage materials at least one week prior to your departure date, immediately contact the USF Education Abroad Office.

UHCG coverage is only provided for the registered dates of travel. If you decide to travel before or after your USF international experience, you will need to obtain additional international health insurance. You can obtain additional coverage by calling the UHCG enrollment center at 1-800-732-5309. Please review the Enrollment Guide for details.

Some of the benefits included in the UHCG Coverage Plan. are:

• Medical benefits which cover any bodily injuries sustained in a covered accident. This benefit will provide a maximum limit of $250,000 and no deductible.
• The comprehensive Security Evacuation benefit can be used when a situation near your program location is deemed too dangerous. If an evacuation is necessary, the University will notify you via email or phone. If an USF program is evacuated, the evacuation is for all participants within the vicinity. Our office will work to secure some form of academic activity to retain credit, if possible.

In the event of an evacuation, since you are a participant of a university sponsored program, you must evacuate. If you refuse, you must withdraw from the program and cut ties with the university. This includes withdrawal from your host school, host accommodations, internship, volunteer activities, and the semester in progress. Your UHCG insurance must also be withdrawn. This could have a serious impact on:

• Your student visa/status at USF or in-country
• Academic standing
• Financial aid

UHCG provides coverage for the treatment of a pre-existing condition. You should always familiarize yourself with the coverage of benefits prior to departure. It is also recommended to understand the host institution’s support infrastructure on arrival. This will become very useful if you become ill or injured while abroad.

Your insurance benefits will activate if you become ill, injured or your program location is deemed unsafe. For example, if you become ill while abroad, you can either contact UHCG: +1 (410) 453-6330 or the International Risk and Security Officer +1 (813) 317-5815. If you contact UHCG directly, you will need to identify yourself and provide them with our USF ID# 902238160. 

In some countries, cash payments for services are required up front. In this case, it is recommended to have some extra cash in case you may have to pay for medical services up front. Always keep your receipts for any routine medical care, prescriptions or other medical costs. You must have these in order to file a claim with UHCG when you return to the U.S. If you want a head start on the claim process, you may file your claim at any time via email.  See the Claim Form and instructions.

It is strongly encouraged to always notify the 24/7 International Assistance Line +1-813-317-5815 prior to contacting UHCG. This phone is staffed 24 hours a day by the on-duty International Risk and Security Officer or the designee on-duty officer. The International Risk and Security Officer can open a case on your behalf.

If you decide to contact UHCG yourself while abroad, use +1 (410) 453-6330. You will need to provide UHCG with our USF ID# 9022381606.

If you are unable to call, have someone call on your behalf. They will give you referrals to English-speaking physicians, emergency rooms, hospitals or other health care facilities that they are familiar with. UHCG will make sure to call you back regularly to conduct a follow-up. They may ask to call your physician to check on appropriate treatment. USF will be notified of your situation. Your emergency contact will only be notified at your request.

It is recommended to learn how to make and receive international calls from anywhere in the world before you depart. To learn the international access codes for calling to and from  the U.S. visit the How to call abroad website.

In case of emergency please see the "Getting Help" page.

Leisure Travel Coverage

USF does not insure you for vacation or leisure travel abroad when it is outside of your registered travel dates. USF strongly recommends that you purchase a personal policy to cover that time period. It is very affordable and well worth it.  Please follow the Personal Travel Benefit enrollment instructions here.  

Insurance Coverage Before or After Your Program

If you plan to travel before or after your study abroad program, it is very important to obtain additional medical insurance coverage as the medical insurance provided by UHCG only provides coverage during the dates of the study abroad program. While you may believe your domestic health insurance policy will cover the costs for any medical care needed abroad, it is likely you will be required to pay upfront and later seek reimbursement. Keep in mind that hospitalization or evacuation abroad can cost as much as $40,000. Do you have immediate access to that much money on a moment's notice?

If you would like to extend you insurance coverage beyond your program date, contact the UHCG enrollment center at +1-800-732-5309.  Feel free to view the FAQ page for additional information.

Remember, you will need to independently purchase this separate insurance coverage.  USF World Education Abroad Office cannot do this for you.

Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance 

The UHCG Insurance is not Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance. Students are strongly encouraged to individually purchase travel and trip cancellation insurance which covers you for any problems/costs associated with your travel – stolen luggage, delayed /cancelled flights, etc. You can normally find this insurance by asking the airline.

Title IX, VAWA, The Clery Act and Your Rights Abroad

1. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
2. Violence Against Women Act
3. Know Your IX Video
4. The Clery Act

When you are traveling abroad, where you live and where you take classes are considered extensions of USF. Therefore, you are not only expected to comply with all USF policies such as the USF Student Code of Conduct, but you are also protected and under the auspices of certain regulations and policies meant to help you. Three significant federal regulations that are there to serve you are Title IX, VAWA and The Clery Act. These regulations are reflected in USF’s Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (Including Battery) Policy Number 0-004 (Policy 0-004)

Policy 0-004 states that “the University of South Florida System (USF System) community is most successful when it is based on respect and fair treatment of all people. The USF System strives to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence. As part of the effort to maintain an environment that is comfortable for all people, the USF System establishes this Policy.”

Throughout this discussion the term "sexual harassment" is used as an umbrella term that includes all forms of sexual misconduct from the most extreme to the more innocuous.  From Rape (sexual battery is the legal term for rape in Florida) to inappropriate gestures.  It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature,  Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.  The person or persons committing the offense can be a student, an unknown individual, a faculty leader or even a host resident director.   Policy Number 0-004 (Policy 0-004) (Links to an external site.) includes a complete definition with links to other resources.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., (Title IX), 34 CFR Part 106 is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. While sex discrimination was identified for the failure to provide equal opportunity in athletics, sexual harassment was also identified as another source of discrimination that was covered under Title IX. This law is enforced by the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) who can assess fines and other penalties.

In 1994 congress passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This act is in recognition of the severity of the crimes associated with domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The protections and provisions afforded victims of such crimes were expanded and designed to improve criminal justice responses to domestic violence and increase the availability of services to those victims. Among other things, victims are now also afforded the right to sue the offender as well as the university if Title IX or VAWA is not followed. You can read more about the History of VAWA by following this link

Some specific provisions in VAWA include:

• Holding rapists accountable for their crimes by strengthening federal penalties for repeat sex offenders and creating a federal “rape shield law,” which is intended to prevent offenders from using victims’ past sexual conduct against them during rape trial.
• Mandating that victims, no matter their income levels, are not forced to bear the expense of their own rape exams or for service of a protection order;
• Keeping victims safe by requiring that a victim’s protection order will be recognized and enforced in all state, tribal, and territorial jurisdiction within the United States;
• Increasing rates of prosecution, conviction, and sentencing of offenders by helping communities develop dedicated law enforcement and prosecution units and domestic violence dockets;
• Ensuring that police respond to crisis calls and judges understand the realities of domestic and sexual violence training law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim advocates and judges; VAWA funds train over 500,000 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, and other personnel every year;
• Providing additional tools for protecting women in Indian country by creating a new federal habitual offender crime and authorizing warrantless arrest authority for federal law enforcement officers who determining there is probable cause when responding to domestic violence cases.

Know Your IX Video

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The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act) is a federal law that requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on and near their respective campuses. The crimes that must be reported include those crimes identified by Title IX involving sexual harassment. As a traveler under the auspices of USF, we ask that you also report any crimes you are aware of by calling the USF 24/7 International Assistance Line at +1-813-317-5815.

Some of the other mandates of The Clery Act  include:

• Provide timely warnings to the campus community about crimes that pose an ongoing threat to students and employees;
• Maintain and make available a public crime log in their police or security department (if one exists)
• Maintain a daily residence hall fire log and report and publish an annual fire safety report alone or along with the annual crime statistics
• Provide certain rights to sexual assault victims and make specific statements about sex offenders
• Take action within 24 hours when students in residence halls are reported missing

The US prides itself on being a melting pot of diversity where people of different races, ethnicities and religions interact and blend on a daily basis.  Very few countries are as diverse as the United States. When entering more homogeneous populations, you - whether you are blond/blue eyed, or black – you may draw attention. While generally, this may be mere curiosity, it may lead to overt and subtle forms of prejudice – which can happen here too.

There are some locations, where because of your race or ethnicity, gender identity, disability, and/or outward-show of religious practices, you may feel yourself particularly targeted. For example, there have been recent crimes against Africans in Moscow; Caucasian students have been asked to leave certain locations in Asia; Students have been fed food against their stated religious beliefs in South America; Many countries have accessibility standards that are either non-existent or far less supportive than the United States.

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation are prohibited within the USF System as described in Policy 0-004. USF is committed to an environment free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information, sexual orientation, as well as gender idehttp://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/_customtags/ct_FileRetrieve.cfm?File_ID=51978).

Other resources on this topic include:

• The U.S. Department of State Students Abroad website that was created by and made for students traveling abroad.
• NAFSA: Rainbow SIG  www.nafsa.org
• International Lesbian and Gay Association is an international lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association. It is a worldwide federation of 1100 member organizations from 110 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights. Since 1978.

LGBT issues abroad can be quite complex. There may be LGBT laws and cultural norms that are even in stark conflict with each other. LGBT considerations when studying abroad may include how some countries support openness and acceptance with regard to sexual orientation while others do not. LGBT students are encouraged to use the support of fellow USF students and faculty to help them if they ever feel out of place. It can be very helpful to be aware of how your destination country views the LGBT community. Your selected destination may discriminate, persecute and criminalize same sex acts or even displaying support for same sex couples, and may carry severe legal consequences up to and including death.

For your particular destination, explore legal and social attitudes toward the local LGBT community. Investigate cultural and local attitudes towards homosexuality. Nearly every Country Information Sheet  published by the U.S. Department of State has information about local attitudes and laws towards the LGBT community. The U.S. Department of State also has a team dedicated to your LGBT concerns and questions. Contact USF’s International Risk and Security Officer if you have particular questions you would like him to pose to the U.S. Department of State by writing him at EAassist@usf.edu.

Other resources on this topic include:

• The U.S. Department of State Students Abroad website that was created by and made for students traveling abroad.
• NAFSA: Rainbow SIG (Links to an external site.) www.nafsa.org
• International Lesbian and Gay Association is an international lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association. It is a worldwide federation of 1100 member organizations from 110 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights. Since 1978.

1. Non-confidential / Responsible Employee Resources
2. Confidential Resources for Assistance
3. The Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention
4. When Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Happens
5. When Sexual Assault Happens

Non-confidential / Responsible Employee Resources

Your faculty, staff, program leader, assistant leader and anyone else traveling with students are considered a Responsible Employee under Title IX. USF’s International Risk and Security Officer is also a Title IX Liaison. Both are considered non-confidential resources. They cannot confidentially assist you due to State reporting requirements, but, they can certainly assist you with discretion during such a situation. Non-confidential resources do not widely disseminate reports under Title IX. In fact they must handle all reports very discretely and are only authorized to report to Title IX Coordinators and Investigators. You can report your concerns to either one of these individuals by calling USF’s 24/7 International Assistance Line is +1-813-317-5815

Confidential Resources for Assistance

Confidential resources offer confidential advocacy services with the crime or incident being reported anonymously per the Clery Act. Review this File for more information. They will not report your information outside of their unit. If you wish to first consult with a confidential resource, contact the USF Center for Victim Advocacy any time day or night: +1-813-974-5757

The Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention

You can contact USF Center for Victim Advocacy any time day or night: +1-813-974-5757

Confidentiality Statement from the Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention

The USF Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Prevention  assures confidentiality to all who utilize the program’s services. Client names, identifying information and any disclosures will be kept confidential unless an advocate receives permission from the client to release the information to a specific third party.

The following situations are exceptions to this policy:

• An advocate has knowledge of a client’s suicidal or homicidal potential;
• An advocate suspects that child or elder abuse has occurred;
• A judge orders the program to release information to the court.

When Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Happens

Discrimination, harassment and retaliation is a real safety concern when traveling abroad. Discrimination, harassment and retaliation can come from a variety of different sources, such as students from other Universities, host families, co-workers at an internship, an employee at the host institution or even other USF students or employees in your program.

Even though we may have little influence with another country’s laws and customs, we can intervene to offer our support and resources to assist you with an unfriendly or even dangerous situation. You may experience verbal or non-verbal conduct or behavior that is threatening, harassing, intimidating, discriminatory, or hostile and is based on one of USF’s protected categories. When it happens, don’t try and tolerate it. Don’t let fear or embarrassment keep you from asking for help. Talk to someone about it. Report it.

Remember, you have rights! You choose how to proceed. You choose if you wish to file charges with the police or not. You choose if you wish to seek medical attention, though USF will always encourage medical care if you are sick or injured. Review the information in your Pre-Departure Information Guide to learn more. Also, please review the 2015-2016 USF Guide Regarding Sexual Harassment Under Title IX and the VAWA Victim Guide.

When Sexual Assault Happens

• You can take emergency contraception (EC) or Plan B to prevent pregnancy and get medicine right away to treat STD exposure. Ask for help. Depending on your location, contact the local health care provider, student center or call our insurance provider to direct you to the nearest location: UHCG +1-410-453-6330 Policy # 902238160
• Often it is helpful to talk to a sexual assault advocate, trusted adult or friend. To speak with a confidential victim's advocate call USF Center for Victim Advocacy any time day or night: +1-813-974-5757
• Sexual assault advocates will help you whether you want to pursue legal action or not. It is your choice!

Visit the USF Title IX Webpage for additional Information.

What if your friend was sexually assaulted. 

If you know someone who has been sexually hurt or assaulted, it wasn’t their fault no matter what.

What do you say?

“I’m so sorry, it is not your fault. What do you need, how can I help?”

What should you do?

Listen. Be there. Do not judge. Call or speak to a victim's advocate, a responsible USF employee or the 24/7 International Assistance Line to help you know what to do. Understand that each resource has different reporting requirements as described.

What should you know?

Rape and sexual violence are crimes that take away an individual’s power. It is important not to compound this experience by pressuring your friend to take steps they are not ready for or do not want to do.

The best way to protect your personal safety is through prevention. Think about your personal security before you travel abroad. Study the customs and laws in your destination country.  The U.S. Department of State is a great place to start.

You will want to dress to blend in, not stand out.  Do not bring fancy watches or wear expensive jewelry.  Avoid packing any shirts that can be construed as inflammatory or brazen. Avoid clothing that may be seen as overly patriotic as it may come across as putting down the local culture.

Think about how you are keeping yourself safe here in the United States. It is likely that you naturally practice safe behaviors without even realizing it. Generally, it has come as second nature to us to be vigilant, avoid dangerous neighborhoods or keep an eye open for individuals whose motives are questionable. You will need these skills abroad, especially since the environment will be very different and the social cues you rely on in Tampa are going to be very different where you are going.

Always be self-aware of your surroundings and your location in a new environment. Avoid crowds and demonstrations.  These can often turn violent without any warning.  Remember, when you are in a foreign environment, it is not always common sense when trying to avoid risky situations.

***NEVER LEAVE SOMEONE ALONE***CALL FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT***

Leaving a fellow student alone or not notifying USF that you need assistance with a fellow student who has run off and may be a threat to self or others can be viewed as a violation of USF World international travel policy.

USF takes your safety and security very seriously. During your travels, you or a student may not be where they are supposed to be. It may be as mundane as sleeping in or missing a bus or train. It may be much more serious than that. There are many reasons that it may appear that you or another member of your group appears to be missing and no one should assume it is no big deal.

USF does not need to wait 24 hours to act on a possible missing student case. In fact, USF can act immediately if it is determined that additional factors have led us to believe the student is missing. And when that happens, USF requires that local law enforcement, the U.S. Embassy, and any other resources be notified to locate and help the missing student.  

There are many reasons for a student to go missing. Usually, if you cannot readily determine where a student is, it is likely the situation is very serious. The student may have experienced a mental health issue. They may have drunk too much the night before and got lost coming home. They may have been abducted. They may have been in an accident and in a hospital. Or they may have been arrested and taken to a police station.

If you are out with friends and someone in the group becomes difficult to be around or insists on going off alone or with a stranger, there is one important rule to keep in mind:

***NEVER LEAVE SOMEONE ALONE***CALL FOR HELP IF YOU NEED IT***

If your roommate does not come back at night; if your classmate does not arrive on time to join the group on an excursion; if a roommate runs out of the flat in a fit of anger; if anyone is not where they are supposed to be, do the following:

1. Call someone in authority.  This can be your faculty leader, resident director or on-campus support center.  You can also alert your host family if that is your living arrangement.
2. Call USF.  Especially if you did not or could not contact a local authority, call the USF 24/7 International Assistance Line 1 + 813-317-5815 to report your concern.
3. Wake up others in the same building to see if they know where your roommate is.
4. Have everyone try to see if the student left a message stating where they are.  Check voice mail and email for messages.  Everyone awake should check their social media for any comments from your roommate.  Look on such websites such as Facebook or Instagram.  DO NOT POST A MESSAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA LOOKING FOR YOUR ROOMMATE – This is how rumors get started.  Look but don’t post.
5. If the student’s whereabouts is unknown, try reaching out to the student by calling their phone or texting them directly. Continue to call and text the missing person regularly.

Taking pictures when being instructed not to by either local authority or USF authority can be viewed as a violation of USF World international travel policy. Foreign laws and customs governing what is permissible to photograph can vary vastly from U.S. norms.

The decisions you make to photograph the subjects you want could get you into serious trouble abroad.  You are encouraged to take pictures with respect - respect for the people and the country you are visiting. The people you photograph may have strong religious or animist/indigenous beliefs that prohibit photographs of children or temples; women may not be allowed to be photographed; the military and police and their buildings are almost always off limits to photography; and some people simply do not want to be photographed!

Also be careful about the photos you take of yourselves and others on the USF program abroad. Pictures that include the following can get you in serious trouble:  immodest skin exposure, lewd or lascivious acts, kissing, and drinking alcohol. In some countries, avoid pictures of airplanes, trains or any buildings related to aviation, transportation, police or the military. Even pictures of places such as war zones, sacred grounds, archaeological sites, and tribal grounds or artifacts could be off limits.

Did you know that the use of the “selfie stick,” a telescoping rod to take photographs of oneself from approximately one meter’s distance, is banned in many locations, to include museums and art galleries, particularly in Europe? Now you know!

Depending on what country is involved, visitors who violate local law or custom can be detained for lengthy periods, charged stiff fines, and/or be declared persona non grata. Not knowing local laws and customs is not excusable in the eyes of the court or police.

In summary:

Do’s   

• Do ask before taking pictures of locals, children, or anyone, and respect their decisions
• Do remember that you are representing your university, your family, and yourself
• Do be aware that selfie sticks are banned in many locations, especially museums and art galleries. Adhere to signage regarding photography rules.
• Do avoid taking pictures with too much skin, at government buildings, religious structures, sacred grounds, and military areas.

Don’ts 

• Don’t post pictures of inappropriate behavior or indecency on social media
• Don’t ignore signs; they are there for your safety and consideration. A picture is not worth your life

This information came in part from a report from the U.S. Department of State. You can read the full report “Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography” 

“Students Abroad: First, Do No Harm With Your Camera,” The Chronicle  of Higher Education, December 6, 2015. This article suggests that narrative strategies can be useful in prompting students to reflect on ethical and professional questions. So, rather than discouraging students from bringing their cameras abroad, incorporate student picture-taking into your pre-departure discussions.

The Rusty Radiator Award

 Before you start snapping pictures and making videos abroad, take a moment to think about The Rusty Radiator Award. The Rusty Radiator Award located at http://www.rustyradiator.com/  goes to the fundraising video with the worst use of stereotypes. This kind of portrayal is not only unfair to the persons portrayed in the campaign, but also hinders long-term development and the fight against poverty. 

The makers of The Rusty Radiator Award challenge us to educate ourselves on how stereotypes and simple solutions to complex problems are more damaging, than helping. For several years, The Students’ and Academics’ International Assistance Fund (SAIH), has been working on these topics, with the aim to create a bigger understanding for how a certain kind of communication about poverty and fundraising campaigns can be harmful. This was also their starting point in SAIH, when they made the music video spoof Radi-Aid: Africa for Norway in 2012.

Take a moment to visit their website and view their archive. Then, do what you can to avoid being nominated for The Rusty Radiator Award. Do what you can to be nominated for the Golden Radiator Award!

The Rusty Radiator Award Nominees and Winners 2013 

The Rusty Radiator Award Nominees and Winners 2014

When you travel abroad as a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you may still be held responsible by federal law.  This is known as extraterritorial jurisdiction. Extraterritorial jurisdiction is the legal authority of the United States to prosecute criminal conduct that took place outside its borders

Violating a federal law with extraterritorial jurisdiction may lead to criminal prosecution back in the United States.  It may also be used to file a complaint with the USF Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Please visit the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities website for information: http://www.sa.usf.edu/SRR/

Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in Foreign Places

(Sex with minors abroad is not legal)

Certain sex offenses are covered by extraterritorial jurisdiction in federal law.  One important such law is Title 18 part 1 Chapter 117 U.S. Code § 2423(c).  Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in Foreign Places.

18 U.S. Code § 2423 (c) says that any United States citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence who travels in foreign commerce or resides, either temporarily or permanently, in a foreign country, and engages in any illicit sexual conduct with another person shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.

As used in this section, the term “illicit sexual conduct” means—

1. a sexual act (as defined in section 2246) with a person under 18 years of age that would be in violation of chapter 109A if the sexual act occurred in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States;
2. any commercial sex act (as defined in section 1591) with a person under 18 years of age; or
3. production of child pornography (as defined in section 2256(8)

What this means is that if you engage in sex with anyone under the age of 18 years while on a USF international activity, you could be in violation of 18 U.S. Code § 2423 (c) and could be prosecuted in federal court as well as have a complaint filed with OSRR. This is regardless of the age of consent abroad.

You can learn more here:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/2423

https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/citizens-guide-us-federal-law-extraterritorial-sexual-exploitation-children

Pick Pocketing, Robbery & Petty Crime

Every year, USF student travelers have had their cell phones, passports, wallets, purses and jewelry stolen.  You are responsible for replacing anything that you have stolen.  USF strongly recommends that you investigate theft insurance to see if it can cover your personal belongings abroad.

When it comes to petty crime, USF wants you to be aware of these crimes, how they are executed, and how being aware of your surroundings can minimize the chance of becoming a victim. Please review the following 5W’s = Who, What, Where, When and Why:

• Who: These are criminals operating primarily in groups but sometimes alone, whom target travelers and tourists. Pickpockets and others involved in street crime often work together and are likely close friends and even family. In fact, they are usually well known to the locals on the street who will take measures to protect them.
• What: These criminals will look for what’s easy, obvious and convenient – is your purse hanging loosely from your body, with a strap that is exposed enough to quickly cut, snatch, and get away? Are you about to board a subway, so picking your pocket just before you board will ensure an easy escape route? Are you a confused and vulnerable tourist that’s easy to manipulate? Petty crime thieves look for situations like this to minimize confrontation and maximize profit.
• Where: Crime can happen anywhere, however high-risk areas include airports, train stations, subways, & hotels. These areas have a high frequency of vulnerable tourists and are so busy that crime can go unnoticed.
• When: Normally these types of crimes will happen in an environment with lots of stimuli – noise and distractions, which decreases your awareness of the situation around you. Think about it; if you are seeing the Great Wall of China for the first time and are preoccupied with the experience, you are too busy taking pictures to notice that your wallet has been slipped out of your pocket.
• Why: Unfortunately, these criminals are taking advantage of an opportunity (travelers in new situations). The best way to prevent petty crimes from happening to you is to never travel alone, to travel light, to lower your profile, and to be aware of your surroundings.

Take a moment to review of Personal Document Safety (Link to page) near the beginning of this course. Please also note that Passports and Phones are the two most stolen items on study abroad.

It is your responsibility to keep your travel documents, credit cards and valuables safe, not your program leaders. Your passport, credit card and/or debit card, and money should be worn in a pouch or a money belt as close to your body as possible when you are traveling abroad. Remember, money belts are worn under your clothes, not like a fanny pack.

When you arrive at your destination, when possible, leave your original passport in a locked safe at your accommodation. Actually, in some countries the hotel will require you to give it to them for security. Only in rare circumstances do you need to carry it with you daily. Instead, always carry a copy of your passport with you.

Remember, your health, mental health, medical evacuation, and evacuation for natural disaster or political unrest insurance is already provided by registering with the Education Abroad Office. This policy does not include travel insurance or renters insurance. Travel insurance and renters insurance are your responsibility.

Pickpocketing Videos

 There are many videos on the internet to help familiarize yourself with personal safety techniques. We have selected three for your viewing pleasure, but don't stop there. Take the time to view what else is out there. The better informed you are, the easier it is to practice healthy vigilance abroad.

Check out these three videos: "5 Tips to Avoid Pickpockets," "The Pickpocket King: Avoid becoming victim of theft and scam on your vacation," and "Gang in China Pickpockets with Chopsticks."

Enjoy!

A scam is a way that thieves use dishonesty and /or distraction to rob you of your money or personal belongings. Often, the U.S. Department of State describes scams common to a specific country in their Country Information Sheet.  An internet search may also prove useful in researching common scams in your destination country.

Here are some common scams found in popular international locations:

• The Helpful Local: These are thieves posing as concerned citizens that warn you to store your wallet or valuable in a safe place, then steals it once they know the location of your wallet or valuable. You may also find these individuals at public transportation locations asking to help you with purchasing tickets or changing money. Always ask for help from an employee of the location.
• The Pick: This is a maneuver used to separate you from your belongings. Generally, one individual will block you from sitting down, entering a subway train or at a choke point (such as a subway door etc.) That person may try to distract you with a question while the second individual snatches a wallet, purse, or some other valuable in your possession. You will be blocked from recovering your property due to the doors closing or some other obstruction.
• Other distractions: A woman with a crying baby asking for money for milk; a man asking you to sign a petition; a random person on the street squirts mustard on your jacket; a stranger recommends a great place to eat; or a young child asking YOU for directions. Their ulterior motives are not always nefarious, but it is wise to be extra cautious. Be polite, say you are in a hurry, and move on.
• Read about scams from around the world in this article by USA Today. They mention quite a few country specific scams. Are they talking about your destination? http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2014/05/04/criminals-target-travelers-abroad-with-scams-and-schemes/8060061/

Banks abroad do not necessarily operate in the same manner as banks in the U.S. It is important to organize your finances before you depart.

You can read about safe banking tips, read this article by the U.S. Department of State. https://www.usbank.com/student-banking/money-tips-for-students/studying-and-spending-abroad-what-to-know-before-you-go.html

 

Don’t get your account frozen.  Notify your bank of your travel plans before you go. If you don’t, unfamiliar spending patterns may raise suspicions that the card is being used fraudulently, which could cause a suspension of your account until you call and verify the charges – and in a foreign country, this can be a major inconvenience.

Carry only the plastic you’ll actually use. Leave all your other check/ATM cards and credit cards at home in a safe place.

Get some cash in the currency of your destination country before you depart. That way, you’ll have money for that very first taxi or train ride to your ultimate destination without having to stop or pay the excessive exchange rates often charged at airports.

Find out if your bank has branches and/or ATM's where you’re going, or if it has affiliations with foreign banks. In both instances, you’ll save money by avoiding ATM fees.

Once you get in country, you need to keep in mind that anytime you attempt to access cash, you can inadvertently draw attention to yourself or expose yourself to possible banking scams.

In Europe, especially, it is becoming more common for automated kiosks and other businesses to require a “chip and pin” credit card. That is a credit card that has an electronic security computer chip embedded in it and requires the use of a “pin” or secret number, to authorize expenditures. Many U.S. issued chip credit cards do not require a pin, only a signature. Those are sometimes trouble in Europe. Check with your bank or credit card company to see if your cards can be reissued as chip and pin cards.

ATM scams continue to plague tourists. To stay safe and keep your money safe, follow these tips.

• Only use ATM’s located in a bank – not on the street
• Only use ATMs referred by a trusted local or one that you are familiar with
• Check for a thin plastic insert or sticky substances that may be used to trap your card
• Also check for an added card reader, used to scan and store your card information and PIN
• Never use an ATM if the card scanner is loose or appears to be a “add-on” device
• If the ATM eats your card, notify the bank immediately

To read more about ATM scams, review this article. http://www.scambusters.org/atmtheft.html

Cyber-crime and identity theft is a growing problem around the world. While traveling abroad it is extremely important to protect your personally identifiable information or PII. PII can be used to distinguish or trace your identity, either alone or when combined with other personal or identifying information that is linked or linkable to a specific individual. Read more about it here. http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104256

Be very careful of connecting to a strange WiFi hotpot in an airport terminal or a café. It can actually be set up by a criminal working from the laptop computer sitting near you! Do not carry your social security number with you, at all. Since you are not driving, do not bring your driver’s license. Keep your credit cards stored separately from you passport or your passport copy. It does not take much for a thief to steal your identity.

Some of the more prevalent schemes criminals are using these days to steal identities include suspicious e-mail and/or phishing attempts to trick victims into revealing personally identifiable information, “smash and grab” burglaries involving the theft of hard copy driver’s licenses, credit cards, check books, etc., and actual computer and network intrusions that result in the loss of personally identifiable information. To learn more about identity theft, check out this article:  https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/cyber/identity_theft/identity-theft-overview

Know the threat at your destination!

Rule #1:  There is no such thing as a “safe” destination. 

There was a time when many international travelers felt completely safe going to France or Denmark. Those days are long gone.   Even though the likelihood of being a victim of a terrorist event is quite small, the chance that an even can disrupt your travel is very high. Communication and transportation can often grind to a halt during such an event.

This does not mean we should not travel abroad. What it means is that we need to heighten our sense of awareness – become more vigilant. To be vigilant simply means to be alert and watchful, especially to avoid danger.

Being frozen by panic and fear will only serve to spoil a wonderful experience abroad.

Be prepared by knowing the tactics used by terrorist groups and criminals at your international activity location.  Take a moment to look up your country http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html  and identify the risk and the suggested  strategies recommended by the U.S. Department of State  to minimize the risk for each of the following categories:

• Terrorism
• Crime
• Health
• Transportation

What to do in the event of a Terrorist Incident?

Visit our “Getting Help” page for details on who to contact when you need assistance.

A terrorist incident can happen in the United States just as likely as it could while you travel abroad. Being prepared and knowing what to do if such an event strikes can mean the difference between successfully negotiating the experience with minimal stress or putting you or your group in harm’s way.

The American Red Cross has put together excellent information regarding “Terrorism Preparedness.”

Even though it is written based upon a possible terrorist event in the United States, the same rules, recommendations and advice still apply abroad.  Read about how to “Prepare; Respond and Recover” here: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/terrorism

Currently, there is a Worldwide Caution that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State.  The risk mitigating strategies for travel anywhere in the world are echoed in these documents.

1. Exercise vigilance, especially when in public places or using mass transportation.
2. Take appropriate steps to increase your security awareness
3. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid crowded places.
4. Exercise particular caution during religious holidays and at large festivals or events.

If something were to happen:

1. Follow the instructions of local authorities, especially in an emergency.
2. Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into travel plans and activities.
3. Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
4. Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
5. Monitor your USF email for alerts from the U.S. Department of State
6. Call/text to report your status  24/7 International Assistance Line +1-813-317-5815

Some other tips include:

• Remain calm and be patient.
• Do not head towards an incident. Follow the instructions of the security/emergency services and find a place of safety that offers cover from further explosions, shrapnel or gunfire.
• Make an immediate and sustained effort to communicate out; mobile communication networks may be disrupted in the immediate aftermath, so SMS texts and landlines should be considered as alternates.
• Listen to your radio or television for news and instructions.
• Do not leave a place of safety without notifying someone of your plans.
• If it is absolutely necessary to relocate then only do so after ensuring the route is clear and that you have notified someone of your plans.
• Maintain communications throughout; even when telephone lines are down, email and broadband links can stay in operation. Consider “Dead Letter” drops.
• When safe, return to a pre-determined assembly area. (Hotel, school, etc.)
• Avoid likely targets, US facilities, local military or police HQ, etc.

Visit our “Getting Help” page for details on who to contact when you need assistance.

Demonstrations may be planned or spontaneous. They may only involve a few dozen demonstrators or thousands. 

• Stay updated using multiple sources, not only news media but also local contacts, and police and government warnings. Real-time, local knowledge allows you to minimize movement during high-risk periods and reduce exposure.
• The U.S. Embassy will send out emails to all those that are registered on the STEP program (Link to page) in advance of a planned demonstration and provide some risk-mitigating strategies.
• Monitor your USF Email Address as that is used to register you for STEP.

Certainly, if you know in advance about a demonstration, you can avoid it. But, what to do if one happens without warning, right where you are planning to travel?

• Avoid locations known to attract protests, (government offices, US embassy, military facilities)
• Do not participate or loiter in the vicinity of demonstrations or protests.
• Do not take pictures. Participants may be afraid that their photograph may be seen by government officials so they may try all means to prevent you from keeping a picture of them. Students’ have been harmed and even lost their life taking pictures at a demonstration.
• Follow the directions of law enforcement agencies.  You should also expect, but not be unduly alarmed by, a noticeable increased security presence in major cities. Always comply with instructions issued by security and law-enforcement agencies.

Visit our “Getting Help” page for details on who to contact when you need assistance.

The number one rule when encountering a violent assault such as a mugging or robbery is….DO NOT RESIST! If you have done your homework and prepared well, you are not carrying anything of value. Let it go. Whether it is your wallet, your purse or your backpack, everything can be replaced – except you!!

A travel blogger shared her hard lessons when it comes to international travel and being a victim of robbery: http://theplanetd.com/lessons-learned-from-being-mugged-abroad/She recounts the story of a woman who fought back to keep her purse from a robber with a knife. He stabbed her and she spent the next three weeks in the hospital. The camera in her bag was not worth it.

Other things that you can do to help minimize the risk of a robbery or mugging include:

• Try to blend in and remain self-aware and alert
• Avoid travelling alone at in the evening, or in secluded areas
• Avoid displaying cash or expensive jewelry, cameras, laptops
• Purge wallet of excess cash & credit cards when walking around

Visit our “Getting Help” page for details on who to contact when you need assistance.

Though relatively rare, a bus hijacking can be a harrowing experience.  Increasingly more common are road blocks where authorities stop traffic looking for a thief or terrorist. Often times you may not realize that it is a roadblock and panic. In either event, if this happens to you it is extremely important to remain calm.

Hijackings of buses by armed criminals are generally limited to countries with weak infrastructures and a weak police presence; however, they can happen in any country. Reported bus hijackings have been noted in parts of Central and South America as well as on the African continent or Eastern Europe. Often times they occur at night and along rural bus routes between major city centers.

A number of travelers have experienced hijackings and armed robberies after just having arrived on international flights, most frequently in the evening, and shortly after the shuttle leaves the airport grounds. In the most common scenario, tourists or business travelers who land at the airport after dark are held up by armed men as their vehicle departs the airport.

Note that it is not just about large buses. Private vehicles, taxis and small shuttle buses have all been targeted by criminals. Typically, the assailants steal money, passports, and luggage, and in some but not all cases, the assailants steal the vehicle as well. In some cases, assailants have been wearing full or partial police uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, indicating that some elements of the police might be involved. Surprisingly, some armed robberies have occurred within minutes of a tourist’s vehicle having been stopped by the police.

So, what can you do to reduce your chance of becoming a victim?  Here are some tips.

Be prepared:

• Know the local threat
• Only carry what you really need
• Separate cash & valuables – keep in multiple places
• Have your passport hidden in a safe place
• Pack away documents and valuables
• Never plan to travel at night. Make sure your flights arrive during daylight hours and leave you plenty of time to reach your hotel during daylight hours.
• While riding cross country or even in the city, always lock your doors and roll up your windows.

If this happens to you:

• Stay Calm
• Do not get out of your seat
• Make sure that your doors are locked and windows rolled up
• Follow instructions from Bus Driver/Faculty Leader
• Avoid eye-contact with anyone entering the bus
• Gently wake up people next to you
• Do not take pictures
• Threat or use of violence is likely if guns are drawn – Don’t Resist
• Follow the robber’s instructions. Do not hesitate to give them any property they ask for.

Visit our “Getting Help” page for details on who to contact when you need assistance.

Taxis in foreign countries are for the most part safe, but bad things can happen. Remember that some illegitimate taxi drivers are criminals in search of victims. Passengers of unlicensed taxis have been robbed, kidnapped, and/or raped. It is important to know that the taxi you are about to use is a legal and licensed taxi and that the vehicle has been maintained to the local countries specifications. How to do that?

Try following these tips:

• Only use licensed and regulated taxis. You can find these at the taxi stand or by calling their phone number to request a taxi.
• Don't let taxi drivers pick you – you should pick out the taxi driver.
• When in line at a taxi stand, never accept an unsolicited offer by someone who approaches you and recommends you skip the line and travel with them. Never.
• Don’t share taxis with strangers. If someone else is in the taxi besides the driver, do not get in.
• When in doubt, ask the hotel, club or restaurant staff to summon a reputable taxi for you. Do not hail a taxi on your own after dark.

The U.S. Department of State offers this advice about taxis and public transportation: http://studenttravel.about.com/od/foreigntaxis/tp/taxi_safe.htm

A special note about Uber. This ride sharing service is very popular around the world. Passengers can summon an Uber vehicle using a downloadable app. However, it is very new and Uber’s ability to adequately screen their drivers is in question. There have been many reports worldwide of Uber drivers assaulting their passengers. Therefore, at this time USF does not recommend using Uber when abroad.

For detailed information about USF World’s policies regarding driving, please see this page:
INFO SECTION TITLE 2:                Staying Healthy While Abroad  NAV LINK 3         Driving and Swimming

Traffic accidents are one of the most common and debilitating incidents that one can experience on study abroad. Therefore USF strongly discourages and absolutely does not want students from operating a motor vehicle of any kind while on a USF education abroad activity, even during their “free” time. This includes not only cars but scooters and other motor vehicles.

USF will not assist students with renting/leasing and operating motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, boats and jet skis while participating on an education abroad experience.

And absolutely, under no circumstances should students transport other students. Students are prohibited from operating vehicles used to transport any USF students and associated participants on an education abroad experience, ever. Only assigned faculty and staff may do this. Under very strict circumstances a Graduate Student who has been hired specifically to assist with a program may be allowed to drive and transport students.

*If driving a motor vehicle is a requirement of your USF international experience, you may petition to have driving privileges.  Contact the International Risk and Safety Officer for more information at EAassist@usf.edu

Coming Soon.

Visit our “Getting Help” page for details on who to contact when you need assistance.

USF 24/7 International Assistance is not just for emergencies. You can contact USF 24/7 International Assistance any time you have a question or concern. You can even contact us if you have something positive to share with the USF community. Finally, USF will want you to use USF 24/7 International Assistance to report certain incidents abroad.

A dedicated phone number that can be called direct or collect from anywhere in the world, +1-813-317-5815, is monitored every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to support all members of the USF community who are traveling abroad on university business or education abroad. These individuals may be faculty, staff, students, volunteers, alumni, donors, contractors, colleagues from other institutions, government officials and anyone else participating on USF sanctioned international travel.

USF 24/7 International Assistance is also there to support USF international travelers’ concerned family, friends and colleagues. For education abroad travelers, your emergency contacts will receive information on using this assistance line before you depart.  Feel free to share this phone number with anyone who may be monitoring your travel.

A dedicated email address, EAassist@usf.edu, is also monitored on the same cell phone that supports the 24/7 phone number. You may also text the cell phone number. Because email and text messages may not be readily noticed, if you want an immediate response always call the phone number:  +1-813-317-5815

Reporting a Crime of Any Kind Or Reporting Sexual Harassment to USF

If you experience any crime, especially if you experience sexual harassment, please make sure to at least report it to USF. USF use this information to immediately assist you and/or warn others.

Your faculty leader, program leader, student leader, accompanying staff and assistants are all considered Campus Security Authorities under The Clery Act.  You can tell them of the crime and they will make sure it is officially reported.  For Clery Crimes, they do not have to report the name of the student to USF Police, only the description of the incident.

However, for a Clery Crime under Title IX and VAWA, they do need to include your name. If you want to talk about it first, before reporting to a CSA who is a Non-confidential Resource, you can speak to a Confidential Resource.

Reportable Crimes under The Clery Act and under Title IX/VAWA  (Click the title to review official definitions)

• The Clery Act
  • Aggravated Assault, Arson, Burglary, Destruction or Damage or Vandalism of Property, Hate Crimes, Intimidation, Larceny-Theft, Motor Vehicle Theft, Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter, Negligent Manslaughter, Robbery, Simple Assault
• Title IX/VAWA
  • Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Hate Crimes, Sex Offense (Rape, Fondling, Statutory Rape), and Stalking. Sexual Harassment is also covered by Title IX even if it does not rise to the level of a crime. 

The term "sexual harassment" is used as an umbrella term that includes all forms of sexual misconduct from the most extreme to the more innocuous.  From Rape (sexual battery is the legal term for rape in Florida) to inappropriate gestures.  It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature,  Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.  The person or persons committing the offense can be a student, an unknown individual, a faculty leader or even a host resident director.   Policy Number 0-004 (Policy 0-004)  includes a complete definition with links to other resources.

Resources Available to Report a Crime

While abroad, here are the Non-Confidential and Confidential Resources available to you as defined earlier in Module 2 -  5.a Getting Help for Yourself.

• Non-Confidential
  • USF 24/7 International Assistance Line +1-813-317-5815
  • Faculty Leader, Program Leader, Other Accompanying Staff and Assistants
  • Local host resident director, teacher or staff member

• Confidential
  • USF Center for Victim's Advocacy Line  +1-813-974-5757
  • Licensed Counselor or Therapist
  • Clergy

Privacy Laws Abroad - Important Reminder

The privacy laws of some countries might prevent local authorities or local individuals from notifying USF if one of our students has been the victim of a crime or a victim of sexual harassment. For example, if you were mugged and spoke to the local host resident director in Italy who is not a USF employee, they may not be able to directly share that information with USF.  Therefore, we ask that you contact our USF resources directly if you have been the victim of a crime, so that USF can begin the process to assist you.

When You Return to Campus

Don't forget to follow-up on your incident when you return to campus, and seek out support as needed.  The following resources are available. Visit the Handbook and Resources page for more victim support information.  There are many more resources than listed below and once you engage someone here on campus, they can help walk you through the system as needed!

• Center for Victim’s Advocacy 813-974-5757 24/7 Help Line (Option 2),
• Victim Advocacy web address http://www.sa.usf.edu/advocacy/page.asp?id=72   ,  
• Counseling Center 813-974-2831,
• USF Office of Student Rights and Responsibility 813-974-9443,
• USF Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Office (DIEO) 813-974-4373, and
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay 813-234-1234

Your health and safety is of paramount importance to USF, as well as your family and friends while you travel internationally. Remember that your emergency contacts will have access to the 24/7 International Assistance Line, so if there is an event that could be perceived as putting you at risk, we strongly encourage you to call it in and report it to us. It will allow us to quickly put other callers at ease.

The following broad categories are events that we would ask that you minimally make a report using the USF 24/7 International Assistance phone line or EAassist@usf.edu as appropriate.

• Any crime of any kind that may impact you directly or indirectly
• Interaction with Law Enforcement or Military such as being arrested or detained
• Health issues needing professional care (We can help with activating insurance)
• Mental Health issues or concerns
• Discipline problems that are affecting you
• Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation
• Alcohol related Issues that are affecting you
• Missing student
• Natural Disaster – Floods, earthquakes, typhoons, volcanoes, etc.
• Civil Unrest – demonstrations, riots or acts of war

Seeking Help and Assistance in an Emergency

Always know what the local emergency numbers are for the country you are in. If you are in an emergency situation abroad, you will need to know how to contact the police, an ambulance, or even the fire department. Not every country uses “911” as its emergency contact number, as we do in the United States. You can look up the “911 equivalent” number for your destination here:  https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/students-abroad/pdfs/911_ABROAD.pdf

Download this Emergency Contact Card Template. You can edit it to include important phone numbers and carry it with you at all times. If you are attending an Education Abroad Group program, your program leader will create this card for you and hand it out prior to your departure.

If you or a companion is experiencing a threat to life, limb or eye, call an ambulance immediately and get transport to the nearest hospital or clinic!

You should always identify hospitals or clinics that will be convenient to you prior to departure. You can find out by contacting UHCG at assistance@uhcglobal.com. You can also submit a request to EAassist@usf.edu .

Another important number to identify is the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They can help with identifying medical facilities or helping you navigate the legal system. You can determine that number by visiting the U.S. Department of State Country Information Sheet here: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html

When seeking health care, you should open a case with UHCG. You can contact the USF 24/7 International Assistance Line and request that or you can do it yourself. 

If you want to do it yourself, you can call UHCG at +1-410-453-6330. You will need to provide UHCG with your policy number: 902238160. 

USF strongly recommends that you always travel with a cell phone that can make and receive international calls using a cell network, independently of WiFi. Yes, you will likely use WiFi for the majority of your data needs. There are many convenient apps out there to facilitate communication over WiFi without incurring expensive charges.

However, an emergency rarely waits until you have WiFi. The ability to make or receive a phone call outside of available WiFi can make a huge difference in your experience. Contact your U.S. based cellphone company and ask about ways you can either turn on global calling or unlock your phone to accept a foreign sim card. In an extreme case, consider purchasing a local disposable phone and add international minutes for use in an emergency.

How to Make a Long Distance International Call

 If you are using your U.S. based cell phone with the U.S. cell phone number, remember that when abroad, calling the U.S. is the same as a local call – except the charges will still be at international rates. It also means that calling an international number will be like calling from the U.S.

A good website to explain how to make an international call from anywhere in the world is http://www.howtocallabroad.com/ Share this site with your family and friends.

Always test your phone immediately when in-country. Call someone in the U.S. and then have them call you back. It is always easier to identify a problem with your cell when there is no crisis. It is never helpful to learn there is a problem with your cell when you really have to use it!

Generally when calling the United States from an international number, you need to dial the U.S. country code 00 followed by 1 for long distance then the area code an number. So, for calling the USF 24/7 International Assistance Line would be: 00-1-813-317-5815.

When Can USF Try and Call You?

USF 24/7 International Assistance may choose to call you. We monitor world events and if it appears that a natural disaster, civil unrest or other activity may impact you or your program, we may try to reach out to you by email and/or phone. Always monitor your official USF email while abroad. This is our only official way to communicate with you. Always keep your cell phone charged and turned on to receive international calls.

USF 24/7 International Assistance may choose to contact your emergency contacts about a situation, in consultation with the program leaders or on-site representatives, without your permission. This is always done with discretion.

Specific instances when this may occur include:

• You are unable to speak for yourself;
• You are not where you are supposed to be and considered missing (USF does not need to wait 24 hours);
• You are perceived to be a danger to yourself or others; or when
• There is a significant health, safety, or security incident affecting the entire program such as a natural disaster or civil unrest.

Remember that as you prepare to return to the United States, many of the things you had to think about prior to departure apply. Plan ahead. Get to the airport at least 3 hours early. Make sure that your baggage is within the excess baggage limits to avoid paying hefty penalties. And, do not pack your passport in your checked luggage!

Review this information from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  You may have to pay duty on any goods purchased abroad. Do not try and sneak anything back and do not bring back pirated goods or fresh fruits, vegetables or meats. The government requires you to pay duty on goods purchased abroad and brought into the United States. You should know and understand these requirements before leaving your host country so you do not encounter problems upon your return.

Finally, you will be receiving an email with a link to an evaluation after your return. Please complete your program evaluation as quickly and as truthfully as you can.  Do not hold back the good, the bad or the ugly! This evaluation will allow our faculty, staff and providers to make adjustments to future programs to better provide for a good student experience. 

Review this information from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.  The government requires you to pay duty on goods purchased abroad and brought into the United States.  You should know and understand these requirements before leaving, so there are no problems when you return.  You must declare expensive and/or foreign goods you will take with you before leaving the United States so that you are not charged duty on them when you return.  If you are taking imported articles such as cameras, binoculars, watches, laptops, etc., register these foreign-made articles with Customs (before leaving the U.S.) to avoid extra duty charges upon re-entry.

Your exemption is $800 (retail value) on articles acquired abroad, if:

• Articles are for personal use or gifts.
• Articles accompany you.
• You have been out of the country at least 48 hours (Mexico and U.S. Virgin Islands are exempt from the 48-hour limitation).
• You have not claimed the exemption within the preceding 30 days.
• Articles are not prohibited or restricted.

Upon your return, group purchases together and keep receipts ready for Customs inspection.  Should you bring back foreign pharmaceuticals, have the prescriptions ready to present.

You must declare, at the price paid, everything acquired abroad, including gifts given to you and articles worn or used.  If you fail to declare or understate the value, penalties may be severe. You cannot bring meat, fruits, vegetables and Cuban cigars into the United States.

If you reported an illness while abroad, your study abroad health insurance may still cover you for up to 30 days after you return, for that same illness. If you have any questions or concerns, call the international health insurance company’s 24-7 number. Except in that occurrence, your study abroad coverage ends when your program ends.

If you plan to travel before or after your study abroad program, it is very important to obtain additional medical insurance coverage as the medical insurance provided for your study abroad experience only provides coverage during the dates of the study abroad program. While you may believe your domestic health insurance policy will cover the costs for any medical care needed abroad, it is likely you will be required to pay upfront and later seek reimbursement. Keep in mind that hospitalization or evacuation abroad can cost as much as $40,000. Do you have immediate access to that much money on a moment's notice?

Therefore, plan ahead and before you travel. Make sure you have a health insurance policy in effect that will cover you when you get home. Also, look into additional coverage before leaving the United States if you plan to travel after your program ends. If you would like to purchase coverage for your additional travel, contact the UHCG enrollment center at +1-800-732-5309.

If you become ill within 12 months after traveling, make a medical appointment and be sure to inform your physician of all the countries you visited while abroad. Sometimes a general illness here may have a relationship to the international travel you experienced up to a year earlier.

If you have been taking anti-malarial medications because of your travel abroad, do not stop just because you returned home. Continue to do so for the prescribed amount of time after you return home. If you have any questions, ask your physician.

As discussed earlier, it is not uncommon for participants to be sexually active abroad. If you were sexually active abroad, it is highly recommended that you consult with your physician and ask about getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases. You can do it right here on campus and Get Yourself Tested. http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-health-services/services/gyt.aspx 

Believe it or not you will experience some measure of reverse culture shock when you return home. The best way to handle reverse culture shock is to understand it exists and to not ignore the symptoms. Finally, always keep in mind that it is normal and there are resources right here on campus prepared to help you adjust back to life here in the States.

Here are 10 challenges to be aware of with re-entry:

1. Boredom
   • After all the newness and stimulation of your time abroad, a return home to old routines can seem dull. It is natural to miss the excitement a trip abroad brings on a daily basis so look for new ways to get involved at home, in your community or on campus.
2. “No one wants to hear your story”
   • This is a tough one, because there is so much to share. People aren’t rejecting your achievements abroad, but the endless stories and plethora of pictures can be exhausting. Be realistic with your expectations of other and keep your stories brief. Finally, if you are looking for a group of people that never get tired of your stories and can put them to good use join the GloBull Ambassador Program  It’s the perfect solution.
3. You Can’t Explain
   • It will be extremely challenging when attempting to explain certain transformative aspects of your experience abroad. This is okay! Do your best and realize it’s the personal growth that counts and explaining exactly how the experience changed you may take time.
4. “Reverse Homesickness”
   • This is just like when you missed home after arriving overseas. Understand this is natural and should be anticipated. 
5. Relationships Have Changed
   • Expecting that no change has occurred during your absence is unrealistic. Keep in mind that some relationships between family and friends may have changed and whether for good or bad you should remain open minded and flexible to their situation.
6. People See “Wrong” Changes
   • Be self-aware! This is a skill most likely acquired abroad so please understand that some of the changes that may have occurred to you while abroad may be seen as “bad” from others point of view. This may be caused by jealousy, fear or other feelings, but try and take the high road and understand these feelings are normally short lived. 
7. People Misunderstand
   • People may misinterpret words or actions in such a way that communication is difficult. Be cognizant of your behavior and understand that your new clothing style or sense of humor may come off as arrogant or smug to others. Keep in mind they may not have experience with other cultures and customs and you should not assume they understand why you are behaving in a new manner.
8. Feelings of Alienation
   • The reality of being back home can be difficult to manage. When real daily life is less enjoyable or more demanding than you remembered keep in mind that it is natural to feel some alienation. Only time can help you find that balance.
9. Inability to Apply New Knowledge and Skills
   • You learned so much abroad and it is only natural to be eager to show off your newly obtained knowledge and skills. Just know that the opportunity to do so may not be as available as you may think. This can take time and require you to seek out more opportunities on your own. Our Gateway Office in the Marshall Center is a great place to discuss these opportunities.
10. Losing the Experience
    • So many things are going to happen all at once when you come home. School, work, family and friends all take their toll and require your attention. Many students fear that with all there is to catch up on they will forget about portions of their experience abroad. You don’t have to let that happen: maintain contacts abroad, seek out opportunities to talk with other study abroad participants, practice your cross-cultural skills and for the language learners seek out opportunities to practice your skills.

Compiled by Dr.Bruce LaBrack School of International Studies, University of the Pacific for use by the Institute of International Education, San Francisco. Aspire Newsletter, Spring 1996.

 Need more help? Check out these additional resources:

• Re-entry Tool-Kit  from SIT World Learning  
• Reverse Culture Shock  from the Center for Global Education
• Re-entry Challenges, Advice and Suggestions by Dr. Bruce LaBrack
• What's Up With Culture, "Welcome Back, Now What?" (Module 2), from the University of the Pacific
• Duke University Student Affairs Resource

The following international student related traveler requirements are managed by the International Risk and Security Office of USF World.  Please contact the International Risk and Security Office if you have any questions about the process or result of any of these requirements.

1. Group Leader Requirements
2. Associate Traveler Requirements
3. Student Traveler Requirements
4. Guest Requirements 

Group Leader Requirements

Besides the following Group Leader Requirements, all requirements for an Associate Traveler apply to the Group Leader.
 
Determine Risk Level: 
Determine the risk level of the destination you are traveling to.  You can do this easily by following this link to our Tier Chart. (Link to Tier Chart in GRAC Section) 

• If the country is a Tier 3, you may continue to the next requirement. 
• If the country is a Tier 2 country, contact the International Risk and Security Office to determine if the location may require a review by the Global Risk Assessment Committee.
• If the country is a Tier 1 country, follow the directions for obtaining approval for travel from the Global Risk Assessment Committee. (Link to main GRAC Page Below) 

Proposal Creation Process: 
If this is a new experience, complete the processes as outlined in Proposal Creation Process   (Link to pre-existing page)      

• If this is an experience that has already been registered with the Education Abroad Office, contact the office and speak to the advisor who supported the travel before.  In most situations, the previous proposal can be electronically copied and updated with minimal effort. 

Emergency Card:
Work with your Education Abroad advisor to create an Emergency Card and distribute it to all participants on the travel experience before departure.
 
Travel Specific Pre-Departure Orientations:
Organize at least one or more travel specific pre-departure orientations to be held before departure.  Also schedule a travel specific orientation on the first day of the program to review all necessary travel specific and risk & security information.
 
Post Travel Recommendations
Associate Traveler Evaluation:
Travelers are asked to complete a short on-line Evaluation Form upon return from the program.  For all first-time travel, Group Leaders should meet with the Education Abroad Advisor post-travel to have an in-depth conversation about the program. 

Student Reentry Event: It is best practice to hold a reentry meeting or event with students following their return from the international experience in most cases.  Group Leaders or Associate Travelers may also create an on-line reentry program to help students reflect on their experiences.

Associate Traveler Requirements

Associate Traveler Registration Process:  
Once a proposal is created, all Associate Travelers will be required to complete an Associate Traveler Application to register their participation with the international activity.
 
Associate Traveler Field Book: 
Attain and review a copy of the Associate Traveler Field Book.  Generally you will be introduced to this during the mandatory International Risk and Security Orientation session.
 
Associate Traveler Risk and Security Orientation: 
All Group Leaders and Associate Travelers must complete this face to face orientation once every 2 years and complete an online refresher on off years.  See Orientation Registration Process (LINK TO PAGE) for further details.
 
Clery Act and Title IX Orientation (CSA-RE Orientation):
All Group Leaders and Associate Travelers must complete this face to face orientation once every 2 years and complete an online refresher during  off years.  See Orientation Registration Process (LINK TO PAGE) for further details.
 
International Health and Evacuation Insurance: 
All Group Leaders and Associate travelers must be enrolled in the USF’s required International Health and Evacuation Insurance.  This is a mandatory condition of travel.  You can learn more on the main page of International Health and Evacuation Insurance Coverage. (Link to main site here Health Matters INFO SECTION TITLE 4:  International Health and Evacuation Insurance Coverage)
 
Personal Travel:
Personal travel may be conducted prior to or after the international activity. The additional purchase of international health and evacuation coverage for personal travel is strongly encouraged.

• Group leaders and Associate Travelers are expected to be in residence with the students during the entire international experience when practical. 
• Group leaders and Associate Travelers should always be available to immediately respond in-person 24/7 to a student in distress. 
• Registered travel dates may differ with the registered travel dates of students, as warranted. 

Student Traveler Requirements

Registration Process:   Once a proposal is created, all Student Travelers will be required to complete an application to register their participation with the international activity.  Follow all processes as instructed by the (Link to Main Page)
 
High Risk Travel Waiver (Depends upon destination):  You will be asked to sign this waiver if you are going to country under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or your location has been designated as high risk travel. Your Group Leader will inform you if you need to sign this document.  You can read about high risk travel and the Global Risk Assessment Committee that reviews and approves such travel. (Link to main GRAC Page Below)
General Pre-departure Online Orientation in CANVAS:  After you have started the electronic registration process by beginning your application, you will receive an invitation to participate in a General Pre-departure Online Orientation in CANVAS.  You must complete this orientation at least once within a calendar year of your proposed student related international travel. 
Student Traveler Fieldbook: Within the CANVAS pre-departure orientation, you will be given access to the Student Program Guide in the Resources page of the course.  We recommend that you download it, read it and keep it hand for reference.  It provides vital information that applies to both pre-departure planning; the international travel experience and support for your return. 
International Health and Evacuation Insurance:  After you have been accepted into the international travel experience of your choice, you will immediately be enrolled in the USF’s required.  This is a mandatory condition of travel.  You can learn more on the main page of International Health and Evacuation Insurance Coverage. (Link to main site here Health Matters INFO SECTION TITLE 4:  International Health and Evacuation Insurance Coverage)

Medical Information Health Questionnaire:  Please complete this questionnaire thoroughly and disclose all relevant medications you may be taking and any health conditions, both temporary and chronic. 
We also recommend that you make an appointment with Student Health Services to discuss the health conditions and how you can best prepare for them.  Contact Student Health Services Travel Clinic for an appointment.  
Individuals who require disability accommodations for travel should request such accommodations through the appropriate USF process.  For USF employees, follow the accommodations request procedure outlined by Human Resources.  For USF students (including USF Health Students) consult with Students with Disabilities Services. 
Emergency Card:  Generally an Emergency Card that contains important phone numbers will be provided to you for group experiences.  You can also create your own Emergency Card through the Resources section of the online orientation for independent experiences.  Note the emergency phone number as well as those of your in-country and home emergency contacts in your cell phone which you will have in use while abroad.

Guest Requirements

Associate Traveler Family Members and Guests: Group Leaders and Associate Travelers may decide to bring accompanying family members with them on the international experience. USF reserves the right to impose limits and/or conditions on the roles, activities and presence of family members or guests who accompany Group Leaders and Associate Travelers. Such limits or conditions derive from programmatic concerns: health, safety, risk, academic and other concerns.  In some cases, accompanying family members or guests may not be permitted to join some or all activities.
 
Liability:  USF assumes no responsibility for accompanying family members or guests.  It is the responsibility of all family members (including spouse/partner and dependent children) of the Associate Travelers to read the US State Department information sheets if they participate in any group travel by land, sea or air. The family members and guests are responsible for their own safety.
 
Excursions: Accompanying family members and guests may participate in program excursions and field trips, provided that such participation does not create increases in costs that would be transferred to student travelers AND that their participation in the program in no way interferes with the academic nature of an experience. Program excursions are planned to accommodate all students plus the Group Leaders and Associate Travelers. If there are empty seats on the bus, boat, or other arranged travel, accompanying family members and guests may travel with the group at no extra cost. However, at no time will a bigger or additional bus, boat or other mode of transportation be arranged in order to accommodate accompanying family members and guests and thus pass on additional costs to the student travelers.
 
Excursion Expenses: If participating in group excursions, accompanying family members and guests must separately pay all per person expenses (i.e., entrances to parks or museums, theatre tickets, etc.). In no case is program money to be used to fund family member and guest participation in special events. If the cost for the family member and guests is included on the group receipt, it must be deducted before the receipt is submitted for reimbursement to the university.
 
Group Meals: If participating in group meals, the Associate Traveler must reimburse the program for any expenses incurred by accompanying family members and guests if a separate bill cannot be obtained. Program money should not be used to buy meals for accompanying family members and guests. The exception to this policy is entertainment of host institution guests to which a couple is invited for a meal. The Group Leaders and Associate Travelers may bring his/her spouse/partner/guest to such an event and receive reimbursement for the meal.
 
Minor Children: Minor children accompanying Group Leaders and Associate Travelers must be adequately supervised at all times. The presence of minor children or other family members and guests should not disrupt or alter the international experience in any way.
 
International Health and Evacuation Coverage:  Guests must be insured under the USF policy and the costs must be paid for personally.

 

Orientation Registration Process:  Log into https://my.usf.edu/ .  Under Business Systems, select GEMS Self-Service.  At the Main Menu (top left of screen) select Self Service> Learning and Development> Request Training Enrollment.  Search by Course Name:  EAO Risk&Security Orientation and View Available Sessions. (Hint:  Search EAO and generally this orientation will be the only result.).

 

This travel type includes faculty, staff, students and others traveling to a non-credit international activity with other USF students(s) present. A group can be 2 individuals such as a faculty and a student or more. The activity may be a research project, service learning experience, internship, conference or any international activity tied to a student’s status as an active USF student.

Any traveler may begin the registration process for the group. Once the group registration is started by a single traveler, a link will be shared with all travelers to register for this group experience. All students must complete an online pre-departure orientation that is good for 1 year.

All faculty, staff and other associated travelers must be certified in Title IX, Clery and International Risk and Security. The training is good for 2 years. Please contact EAassist@usf.edu for more information.

To register as a Group follow this link: Group Travel Registration Application

 

If you are a student traveling with no one else from USF including other faculty, staff or students, on a non-credit international activity tied to your status as an active USF student, than you are an Individual Traveler. All students must complete an online pre-departure orientation that is good for 1 year.

To register as Individual follow this link: Individual Travel Registration Application

 

The following requirements are managed by the International Risk and Security Office of USF World.  Please contact the International Risk and Security Office if you have any questions about the process or result of any of these requirements.

1. Student Traveler Requirements
2. Guest Requirements
    

Individual Student Traveler Requirements

To complete the registration process, you will need to research safety and risk information for the location you are going to. Generally you can find nearly everything necessary by visiting the U.S. Department of State Country Information Page and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  You will also be asked to describe the risks of specific activities you may be engaged in and determine the safest mode of transportation.  You can review USF World’s Transportation Safety Guide here. (Link to Transportation Guide Document)

Determine Risk Level:  Determine the risk level of the destination you are traveling to.  You can do this easily by following this link to our Tier Chart. (Link to Tier Chart in GRAC Section) 

• If the country is a Tier 3, you may continue to the next requirement.
• If the country is a Tier 2 country, contact the International Risk and Security Office to determine if the location may require a review by the Global Risk Assessment Committee.
• If the country is a Tier 1 country, follow the directions for obtaining approval for travel from the Global Risk Assessment Committee. (Link to main GRAC Page Below)

Proposal Creation Process:  If this is a new experience, complete the processes as outlined in Individual Registration Process   (Link to pre-existing page)      

• If this is an experience that has already been registered with the Education Abroad Office, contact the office and speak to the advisor who supported the travel before. In most situations, the previous proposal can be electronically copied and updated with minimal effort.

Emergency Card:  Work with your Education Abroad advisor to create an Emergency Card.  (Link to Card template Here)

Personal Travel: Personal travel may be conducted prior to or after the international activity. The additional purchase of international health and evacuation coverage for personal travel is strongly encouraged.

High Risk Travel Waiver (Depends upon destination):  You will be asked to sign this waiver if you are going to country under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or your location has been designated as high risk travel. Your Group Leader will inform you if you need to sign this document.  You can read about high risk travel and the Global Risk Assessment Committee that reviews and approves such travel. (Link to main GRAC Page Below)

General Pre-departure Online Orientation in CANVAS:  After you have started the electronic registration process by beginning your application, you will receive an invitation to participate in a General Pre-departure Online Orientation in CANVAS.  You must complete this orientation at least once within a calendar year of your proposed student related international travel. 

Student Program Guide: Within the CANVAS pre-departure orientation, you will be given access to the Student Program Guide in the Resources page of the course.  We recommend that you download it, read it and keep it hand for reference.  It provides vital information that applies to both pre-departure planning; the international travel experience and support for your return. 

International Health and Evacuation Insurance:  After you have been accepted into the international travel experience of your choice, you will immediately be enrolled in the USF’s required.  This is a mandatory condition of travel.  You can learn more on the main page of International Health and Evacuation Insurance Coverage. (Link to main site here Health Matters INFO SECTION TITLE 4:  International Health and Evacuation Insurance Coverage)
Medical Information Health Questionnaire:  Please complete this questionnaire thoroughly and disclose all relevant medications you may be taking and any health conditions, both temporary and chronic. 

We also recommend that you make an appointment with Student Health Services to discuss the health conditions and how you can best prepare for them.  Contact Student Health Services Travel Clinic for an appointment.  

• Individuals who require disability accommodations for travel should request such accommodations through the appropriate USF process.  For USF employees, follow the accommodations request procedure outlined by Human Resources.  For USF students (including USF Health Students) consult with Students with Disabilities Services. 

 

Guest Requirements

Associate Traveler Family Members and Guests: You may decide to bring accompanying family members with them on the international experience. USF reserves the right to impose limits and/or conditions on the roles, activities and presence of family members or guests who accompany you. Such limits or conditions derive from programmatic concerns: health, safety, risk, academic and other concerns.  In some cases, accompanying family members or guests may not be permitted to join some or all activities.

Liability:  USF assumes no responsibility for accompanying family members or guests.  It is the responsibility of all family members (including spouse/partner and dependent children) of the Individual Traveler to read the U.S. Department of State Country Information Sheets if they participate in any group travel by land, sea or air. The family members and guests are responsible for their own safety.

Excursions: Accompanying family members and guests may participate in program excursions and field trips, provided that such participation does not create increases in costs that would be transferred to student travelers AND that their participation in the program in no way interferes with the academic nature of an experience. Program excursions are planned to accommodate all students plus the Group Leaders and Associate Travelers. If there are empty seats on the bus, boat, or other arranged travel, accompanying family members and guests may travel with the group at no extra cost. However, at no time will a bigger or additional bus, boat or other mode of transportation be arranged in order to accommodate accompanying family members and guests and thus pass on additional costs to the student travelers.

Excursion Expenses: If participating in group excursions, accompanying family members and guests must separately pay all per person expenses (i.e., entrances to parks or museums, theatre tickets, etc.). In no case is program money to be used to fund family member and guest participation in special events. If the cost for the family member and guests is included on the group receipt, it must be deducted before the receipt is submitted for reimbursement to the university.

Minor Children: Minor children accompanying Individual Student Travelers must be adequately supervised at all times. The presence of minor children or other family members and guests should not disrupt or alter the international experience in any way.

 

Process of Petitioning for a Waiver of Travel Restrictions

If you are planning student related travel to a Tier One Location, please follow the process as outlined here.  If you are planning travel to a Tier Two location, please contact the International Risk and Security Officer to determine if a waiver is necessary.

Contact the International Risk and Security Officer to discuss your desire to plan student related travel to a restricted location.  Based upon the planned departure date, your petition will be scheduled to be considered by the Global Risk Assessment Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting.  If no meeting is available, the petition can be reviewed electronically by the committee.

Working with the International Risk and Security Officer, develop a petition.  A nearly complete template can often be provided by the International Risk and Security Officer at your request.  Generally the petitioner need only complete the Program Summary and provide specific risk mitigating strategies.  The petition should minimally include the following information.  Past successful petitions can be reviewed as requested.

1. Program Summary
   1. What educational opportunities are planned?
   2. What other activities, excursions, etc. are planned?
   3. Why this location?
      1. Facilities – educational and housing
      2. Transportation
      3. Local Security – Police/Military/Guards
      4. Experience serving US students
      5. Relationships with USF
      6. References from others outside USF
   4. How is the desired travel activities set up to mitigate the risks?

2. Risks as Identified by the U.S. Department of State
   1. Generally the IRSO can pull this from the Travel Warning and the OSAC Crime Report
3. The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
   1. The IRSO will request a security statement from OSAC
4. Travel Health Notices Identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
   1. The IRSO can gather this is pulled from the CDC or Student Health Services Medical Director
5. Steps to Mitigate Risks
   1. Attach any emergency orientation, training and other materials the local partner produces, especially materials designed to be presented to students
   2. Adapt the general list of guidelines/restrictions used in past petitions to fit with this location
6. Emergency Action Plan
   1. Attach a formal action plan the partner has produced
   2. From discussions with your partners as relevant, discuss how they have handled incidents in the past
7. S. Embassy/Consulates and Phone Numbers
   1. IRSO can pull from USDOS materials
8. Hospital Locations and Phone Numbers
   1. IRSO can get this from our Insurance Provider – or ask the local partner for a recommendation
9. Country Code for calling the country from the U.S.
   1. howtocallabroad.com
10. Local Emergency “911” Equivalents
    1. This can be had from the USDOS
11. Maps
    1. Use maps that can show how the location is associated within specific risk areas of the country

The petition will be mailed out to committee members in advance of the meeting.  A representative of the student related travel is encouraged to meet with the committee when they consider the petition.

If the petition is approved, it may be valid only for the travel requested, or up to two years for repeated travel to the same location.  This is dependent on the request and nature of the travel.  All approvals are provisional and will be subject to conditions: 1) that the destination is regularly reviewed by the USF World between now and the end of the program and 2) USF World reserves the right to recommend suspension when warranted by a change in safety and security conditions.