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International Travel Guidelines for USF Students:
Planning on Joining an Existing International Experience Sponsored by USF Education Abroad Office

 
Student travel is any undergraduate or graduate student or University recognized student group, and the associated University and University Direct Support Organization ("DSO") employees and appointed volunteers engaged in any international travel conducted as part of a USF program requirement, elective, research project, service learning or any international activity tied to an individual’s status as an active USF student, regardless of the source of funding for the travel.
 
1. Learn about the program and the destination you wish to travel to.  Students are encouraged to first review the List of Available Programs and contact the Education Abroad Gateway Office. Once a student has selected a program they should meet with an Education Abroad Office (EAO) Advisor or the program Leader to discuss the international travel experience. For general questions about study abroad programs, click here.
  • If you want to see what programs are available, go here.
  • If you already have a link to register go to step 2 below. 

2. When you have decided on a program, or already have obtained a link to register into a program, start the registration process.
  • You will be registering  in the USF World maintained and operated Education Abroad Registration Database, often referred to as Studio Abroad.
    • Follow the link that was given to you by the program leader to begin the application process or follow the link that you found on the programs web page portal.
    • You will be required to fill out the following information:
      • Trip Itinerary provided to you by the program leader (if applicable)
      • Address(s) while abroad provided to you by the program leader
      • Emergency Contact Person Abroad provided to you by the program leader (if applicable)
      • Emergency Contact Person in the US
        • This person is often an immediate family member living in the U.S.
        • Name, Relationship, Phone Number, Street Address, Email Address              
      • Passport Information
        • Electronic image
        • Number, Issue Date, Expiration Date, Country of Issue, Citizenship
      • Medical Information Health Questionnaire
        • This is highly confidential and only reviewed by Student Health Services
      • Sponsoring College/Department/Student Group contact information (if applicable)
      • Flight Information
    • During the registration process, the following will also be required:
      • Electronic sign-off of: Terms and Conditions, Student Conduct Questionnaire and basic learning content
      • Sign High Risk Travel Waiver if going to country under Travel Warning (See below)
      • Completion of the General Pre-departure Online Orientation in CANVAS (Once per year)
      • All students will receive a Student Program Guide providing extensive health and safety information. 

3. Obtain written approval for travel.
  • Individual Travelers - if you are traveling on any pre-existing individual experience, you may be required to receive written approval for travel by completing the USF EAO Approval Form.  Please contact your EAO advisor for more details.
  • Group Travelers - if you are traveling with a study abroad program or other student group program (including student organizations) your program leader will provide a final list of all approved student participants to the college’s International programs office. 

4. If the USF sponsored international experience is traveling to a High-Risk Destination, typically under a United States Department of State Travel Warning, you will be requested to accept and sign a High Risk Waiver Travel Release (Example) after you have been accepted into the international travel experience.
  • High-risk destinations require a thorough review and approval by USF World Global Risk Assessment Committee. Check the travel risk status of your intended destination and learn more here.   

5. After you have been accepted into the international travel experience of your choice, you will immediately be enrolled in the USF’s required International Health and Evacuation Insurance.
  • Your unique I.D. Card will be sent to you approximately 4 weeks before departure.  If you do not receive it, contact your program leader/ EAO advisor.
  • Your OASIS account will automatically be charged for this insurance as part of your program cost.  Review Payment Instructions here. 

6. Complete the required General Pre-departure Online Orientation in CANVAS.
  • You will be emailed a link to join the online CANVAS orientation course within 3-7 business days of being accepted or committing to an international experience.
  • If you are traveling multiple times throughout the academic year, you need only complete this orientation ONCE. 

7. Consider purchasing additional travel insurance.
  • USF automatically enrolls you in USF’s required International Health and Evacuation Insurance however it is only valid for the beginning and ending dates of the program. The insurance does not provide coverage outside of the dates of program. If you plan to travel independently, either in advance of the program or after the program ends, you should plan to obtain insurance coverage valid outside the U.S. and understand that you travel at your own risk. Learn more here.
  • Further, the required International Health and Evacuation Insurance does not include trip cancellation coverage or travel insurance (theft, costs due to delays in travel time, etc.), or pre-existing conditions. If you are concerned about additional coverage, you are advised to seek additional travel insurance through your own carrier. Learn more here. 

8. Medical Information Health Questionnaire
9. Always carry the USF 24/7 Emergency Phone Number +001 813-317-5815 with you when traveling abroad.
  • An Emergency Card 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 or stop by USF Health International (MDA 1007) to pick up printed copy
  • 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.
 

USF Education Abroad Office Contact Information:

For general questions about study aboard programs:
USF Education Abroad Gateway Office
Marshall Student Center #3301
Phone: (813) 974-5474
Gateway Office Hours:
Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri 9:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday 11:00am-6:00pm
 
For scheduled appointments on specific programs:
USF Education Abroad Main Office 
USF World
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Ave. CGS101
Tampa, FL 33620-5550
Phone: Front Desk (813) 974-4314 (from 8:00am - 5:00pm)
Fax: (813) 974-4613
Main Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm