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Individual

International Travel Processes for Individual USF Students:
Planning on Joining an International Experience Not Sponsored or Created by USF Education Abroad Office

 
This process is for USF students traveling alone on an international experience.  These experiences may include joining a third party provider or other university program that is not under agreement with USF, traveling on a research experience, site visit, or conference.  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 provider and the destination you wish to travel to.  Students are encouraged to first meet with the Education Abroad Advisor or go to the Gateway Office for general information Students will be assigned a program advisor in Education Abroad once they have started an application.
  • You will be creating an application that includes details about the type of experience you will be participating in.
  • You will be researching safety and risk information for the location you are going to. 

2. When you have decided on the details of your experience, 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 or TDS for Study Abroad.
  • Follow the link for a:
  • You will be required to fill out the following information:
    • Safety and Risk Information
    • Program or Experience Detail Information
    • Trip Itinerary provided by you, the company or university sponsoring the travel
    • Address(s) while abroad provided by you or the sponsor
    • Emergency Contact Person Abroad provided by you or the sponsor
    • 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
    • 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 approval for travel by completing a USF EAO Course 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 Petition the Global Risk Assessment Committee for approval.  Once you are approved, you will also sign a High Risk Waiver Travel Release (Example).
1. 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.
2. Please allow 8 weeks before departure to complete this step, if necessary.
 

5. After your application has been accepted, you will 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 EAO advisor.
  • Your OASIS account will automatically be charged for this insurance.  Review How to Pay.


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.
  • You will be able to print out an Emergency Card during the Pre-Departure Orientation. 
  • 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