Health & Safety

The health and safety of UTA students is of the greatest importance to us. The pre-departure orientation, mandatory for all students studying abroad, will cover health and safety topics in depth. Whether you are studying abroad on a faculty-led program, through an affiliate, or on an exchange program - the person with the most responsibility for your health and safety is yourself. While you may not be able to control everything about your environment, there are ways to mitigate risks.

While crime can happen anywhere, you may be particularly vulnerable as a foreigner. You may stand out in your new environment, and in the beginning you may be unfamiliar with your surroundings. This can put you at an increased risk of being a target; however, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

  1. Be Aware - take stock of what is happening around you at all times. Is anyone paying particular attention to you, or what you are doing? Is there a public event or protest going on nearby?
  2. Trust Your Gut - if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. You are under no obligation to remain in a situation in which you do not feel safe. Your safety should be your top priority.
  3. Make Good Decisions - this might seem obvious, but it's important to avoid situations that might increase your risk of being a victim of a crime. Avoid overindulgence of alcohol, and never do drugs while abroad. Avoid getting into cars with strangers, going out alone, or giving too much information on where you are staying.
Additional resources:

US State Department - International Travel
US State Department - Country Information

Culture of Safety

The University of Texas at Austin International Office has a "Culture of Safety" video that provides general information for students studying abroad.

Know Before You Go

In 1996, Sara Schewe, a student from Georgetown University, was killed in a bus accident in India while on a study abroad program.  Since then, Sara's family founded Sara's Wish Foundation to bring awareness on how to minimize safety issues while traveling and studying abroad.  The Know Before You Go video on their website was created to provide students and their families valuable information to help prepare for a safe time abroad.

Center for Global Education

The Center for Global Education is a great resource for students, as well as parents of students, preparing to study abroad.  Along with the information provided in the UTA Study Abroad Handbook, it is highly recommended that all students review and familiarize themselves with the Center for Global Education's  Study Abroad Handbook, especially their section on health and safety abroad.

It's important to keep track of your mental and physical health when studying abroad. While the study abroad office does not require any medical treatment or vaccines before studying abroad, we do strongly encourage you to consult with your physician to determine how your decision to study abroad may impact your health. Certain countries do have recommended immunizations, which you can discuss with your doctor.

It's also important to consider your mental health needs while studying abroad. Living and learning in another country is an amazing and fun experience, but it is also challenging and stressful at times. Make sure to take care of yourself, and reach out if you need help. In addition to the required study abroad insurance with On Call, UTA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to you while abroad and has an online guide, Therapy Assistance Online (TAO).

All students studying abroad are required to purchase study abroad insurance with On Call, which provides medical care abroad including seeing a physician or counselor.

Additional  resources:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Traveler's Health - Center for Disease Control (CDC)

Before you leave, take the time to research your host country. Make sure you are aware of the political landscape and current events. Familiarize yourself with customs and cultural norms that may be significantly different than what you are used to. If you are studying abroad with an affiliate program, take advantage of the resources available to you through your program provider. Read news articles, and see if there are any online videos with information about your host country. Don't rely only on American media outlets - make sure you are accessing local and international news sources.

Additional resources:
US State Department Travel Advisories
Overseas Advisory Council (OSAC)

Study Abroad Insurance

In order to protect all students traveling abroad, The University of Texas System has created an umbrella insurance program. All United States citizens, permanent residents of the United States or international students in the United States who are enrolled as students at the University and travelling abroad on a UT System institution study abroad or related educational activity outside his/her Home Country*, including co-curricular and extra-curricular activities done in relation to their scholastic program while outside of the United States and their Home Country* are covered by this program.

The Study Abroad Insurance Program is currently coordinated with On Call International as the emergency services provider.  The cost of the insurance is $19/week, and information about enrollment and payment procedures is discussed at the mandatory pre-departure orientation meeting.  For full coverage details, review the policy brochure online.

Students participating in a UTA Study Abroad program, or other UTA-sponsored program abroad, in Spring 2015 or later are required to have the UT System Study Abroad Insurance regardless of any other insurance they may have, including insurance possibly required by an affiliate study abroad program or a foreign government.

All students are strongly encouraged to maintain their U.S. health insurance coverage while they are abroad in case they are forced to return before their program is over for any reason or in case treatment is necessary upon return to the United States.


*Home Country as defined by this policy is the United States.  If a student traveling to their country of citizenship is an enrolled UTA student participating in a UTA-sponsored program abroad, they are covered by this blanket policy.

Scenic Background

Safety Precautions

Safety Guidelines for Participants

In study abroad, as in other settings, participants can have a major impact on their own health and safety abroad through the decisions they make before and during the program and by their day-to day choices and behaviors.

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Health and Safety Resources

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State helps protect the lives and interests of Americans traveling and living abroad. It is highly recommended that all students, as well as their parents and families, familiarize themselves with the U.S. Department of State website before traveling abroad. Through the State Department website, you can access detailed information about the country you will be studying, including entry and exit requirements.

The U.S. Department of State also issues Travel Advisories for cities, countries, and/or regions that Americans should avoid or consider the risk of travel during a specific time period. UTA Study Abroad stays informed about current Travel Advisories when making decisions about student applications.

Travel Registration

Students studying abroad are strongly encouraged to register their travel with the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). In the event of an emergency, the Department of State will be aware of your presence in the area and can take the necessary steps to assist you.

Additional Resources

The Center for Disease Control is an excellent site to answer questions about health and immunization requirements of your study abroad destination.

The World Health Organization has information about current health news.

The Overseas Security Advisory Council keeps you updated about important events happening in your area.

 

In Case of Emergency

UTA Study Abroad remains available to you in an emergency 24 hours a day. We can be reached Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm by calling 001-817-272-1120. If you need immediate assistance outside of office hours, please call the UTA Police at 001-817-272-3003, and they will notify the Study Abroad Staff.
On Call International is the emergency assistance provider for UT System with an international network of medical and security professionals available any time to assist you. They have a dedicated number at +1 978-651-9722 for UT students abroad.