Health, Safety & Security Abroad

Center for Global Programs & Services

The Center for Global Programs & Services’ (CGPS) highest priority is the health, safety and security of our students. Our staff is experienced in handling international crises, and we continue to maintain standard best practices as we monitor the status of current and future programs.

Health

All UD employees and students traveling internationally for UD business or educational purposes are automatically covered by the University’s international health insurance policy with GeoBlue. This coverage does not apply to travel within the U.S.

CGPS works closely with medical professionals from UD Student Health Services to prepare you to be healthy abroad. In addition, we monitor the advice provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and encourage all travelers to do the same.

FIND GUIDANCE BELOW TO ENSURE YOUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH ABROAD

Your International Health Insurance

GeoBlue Coverage

All UD employees and students traveling internationally for UD business or educational purposes are automatically covered by the University’s international health insurance policy with GeoBlue. This coverage does not apply to travel within the U.S.

Visit the UD Risk Management website and carefully read information on coverages and exclusions. GeoBlue does not cover injuries sustained due to engagement in high-risk activities such as skin/scuba diving, skydiving, mountaineering, ultralight aircraft, parasailing, sail planning, hang gliding, parachuting or bungee jumping.

Several months before your program, CGPS will register your travel program with GeoBlue. In the meantime, we encourage you to download UD’s member card and log in using UD’s institutional group ID number found on the card. Select “log in or register” at the top of the page, then follow the “for students/members” prompt. You will then be asked to create a password. After logging in you will receive a confirmation email. Take a look at health/safety information for your site and search for health care providers at your study abroad destination.

Before Departure

Before departure, you will receive your printed insurance card. Be sure to take this card with you abroad! Make a copy of it and keep the copy in a safe place and somewhere other than in your wallet (in case your wallet gets lost or stolen). Prepare to be healthy abroad by reading these Geo-Blue resources.

Prior to departure, complete the HIPPA release form and leave it with your designated emergency contact at home. In a medical emergency, this form allows GeoBlue's staff to communicate with in-country medical professionals about your condition.

While Abroad

Should you need to use your insurance abroad, read about how to file a claim. Plan to pay up-front, get a receipt and submit this claim form for reimbursement. If you have a medical emergency abroad, you and others will have round-the-clock toll-free access to expert GeoBlue personnel. Go to the GeoBlue website to replace a lost insurance card, check the status of a pending claim, or try the medical translation guide.

Please note: GeoBlue charges an additional fee to cover individuals age 75 and older. This fee will vary depending on the length of the program but may amount to $500 or more. The exact fee for such individuals will be calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Download UD's GeoBlue Member Card >

Learn about GeoBlue Coverages & Exclusions >

Other Coverage

Because your insurance policies provide substantial coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and medical treatment, we do not recommend that you purchase the International Student I.D. card or other coverage unless you plan to travel on your own outside of the program dates.

Safety & Security

CGPS evaluates programs to determine their feasibility based on safety and security information gleaned from the U.S. State Department, our faculty and partners abroad, international education colleagues at other U.S. colleges and universities and multiple news sources.

CGPS will cancel any program when there is a clear and present danger to students at the program site, and if local circumstances are negatively affecting the students and program activities over a sustained period. Read more about this travel assistance and evacuation coverage. Review information about coverage, exclusions and more online.

But just like at home, individuals abroad influence their personal safety through the choices that they make.

Find guidance below to ensure your safety and security abroad

Your Travel Assistance & Evacuation Coverage

Crisis 24/Drum-Cussac

The University of Delaware contracts with Drum-Cussac - now referred to as Crisis 24 - to provide emergency travel assistance and evacuation services to all University students and employees traveling outside the U.S. on University-related business. Prior to travel, the Center for Global Programs & Services will upload travel information into the Drum-Cussac portal for all students and faculty participating in a study abroad or domestic study program. In the meantime faculty and students can log in to the Drum-Cussac portal to find health and safety information about their travel destination and to register for e-mail alerts. More information about this travel assistance service can be found on UD's Office of Risk Management website.

STEP

The Center for Global Programs and Services enrolls all study abroad students in the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the dates of their official UD study abroad program. Students should register any additional travel in STEP on their own.

Other Coverage

Because your insurance policies provide substantial coverage for medical evacuation, repatriation of remains and medical treatment, we do not recommend that you purchase the International Student I.D. card or other coverage unless you plan to travel on your own outside of the program dates.

Health Advisories

CGPS COVID-19 FAQs
UD COVID-19 Updates

UD Mpox UPDATES

U.S. Department of State

Smart Traveler Enrollment (STEP) Program

Contact Us

When in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact the Center for Global Programs & Services at (302) 831-2852 or studyabroad@udel.edu if you have any concerns.

In the event of an emergency, first call the local emergency operator, and then your faculty director or local program staff. If you need to contact CGPS or the University of Delaware outside of normal office hours, call Public Safety at (302) 831-2222.

Health Guidance

1. Visit Your Doctor.

See a doctor to assess your health, to take care of any controllable medical conditions, to update vaccinations and to obtain needed prescriptions. When possible, obtain enough medication to last the entire program.

2. Get immunized.

The CDC may recommend additional vaccinations or medications for for your study abroad destination. Visit the CDC website to learn more before visiting your doctor.

3. Plan ahead for your mental well-being.

Before you depart, develop a plan for how you will take care of your mental health. If you have had mental health concerns, have been concerned with a mental illness or are under the care of a mental health professional, let your program coordinator or faculty director know. Remember that they are here to help you.

Consider speaking to a mental health counselor if you have done so previously, if you anticipate a tough transition abroad, or if you are experiencing emotional, relationship, family or academic problems. Your counselor can help you make contingency plans.

4. Know your expectations regarding alcohol and drugs.

If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the UD Code of Conduct. In addition, review the conduct policies of your host institution or program, and of your host country. Talk to your family about shared values and expectations.

5. Share health concerns with your faculty director or program coordinator.

If you have a health concern that we should know about (including ongoing treatment for mental illness), share it. If you have dietary restrictions, ask about the availability of certain foods. All information will be kept confidential, except in an emergency situation, in which case it may be shared with medical personnel.

6. Take responsibility for your sexual matters.

If you are sexually active and use contraceptives, stock up before you go. Condoms and oral contraceptives sold abroad may not be of the same quality as they are in the U.S., and their conditions of production and storage are unknown. In many places, over-the-counter contraceptives may not be available.

7. Register with UD's Office of Disability Support Services.

UD is committed to providing access to its academic experiences, programs and activities for all individuals with disabilities. Study abroad students with a disability or accommodation needs are strongly encouraged to register with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) prior to departure. Visit the DSS website or contact their office at (302) 831-4643 for additional information. UD’s DSS office will assist you in receiving support abroad.

1. Be prepared for jet lag.

If you’ve never taken a trip across time zones, you may not be familiar with jet lag: the time difference between your home site and travel destination wreaking havoc on your body’s clock. Everyone’s clock is different, and you may not have any trouble adjusting to the time difference-- but you should be aware that the effects of jet lag (stomach cramps, constipation, headaches and exhaustion) can be felt for up to four or five days. To adjust more quickly, take these steps:

Stay up a while after arrival, and exercise if you can.
Spend time outdoors to reset your internal clock. The more sunlight, the better.
During the day of your arrival, sleep for no more than three hours: the earlier in the day, the better.
Eat your evening meal and go to sleep when the locals do.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which will delay your body’s ability to adjust to the new schedule.

2. Eat, hydrate & sleep wisely.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink. It’s easy to get caught up in doing too much. Make sure to eat properly, drink plenty of fluids and get enough sleep. Getting run down makes you more susceptible to illness.

1. Be aware of water quality.

Order bottled water if possible in locations with questionable water quality. When this is not an option, and you are worried about water quality, treat water by boiling it for at least 15 minutes. Remember, even a tiny amount of contaminated water can cause a reaction. Don’t brush your teeth or wash fruits and vegetables in suspect water, and don’t order drinks with ice cubes.

2. Know that you may be homesick.

Even amid all of the exciting things you’re doing, you may find yourself a little homesick. It’s a common experience, and students have found that a call home can make a big difference in your mood. The best cure for homesickness is to stay busy by going out with others in your group and exploring your new environment. Share your feelings with your faculty director, program coordinator or fellow students. You are not alone.

3. Prepare for culture shock.

While abroad, you will experience differences in manners, beliefs, customs, laws, language, art, religion, values, concepts of self, family organization, social organization, behavior and more. All of these elements combine to form culture.

While the introduction to new and foreign cultures greatly benefits you, it can also be overwhelming. Culture shock occurs when cultural differences are so great that you may need extra time to adjust. This is normal and you will pull through. While you may initially feel depressed and isolated, many study abroad students come away from their experience even stronger and better adapted for living and working with others. To overcome culture shock:

Look for the logic in your host culture’s norms.
Find someone who is willing to listen.
Relax your grip on “home.”
Remember, you came for a different experience.
Ignore the naysayers.
Believe in yourself!
Make friends with locals.

Pre-Departure

1. Visit Your Doctor.

See a doctor to assess your health, to take care of any controllable medical conditions, to update vaccinations and to obtain needed prescriptions. When possible, obtain enough medication to last the entire program.

2. Get immunized.

The CDC may recommend additional vaccinations or medications for for your study abroad destination. Visit the CDC website to learn more before visiting your doctor.

3. Plan ahead for your mental well-being.

Before you depart, develop a plan for how you will take care of your mental health. If you have had mental health concerns, have been concerned with a mental illness or are under the care of a mental health professional, let your program coordinator or faculty director know. Remember that they are here to help you.

Consider speaking to a mental health counselor if you have done so previously, if you anticipate a tough transition abroad, or if you are experiencing emotional, relationship, family or academic problems. Your counselor can help you make contingency plans.

4. Know your expectations regarding alcohol and drugs.

If you haven’t already, familiarize yourself with the UD Code of Conduct. In addition, review the conduct policies of your host institution or program, and of your host country. Talk to your family about shared values and expectations.

5. Share health concerns with your faculty director or program coordinator.

If you have a health concern that we should know about (including ongoing treatment for mental illness), share it. If you have dietary restrictions, ask about the availability of certain foods. All information will be kept confidential, except in an emergency situation, in which case it may be shared with medical personnel.

6. Take responsibility for your sexual matters.

If you are sexually active and use contraceptives, stock up before you go. Condoms and oral contraceptives sold abroad may not be of the same quality as they are in the U.S., and their conditions of production and storage are unknown. In many places, over-the-counter contraceptives may not be available.

7. Register with UD's Office of Disability Support Services.

UD is committed to providing access to its academic experiences, programs and activities for all individuals with disabilities. Study abroad students with a disability or accommodation needs are strongly encouraged to register with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) prior to departure. Visit the DSS website or contact their office at (302) 831-4643 for additional information. UD’s DSS office will assist you in receiving support abroad.

Upon Arrival

1. Be prepared for jet lag.

If you’ve never taken a trip across time zones, you may not be familiar with jet lag: the time difference between your home site and travel destination wreaking havoc on your body’s clock. Everyone’s clock is different, and you may not have any trouble adjusting to the time difference-- but you should be aware that the effects of jet lag (stomach cramps, constipation, headaches and exhaustion) can be felt for up to four or five days. To adjust more quickly, take these steps:

Stay up a while after arrival, and exercise if you can.
Spend time outdoors to reset your internal clock. The more sunlight, the better.
During the day of your arrival, sleep for no more than three hours: the earlier in the day, the better.
Eat your evening meal and go to sleep when the locals do.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which will delay your body’s ability to adjust to the new schedule.

2. Eat, hydrate & sleep wisely.

Pay attention to what you eat and drink. It’s easy to get caught up in doing too much. Make sure to eat properly, drink plenty of fluids and get enough sleep. Getting run down makes you more susceptible to illness.

While Abroad

1. Be aware of water quality.

Order bottled water if possible in locations with questionable water quality. When this is not an option, and you are worried about water quality, treat water by boiling it for at least 15 minutes. Remember, even a tiny amount of contaminated water can cause a reaction. Don’t brush your teeth or wash fruits and vegetables in suspect water, and don’t order drinks with ice cubes.

2. Know that you may be homesick.

Even amid all of the exciting things you’re doing, you may find yourself a little homesick. It’s a common experience, and students have found that a call home can make a big difference in your mood. The best cure for homesickness is to stay busy by going out with others in your group and exploring your new environment. Share your feelings with your faculty director, program coordinator or fellow students. You are not alone.

3. Prepare for culture shock.

While abroad, you will experience differences in manners, beliefs, customs, laws, language, art, religion, values, concepts of self, family organization, social organization, behavior and more. All of these elements combine to form culture.

While the introduction to new and foreign cultures greatly benefits you, it can also be overwhelming. Culture shock occurs when cultural differences are so great that you may need extra time to adjust. This is normal and you will pull through. While you may initially feel depressed and isolated, many study abroad students come away from their experience even stronger and better adapted for living and working with others. To overcome culture shock:

Look for the logic in your host culture’s norms.
Find someone who is willing to listen.
Relax your grip on “home.”
Remember, you came for a different experience.
Ignore the naysayers.
Believe in yourself!
Make friends with locals.

1. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation meetings.

These meetings are required to prepare you for your program. They include details related to expectations, conduct, housing, food, weather and travel.

Mark Your Calendar.

2. Review health & emergency assistance coverage.

While participating in UD-sponsored international travel, UD provides all study abroad students, faculty and staff with international health insurance through GeoBlue and emergency travel assistance through Drum-Cussac. Review information about coverage, exclusions and more online.

3. Assemble a documents folder.

Assemble a records file, including copies of your passport, ID, credit cards, health and accident insurance and contact information. It is useful to have both a paper copy and an electronic copy that is accessible online. Carry your records apart from your money and make a second complete set to leave at home with your family.

4. Share contact info and travel plans.

It is recommended that you share your overseas contact information with family prior to departure. Students and families should know the time difference and how to place an international phone call.

In addition, share information on any independent travel plans with your family, including the names of other students in the group with whom you're traveling.

5. Update contact info.

If any of your contact information, including emergency contact info, has changed recently, call 302-831-2852 or email studyabroad@udel.edu to update CGPS.

5. Establish a communication schedule.

Establish a regular schedule of communication via phone and/or email as a family, and develop a contingency plan in case of emergency.

6. Have a safe journey.

Theft is frequent in airports. Keep an eye on your luggage, and don’t leave anything important sticking out of a pocket. No matter what, do not agree to watch a stranger’s luggage, even for a minute. Don’t agree to carry packages for anyone, and make sure that no one but you puts anything in your luggage.

1. Purchase a local communication plan.

Purchase a local cell phone plan. International plans may be available with your U.S. provider, though many students choose to purchase pay-as-you-go options upon arrival.

2. Monitor your UD email.

You will receive risk alerts via your UD email. These risk alerts are simply to make you aware of developments in your surroundings in real time. Please note that receiving an alert may not require any action and can simply be informational in nature.

If the urgency of a situation requires additional communication, you may receive an email communication directly from University administration. These communications may be one-way, simply addressing a rising concern or providing direction, or may ask for a response or confirmation of your wellbeing.

3. Stay up-to-date

Keep abreast of current events at the sites where you are living or traveling. Remember that American media will give a different perspective than in-country media. You may want to refer to a number of resources for a balanced view.

4. Make smart choices.

Being intoxicated-- or having a few drinks-- makes you an easy target for criminals who are fast, determined and sober. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and judgement, which may put you at a higher risk of theft, assault and bad decision-making. Finally, being intoxicated is a violation of UD’s Student Code of Conduct and leaves you open for sanctions.

If you drink alcohol, and the laws and customs of the host country permit this, remember that you are still bound by UD’s behavior expectations.

5. Be a Blue Hen friend.

Use bystander intervention strategies to help your fellow students if they are in an unsafe situation.

Keep track of each other. Make sure your group gets home safely, and don’t leave anyone behind.
Recognize the signs of an alcohol emergency and call for help.
When going out with friends, come up with a secret code that signals you need help.
If something seems creepy, it probably is. Create a distraction to separate the people involved.
If you see someone being pushy, groping or cornering someone, ask someone to step in and help.

6. Stay safe at home.

At home, lock your doors and close your windows upon leaving. Don’t provide access to your building unless you know the person at the door; and do not allow anyone to follow you into the building. Do not invite new-found local friends to your lodgings either.

7. Stay safe on the streets.

Walking in a new city can be intimidating. Act like you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Familiarize yourself with the local streets and traffic patterns, and know your resources. Ask on-site faculty or staff if there are areas you should avoid.

Develop a consciousness about moving around in large crowds. Avoid demonstrations and be alert when attending large public gatherings.

Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, are most common. When in crowds, on the street or on public transport, keep your personal items on you, don’t keep your wallet or phone in a back pocket, be sure your bags are securely closed, and swing backpacks to your front.

Be wary of people who approach you with a “deal.” Convert money only through official outlets and never make an exchange on the street.

8. Stay safe on public transportation.

Know the hours for the public transport system-- especially what time it closes. Pick up a map of the system and plan your routes in advance, not while standing on the street corner or in a crowded station.

If you’re out late, take a taxi. The added safety is worth the expense. Make sure that you use licensed transportation and never get into an unmarked car.

If you are taking a train to your destination, arrive with enough time and daylight to find safe lodgings. If you must take an overnight train, go with friends, take turns sleeping and watch all of your possessions closely.

When taking any public transport, make yourself a cheat sheet with your address and instructions for getting home. This will help you in the event that you get lost or get off at the wrong bus or train stop.

9. Contact us.

When in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact the Center for Global Programs & Services at (302) 831-2852 or studyabroad@udel.edu if you have any concerns.

In the event of an emergency, first call the local emergency operator, and then your faculty director or local program staff. If you need to contact CGPS or the University of Delaware outside of normal office hours, call (302) 831-2222.

Pre-Departure

1. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation meetings.

These meetings are required to prepare you for your program. They include details related to expectations, conduct, housing, food, weather and travel.

Mark Your Calendar.

2. Review health & emergency assistance coverage.

While participating in UD-sponsored international travel, UD provides all study abroad students, faculty and staff with international health insurance through GeoBlue and emergency travel assistance through Drum-Cussac. Review information about coverage, exclusions and more online.

3. Assemble a documents folder.

Assemble a records file, including copies of your passport, ID, credit cards, health and accident insurance and contact information. It is useful to have both a paper copy and an electronic copy that is accessible online. Carry your records apart from your money and make a second complete set to leave at home with your family.

4. Share contact info and travel plans.

It is recommended that you share your overseas contact information with family prior to departure. Students and families should know the time difference and how to place an international phone call.

In addition, share information on any independent travel plans with your family, including the names of other students in the group with whom you're traveling.

5. Update contact info.

If any of your contact information, including emergency contact info, has changed recently, call 302-831-2852 or email studyabroad@udel.edu to update CGPS.

5. Establish a communication schedule.

Establish a regular schedule of communication via phone and/or email as a family, and develop a contingency plan in case of emergency.

6. Have a safe journey.

Theft is frequent in airports. Keep an eye on your luggage, and don’t leave anything important sticking out of a pocket. No matter what, do not agree to watch a stranger’s luggage, even for a minute. Don’t agree to carry packages for anyone, and make sure that no one but you puts anything in your luggage.

While Abroad

1. Purchase a local communication plan.

Purchase a local cell phone plan. International plans may be available with your U.S. provider, though many students choose to purchase pay-as-you-go options upon arrival.

2. Monitor your UD email.

You will receive risk alerts via your UD email. These risk alerts are simply to make you aware of developments in your surroundings in real time. Please note that receiving an alert may not require any action and can simply be informational in nature.

If the urgency of a situation requires additional communication, you may receive an email communication directly from University administration. These communications may be one-way, simply addressing a rising concern or providing direction, or may ask for a response or confirmation of your wellbeing.

3. Stay up-to-date

Keep abreast of current events at the sites where you are living or traveling. Remember that American media will give a different perspective than in-country media. You may want to refer to a number of resources for a balanced view.

4. Make smart choices.

Being intoxicated-- or having a few drinks-- makes you an easy target for criminals who are fast, determined and sober. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and judgement, which may put you at a higher risk of theft, assault and bad decision-making. Finally, being intoxicated is a violation of UD’s Student Code of Conduct and leaves you open for sanctions.

If you drink alcohol, and the laws and customs of the host country permit this, remember that you are still bound by UD’s behavior expectations.

5. Be a Blue Hen friend.

Use bystander intervention strategies to help your fellow students if they are in an unsafe situation.

Keep track of each other. Make sure your group gets home safely, and don’t leave anyone behind.
Recognize the signs of an alcohol emergency and call for help.
When going out with friends, come up with a secret code that signals you need help.
If something seems creepy, it probably is. Create a distraction to separate the people involved.
If you see someone being pushy, groping or cornering someone, ask someone to step in and help.

6. Stay safe at home.

At home, lock your doors and close your windows upon leaving. Don’t provide access to your building unless you know the person at the door; and do not allow anyone to follow you into the building. Do not invite new-found local friends to your lodgings either.

7. Stay safe on the streets.

Walking in a new city can be intimidating. Act like you know where you are going, even if you don’t. Familiarize yourself with the local streets and traffic patterns, and know your resources. Ask on-site faculty or staff if there are areas you should avoid.

Develop a consciousness about moving around in large crowds. Avoid demonstrations and be alert when attending large public gatherings.

Crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, are most common. When in crowds, on the street or on public transport, keep your personal items on you, don’t keep your wallet or phone in a back pocket, be sure your bags are securely closed, and swing backpacks to your front.

Be wary of people who approach you with a “deal.” Convert money only through official outlets and never make an exchange on the street.

8. Stay safe on public transportation.

Know the hours for the public transport system-- especially what time it closes. Pick up a map of the system and plan your routes in advance, not while standing on the street corner or in a crowded station.

If you’re out late, take a taxi. The added safety is worth the expense. Make sure that you use licensed transportation and never get into an unmarked car.

If you are taking a train to your destination, arrive with enough time and daylight to find safe lodgings. If you must take an overnight train, go with friends, take turns sleeping and watch all of your possessions closely.

When taking any public transport, make yourself a cheat sheet with your address and instructions for getting home. This will help you in the event that you get lost or get off at the wrong bus or train stop.

9. Contact us.

When in doubt, please don't hesitate to contact the Center for Global Programs & Services at (302) 831-2852 or studyabroad@udel.edu if you have any concerns.

In the event of an emergency, first call the local emergency operator, and then your faculty director or local program staff. If you need to contact CGPS or the University of Delaware outside of normal office hours, call (302) 831-2222.

Health, Safety & Security Abroad