Health and Safety Abroad
There are inherent risks anytime you travel. However, those risks can be mitigated with extensive preparations on steps you can take in advance and on-site, as well as training on what to do if an emergency does arise. Global and Intercultural Affairs Center ensures that all students who are going abroad participate in a health and safety pre-departure session to discuss ways to contribute to a healthy and safe experience abroad.
In addition, the university monitors the world-wide situation, manages emergency response protocols, and stays in close contact with our medical and security support services provider, as well as overseas partners. Additional information can be found below.
It is recommended that students take the time to research their location of travel for crime, disease, and diversity and identity safety. Recommended sites include U.S. Dept. of State, CDC, International SOS, Diversity Abroad.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Education Abroad
International SOS Assistance & Starr International Health Insurance
The University of Dayton provides international travelers with access to International SOS and Starr health insurance. See more information and details about these resources.
Immunizations and Medications
Depending on the destination, certain immunizations may be recommended or required before departure. Visit the CDC’s traveler health information website for more information about immunizations for specific countries: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
Please note, at times, specific vaccinations may require travel documents specifically issued for travelers prior to departure. It is not uncommon for travelers to be required to present these documents at the time of entry, along with ones' passport. An example of this would be an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.
Students, faculty, and staff who are traveling internationally are required to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccination. Visit our COVID-19 Pandemic and Education Abroad page for further details
Mental Health, Learning, and Physical Ability
Students experiencing a chronic/temporary medical disability are able to study abroad. They are strongly encouraged to consult with UD’s Office of Learning Resources (OLR), the UD Counseling Center and the UD Health Center prior to applying for a particular program. Other national resources include Mobility International and Diversity Abroad. Though attitudes about disabilities, accessibility and accommodations vary by country, the University of Dayton will make every reasonable effort to accommodate students with any chronic or temporary medical conditions or disabilities that seek to go abroad. It will also benefit students to do research on the culture, law and resources available to them in a particular country. It is possible that one type of education abroad program or country destination may be more suitable than others. Then Global and Intercultural Affairs Center and the offices listed above will help advise you on your best options, or you can view more resources and information on our Diversity & Identity Abroad resource page.
Emergencies
In the case of a local emergency, students are generally encouraged to contact proper local authorities as well as any UD faculty, staff or host institution representative. If a student is unsure what to do in an emergency situation, they may also contact International SOS for medical or security advice. Students, faculty or parents may also call the Global and Intercultural Affairs Center for assistance on our emergency line (937-985-0303) which is available 24/7. Students on programs that have UD faculty or staff or a Third Party Program Provider representative on site are encouraged to contact them immediately, so that they may provide more immediate support.
The University makes great efforts to prepare all UD students for emergencies abroad and they are, thus, empowered to make the right decisions during an emergency. If assistance is needed, the best resources at a student’s disposal are those in the immediate vicinity (e.g. ambulance, police, hospital, clinics, friends, etc.). While the University, if notified, will act quickly and efficiently to provide support to the student, it may be limited in its scope due to distance and time zones. Therefore, utilizing local resources and support, including International SOS, is highly recommended.
Additional Resources
World Health Organization
Association for Safe International Road Travel
Traveler's Checklist: Safe Trip Abroad
Overseas Security Advisory Council Country Information