Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs Issues of Health & Safety Abroad

1. Faculty-Led Study Abroad ProgramsIssues of Health & Safety Abroad Mr. Jay Ward Associate Director Office of International Programs San Francisco State University

2. Contents A. A Safe Trip Abroad • Before You Go 1. What to Take 2. What to Leave Behind 3. What to Learn About Before You Go a). Local Laws & Customs b). Security c). Health Care d). Your Itinerary e). Register Your Travel f). Smart Phone App g). Know Local Emergency Numbers

3. Contents… h). Credit i). Insurance C. Passports D. Create a Safety & Security Checklist E. Precautions to Take While Traveling 1. Safety on the Street 2. How to Handle Money Safely 3. How to Avoid Legal Difficulties 4. Drug Violations 5. Photography 6. Road Safety

4. Contents… F. Stay Connected with Family & Friends G. Be Safe! H. Additional Resources

5. A Safe Trip Abroad • When you travel abroad, the odds are you will have a safe and incident-free trip. • Nonetheless, personal safety is important to consider while traveling overseas. • Even with the best-planned trips, things can sometimes go wrong. • Travelers can become victims of crime and violence, or experience unexpected difficulties.

6. A Safe Trip Abroad… • Though our first goal is to prevent problems, you will also need to be prepared to respond if a problem does occur. • You will need to heighten your awareness to ensure your safety and security during your overseas travel experience. • To prepare for a healthy and safe experience, inform yourself about your destination and discuss basic health and safety issues with your family and your faculty leader(s).

7. A Safe Trip Abroad… • There may be occasions when U.S. consular officers are called upon to help U.S. citizens who are in foreign hospitals or prisons, or to assist the families of U.S. citizens who have passed away overseas. • We have prepared the following travel tips to help you avoid serious difficulties during your time abroad. • We wish you a safe and wonderful journey!

8. Before You Go What To Take • Safety begins when you pack. To help avoid becoming a target, do not dress in a way that could mark you as an affluent tourist. Expensive-looking jewelry, for instance, can draw the wrong attention. • Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended. • Packing checklist from Faculty Leader?

9. Before You Go… What To Take • Carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. • When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them each in a different place rather than all in one wallet or pouch. • Make hard copies of all your important paperwork; keep copies on your phone.

10. Before You Go… What To Take • Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. • One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. • If you wear glasses/contacts, pack an extra pair. Pack them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. • To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.

11. Before You Go… What To Take • Bring copies of any prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. • Don’t expect that your medications/prescriptions will be readily available overseas! • If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. • If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country before you travel.

12. Before You Go… What To Take • Bring one or two major credit cards instead of a lot of cash. • Pack an extra set of passport photos along with a photocopy of your passport’s information/bio page to make replacement of your passport easier in the event it is lost or stolen. • Put your name, address and telephone numbers inside and outside of each piece of luggage. • Bring small first aid kit (various bandages, antiseptic, aspirin, cold/allergy medicine, etc.)

13. Before You Go… What To Take • American Red Cross (First Aid Kit) http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomy • Use covered luggage tags to avoid casual observation of your identity or nationality. • Lock your luggage using TSA approved locks.

14. Before You Go… What To Leave Behind Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home: • Valuable or expensive-looking jewelry; • Irreplaceable family objects; • All unnecessary credit cards; • Your Social Security card, driver’s license, etc. and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

15. Before You Go… What To Leave Behind • Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency. • Make two photocopies of your passport identification page, airline tickets, and the credit cards that you plan to bring with you. • Leave one photocopy of this data with family or friends at home; pack the other in a place separate from where you carry the originals (save a copy on your phone).

16. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws and Customs • When you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. • Therefore, before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. • Good resources are the library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition; Keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.

17. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs • Your faculty leader may be able to provide you with a reading list with background information on cultural differences, geography, language, political climate, environmental conditions, religious considerations, etc. • U.S. DoS website: http://www.travel.state.gov is an excellent source of country-specific information!

18. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs • Has useful safety and other country-specific information. • Learn about the country in which you will be studying & its customs. • Learn how to summon help in any emergency. • Plan for potential hazards & dangerous conditions.

19. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs • The U.S. DoS has specific “Background Notes/Country Fact Sheets” with detailed info available at:http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn

20. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs • Remember that the local legal system may differ significantly from the U.S. and may not afford the protections available to you under U.S. law. • Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the U.S. for similar offenses. • It is your responsibility to be informed about the legal system of the country(ies) you will be visiting. • Ignorance of the law is no defense to escape liability for violating the law.

21. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Local Laws & Customs • If you break local laws while abroad, the U.S. gov’t can do very little to help you. • You will not be granted special rights or privileges. • The U.S. embassy may assist you in finding legal representation, but if you are accused or arrested for a crime, they cannot intervene on your behalf or get you out of jail. • You (and/or your family) will be responsible for bearing the financial burden of your legal representation & the outcome of any trial.

22. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Security • The U.S. Department of State’s “Consular Information Sheets” are available for every country of the world. • Describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health concerns, crime & security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, & special info about driving & road conditions. • Also provide addresses & emergency phone numbers of U.S. consulate/embassy.

23. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Security • Country-specific information is available on the DoS website at: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html

24. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Health Care • The Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov/) will list required & recommended vaccines/medicines for various countries around the world along with helpful info about how to stay healthy while overseas. • Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

25. Before You Go… What to Learn About Before You Go Health Care • Additional vaccines may be required/recommended depending on the country you plan to visit. • Visit your doctor & dentist no later than 4-6 weeks before your scheduled U.S. departure for a complete medical check-up, to receive advice on any required vaccinations, renew prescriptions, etc. • Know which health clinics/doctors overseas are recommended and where to go in case of an emergency. Carry contact info with you.

26. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Your Itinerary • As much as possible, plan to stay in larger hotels that have more elaborate security. Safety experts recommend booking a room from the second to seventh floors above ground level – high enough to deter easy entry from outside, but low enough for fire equipment to reach. • When there is a choice of airport or airline, ask your travel agent about comparative safety records.

27. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Register Your Travel • All participants must register with the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” (STEP) --think of it as checking in-- so that you may be contacted if need be, whether because of a family emergency in the U.S., or because of a crisis in the area in which you are traveling. • It is a free service provided by the State Department and is available online at https://travelregistration.state.gov

28. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Register Your Travel • When you sign-up, you will receive the most current US DoS country-specific information & updates including “Travel Warnings” and “Travel Alerts” when appropriate.

29. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Smart Phone App • iPhone “Smart Traveler” app is a useful tool to provide easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, and U.S. embassy locations worldwide.

30. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Smart Phone App: “Life360” • Allows everyone in your group to stay connected with each another. • Location/check-in button that allows you to see everyone’s location on a map. • Alert button which sends instant auto text, email & voicemail too every in the group in case of emergency. • Chat feature. • Excellent location & communication tool!

31. Before You Go… KEYNECT UP SF State Emergency Contact Card Download • Send “SFSUSA” text message to 444999 • Download V-card • Save to Phone Contacts

32. Before You Go… KEYNECT UP SF State Emergency Contact Card Download • Provides contact info for US State Department, SF State Dean of Students, Foreign Travel Insurance Program emergency assistance & claims info • Allows SF State to send push notifications to travelers in areas of concern (natural disaster, terrorist attack, etc.) requesting the traveler confirm their safety • Important Suggestion: Edit the contact card to add the emergency phone number (911 in US) of your host country

33. SF State Emergency Contact Card • Send “SFSUSA” text message to 444999 • Download V-card • Save to Phone Contacts • Provides contact information for US State Department, SF State Dean of Students, Foreign Travel Insurance Program emergency assistance and claims information • Allows SF State to send push notification to travelers in areas of concern (natural disaster, terrorist attack, etc.) requesting that the traveler confirm their safety. • Important Suggestion: Edit the contact card to add the emergency phone number (911 in US) of your host institution country TIP: If you purchase a new mobile phone in your host country, please download the Emergency Contact Card to your new mobile phone. If you forget the number (444999) to message to receive the download, please email SF State Enterprise Risk Management at riskmgmt@sfsu.edu and we will reply with the number.

34. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Know Local Emergency Numbers • Know how to contact the police, an ambulance, or even the fire department. • Not all countries use “911” as the local emergency contact number. • Access the list of emergency contact numbers in other countries and store them in your cell phone and/or write them down.

35. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Credit • Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you bring, and avoid charging over that limit while traveling. • Americans have been arrested for innocently exceeding their credit limit while overseas. • Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad.

36. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Credit • 1-800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your credit card company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas. • Inform your credit card company(ies) that you will be using their card(s) overseas so that your charges are not denied. • Keep copies of your credit cards to aid you in obtaining replacements in case they are lost or stolen.

37. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance • Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad of any personal items. • Will your group be bringing any university equipment with you on your overseas trip?

38. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance • Understand the travel insurance policy you will purchase which is designed for travelers, and which covers short-term health and emergency assistance, as well as medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness. • Carry the insurance card with you at all times. • Keep a copy of the card with your other important documents.

39. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance • The CSU’s Foreign Travel Insurance Program provides coverage for unanticipated loss or injury during short-term international travel (emergency medical care, medical evacuation, legal assistance, lost/delayed luggage, or passport replacement). • Comprehensive worldwide assistance is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week for University administrators, faculty, staff, and students. 

40. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Travel Insurance – Core Coverage • Primary Accident/Sickness Expense • Emergency Medical Benefits • Emergency Medical Evacuation • General Liability & Excess Auto Liability • Repatriation of Remains Benefit • Emergency Reunion • Political Evacuations • Accidental Death & Dismemberment • Trip Cancellation & Interruption Benefit • Worldwide Travel Assistance

41. Before You Go… Insurance – What’s not Covered? • FTIP is not “health Insurance” or “maintenance” coverage (does not cover routine physicals, exams, etc.) • Your personal property (laptops, camera, valuables) which is often covered by renter’s or homeowner’s insurance (www.lemonade.com) • High Hazard Activities (including but not limited to off-road motorcycling, scuba diving, jet, snow or water skiing, mountain climbing [where ropes or guides are used], auto racing, bungee jumping, spelunking, white water rafting, surfing, parasailing)

42. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Foreign Travel Insurance Program – Accessing It What If I Have Problems? Contact 24-Hour Access: ACE Travel Assistance Program +1 (855) 327-1414 Toll Free Medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us www.acetravelassistance.net

43. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Insurance • Summary of Coverage, along with Foreign Travel Information, is available on the SF State Risk Management website at: http://erm.sfsu.edu/content/foreign-travel • Foreign Travel Information: http://erm.sfsu.edu/content/foreign-travel

44. Before You Go… Things to Arrange Before You Go Passports & Visas • Be sure to apply for your passport early! https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/apply.html • Your faculty leader(s) will let you know if any type of visa may be required for your trip. • We also recommend that your parents each obtain a passport in case they need to travel to you in an emergency situation.

45. Before You Go… Things to Do Before You Go Create an Overseas Emergency Preparedness Plan • Identify a shelter location nearby your hotel. • Identify a location to meet in the event of a building evacuation. • Identify a rally point at which to meet if group becomes separated or is unable to return to hotel. • Know who to contact at SF State (ERM) who can coordinate a response to an overseas emergency.

46. Before You Go… Things to Do Before You Go Create an Overseas Emergency Preparedness Plan • Share your emergency plan with all participants and incorporate into your pre-departure and on-site orientations. • Faculty leader(s) may want to rent a satellite phone to be used in emergency situations. • ERM can be a great resource and can assist faculty leader(s) with developing a plan tailored to your trip.

47. Before You Go… Things to Do Before You Go Create an Overseas Emergency Preparedness Plan • Become familiar with services & resources available through the U.S. Department of State “Overseas Citizens Emergency Center” (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies.html)

48. Before You Go… Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist Work with your faculty leader(s) to create a safety & security checklist including: • Make sure all participants have each others’ contact information (cell phone number, email address, etc.)! • Establish a communication tree in the event of an emergency. • Have basic emergency supplies/first aid kit on-hand.

49. Before You Go… Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist • Keep your passport, plane ticket and other important documents in a safe place – and easily accessible – and keep copies (on your phone too)! • Everyone must be registered with the nearest U.S. embassy via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. • Each participant should have a list and contact info of local hospitals, nearest U.S. embassy/consulate, etc.

50. Before You Go… Things to Do Before You Go Create a Safety & Security Checklist • Develop an emergency action plan in case you experience an emergency situation; know how to get help. • Discuss how the group will handle a medical emergency situation/how to manage such an event.