When traveling abroad, you likely won’t have the same access to cellular, WiFi, or internet services. Before departing, consider the following questions:

1. What are the phone numbers, addresses, and other contact information for your program’s office in the host country and in your home country? How do you plan to carry those with you?
2. Have you shared your contact information with your emergency contacts in your host country and home country (and with family and friends)? How will you carry their contact information?
3. What will your phone plan look like and how will you purchase it? (e.g. international service provider, data cards, local provider, etc.)
4. How does the international and local mail system operate?
5. How available is the Internet? How will you access the Internet?
6. What will you do if you don’t have Internet access on your phone, tablet, and/or laptop? How will you access certain documents and apps and communicate with others?
7. How will you protect your data information while traveling abroad? Consider reviewing information from the UN Department of Safety & Security.

The Vanderbilt Global Health & Safety webpage provides important information about

• International health insurance
• Registering your travel*

Additionally, the Vanderbilt Global Safety Resources webpage provides links to the

• International travel registration and information (note: you are required to register your travel with VU; registration provides free evacuation if needed)
• Safety and Security Checklist <– helpful guide
• Student International Travel Policy
• Vanderbilt Travel Liability Form

*All students (graduate, undergraduate, and professional) are required to register any travel that is sponsored by Vanderbilt, including courses, research, programs, trips, athletics, and other experiences with faculty, staff, and students. More information about registering your trip and other

• Smart Traveler: This app is the official State Department app for U.S. travelers. It provides easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, U.S. embassy locations, and more.
• Communicating: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Skype, Facebook messenger, & Google Hangouts provide free text messaging and calls when using Wi-Fi. Check with your host about which apps are most common among community members.

In addition to the resources provided by the Vanderbilt Global Safety Office, the following resources provide helpful guidance and information

• Visit travel.state.gov for security advisories and other travel guidance
• U.S. Department of State Students Abroad website
• List of US Embassies and Consulates – Information on the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices, whether you need a visa, crime and security, health and medical conditions, drug penalties, etc.
• U.S. Department of State’s role in a crisis
  
• The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) was created to promote security cooperation between American private sector interests worldwide and the U.S. Department of State.
  • OSAC Travel Safety Reference Guide – Information, tactics, techniques, and procedures to mitigate international travel risks.
  • OSAC Country Crime and Safety Reports – Find country, region, and category-specific reports to help you plan your travel and stay safe.

Vanderbilt provides guidance on Pandemic Travel.