Preparing Your Student for a Program Abroad

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Atlanta, GA | Posted: March 7, 2017

Jennifer Evanuik Baird, Director of Global Internship Program and International Plan Lorie Paulez, Director of Education Abroad

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More than 2,000 Georgia Tech students each year participate in study and internship abroad programs.

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More than 2,000 Georgia Tech students each year participate in study and internship abroad programs. The Office of International Education (OIE) recognizes that one of the most important considerations for you and your student when they go abroad is their health and safety. Although there are risks inherent to travel, there are many precautions a student can take to increase their safety and security. Below are a few recommendations that we encourage you to review and discuss with your student prior to embarking on an international program.

  • Georgia Tech requires that all outgoing students enroll in CISI overseas insurance that covers medical expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, and security evacuation. It also includes limited coverage for trip delay and lost luggage. You are also encouraged to consider purchasing additional trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance as this is not provided by Georgia Tech.
  • We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens enroll in the U.S. State Department’s STEP Program prior to departure (https://step.state.gov/step/). By enrolling in STEP, the U.S. embassy in the host country will be able to share important safety information with the traveler, and contact them in the case of a major emergency. Students should also familiarize themselves with the services provided by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. For citizens of other countries, we recommend that they research what services are provided by their home country’s embassies and consulates abroad.
  • Outgoing students are provided with emergency contact cards with information they may need in the unlikely event of an emergency. Students should carry these cards with them at all times. Students should also learn the local emergency number in their host country.
  • Georgia Tech has a well-established emergency response plan in place for students who are abroad. OIE works closely with the Dean of Students and the Georgia Tech Police to respond to crises and emergencies abroad. Students may call the Tech Police at 404-894-2500 at any time to report an emergency. Students are also encouraged to download GT Police’s LiveSafe App prior to departure (http://www.livesafe.gatech.edu/).
  • Through GT’s Stamps Health Services, students have access to Travel Services, including immunizations and travel advice (https://health.gatech.edu/services/travelimmunizations). Students should make an appointment at least eight weeks prior to departure.
  • Talk to your family doctor about managing health concerns while abroad and making a plan for prescriptions that will be taken abroad. We strongly encourage students to disclose health concerns to their OIE advisor and/or study abroad program director so that they are aware of any medical needs.
  • Students with a registered disability are strongly encouraged to speak with the Office of Disability Services (http://disabilityservices.gatech.edu/) about their travel abroad plans as soon as possible. Students are also asked to inform their OIE advisor and/or study abroad program directors as early as possible about any accommodations they may need to request.
  • OIE provides outgoing students with health and safety advice during pre-departure orientations. Students should review these materials and share them with you.
  • For more info, parents may refer to our website: https://oie.gatech.edu/sa/parents-info.

Together, we can all contribute to our students’ well-being while they are abroad! 

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Status
  • Created By: Sara Warner
  • Workflow Status: Published
  • Created On: Mar 7, 2017 - 2:21pm
  • Last Updated: Mar 7, 2017 - 2:21pm