Requirements
- Funding-Request
- Health & Safety
- Field Experience Reflection
All students must:
All students traveling abroad must:
As a requirement of participation in study abroad at UC San Diego students must first complete an online general orientation prior to departure. The orientation should take about an hour to complete. Participation will be recorded and is a requirement of study abroad.
Directions to access the online orientation. Please read the following directions carefully:
Tips for success: Use a laptop or desktop computer. Mobile devices are not supported. Recommended browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. You may exit and re-enter the module at any time and resume where you left off. The self-check questions contained in the orientation are not graded; only your completion of the orientation will be recorded.
At the end of the orientation click on the Submit button to record your completion of the orientation. There is no need to contact the Study Abroad Office to confirm participation. (If you experience technical difficulties or trouble accessing the orientation, please contact the Study Abroad Office at abroad@ucsd.edu.)
Moodle Link: https://moodle.ucsd.edu/
Access Code: 726
Passports and visas are two very important types of documents that you will need when you study abroad.
You must have a valid passport to travel abroad. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date now. It must be valid 6 months beyond the end of your program. If you need to apply for or renew your U.S. passport, it may take as long as eight weeks, and a renewed passport will have a different number. UCSD Mail Services is the closest passport processing location. If you are not a US permanent resident, discuss with your advisor what paperwork you need to complete in order to re-enter the United States.
A visa is official permission to visit a country for a specific purpose and time. Some countries charge or require an in person interview for a student or long-term stay visa; some countries do not or you may be able to apply on-line. To learn about the requirements for your host country and any countries you might visit while abroad go to the US Department of State website.
The exact process for applying for a visa will vary depending upon the type of visa and the country. In general, to apply for a visa you will send your actual passport (not a copy), student visa application, and any other required documentation via certified mail, UPS, or FedEx (the consulate will usually indicate a preference) along with a return, self-addressed, pre-paid trackable envelope to the consular office of the country you plan to visit. The consulate will stamp your passport with the visa and return it to you. You generally apply to the consulate that serves the state of your permanent residence.
Obtaining a visa could take as long as one to three months so begin early. You will not be able to apply for the visa until you are fully accepted by your host institution or program, but it is a good idea to begin gathering the needed information for your visa as soon as you apply for your program. The embassy/consulate website or documentation that accompanies your visa application will usually indicate how long it will take to process the visa.
Be sure to obtain health insurance for your time abroad if your program doesn't provide it.
Refer to the San Diego Immunization Branch for more information on recommended immunizations and medications for the country you are going to. This site also lists contact information for travel physicians in San Diego County.
Many study overseas programs, particularly those administered by U.S. institutions, require that you buy special health insurance developed for students participating in their programs. Those of you enrolling directly at foreign institutions, however, may not be provided with such an opportunity. Check to see if your local carrier will cover you while abroad.
Students who have completed the OAP paperwork are eligible to sign up for University of California Traveler Insurance. This is a comprehensive policy, and it is free! Even if your program already provides insurance, it is a good idea to apply for the UC insurance as well.
If you are traveling independently and have not completed the OAP paperwork, there are several policies developed for U.S. students who will be spending time studying, working or traveling abroad. See GoAbroad.com for a list of Travel Insurance Companies.
Make certain that you have health insurance, including a US funded policy that provides for the following:
Health Exams:
Even if your program does not require a medical exam, we strongly recommend that you have one. Also, some countries have medical requirements for their entry/student visas. To schedule an exam with UCSD Student Health visit: http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/ Also, for additional health information see: http://www.globaled.us/safeti/ Be sure to look at health requirements and recommendations for your specific country: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html
Immunizations: Refer to the San Diego Immunization Branch for more information on recommended immunizations and medications for the country you are going to. This site also lists contact information for travel physicians in San Diego County.
The International Travel Clinic can help you protect your health before, during and after foreign travel. Your personalized travel package for a healthy, safe trip includes:
Mental Health: Before you leave home, disclose any health concerns so arrangements can be made if your condition requires continued treatment or specific support.
Watch this informative video about mental health and study abroad:
Also see:
*The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.
The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories whenever circumstances warrant them. You or your parents may reach the Bureau of Consular Affairs/Office of Emergency Citizen Services at 1-888-407-4747 for travel advisory information and any other consular service.
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements are also accessible through travel.state.gov. Similar information will be available at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
It is your responsibility to learn about your field experience environment and to make sure that you are comfortable making decisions about travel, money and social settings abroad.
Travel Health & Safety Guidelines:
Tips for Travel Abroad (from the U.S. State Department )
Services and Information for American Citizens Abroad
Travel Advisories and Warnings
Armchair World: The well-informed traveler
Association for Safe International Road Travel
Overseas Security Advisory Council
USC SAFETI Clearinghouse
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
Visa information for traveling to other countries
What’s Up with Culture? Online orientation
EAP Students
24-hour emergency number - (805) 893-4762
OAP Students
Study Abroad Office front desk - (858) 534-1123 (Leave message after hours)
Global Seminar Students
Study Abroad emergency number – (858) 688-2373
Assessing and Reducing Personal Risk
The Peace Corps sends about 5,000 Americans to a wide range of countries every year, and has some of the best training available to prepare their volunteers for some demanding conditions. Here are excerpts from their Pre-departure training handbooks that can be found at www.globaled.us/peacecorps.
Women’s Safety
Students should not be providing direct patient care, such as testing, diagnosing, or treating patients. Your role is to observe, learn and document your experience. (Source: Guidelines for Premedical and Medical Students Providing Patient Care During Clinical Experiences Abroad (AAMC))
Additional Resources:
Article: Some Health Programs Overseas Let Students Do Too Much, Too Soon (Fischer, 2013)
Article: Global Health Ethics for Students (Pinto, Upshir, 2007)
7 worst international aid ideas, Matador Network (2012)
Volunteering and Voluntourism: The Good, The Bad, and The Questions You Should Ask (2015)
Cultural Competency Resources