Safety & Security
Your education abroad program encompasses more than just the days you are abroad, it includes your preparation for the program and the time after you return home. Our office will support you throughout your entire international experience. In this section you will find information and resources about how to stay healthy and safe while abroad.
All students traveling abroad are required to have a valid passport. Make sure you passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your education abroad program. Some students will also be required to obtain a visa for entry to their education abroad location. Most program providers and host universities should be able to offer some basic guidance about the how to apply for a visa, but note that you are responsible for the process itself.
After acceptance to your education abroad program, you will find pre-departure resources in your Emory education abroad application. Our office organizes an online pre-departure session accessible through Canvas for all students. The online module will cover critical information such as academic credit issues, emergency contact information, health and safety, and cultural adjustment issues while abroad.
International SOS
Emory University has contracted with International SOS to provide worldwide medical and security assistance and evacuation services for all education abroad participants on programs located outside of the United States.
International SOS provides services ranging from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale evacuation by private air ambulance. The International SOS network of multilingual specialists operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from International SOS Alarm Centers around the world.
Contact Telephone: 1-215-942-8478
Whenever you are traveling or living abroad, you can access up-to-date reports on more than 170 countries worldwide on health issues, medical care, and vaccination requirements via the International SOS website--your home page for travel health and safety information.
It is important to understand that, although International SOS will offer our students travel, medical, and security advice and services, as well as on-line access to information which many insurance companies do not offer, International SOS is NOT health insurance. The Medical and Health Insurance page provides more information about health insurance.
Please be aware that some of International SOS's services carry additional charges. Should you request a service which has an additional charge, International SOS will inform you in advance and will require a credit card number in order to activate the service. Also, be aware that any event occurring when an expatriate student is within the territory of his/her home country or, in the case of U.S. citizens, within the territory of the United States, is not covered.
Student Health Services Travel Clinic
The EUSHS Travel Clinic provides consultation and vaccinations for students preparing for international travel. International travel consultations, including immunizations, travel prescriptions and country specific information, are available Monday - Friday by appointment only. Appointments should be scheduled at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to travel if feasible. To make a travel appointment, please schedule through the student patient portal or call 404.727.7551.
Travel Clinic and Related Costs
If you are traveling abroad as a part of your Emory studies or for vacation, there may be important vaccinations and medications that are necessary to keep you safe. Unfortunately, many insurance plans do not cover Travel Clinic visits, vaccinations, or tests. The Emory University Student Insurance Plan (EUSHIP) does cover these charges 100% when performed at EUSHS. Before scheduling an EUSHS Travel Clinic visit, it is important to check with your insurance carrier to ascertain your level of coverage and your potential out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays, and annual deductibles. There may be other clinical provider sites nearby where you can receive more complete coverage if you do not carry the EUSHIP Plan. EUSHS Travel Clinic visits, vaccinations, and tests are priced to be consistent with Emory Healthcare pricing.
On-site Host Institution Resources
Students are encouraged to utilize the on-site resources provided by the host institution regarding health and safety matters. In addition, students should regularly consult the U.S. Department of State website that issues regular and timely statements and information for Americans travelling abroad. We also encourage you to register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your education abroad location.