Whitworth University Off-Campus Studies

Health & Safety

Top Ten Travel Tips for Students

Make sure you have signed, valid passport & visas. Fill in emergency information on passport. Make copies of all information, keep at least one copy elsewhere (i.e. hotel safe).

Read the Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements and Travel Warnings for the countries you plan on visiting.

Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.

Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!

Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.

While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.

Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry, and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.

Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.

When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.

*Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affair, 9/00

Travelers' Internet Resources

Foreign Customs Internet Resources

Health Related Internet Resources