International travel involves being responsible for one's health and safety. You have the most control and responsibility for your personal health and safety while abroad. The University of Wyoming recommends that students consult The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The World Health Organization for information about health issues related to travel.
The best way to protect yourself during international travel is to stay informed of the latest health information for your destination, to consult with your personal physician to confirm if your current medication is allowable in your chosen location, which vaccinations or medicines you may need, and to practice safe personal hygiene while abroad. We recognize that there are many factors outside of your control but above all we encourage students to make good decisions, avoid unnecessary risks and know what to do in case of an emergency.
View international insurance information »
Studying abroad is an exciting and transformative experience, but it is not without risks to your personal health and safety. Taking appropriate precautions before you leave can help mitigate many of these risks. In this section, you will find information about some of the steps to take before you leave that can promote safety abroad.
For more information visit the Prepare to Go page.
Communicate with Education Abroad staff well before the program starts if you need specific medical services or accommodations made during your program. Planning and clear communication are the best strategies towards being successful while abroad. For example, if you have a documented disability, communicate with your Education Abroad advisor in order to identify specific needs and we can then follow up by researching and confirming whether specific accommodations can be arranged at a given program location.
Road accidents are the #1 cause of death and serious injury abroad for young adults. Remember, people may drive on the other side of the road. Something as simple as crossing the street may be a challenge. If you are not sure how to do it, watch the locals! Regardless of where you study in the world, it is important to recognize that vehicle and pedestrian responsibilities are different than in the U.S. Do not make assumptions and use extreme caution if you choose to drive a motor vehicle while abroad.
For international road safety information and reports view:
Carpooling and ridesharing may be less expensive, and more economical but do not forget that you are driving with strangers.
Avoid late at night:
Think about using the Get Home Safe Application!
It allows you to select a friend within the app who will follow your route home and who will verify that you arrive safe and sound at your destination. Can be downloaded for free!
Building safety standards vary widely between countries and can be below the standards required by U.S. law. Even in highly developed and modern cities, you will find many buildings lacking common safety features such as egress windows, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and/or lit stairwells. Education Abroad encourages you when you first arrive abroad to develop a building escape plan in case of earthquake, fire, or other emergency. If there is no fire extinguisher, smoke or carbon monoxide detector in your building, you should consider purchasing them.
For more safety information view:
Although, crime can occur anywhere, as a guest in another country you may be more vulnerable. It is extremely important that you take certain steps that can significantly reduce the chance of being a victim of crime abroad.
ALWAYS HAVE ON YOU:
Tips on Staying Safe abroad:
For more safety information view:
DON’T DO IT:
For more information about illegal drugs and your rights abroad view by country:
In some places, whistling, hissing, catcalls, leering, stalking, groping, pinching, and indiscrete comments are more frequent and more “accepted” than in the US. While these things are more “acceptable” forms of attention in some places that does not mean that you have to tolerate it or think that it is normal or acceptable. However, be prepared that these things could happen and more frequently, than what you may be used to in the US.
Strategies for responding to harassment in the streets and in other circumstances
Sexual assault and rape can happen to people across gender identities anywhere in the world. Violence, specifically sexual assault, continues to be a serious problem both on and off of college and university campuses and students heading off campus to study abroad/away should continue to be vigilant about being aware and safe, as well as understanding your role in helping to look out for one another and be active bystanders. Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual contact, including rape.
It is important to know that victims do not cause sexual assault. Any sexual contact with you without your consent—regardless of how well you know someone, how much you’ve had to drink, or whether some of the sexual activity was consensual – is wrong.
While most students do not experience sexual assault while abroad, it is important to know procedures, resources and care information in the event that this happens to you, a friend or a colleague while abroad.
If you are sexually assaulted:
If you have questions or concerns regarding sexual harassment or assault while abroad, reach out to Education Abroad at uwyoabd@uwyo.edu.
Regardless of where you travel in the world, you are subject to that country’s laws. It is extremely important that you familiarize yourself with the laws of the country(s) you are traveling to and know that the consequences of violating those laws can be more severe than for a comparable violation in the U.S. If you are arrested overseas, the U.S. Department of State can provide limited assistance and support.
For more information view:
Avoid them! Gatherings that may start peaceful can quickly escalate and turn violent. The UW International Insurance plan will not cover any injuries that result from attending a protest or demonstration, so just do not go. It is also illegal in some countries for foreigners to participate in protests.
Terror attacks occur at home and abroad, but there is no evidence to suggest that Americans are less safe abroad than they are here in the U.S. In fact, the leading cause of death for college-age individuals in the States is the same abroad: a motor-vehicle accident.
Nonetheless, we recognize that terror attacks are a real concern while abroad, especially in Europe, where we have seen terrorist attacks at major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation hubs.
To reduce one’s chances of being exposed to such risks and in keeping with best travel practices, we encourage you to:
If you have questions or concerns regarding terrorism while abroad, reach out to Education Abroad at uwyoabd@uwyo.edu.
Whether you are engaging in study, research, internships or community engagement abroad, you are required to have UW International Insurance, or to be participating on a program through one of our approved partner programs where insurance is included as part of your fee.
See our webpage Emergency Communication for information about emergency assistance abroad.
EDUCATION ABROAD GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT OFFICE
Cheney International Center | Dept. 3707, 1000 E. University Ave. | Laramie,
WY 82071
Phone: (307)766-3677 | Fax: (307)766-3679
uwyoabd@uwyo.edu
