51ĀŅĀ×

Health & Safety Information While Abroad

The Basics

The Office of Global Opportunities (OGO) and 51ĀŅĀ× consider your safety to be one of the most important aspects of your global experience. This page has comprehensive information about OGOā€™s processes and procedures.

To support you on your program, OGO:

  • Requires you to have a cell phone capable of making and receiving international calls while abroad.
  • Requires you to attend OGOā€™s Bobcats Abroad Orientation, including a mandatory Health & Safety presentation.
  • Maintains a 24-hour emergency line with a staff member on-call at all times.
  • Monitors security information, International SOS updates, and U.S. Department of State advisories daily.
  • Facilitates the OHIO Study Abroad Risk Assessment Committee, which reviews sites, incidents, and travel risks.
  • Requires OHIO program directors to file an Emergency Plan prior to departure, which includes the program itinerary and local addresses of housing, hospitals, police, fire, and additional emergency contacts.
  • Distributes an International SOS card to you (see below for more information).
  • Requires U.S. citizens to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State and encourages international students to seek similar support from their home countries.
  • Enrolls you in mandatory international health insurance for the duration of your time abroad, free of charge.

While away:

  • Maintain your health. Being in a new culture or place can be tiring, so it is important to take care of yourself! Do what you would do at home to stay mentally and physically healthy such as exercising, journaling, and taking prescribed medications. Be familiar with symptoms of culture shock and seek help if you are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety (engaging in risky behavior, personality changes, more or less sleep than usual, lack of personal hygiene, excess fatigue, recurring and overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness). In an emergency, you can also contact OHIO Counseling and Psychological Services at ohio.edu/student-affairs/counseling or +1 740-593-1616.

Additional Resources

  • Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and OGO may be able to help you find a program that suits your health and safety needs. Disclose any accessibility needs early using the Office of Global Opportunities Accessibility Accommodation Request Form (contact OGO for support).
  • WellTrack Boost: a self-guided interactive online therapy program. WellTrack  Boost is free and confidential to 51ĀŅĀ× students. Details regarding WellTrack can be found: /student-affairs/counseling/welltrack
  • Campus Care Travel Care: Campus Care works with students traveling abroad for school related study, business, or pleasure to prepare students for a safe, healthy travel experience. A travel consultation allows for reviewing and providing necessary immunizations, prophylactic medications, and educating the student on appropriate health and safety concerns prior to traveling abroad. More information can be found on the Campus Care website.
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention: