Students
Suggested Timelines
Risk Rating
Explore international programs and coordinate program choice with the SDSU Global Education Office. Review the Department of State country information and travel advisory pages and the OnCall International risk rating(s) and travel advisories for the country(ies) you are visiting to ensure you understand the health and safety risks. Log into the OnCall International plan information portal with the SDSU Group ID 100126CPPD21 to learn more about the services and benefits available to you, gain access to pre-trip resources through plan materials and orientation videos, and access the Global Risk Intelligence site for country specific health, safety and cultural information and advice.
Generally, travel is prohibited to high-risk countries or locations for which 1) the Department of State (DOS) or OnCall International risk ratings are "Level 4 (Do Not Travel)" or "Critical (5)”, respectively, 2) the CSU Risk Management Authority (CSURMA) foreign traveler underwriter has listed as a high hazard or war risk country, or 3) there is reliable information of significant safety, security, or health risks. Travel to all high-risk destinations, to include the aforementioned and DOS Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or higher or On Call Risk Rating of “High (4)” or higher, require pre-approval by International Affairs.
Coordinate with the Global Education Office to enroll in the SDSU Travel Abroad Insurance (On Call International) and review the information about how to contact the associated international emergency assistance provider in case of emergencies. Depending on the SDSU International Activity type, Travel Registry may be required. On Call is a 24/7 emergency assistance provider with an international network of medical and security professionals available any time to assist travelers. They can offer advice, connect travelers with resources, and work with travelers to make sure they receive the care and support they need both before and during University-sponsored international travel. On Call is also the claims administrator for all benefits that correlate with their services and all services and benefits are administered by On Call.
Schedule a Travel Medical Consult: SDSU Student Health Services provides these services to help you plan a safe and healthy trip whenever you travel outside the U.S., whether for vacation or study abroad.
Check your personal health insurance plan for international coverage.
If you have prescription medication, ensure you have enough medication to last the entirety of your travels and check that it’s legal to bring to your destination.
Schedule a medical consultation to ensure you are healthy to travel and obtain vaccines required for entry into the foreign country(ies).
Register your travels on the TerraDotta website. SDSU strongly recommends activation of the Alert Traveler smartphone app and enabling GPS and associated location searches to be “ALWAYS ON” in the event of an emergency.
Decide which electronic devices to bring and if necessary, request loaner devices (laptop, tablet, etc.) from the SDSU Information Technology Department. Depending on what you are taking and the country to which you are traveling, a license could be required from the U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, or Treasury.
Research the common dangers in the country and locations you are visiting to prepare for your travels and develop a contingency plan to deal with identified safety and security risks.
Discuss your communication habits and plan with your family and friends. Determine if your phone plan covers international calls, texts, and data. SDSU strongly recommends that you have a smartphone with international calls, texts, and data enabled.
Make backup copies of your important travel documents.
Register your travels with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Notify your financial institutions of the countries to which you are traveling.
In the event of an emergency, refer to this link.
Comply with any U.S. entry requirements regarding vaccinations, disease testing (and proof of negative results), etc.
Comply with SDSU health restrictions after travel.
Visit SDSU Counseling and Psychological Services if experiencing reverse culture shock.