Health and Safety Abroad

Stevie Ybarra - China, Summer 2019 3

Your health and safety are our top priorities while you study abroad. Whether you are participating in a Faculty-led Study Abroad Program, an Exchange Program, or an Affiliated Program you will find important information below concerning your health and safety while abroad.

Study Abroad Travel Warning Policy

Sam Houston State University monitors information relevant to the safety of its study abroad students, faculty, and staff as their safety and security is of the utmost importance. In evaluating the safety of travel abroad on university-sponsored study abroad programs, SHSU gives primary consideration to Travel Warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SHSU will not approve any student travel to locations currently under U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or locations that come under Travel Warning at any point in the study abroad process, including after the student has departed the U.S. Financial contingency plans should be made to compensate for any penalties incurred due to late program cancellation. Check the status of your proposed location here. No exceptions will be considered.

International Health Insurance

Student Participating in SHSU Faculty-led and Exchange Programs

Global Engagement Center (GEC) is excited to introduce the new travel assistance program, International SOS!

Wherever you go, Sam Houston State University wants to help ensure your health and safety. If you are planning to participate in a Study Abroad program, you have access to the International SOS program, which provides medical and security services. This service is a great benefit in the event you need help while traveling. All students will be required to pay an additional fee for this coverage. The cost can be found here.

Before your departure, take advantage of International SOS' pre-trip planning services. Check on the latest travel and safety alerts, including health risks and other important news. Sign in to receive health alerts, security alerts, and more. Download the Assistance App, which provides health and security updates. Contact the GEC for access to SHSU’s membership number in order to log in.

During your trip, if you experience an issue while traveling abroad, call International SOS for assistance. This service can help you find a doctor or hospital, access to prescription drugs, and more. In extreme instances, International SOS can even arrange to have you evacuated. Plus, you'll receive assistance with other issues, such as access to money, legal service referrals, and language and communications assistance.

For more information, visit www.internationalsos.com and enter your membership number. While in the US, you can reach International SOS at (215) 942-8478. If outside the US, see your International SOS membership card for the appropriate phone number.

Should you have any questions regarding foreign travel insurance, please contact Global Engagement at (936) 295-4737.

Students Participating in Affiliated Programs

It is important to realize that most U.S. insurance coverage is not recognized abroad. Therefore, SHSU’s Global Engagement Center requires that each student must have an insurance plan that will provide emergency medical and security evacuation and medical expense coverage while abroad, at a minimum. Ask your study abroad program provider if you will have insurance coverage while participating in the program; if so, request a detailed description of this policy. This policy will be reviewed by the Global Engagement Center and determine if you qualify for a waiver from using SHSU's international insurance with access to International SOS. If the insurance coverage does not meet the minimum requirements outlined above, you will need to purchase insurance through SHSU. The cost can be found here.

For health information on specific destinations, visit the National Center for Infectious Disease: Traveler's Health page.

Good Health Abroad

One factor that is often overlooked when students prepare to study abroad is staying healthy. Illness can dampen an otherwise great experience while studying abroad. Provided below are helpful links to ensure that students remain healthy, or if they should fall ill, know what to do.

Travel Health Resources

Connect with Us

Instagram: @shsu.studyabroad

Study Abroad

Jessie Miller

Assistant Director

of Study Abroad

jtm096@shsu.edu

936.294.3276

Farrington 116C

Daniela Mirabal

GEC Coordinator

dmirabal@shsu.edu

936.294.3892

Farrington 116F

Study Abroad Application Deadline:

Bearkats Abroad Portal

Donate to:
Friends of Study Abroad

International Student Spotlight

Doreen Muthee,
from Kenya
Major: Business Administration
Language: Swahili
Favorite Food from Home: Nyama Choma (Kenyan Barbeque)

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?
"President ISO (2021-2022), SHSU Raven Scholar ‘21 and being the Keynote speaker at the International Student Dinner ’21."

Aakanksha,
from India
Major: Computing and Information Science
Language: Hindi
Favorite Food from Home: Roti and Paneer Butter Masala

Why did you choose SHSU?
"SHSU provides a wonderful mixture of theoretical exposure and practical nuances of study (knowledge) for graduate student that makes it a great place to study. In addition to that, excellent faculties will help me enhance my learning and exposure to the latest trends."

Isaac Ogbogo,
from Nigeria
Major: Chemistry
Language: Igede
Favorite Food from Home: Pounded Yam with Eguisi Soup

What advice do you have for new international students?
"SHSU is another home from home. Everyone that I met on campus when I first arrived was just willing to put me through one thing or the other. Therefore, I encourage every international student not to be afraid of feeling lonely or helpless in SHSU. They can be rest assured that they are in the best environment away from home."

Oluwole Akintoye,
from Nigeria
Major: Computer and Information Science
Language: Yoruba
Favorite Food from Home: Amala with Ewedu soup

What do you enjoy most about SHSU?
"SHSU creates an environment that respects and values individual differences along varying dimensions... These in effect encourage people of different backgrounds to peacefully co-exist and succeed."