PRE-DEPARTURE RESOURCES

Health & Safety

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and other resources provide health information for international travelers.  This includes required and/or recommended vaccinations, Travel Health Warnings, information on outbreaks and information on common travel ailments.  Below is a list of such resources:

International Health Insurance

All participants in UA sponsored study abroad programs or international travel are required to purchase international health and emergency insurance through the Office of International Programs (OIP). UA has entered into an agreement with United Health Plans (UHP) to provide such coverage to participants for the duration of their programs abroad at low daily rate. In addition to health care coverage, the UHP policy provides seamless coordination with and coverage of services provided by International SOS (see below). Details of coverage are available here: Evidence of Benefits.

Participants in faculty-directed programs will purchase insurance through their faculty program director as part of the program fee. Individual students must purchase through the OIP website. Click on “Education Abroad Insurance Fee”, use the Insurance Calculator to determine the total insurance fee and complete the order form. Insurance must be purchased no later than one month prior to departure.

Once the purchase has been processed, participants will receive proof of coverage to take with them.

U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings

The Office of International Programs closely monitors Travel Warnings issued by the US Department of State, and the default position of The University of Akron is to prevent university-related student travel to locations subject to such warnings.  However, programs to such countries may also be evaluated on an individual basis.

Students may view Department of State Travel Warnings 

Other governments maintain similar travel advisories, which are good resources, as well.

U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 

The Department of State also has a downloadable app for Apple and Android users. It’s available here: Free Smart Traveler App 

Wellbeing Abroad

Culture Shock

What's Up With Culture? Online cultural training resource

Mental Health

Making The Most Of Your Time Abroad

Important Documents

Passport

Are you looking to apply for or renew a U.S. passport? Many locations in Summit County serve as Passport Acceptance Facilities -  including the Clerk of Courts and many post offices and library locations. Visit this site for a searchable list of locations were you can submit your passport application.

Visa Information

U.S Department of State Country Information provides country specific instructions on visa and entry requirements, as well as any current advisories for that country.

More resources for traveling abroad

Twitter feeds

News from the U.S. Department of State

News from CDC Travel Health

Additional Resources Twitter Feeds

Contact us

Education Abroad Office
-Student Success Center-

Kirstin Polen de Campi
Simmons Hall 205
330-972-7430
edabroad@uakron.edu

Mon, Wed & Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.