International Programs / Study Abroad

Travel & Safety

Visa Information   

A visa is a stamp inside of your passport. This endorsement from a foreign government permits you to enter that country for a specified reason and length of time. The visa application process prior to departure can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

The Study Abroad Program can provide verification of your participation in an academic program if your visa application requires supporting documentation. Some countries may also require that you submit proof of medical insurance, proof of financial means, and medical information.

Remember, it is your responsibility as a student and global citizen to research the entry requirements for the country to which you are traveling and obtain a visa if required.

 

Health Information   

Health and accident insurance coverage is required of all participants on DePaul University study abroad programs. The Study Abraod Office has purchased a group insurance policy from HTH Worldwide that is designed specifically for students studying abroad and will provide the necessary coverage for the length of a program. For further information on HTH and its coverage during the 2009-2010 academic year, click here.

Travel and Safety   

Americans living abroad should take common-sense precautions in order to minimize their risk while living abroad. Specifically, you should:

  • Register at the local U.S. Embassy.

  • Contact DePaul’s Public Safety Department at 773-325-7777 if you need 24-hour assistance from the Study Abroad Office only AFTER you have notified local police of your situation.

  • Keep a low profile. Avoid overtly political conversations with locals in public. Dress to blend in, avoiding clothing and other attire that may tend to be identified with Americans, such as athletic shoes, T-shirts, casual wear and clothing with designer or brand logos.  For more safety tips when living abroad, check out information from the US Department of State.    

  • Avoid places associated with the United States, such as franchised restaurants and shops, and restaurants, bars and other gathering places known to be popular with expatriates.

  • Minimize time spent in public places, particularly train stations, airports, other transit hubs, and shopping centers. Avoid political rallies or demonstrations.

  • Utilize proper health management while abroad.  Consult the HTH Medical Preparation Checklist for more information.

  • Exercise caution to avoid potential sexual harassment situations.  Consult DePaul's Sexual Harassment Presentation information for more information.

  • Are you ready to study abroad? Visit http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ to make sure.

Advisors and counselors are available through your host institutions to help you deal emotionally with anxieties and worries that you may have while abroad.

In addition, travelers around the world face likely delays and disruptions. Security at airports has been tightened, as requested by the International Air Transport Association and national governments. This will mean much greater scrutiny of individuals, such as pat-downs, and examination of their carry-on luggage and check-in luggage. For the latter, individuals may be required to identify their luggage on the tarmac before its loaded on the aircraft. Documentation will undergo greater scrutiny. Outdated passports, or discrepancies between the name on the passport and the name on the ticket may lead to travel delays. 

When purchasing your tickets, please consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance.  Although rare, if a program is cancelled due to an extraneous circumstance, DePaul will not reimburse students for their tickets, change fees, or cancellations. 

Additional Travel Resources