Health and Safety
The Office of Study Abroad and the University's Travel Risk Advisory Committee continually assess risk associated with local and global health, safety, and security for all University-approved study abroad programs. St. Thomas also consults with local, national and international organizations during their review and ensures that all programs meet .
While no off-campus program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe from injury or crime, there are many steps you can take to reduce your risks. See our Pre-departure Handbook (PDF) for a comprehensive list of safety tips.
In an Emergency
In the event of a political, social, health, or natural emergency, Study Abroad staff are in close contact with the on-site staff for any program offered through the Office of Study Abroad. The on-site staff in turn seek advice from the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate or Embassy nearest to the program location.
Study Abroad staff are on call 24/7, 365 days each year. Do not hesitate to contact us in an emergency.
If you cannot reach Study Abroad Staff, call St. Thomas Public Safety: (651) 962-5555
Risk Assessment and Safety Protocols
Travel Advisories
The University of St. Thomas uses and as guidelines in determining whether its students or employees may travel abroad.
To minimize health and safety risks, St. Thomas students and faculty/staff whether as individual travelers or leaders of group travel must request and receive permission from the university before being allowed to travel to any country for which there is a Level 3 or Level 4 U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory or a Level 3 CDC Health Notice.
St. Thomas' Travel Risk Advisory Committee (TRAC) is responsible for reviewing travel proposals and making recommendations for final review and decision making.
Cancellation Policies
If ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ withdraws its approval of a program in a country for which a student is preparing to study due to a travel advisory, the student is subject to the policies of the program organization/institution regarding cancellation and reimbursement of any payments or deposits. The Office of Study Abroad will advise and assist the student in finding another suitable program if time allows or advise the student on registering for ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ classes.
If ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ withdraws its approval of a program in a country where a student is currently studying, ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ will offer advice on arranging departure from that country. The student is subject to the policies of the program organization/institution regarding reimbursement of any recoverable costs and the possibility of completing the requirements for earning academic credit for the program.
See Study Abroad Policies for the full policy details.
Health Requirements
Students may be required to have a physical exams and certain vaccinations for the country or program they are in. Schedule a travel clinic visit to figure out what vaccines are required for travel to your country.
Travel Advisories
Travel Advisories
The University of St. Thomas uses and as guidelines in determining whether its students or employees may travel abroad.
To minimize health and safety risks, St. Thomas students and faculty/staff whether as individual travelers or leaders of group travel must request and receive permission from the university before being allowed to travel to any country for which there is a Level 3 or Level 4 U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory or a Level 3 CDC Health Notice.
St. Thomas' Travel Risk Advisory Committee (TRAC) is responsible for reviewing travel proposals and making recommendations for final review and decision making.
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation Policies
If ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ withdraws its approval of a program in a country for which a student is preparing to study due to a travel advisory, the student is subject to the policies of the program organization/institution regarding cancellation and reimbursement of any payments or deposits. The Office of Study Abroad will advise and assist the student in finding another suitable program if time allows or advise the student on registering for ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ classes.
If ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ withdraws its approval of a program in a country where a student is currently studying, ÀÇÓÑÊÓƵ will offer advice on arranging departure from that country. The student is subject to the policies of the program organization/institution regarding reimbursement of any recoverable costs and the possibility of completing the requirements for earning academic credit for the program.
See Study Abroad Policies for the full policy details.
Health Requirements
Health Requirements
Students may be required to have a physical exams and certain vaccinations for the country or program they are in. Schedule a travel clinic visit to figure out what vaccines are required for travel to your country.
Safety Tips
- Determine if you need a appointment.
- Review the insurance information provided to you by the Office of Study Abroad or your program. Print and pack your insurance cards.
- Consider purchasing a money belt to safely transport your passport and credit cards.
- Research the city and country in which you will be studying.
- Prepare a list of emergency contact information you may need including your on-site program contacts, parents and St. Thomas Study Abroad.
- Attend your program's orientation and follow all directives of your program regarding safety and emergency procedures. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Know the emergency contact information for your program staff/program directors. Know the address and contact information for the hotel/residence hall/homestay family at which you are staying.
- Know the in-country equivalent of 911 and how to contact authorities if needed.
- Register with the U.S. Consulate in your destination city. Check with your program before registering, as they might have registered you.
- Stay knowledgeable about current events in your country.
- Stay clear of demonstrations, protests and other large gatherings.
- Use the buddy system, especially when going out at night.
- Use your common sense to assess risk and consult with your program directors or on-site staff when you have questions.
Mental Health and Self-Care
Remember the Basics
Practicing self-care is an important part of any study abroad experience. Learning to live in a new place is a big undertaking, and you will have highs and lows just as you do at home.
Don't underestimate the value of enough sleep and good nutrition and hydration. This probably seems obvious, but we are all closer to operating at our best after good rest and a healthy meal. Maintain medications, and moderate or eliminate alcohol, cigarettes, and other substances.
What are some specific practices that are important for YOUR health? Is there anything you need to pack related to them?
Cram with Caution
It's easy to feel a need to do and see everything but remember down time is not wasted time. Alternating high energy and relaxing activities is good planning. Try to avoid late nights followed by early mornings and trying to travel too much. Recognize when you need to rest or recharge! Relaxation can be a lens for creative exploring - e.g. read in a famous park, find good hiking spots, or catch a movie filmed in the host country.
What do you like to do to relax and what are your hobbies? Research some places in your host country where you might do some of these activities.
Find Your Community
Reach out to other students in your program and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them! You'll all be experiencing similar things and sharing this with each other can be one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad. Know when you need alone time or want to talk with your family back home, but remember to balance this with enjoying the community onsite. Look out for and support one another, learn from each other, and enjoy the chance to form new friendships.
What can you do to get to know others in your program?
Know Your Needs
Some needs will, of course, be unique to you. If you see a counselor or take medications related to mental health, talk with your care provider(s) about your study abroad plans and how you might prepare for the experience. Now especially is not a good time to change or eliminate medications unless advised by your doctor. If you think you might need additional help or care once on-site, talk to your program directors or staff!
How will you know if you're having a hard time or could use some help?
Ask for Help
And ask right away and about anything! Maybe you're wondering about a cultural practice you don't understand, or you're feeling homesick; you don't have to figure it out on your own. Both before you leave and once onsite there are always people who care about your well-being and are eager to help you adjust to your host country, support your health, and answer questions.
What is it like for you when adjusting to a new place? Are there things that tend to be easy or difficult? Do these things tend to come up right away, or later?
Remember the Basics
Remember the Basics
Practicing self-care is an important part of any study abroad experience. Learning to live in a new place is a big undertaking, and you will have highs and lows just as you do at home.
Don't underestimate the value of enough sleep and good nutrition and hydration. This probably seems obvious, but we are all closer to operating at our best after good rest and a healthy meal. Maintain medications, and moderate or eliminate alcohol, cigarettes, and other substances.
What are some specific practices that are important for YOUR health? Is there anything you need to pack related to them?
Cram with Caution
Cram with Caution
It's easy to feel a need to do and see everything but remember down time is not wasted time. Alternating high energy and relaxing activities is good planning. Try to avoid late nights followed by early mornings and trying to travel too much. Recognize when you need to rest or recharge! Relaxation can be a lens for creative exploring - e.g. read in a famous park, find good hiking spots, or catch a movie filmed in the host country.
What do you like to do to relax and what are your hobbies? Research some places in your host country where you might do some of these activities.
Find Your Community
Find Your Community
Reach out to other students in your program and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them! You'll all be experiencing similar things and sharing this with each other can be one of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad. Know when you need alone time or want to talk with your family back home, but remember to balance this with enjoying the community onsite. Look out for and support one another, learn from each other, and enjoy the chance to form new friendships.
What can you do to get to know others in your program?
Know Your Needs
Know Your Needs
Some needs will, of course, be unique to you. If you see a counselor or take medications related to mental health, talk with your care provider(s) about your study abroad plans and how you might prepare for the experience. Now especially is not a good time to change or eliminate medications unless advised by your doctor. If you think you might need additional help or care once on-site, talk to your program directors or staff!
How will you know if you're having a hard time or could use some help?
Ask for Help
Ask for Help
And ask right away and about anything! Maybe you're wondering about a cultural practice you don't understand, or you're feeling homesick; you don't have to figure it out on your own. Both before you leave and once onsite there are always people who care about your well-being and are eager to help you adjust to your host country, support your health, and answer questions.
What is it like for you when adjusting to a new place? Are there things that tend to be easy or difficult? Do these things tend to come up right away, or later?
Additional Resources
Center for Well-Being
- On-campus Travel Clinic offering convenient, low cost, and high-quality care for all of your pre- and post-travel health care needs.
- Health Services
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Public Safety
- Contact Public Safety in case of an emergency abroad.
Office of Study Abroad
- Reach out any time with questions about preparing to study abroad.
Title IX
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
- (for all MN institutions, including St. Thomas)
U.S. Department of State Travel
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention