Health, safety & insurance

A significant number of emergencies that happen while abroad, such as personal injuries, robberies, muggings, drownings, and sexual assaults, involve alcohol.

The consumption of alcohol, and whether it is allowed on your study abroad program, depends on two things:

1. The specific rules of your program. Some programs are completely dry, as established by your program director or your host university. In this case, consuming alcohol will be seen as a violation of the Student Abroad Standards of Conduct (see #28). You will be sent home from your program for violating program or Study Abroad rules.
2. The laws and regulations of the country that you will be going to. If you will be in a country where you are not of legal drinking age or it’s a cultural taboo, you are subject to their local laws. If you drink alcohol illegally, the excuses of “I didn’t know” or “it’s legal back in the U.S.” will not be sufficient and you may face legal consequences.

If you are permitted to consume alcohol while abroad:

You are required to drink responsibly.

If you consume alcohol to the point of intoxication, you may be in violation of the Student Abroad Standards of Conduct (again, see #28) and may be removed from your program.

• Drinking impairs your situational awareness. Stop well before you think you should. The extra drink will not be worth it if it causes an emergency.
• Tolerance for alcohol changes while abroad.  Studies show that a new environment lowers your tolerance for alcohol; altitude, temperature, and the drink contents are all factors. Watch this video to gain a better understanding of the physiological effects of alcohol.
• Do not give in to peer pressure. Whether it’s friends or the host culture, you do not have to drink because everyone else is.
• Cultural norms are often moderate or more conservative. It’s unlikely that public drunkenness is tolerated by locals. Don’t be the obnoxious stereotype.
• Follow the same “common sense” rules that you would in the U.S. Don’t leave your drink unattended, don’t accept drinks from strangers. Don’t leave someone alone in an impaired state and don’t engage in risky behaviors such as swimming, meeting strangers, or using e-scooters after drinking.

If you are traveling with prescription medication, make sure to check if it is a legal or banned substance in your destination country.

Best Practices:

• Travel with medication in their original containers
• Have paper documentation of the prescription, including name and dosage
• If you need more than a three-month supply, you may need a letter of support and approval from the embassy or immigration services
• Know the generic name of your prescription
• International SOS can also help with scheduling appointments or locating pharmacies if you need a prescription refill
• Reach out to the US Embassy if your prescription medication is on a controlled substance list for the country you are going to (this is most common for stimulants prescribed for ADHD)

We recommend calling ISOS for a consultation before you depart if you have specific questions or concerns regarding your medication.

Each year, 2,500 U.S. citizens are arrested abroad, and one third of the arrests while abroad are on drug-related charges, including the use of recreational drugs that are legal in the US.

The U.S. embassy and the University of Washington will be limited in the ways they can assist you if you are found in violation of drug possession laws. In some locations, even just possession of illegal drugs carries a mandatory prison sentence. The safe and smart approach while abroad is to avoid drug possession and use altogether.

Cultural attitudes around public smoking also vary widely, and may carry legal restrictions, including fines.

If someone asks you to carry a suitcase or package, no matter how small, don’t do it.

Recreational marijuana: 

Since 2012, the sale and possession of recreational marijuana in Washington state have been legal for adults over the age of 21. UW policy prohibits the production, distribution, possession, and use of cannabis on university property or during university-sponsored activities, including study abroad.

A number of countries have enacted more stringent drug laws that impose mandatory jail sentences for individuals convicted of possessing even small amounts of marijuana or cocaine for personal use. In some countries, CBD products are considered equivalent with marijuana.

Airline, TSA, and local security have a right to search your belongings, particularly while you are in transit. If they find you in possession of drugs, whether or not it was legal in the country you are traveling from, you will be subject to the local laws of your destination or layover country.

It is not worth the risk.

Gender Identity

Depending on your gender identity and the country that you’re going to, you may be met with different assumptions. You may need to be thoughtful about the way that you travel, given your gender identity.

Interactions between people will differ from culture to culture and some places may have a more marked segregation between men and women than many are used to in the U.S. Additionally, in some countries, locals may more openly initiate unwanted comments, attention or behavior towards travelers. Preparing yourself for a new culture and researching how to keep yourself safe can offer piece of mind as you prepare to go abroad.

• Pay attention to dressing in a culturally appropriate way
• Research the security situation and if it is safe to travel after dark, alone, or to certain parts of a city, given your gender identity
• Think through gender roles in your host country and what may or may not be expected of you
• Consider that the Study Abroad office or the US Embassy may be required to use the sex or name listed on your legal passport. If you have questions, or need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Specifically for female or female-presenting travelers, the following resources may be helpful as you think about health and safety related to your gender, while abroad:

• Women Travelers Perspectives
• Health for Women Travelers
• Sexual Harassment And Prevention In College Students Studying Abroad

Sexuality and LGBTQI+

UW Study Abroad and Global Travel Health and Safety respects the sexual orientation and gender identity of all people. We want every student to have a positive experience abroad; depending on your sexuality, that may involve some additional planning or thoughtfulness. Not everywhere in the world is as safe, respectful, or inclusive as we would hope.

• Research LGBTQI+ issues and politics in the country. Use Department of State resources, online forums, blog posts, and articles to arm yourself with the knowledge of how sexuality is viewed in the area that you’re going to.
• Understand the laws and regulations around LGBTQI+ issues in the country. There may be certain ways of dressing or behaviors that carry connotations that may be illegal or problematic. What could it mean to be fully out, or to closet parts of your identity?
• Remember: once you are outside of the US, you are no longer protected by US rights and laws. In certain places, that may mean you are able to express yourself more freely. However, in others, it may mean that you risk legal repercussions if you engage in certain behaviors or demonstrate aspects of your sexuality. The US Embassy and the University of Washington will be limited in how we can help you, if you find yourself in trouble with the law.

The following resources may be helpful for you, as an LGBTQI+ travelers, in preparing for your study abroad:

• University of Washington Q Center 
• NAFSA’s Rainbow Special Interest Group
• IES Abroad – LGBTQ+ & Ally Resources
• Unpacked: A Study Abroad Guide for Students Like Me
• Tips for LGBTQ Students Abroad
• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Travelers
• LGBTQ+ Safety Guide
• LGBTQ and legality abroad – Human Dignity Trust

• ILGA – The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association
• IGLHRC – The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission

In most cases, your interaction with host nationals will be among the most rewarding aspects of your experience abroad. In some situations, however, your race, ethnicity or other identity anchors may be read or interpreted differently than you are accustomed to in the U.S. You may also encounter different cultural norms related to race and minority status, where racism and other forms of discrimination are performed, viewed, and addressed differently than you are used to.

You may find that your racial or ethnic identity is seen in a new way. Understanding how cultural differences can impact perceptions of race, ethnicity, and identity in an international context is an important component of your preparation to study abroad.

Use the following resources, or other tools and relationships that you have, to prepare for navigating your racial and ethnic identity while abroad:

• DiversityAbroad.com
• IES Abroad – Race, Ethnicity, & Nationality Resources
• Diversity Issues in Study Abroad
• ALLABROAD.us
• Study Abroad Matters: Top 10 Reasons for African American Students to Study Abroad
• I Was a Student of Color Who Studied Abroad. Here Are 4 Questions I Wish I Had Asked Before I Left
• Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain by Lori L. Tharps

The UW Study Abroad Office encourages all students who meet program eligibility requirements to study abroad as part of their UW degree. While you will work with your Study Abroad Advisor, Program Manager, and Program Director on your accommodations, it’s helpful to think through the nuances of your disability and how that may be perceived, challenging, or unexpected, while abroad.

UW accommodations should be known and discussed with UW Disability Resources for Students Office.

• The National Clearinghouse on Disability & Exchange, an arm of Mobility International USA is a great resource for students with disabilities who want to study abroad.
• Access Abroad at the University of Minnesota study abroad website has some great information for their students with disabilities.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers advice for travelers with disabilities including your rights when traveling by air, assistance and accommodations, service animals, and other useful links.

Whether you are passionate about the cause or a curious observer, do not attend any political demonstrations while abroad.

Not only do these events have the potential to escalate from peaceful gatherings to violent clashes with police and government forces, but as a foreigner, your participation may also be illegal and can carry severe consequences. U.S. students abroad have been arrested, detained, subjected to fines and jail sentences, and forcefully deported due to their real or perceived involvement in demonstrations.

If you know of a scheduled rally or demonstration, avoid the affected area of the city. If you come into contact with a demonstration by chance, adjust your route and leave the area. Make sure you’re receiving ISOS and Department of State alerts, regarding protests that may be impeding traffic or affecting certain parts of a city. Protests can turn violent very quickly and without notice; best practice is to avoid entire areas if you know large demonstrations are scheduled, even if they are likely to be peaceful.

While you may be politically engaged and active in protests within the U.S., traveling abroad is a different environment. You may or may not speak the local language or understand the local laws around protesting. Protests and demonstrations are also listed as exclusions within your UW Study Abroad insurance; if you are injured as a result of a protest or demonstration, your medical care will not be covered under insurance – which includes any medical bills or evacuation. If you are detained, fined, or jailed as a result of participation in a demonstration, the U.S. embassy and UW will be limited in their ability to help you.

We believe in important causes and want you to remain engaged in the issues you care about. But your first amendment right to free speech is not protected in every country you travel to. Find ways to show your support in other ways: volunteering, donating, or helping raise awareness. Stay away from the protests and demonstrations while abroad.

The Halloween Stampede in Seoul in 2022 was one of the most public and devastating crowd crushes in recent history. While we would encourage you to avoid these kinds of situations wherever possible, we understand that you may find yourself in crowded spaces while abroad.

One of the easiest ways to mitigate the risk of being caught in a stampede or crowd crush is to make sure whatever venue or accommodation you’re in is safe and equipped. Are there security measures in place? Are evacuation plans posted anywhere? If it seems like something is poorly maintained or poorly organized, it’s best to stay away.

Another best practice? Stay near an exit.

You should always have an exit strategy in mind. How close would you be to getting out, should the need arise? Whether because it gets too crowded, you need medical attention, or things around you get uncomfortable, the best way to avoid finding yourself in an unsafe situation is to know how you would get out of it.

Like with most safety situations, situational awareness will be your best defense. If you start noticing the crowd is closing in or you start feeling concerned, take steps to remove yourself before something becomes an all-out crisis.

If you start to feel the crowd closing in, there are some basic things you can do to try and protect yourself until you can get to safety.

• Assume a “boxer” position, with your arms up in front of your chest and your feet separated to ground yourself.
• Keep your legs and your knees flexible; let yourself move with the crowd. It will start to move like water and you will feel like you’re not in control of your movements. Don’t resist it! Let yourself move with the crowd until you can break off.
• Keeping your arms strong in front of your chest can help protect and create space for your internal organs, namely your lungs.
• Asphyxiation is the number one cause of death in crowd crushes; whatever you do, protect your lungs and give yourself as much space as possible to breath!
• Do not, under any circumstances, reach down. If your phone, wallet, or purse fall, leave them; even attempting to pick something up likely means that you won’t get back up.
• Conserve your air. Don’t try to scream; instead, tilt your head back and try and breathe slowly, above the crowd.
• Try not to panic. Speeding up your breathing and heart rate will cause you to run out of air faster. Take long, slow deep breaths.
• If you do fall, turn onto your side and protect your organs with your arms.
• Watch for points of exit. If you see yourself moving towards the edge of a crowd, move diagonally towards the exit – just like you would in an ocean rip current.

If you think you’re going to be in a crowded situation, we encourage you to read the following materials about avoiding stampedes. Just like with everything else: something that seems like a fun addition to your study abroad can ruin or create a devastating experience if you taking steps to protect your health and safety.

How to stay safe during a crowded event

What to do if your trapped in a surging crowd

Excursions and high risk activities:

High risk activities and excursions aren’t covered under insurance! If you engage in a high risk activity during your free time, while on a study abroad program, any medical expenses incurred will not be reimbursable and will be your sole responsibility. Know what is/isn’t covered before you sign up for something.

If you want to engage in an activity or excursion while abroad, make sure that your program director or resident director know and have signed off on it. It is your responsibility to have their approval, to know your insurance coverage, and to make sure you’re using reputable services:

Are they licensed? Are there safety precautions? Is there first aid/AED on site?

Use the Excursion Section of our vendor vetting checklist to help check your plans for the appropriate safety measures.

Water safety:

Drowning is the number one cause of death for Americans abroad in countries where water activities are a popular source of tourism! Drowning accounts for more than half of reported deaths for travelers under the age of 25.

The best way to prevent dangers in the water is to follow a few simple basic safety practices. We know it’s exciting to run into the ocean or dive into the local swimming hole while you’re abroad, especially if the weather is warm and you’re in a country with great water-based activities.

Taking a second to pause before jumping in can help prevent an emergency situation and allow you to have the best study abroad possible:

• Be aware of signage! If you can’t read it, have someone translate it for you. If signs say not to swim, watch for certain dangers, or lists rules around being in the water, do not take that as a mere suggestion; we expect you to adhere to all signage.
• Do your research ahead of time. What are people saying about the location online: are there reports of injuries or deaths, is there wildlife that people advise looking out for?
• Watch the locals. If you’re the only person on the beach or in the water, don’t assume you got lucky and found a great, secluded spot; if no one is around or no one is in the water, there’s likely a reason. The locals know best.
• Make sure people know where you are. Your program or resident director, as well as in-country friends, should know where you are and when you’re planning to check back in.
• Don’t swim alone. Whether it’s friends joining you for a beach day or making sure other’s are around, don’t get into water where you’re alone.
• Feel for rip currents or rip tides before you jump into open waters. The easiest way to do this is by standing so that the water comes up to about half of your calf. If you feel a sort of pull from the water, it’s likely there’s a rip tide or current. In that case, don’t swim. If you get caught in a rip current while out swimming, make sure you know what to do:
  • Don’t panic. Control your breathing and don’t begin swimming frantically to shore.
  • Swim along the shoreline, parallel to land, until you escape the current’s pull.
  • When free from the pull of the current, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.