Global Travel Health and Safety shares insights on studying abroad in a world that feels uncertain and how the Study Abroad team is here to help!
Note: If you are looking for the University of Washington’s specific, official response to travel in the Middle East, please see this page for updates.
Global news can seem overwhelming, and if you’re feeling nervous about studying abroad, you’re not alone. Whether this would be your first time on an airplane or you’re a seasoned traveler considering going somewhere new, uncertainty is a normal – even expected – part of international travel.
Here’s the thing: going on a study abroad program doesn’t mean figuring things out alone. We are here to support you every step of the way. No question is too small and no concern goes unheard!
Students studying abroad with the University of Washington have comprehensive support both before and during their time abroad.
Let’s talk about it!
1. Your questions are normal.
Don’t let those stop you from looking at programs, talking to a Study Abroad advisor, or from committing to the program you’ve always dreamed of! We promise, you’re not the only one wondering:
- Is it safe to travel right now?
- What happens if something changes while I’m there?
- Are there people I can turn to if I need help?
These are thoughtful questions, and they are exactly why we design study abroad programs with strong support systems in mind!
2. There is a team throughout your whole journey.
From the moment you start considering a program you’re supported by a network of people whose job is to help you succeed. This also includes comprehensive support if anything comes up while you’re abroad. You have access to:
- Study Abroad advisors and program managers who guide you through preparation, including help you choose a program that feels right for you
- Program directors and co-leaders who are passionate about supporting your holistic care and transformation
- Emergency support services while abroad through International SOS and UW Global Travel Health and Safety, available 24/7
- UW Student Abroad Insurance, which covers emergency medical, mental health, and security (political and natural disaster) incidents
3. Preparation is powerful – you have resources and control.
One of the best ways to manage uncertainty is through preparation. Before you go abroad, you will receive additional resources on:
- Health and safety practices
- Local laws and cultural expectations
- What to do in case of emergencies
- How to stay connected with both local and home support networks
There are also a myriad of reliable sources online that can help support travelers preparing to study abroad. We encourage you to seek out sources that have been verified; misinformed reporting can be common when it comes to global events and travel anxiety. While Study Abroad should be done thoughtfully, it does not need to be done with fear!
4. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
It’s worth saying: feeling nervous doesn’t mean you’re not ready. Sometimes, it may mean you’re about to do something meaningful.
Studying abroad can help you build resilience, adaptability, and confidence, which are skills that last far beyond your time overseas. You’ll learn how to navigate new situations, connect across cultures, and trust yourself in new ways.
There’s also no harm in starting the process and then deciding that this isn’t the right time for you. You can look into the programs, meet with an advisor, and realize you need another quarter to prepare.
You know yourself best. Part of traveling will be learning how to trust your gut, so practice now. Trust your gut on when and where studying abroad is right for you!
5. You’re both capable and supported.
Choosing to study abroad right now is an act of courage and commitment. And while the world may feel uncertain, as it does now and has throughout history, the support surrounding you is steady, intentional, and designed with your safety in mind.
On the other side of that uncertainty is an experience that could change your life.
And we want to reiterate: Even after all of that, it’s still okay to be a little nervous.
If you want to get into the real nitty gritty of UW Study Abroad’s support system, we’ve outlined some of it below. This isn’t meant to be wholly comprehensive insomuch as we want to reassure you, by outlining some specifics, that we treat safety, security, and preparation with the thoughtfulness and procedural necessity that they deserve.
Travel isn’t without risk, but that isn’t anything new. We can’t predict or prevent everything from happening; what we can do is reduce those risks both before and during travel as much as we are able.
Before
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- Students can book appointments with a Study Abroad advisor to talk through specific questions or concerns.
- Every program has a program director, co-leader, or other in-country support, as well as a Study Abroad program manager. There are a team of people dedicated to your specific success.
- All programs undergo a thorough review, including by the Global Travel Health and Safety Team. We ensure that new program proposals have been measured against a comprehensive checklist of requirements.
- University policy evaluates risk based on the ratings from the US Department of State. Most countries have a Level 1 or 2, or low risk, advisories. The few programs that go to Level 3 countries undergo a detailed review by the International Travel Risk Assessment Committee and the University Provost. Programs are only allowed to run if they meet the highest University standards for student safety and well-being.
- All students, faculty, and staff members complete multiple mandatory pre-departure orientations, training modules, and learning questionnaires related to insurance enrollment and handling emergencies abroad.
During
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- All Study Abroad students have UW insurance and emergency assistance on their program, which covers medical and mental health emergencies. International SOS is UW’s emergency assistance provider, which provides students with 24/7 international support, including consultation, appointment scheduling, and medical care coordination.
- The UW Global Travel Health and Safety team has extensive experience managing both routine and complex situations. We actively monitor global alerts, which includes making real-time decisions for students and programs.
- The same supports that exist before departure – from the faculty/staff in country to the Study Abroad office in Seattle – are still there for you while you’re abroad. You also have your fellow students, those who are also going through the same transformational experience!
Studying abroad with confidence doesn’t mean having all the answers, it just means taking the first step.
Start your study abroad journey today
Still have specific questions about health and safety abroad? Reach out to travelemergency@uw.edu.
There are also a myriad of resources on our webpages – click around to see just how much we think about preparing you to go abroad!