UCLA is committed to the safety of students going abroad and will take every precaution possible to ensure that program sites and activities are secure. We will, of course, cancel any or all programs if there are any reasonable concerns about safety. Full refunds will be provided if programs are cancelled. If you have questions or concerns about program safety, we encourage you to contact us at ieo@international.ucla.edu.
Health Insurance - International Programs
An international traveler's health insurance policy is provided in the program fee. Coverage is for the dates of the program only. Students traveling before or after their program should purchase a traveler's health insurance policy to cover extended dates.
You are responsible for all fees incurred as a result of any accident or medical emergency which may occur while participating in a your program. Be sure to keep all receipts for medical treatment in order to file a claim upon your return to the U.S.
Health and Safety Guide
Traveling in a foreign country can be a risky endeavor. It's important that you prepare yourself before and during your travels. Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and healthy travel study experience:
- Read the State Department's Travel Advisory for your country;
- Read the Centers for Disease Control's information for your country (including immunization requirements and recommendations);
- Make sure the program director is aware of any medical conditions you have;
- Pack a first-aid kit (include bandaids, disinfectant, over-the-counter medications for headaches, diarrhea, sinus conditions, etc.);
- If you take prescription medication, take enough to cover your entire time abroad;
- Always pack prescription medications in your carry-on bag;
- Drink plenty of bottled water while traveling;
- To reduce jet lag, try to sleep as much as possible on the plane, and once you arrive at your destination, try to avoid sleeping until nighttime;
- Travel in groups. Do not walk alone;
- Do not accept rides from strangers or put yourself in a compromising situation with someone you have just met. If you go out with foreign nationals, make sure to leave their names and addresses with your program director;
- If you sight-see independently, let the program director know where you a going and when you will return;
- Always carry emergency telephone numbers with you;
- Check-in with someone in your home country from time to time;
- Keep your passport and other travel documents (plane tickets, travelers checks receipts; extra passport photos, etc.) in a safe place. Keep a photocopy of the front-page of your passport separate from your passport;
- Do not carry large amounts of cash.
For more information about health and safety abroad, please visit The U.S. Department of State's Web site on Studying Abroad.