Useful Links

Resources - Prior to Departure: Getting Ready to Go

VISAS—Do you need one or not for your semester abroad? That is the question. For information on entry requirements for a specific country, please go to the Entry/Exit Requirements section in the Country Specific Information for the country you are interested in. We also encourage you to go to the consulate website for the country to which you're going as visa requirements are changing rapidly.

STUDENTS ABROAD go from here... Thinking ahead or getting ready to go, this page maintained by the U.S. Government provides helpful links on travel documents, health, emergencies, embassies, smart travel and much more. Check it out at https://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/

STAYING CONNECTED WHILE ABROAD

This link from GoAbroad has great information on finding the best phone, phone plan and how to make sure they'll work so you can stay connected while you're abroad! They provide tips for finding a phone plan, how to make sure your phone is unlocked and will work, and other ideas of how you can stay connected with home from afar.

LINKS FOR LIFE & TRAVEL ABROAD

For Americans Traveling Abroad, this U.S. State Department site provides helpful links on:

Academic Credit	Air Travel
Culture Shock	Document/Customs
Foreign Language	Government Info & Services for Citizens Overseas
Insurance	Lodging/Homestay
Health Matters/Medical	Money Matters
Packing	People & Culture
Planning Your Trip	Travel and Safety

Ethical Traveler is a website with tips on how to "tread softly" as one travels around the globe, but also very practical information for traveling generally, with country specific profiles and tips for getting around.

Tips for Traveling Abroad has much more than just "tips." Go to this site for information on the important step of registering your study abroad with the State Department.

Mental and Emotional Health

Questions to Consider Prior to Departure:

- What is your diagnosis? How does your diagnosis manifest itself (cycle)? Do you know your cycle of stressors and escalation?

- What are your stressors/triggers? Will these increase in the new environment?

- What new triggers may present themselves in the new environment?

-What is your current treatment plan? How do you manage your care?

- How will you access your medications?

- How will you access counseling support (sessions)?

- How will you access your emotional support system (parents, friends)?

- What will you remove from your environment, to prevent incident?

- Do you need to follow up with professional support prior to departure? When do you plan to do this?

Questions that Gordon College's Center for Student Counseling and Wellness encourages you to answer for yourself:

- Do I have the necessary supports I require to function well (or will I set them in place asap)?

- Do I know what steps are necessary if I become overwhelmed or interact with stressors/triggers? Do I have a “care” plan in place?

- Can I be healthy in this environment?

- Do I still think that this GEO program is a good fit for me, at this time in my life?

The Gordon Center for Student Counseling and Wellness is NOT available for Skype- or phone-based counseling sessions, while you’re abroad. Contact them while you are on campus: www.gordon.edu/counselingcenter

Resources - During Study Abroad: Useful Information While You're There

Study Abroad Student Emergency Protocol

· Assess the situation, removing yourself from the area if necessary
· Call local authorities and/or Contact a Medical Professional
· Utilize CISI’s emergency portal for translation services, medical referrals, evacuation, claim services, etc.
- CISI Contact: (203) 399-5130 - calling from outside the US, collect calls accepted, [email protected]
- CISI Team Assist 24/7 Provider: (240) 330-1520 - calling from outside the US, collect calls accepted, OPS@europassistance

· Call your program director to report on the situation and request support
· Call GEO (978) 867-4399, if the office is closed, select voicemail option 3 for the emergency line, follow prompts, speak clearly to explain your situation and what support is necessary

· After the situation is sorted, when you are able, email GEO with a report of the incident and contact your parents to let them know the situation has been resolved and you are alright
· When you arrive in the US meet with necessary health and mental health professionals for follow up (for some it will be necessary to do follow up in their host country and in the US)

Know Before You Go Websites:
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program http://www.state.gov/travel/
Students Abroad http://studentsabroad.state.gov
Personal Safety and Awareness Workbook http://globaled.us/peacecorps/personal-safety-and-awareness-workbook.asp
Center for Disease Control: Travelers’ Health http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

More Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) Information: http://www.gordon.edu/travelinsurance

HEALTH, MONEY, SECURITY & MORE

HEALTH

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides specific information on health and other threats at: Emergency Preparedness and Response

Additional information on travel and health can be found at:

MD Travel Health
Travelers' Health

MONEY

SECURITY

For news alerts and country-specific information, go to the Overseas Security Advisory Council site.

For information on travel warning, travel alerts, and country specific information maintained by the US State Department, go to International Travel Information.