Center for International Studies and Programs

TraveL Resources--Preparing for Travel

people boarding an airplaneParticipants in Travel Programs

UToledo students participating in travel programs are encouraged to do the following: 

  • Ask questions about your travel programs before committing to your program. Seek advice and make informed decisions.
  • Assume responsibility for personal preparation and participate in orientations.
  • Accept responsibility for decisions and actions.
  • Read all materials and forms issued by your faculty leader or sponsor before and during the program.
  • Conduct your own research on the location with emphasis on health and safety, as well as cultural, social, and political situations.
  • Create your own Personal Emergency Plan, noting your doctors, important contact numbers and personal information. Download an Emergency Action Plan Worksheet.
  • Obtain insurance coverage as required and needed.
  • Provide parents and other key individuals with your contact information. Keep them informed and stay in touch with The University of Toledo Center for International Studies and Programs as needed.
  • Obey host location rules and laws, as well as The University of Toledo Student Code Of Conduct.
  • Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and legal system services in your host country.
  • Beware of your surroundings as you travel.

There are unavoidable risks in traveling abroad. Be aware of the risks and dangers to your health and safety during travel to and from the host country, and by possible civil unrest, political instability, crime and disease in the host country. You have a real and direct impact on your own health and safety through the decisions made before travel, during the program, and in daily choices and activities. 

Pre-Planning Travel Tips 

  • Contact your bank and credit card company to notify them of your international travel plans.
  • Pack and dress for your destination; consider the season and the culture of your destination.
  • Review your travel plans with your physician and bring medical records with you if you have health concerns.
  • Contact your health care provider.
  • Make sure your prescription medicines are available in your host country; bring medicine in their original containers.
  • Review the TSA international flight information.
  • Be aware of local conditions and customs that present health and safety risks when making daily choices and decisions.
  • Check with your cell phone provider for options while you are abroad. Consider picking up a pay-as-you-go phone while abroad. In most cases, the cost per minute will be a lot less.

Make copies of the following:

  • Make multiple photocopies of your passport and leave one copy at home.
  • Travel tickets
  • Medical prescriptions

 Travel Tips while Abroad

  • Keep your passport and important papers on you, not in your luggage.
  • Carry your passport with you at all times.
  • Be aware of your baggage at all times; do not leave bags unattended while waiting in the airport, bus, or train station.
  • Be aware of travel baggage allowances within the host country (i.e. while in China traveling from Beijing to Shanghai).

Sample Emergency/First Aid Kit

Build an emergency kit when you arrive, or pack the essentials and take it with you. Here is a list of suggestions.  Fill your kit with what fits your personal needs based on your location:

Small flashlight, water (or purification tablets), whistle, pocket knife (not on plane), adhesive bandages, elastic bandage (ace-type), antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, first aid tape, small scissors, sunblock, lip ointment, burn cream, aspirin/pain reliever, am/fm radio, map, batteries, insect repellent, rain poncho, prescriptions/medication, thermal blanket, toilet paper, glasses, contacts/saline solution, glasses, phone charger, money, copy of Emergency Information Form and other paperwork.

Last Updated: 3/21/23