- Professional and Ethical Behavior
- Illness or Injury Abroad
- Staying Connected
- Mental Health Resources
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
When traveling abroad on UC business, you are acting as an ambassador to the University. Anytime you interact with an international community, representatives should demonstrate awareness, sensitivity to and respect for other values and cultures.
To study or work abroad, you must understand differing views regarding the value of individuality. In the U.S., we view personal initiative and the ability to question authority as valuable traits, yet in many cultures of the developing world, deference to authority and to community norms is more important because it supports community cohesion.
Helpful Tips
- Know how to deal with privacy and informed consent while abroad.
- Culture shock is common. Assess your feelings and be aware of how you react to differences and stresses.
- Speak to your local advisor or project staff about problems you may be encountering.
- Remember that you are a guest. Appreciate the privilege of visiting the people and sites hosting you.
For information on professional and ethical behavior while abroad, see the article by Jacqui Shaw, Professionalism 101.
Nobody plans on getting sick, but that doesn't mean you have to let illness take you by surprise. Here are some helpful hints to help you deal with illness and injury while abroad.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Understand the basics of the country’s medical system. Visit UC Trip Planner to find information and travel tips specific to the country or region you will be visiting. Ask someone who has been to the country you’re visiting about what to expect if you ever do find yourself in a local hospital. Knowing the country’s treatment and insurance practices is a huge benefit.
Have an idea of the best hospitals or medical centers in your region so you know where to go in the event of an injury or illness. If you don’t know where to start looking, use the resources provided on the CDC’s Getting Health Care Abroad page or the State Department’s Your Health Abroad page.
Carry a copy of your medical information. Have your basic medical info on the card, such as about your blood type, allergies, medications you take. Keep this card in an easily accessible place, like your wallet. This is especially crucial if you have serious allergies that doctors might need to know.
Make sure you have and understand your insurance policy. UC Travel Accident insurance provides evacuation assistance or medical support during political turmoil or medical emergency. For more information about insurance, visit the Insurance page.
Learn some basic medical vocabulary. Hospitals may have someone who speaks English, but having at least some basic medical vocabulary written down somewhere may come a long way.
If you are a medical student, take the time to find out more about the infectious diseases in the country you are visiting. See The Elective Pack: A Medical Student’s Guide to Essential International Health and Development.
While You’re Abroad
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation where medical attention is necessary, stay calm and seek help.
Get medical help. Check with your health insurance provider if you have coverage outside the United States. Remember to carry your insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form. If you’re not sure about what your plan covers, get in touch with your insurance company. Overseas insurance plans can be restrictive about what they pay for. In the case of an emergency, contact your travel insurance as soon as possible.
UC business travelers who become ill or who are injured should contact United HealthCare Global via the numbers provided at registration. They have agents available 24/7, can refer you to care in the area, and can facilitate local interventions as well as having a person onsite if that is needed.
If possible, contact your supervisor or departmental manager before receiving care so that they are aware of the situation and can help out as needed.
Staying Connected
Many travelers enjoy the convenience of bringing their own mobile phone on trip abroad. Using your mobile device abroad isn't hard, and with a little preparation, you can text, make calls, and access the Internet without breaking the bank.
Visit Phones, Internet and Technology to learn more about:
- Setting up or disabling international service on your phone
- Getting Online
- Finding Wi-Fi
- Using Data Roaming
- Electricity
The University of California has long recognized mental health as an ongoing and urgent issue for higher education. In December of 2005, an oversight committee was convened to assess 1) trends in student mental health, 2) how these trends are being managed nationally and at the University of California, 3) the appropriate level of services on the campuses to address student mental health needs, and 4) whether the campuses currently have the resources to provide those appropriate services.
Visit the UC Student Mental Health website to learn about our collective initiatives and partnerships throughout California. We would like to thank those who have contributed to this collection of resources, and we encourage mental health providers from the various college/university, county, and community agencies to consult these resources and utilize them as appropriate.
Sexual Violence Prevention & Response
Preventing and responding to sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence and stalking are top priorities for the University of California. Visit the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response website to learn key information about university support services, your responsibilities as a member of the UC community, and steps UC is taking to address sexual violence.