Health and Safety Abroad

Plan Ahead!

Health and safety are best planned for in advance of your study abroad travel. Study abroad orientation facilitates this preparation, but there are additional steps and many great resources to review in advance of your travel.

Enroll in STEP

Enrolling in the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/ places you in a position where the U.S. State Department can assist you in the event of an emergency. Program enrollment is free of charge and provides travel warnings and alerts for the country or countries in which you are traveling. Non-U.S. citizens studying abroad as part of their UWF academic program should check with their home country embassy or consulate for a similar program. 

U.S. State Department Resources

The U.S. State Department provides a wealth of student study abroad information and tips in Students Abroad. These tips and travel recommendations support study abroad for all students. This includes information to prepare you for your abroad experience, information about your destination country or countries, resources when you are abroad, and latest news and opportunities abroad to include volunteer programs. The tips are thoughtful and interesting and when considered in advance of your travel abroad, will help you to prepare for a healthy and safe experience.

Traveler’s Health from Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides great information and traveler health tips for study abroad by destination. Information includes routine and country specific vaccinations, eating and drinking safety, and personal safety among other country specific tips and information.

Contact International Student and Scholar Services at (850) 474-2479 or email international@uwf.edu to schedule an advising session if you have health and safety questions.