If you are planning to spend any part of the summer outside the U.S., here are tips and resources that can facilitate your safety, health, and well-being. 1) Notify your Department Consult with your academic department before planning your trip. It’s always a good idea to share with your adviser all the details about your trip, including itinerary, contacts abroad, and emergency contacts. This information will be crucial in the event that you need assistance while you are away. 2) If Traveling on University Business, Register Your Trip If your travel is funded by the University or certain federal contracts and grants, be sure to register your trip and provide the University with information about your travel for risk management purposes. Read the University Travel Policy to learn about policy and regulations applicable to all official University travel, including travel funded under federal grants and contracts. Review the UC Berkeley travel and entertainment guidelines for more information and guidance. 3) Check Your Travel Documents and Update Your Immunizations If you do not have a current U.S. passport that will be valid for at least six months after your planned return date, don’t delay in applying or renewing! Start by visiting the U.S. Passport Office Customer Service Center at the Recreational Sports Facility. This is an authorized U.S. Government Passport Acceptance Facility. Book an international travel clinic appointment at University Health Services at least 3 to 6 months before your departure date to assure sufficient time to complete new and updated immunizations and TB testing. 4) Make a Checklist Make a list of documents and supplies necessary for your trip and write down all the actions you have to take prior to leaving the country. A travel checklist will help you in this process, or you can find others on the internet and use them to customize your own. 5) Get Advice from your Peers Talk with other students — and professors — who have been abroad and get tips from them. What were their main challenges? What would they do differently? Resources for students traveling abroad Staying Healthy Abroad University Health Services at the Tang Center provides essential health resources for students traveling abroad, including the International Travel Clinic. The clinic guides members of the campus community in protecting their health while traveling throughout the world. Berkeley SHIP provides world-wide health care coverage. Learn more about using your SHIP insurance abroad. The “Health Checklist” helps you to maintain a good health habits while away. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers a “Traveler Information Center” with destination-specific information for travelers. Other Travel Websites USA.gov — Find an A-Z list of international travel resources on currency exchange rates, entry requirements, international driver’s licenses, travel warnings, and more. TravelInsurance.com — Compare and buy additional private travel insurance. When you need emergency medical care, medical evacuation insurance, or trip interruption insurance, it is worth all the years you paid for it and didn’t use it. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a service for US citizens traveling abroad to register their trips with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If you are planning to spend any part of the summer outside the U.S., here are tips and resources that can facilitate your safety, health, and well-being. 1) Notify your Department Consult with your academic department before planning your trip. It’s always a good idea to share with your adviser all the details about your trip, including itinerary, contacts abroad, and emergency contacts. This information will be crucial in the event that you need assistance while you are away. 2) If Traveling on University Business, Register Your Trip If your travel is funded by the University or certain federal contracts and grants, be sure to register your trip and provide the University with information about your travel for risk management purposes. Read the University Travel Policy to learn about policy and regulations applicable to all official University travel, including travel funded under federal grants and contracts. Review the UC Berkeley travel and entertainment guidelines for more information and guidance. 3) Check Your Travel Documents and Update Your Immunizations If you do not have a current U.S. passport that will be valid for at least six months after your planned return date, don’t delay in applying or renewing! Start by visiting the U.S. Passport Office Customer Service Center at the Recreational Sports Facility. This is an authorized U.S. Government Passport Acceptance Facility. Book an international travel clinic appointment at University Health Services at least 3 to 6 months before your departure date to assure sufficient time to complete new and updated immunizations and TB testing. 4) Make a Checklist Make a list of documents and supplies necessary for your trip and write down all the actions you have to take prior to leaving the country. A travel checklist will help you in this process, or you can find others on the internet and use them to customize your own. 5) Get Advice from your Peers Talk with other students — and professors — who have been abroad and get tips from them. What were their main challenges? What would they do differently? Resources for students traveling abroad Staying Healthy Abroad University Health Services at the Tang Center provides essential health resources for students traveling abroad, including the International Travel Clinic. The clinic guides members of the campus community in protecting their health while traveling throughout the world. Berkeley SHIP provides world-wide health care coverage. Learn more about using your SHIP insurance abroad. The “Health Checklist” helps you to maintain a good health habits while away. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers a “Traveler Information Center” with destination-specific information for travelers. Other Travel Websites USA.gov — Find an A-Z list of international travel resources on currency exchange rates, entry requirements, international driver’s licenses, travel warnings, and more. TravelInsurance.com — Compare and buy additional private travel insurance. When you need emergency medical care, medical evacuation insurance, or trip interruption insurance, it is worth all the years you paid for it and didn’t use it. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a service for US citizens traveling abroad to register their trips with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.