Preparing for Your Study Abroad Departure

Safety and Security

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service offered by the State Department that enables U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to  register their travel itinerary with the nearest US embassy or Consulate.  Once enrolled in STEP, participants will receive travel and security alerts pertaining to their travel destination.  It would also help the State Department locate you in case of emergency. Students are encouraged to register their itinerary prior to departure and update their accounts throughout their time abroad with additional travel plans.

International Health Insurance

Adelphi University requires all students studying abroad to have international insurance coverage. International insurance may already be included in your study abroad program fee and/or included in your current insurance plan. The Center for International Education recommends the following minimum coverage:

• $100,000 overall medical coverage overseas
• $100,000 security evacuation
• $25,000 repatriation
• $25,000 medical evacuation

For students who do not have international health insurance coverage through their study abroad program and/or personal insurance plan, Adelphi University has a contract with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI), which provides worldwide coverage that meets the aforementioned requirements.  Email cie@adelphi.edu for more information.

Optional Trip Insurance

Students may also elect to enroll in an optional plan to cover the unexpected costs incurred before or during your trip, as well as, protect you from financial loss due to any non-refundable payments. Unexpected costs might include flight cancellation/delays, extreme weather, lost or stolen property, and even the rare case of an act of terrorism.

There are numerous trip insurance options available. Below are two possible plans for you to consider and determine if  elective trip insurance will benefit you.

• Insure My Trip
  • Trip cancellation policy for any reason
  • The cost of insurance varies, typically 2%-5% of the trip cost
  • Insure My Trip
• CISI Personal Property and Liability Coverage
  • The plan provides coverage up to $5000 for personal property and $200,000 for liability.
  • CISI Personal Property and Liability Coverage

Educate Yourself

• Read and carefully consider all materials issued by CIE and your host institution that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, and religious conditions in host countries.
• Understand and comply with the terms of participation, codes of conduct, and emergency procedures of the program, and obey host country laws.
• Be aware of current events, local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions.
• Follow the program policies for keeping program staff informed of your whereabouts and well-being
• Take time to learn basic language phrases.
• Familiarize yourself with the currency and conversion rates.
• Pick up a book or watch a film to learn about your host country’s culture and history.
• Have a plan in case of emergency. (e.g. Do you know the local equivalent to 911?  Who is your local contact in case of emergency?  Where is the closest U.S. embassy?  Do you have important numbers written down in case you lose your cell phone?)