TRITONS IMPACTED BY EVENTS ABROAD
Global Initiatives understands that unexpected events occurring around the globe can have a direct or indirect impact on our campus community. Whether it is a geopolitical conflict or natural disaster, the effects can be complex, distressing, and far-reaching. We are here to provide support and connection to resources for those navigating difficulties. Please reference the following resources available to you during these challenging times.
- Health & Wellness
- Community Support Hour, hosted every Tuesday from 1:30 - 2:30 PM, is a space for international students to connect, prioritize well-being and mental health, navigate challenges and strategize ways to thrive, and learn about campus resources. Activities include mindfulness and meditation exercises, arts and crafts, etc. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Visit ievents.ucsd.edu for information on location and registration details.
- The team of professional counselors at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) are available to help all students in crisis or who are feeling stress. All services are confidential and can be offered in multiple languages. Visit their website or call (858) 534-3755.
- For students residing internationally or outside California, CAPS also offers non-clinical resources for you.
- Student Affairs Case Management Services (SACM) creates a culture of care via inclusive, comprehensive support services that empower UC San Diego students to address all aspects of their health and well-being.
- Togetherall: a peer-to-peer mental health support community which is available online, 24/7.
- Campus Community Centers offer places of belonging.
- Mental Health Support with Lyra
- Academic Support
- Contact your professor and let them know about your situation; they may be able to provide some accommodation.
- Additional support:
- Resources Specifically for International Students: Advising & Services
- Basic Needs & Financial Aid
- Health & Wellness
- The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program is a confidential Employee Assistance Program which helps all main campus faculty and staff, and all postdoctoral scholars and visiting scholars (including Health Sciences/ Health system) with well-being and has licensed, professional counselors available to talk to you. Schedule an appointment online or call (858) 534-5523.
- UC San Diego Health Sciences/ UC San Diego Health System employees can contact their Employee Assistance Program aligned with their medical coverage. For questions about your benefits, please contact the UC San Diego Health Human Resources team via this protected employee portal or call (619) 543 3200.
- International Advising & Services
- Health & Wellness
- Extended Studies International Students may access off-campus counseling services through the Anthem medical insurance plan. For assistance, students should contact the International Programs Health and Welfare team at [email protected].
- Academic Support
- English Language Institute students should contact their academic advisor at [email protected] .
- Certificate and University and Professional Studies students should contact their academic advisors at [email protected].
- International Advising & Services
Travel Resources
List of online resources for UC San Diego faculty, researchers, post-doctoral scholars, staff and students preparing to travel abroad for University business purposes and emergency contact resources while abroad.
- University of California Travel Policy and Process
If you are new or planning to travel soon, use this checklist to navigate the travel pre-authorization, booking, and reconciliation process at UC San Diego.
- Concur Travel and Policy
UC San Diego highly recommends the use of Concur—the official booking site for all business travel including employees and traveling companion. Booking via Concur automatically enrolls you in UC travel insurance program.
- Field Operational Planner
Required for all travel involving undergraduate students and strongly recommended for all other University-related travel. For Global Seminars programs, please contact Study Abroad regarding their 56 Point Memo for program proposal requirements.
- Export Control Considerations
Before making travel arrangements for UC San Diego business or personal travel with UC San Diego equipment or material, contact UC San Diego Export Control Office. Export Control will determine if your travel to a country subject to U.S. sanctions requires a license.
- Travel Safety Considerations
Consult with UC San Diego Risk Management for further consultation about travel safety considerations in regarding certain destination locations or activities.
Pre-Planning: Steps for preparing to travel abroad
Pre-planning tips and considerations while abroad
- Register for UC Travel insurance Program.
UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) students are automatically registered in the UC Travel Insurance Program. Other study abroad students should register at UC Away travel registration. This is free travel insurance which includes international health coverage, emergency alerts from Crisis 24, as well as other emergency services such as emergency evacuation in a crisis situation.
- Follow country specific travel advice at the U.S. State Department web site.
Countries with Level 3 indicate that travelers should “Reconsider Travel.” Consult your study abroad adviser to determine if the program will continue. Level 4 countries are designated “Do not travel” locations. Travel advisories and traveler information can be updated at a moment's notice, so check frequently during an emergency.
- Register for the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
This will notify the local U.S. Embassy that you are in the country and will allow them to better assist you if needed.
- Review the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for communicable diseases and/or public health issues abroad. The website has a country level scale similar to the State Department‘s travel advisories site. Consult with UC San Diego Student Health Services Travel Clinic regarding vaccination needs and availability.
- Have a communication plan with your family/friends. Stay in regular contact with them. Agree to use several methods of communication (e-mail, zoom, phone, Chat App, etc...) in case one is not working during an emergency.
- Check the local country’s laws regarding which medications and/or drugs are illegal in any country where you will be traveling. Note that medications and/or drugs that are legal in the US might be illegal abroad.
- Always bring enough prescription medication for the entire duration of the study abroad program.
- Make copies of all important documents such as your passport, credit cards, medical prescriptions, and visa.
- Inform the local study center staff as well as family/friends if you will be traveling outside of the host city for your study abroad program. Indicate where you are going and for how long.
- Do not travel alone. Whether traveling in your host city or more widely, always go with at least one other person. This is called the buddy system.
- Follow current events with local media and maintain situational awareness of your surroundings. Global news websites can also be a good source of information. A few examples include: CNN and BBC.
- Avoid political demonstrations which could turn violent.
- Consult up-to-date listings of security events happening in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
- Attend all orientations offered for your study abroad program. These include valuable information about health, safety, cultural adjustment, and many logistical issues. It is also an opportunity to meet the local on-site staff who can be important resources for you, especially in an emergency.
- Reach out to the study center staff for a referral to local counseling/medical services if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, and/or depression. Do not suffer in silence.
- Keep a small amount of cash in your money belt since some ATM’s may not be operating during an emergency.
- Avoid wearing clothing or jewelry that stands out in a crowd, especially anything with identifying information such as place names that could mark you are a visitor.
- Keep your mobile devices fully charged at all times.
Additional Resources, Links and Information:
UC San Diego Emergency Information
Important links for students abroad:
Resources for international students, faculty and scholars:
Other Resources
- World Health Organization
- Country Information and Report Resources
- Communications and Social Media Guidance Resources
- Travel Assistance Program While Abroad