Health & Safety

If you incurred personal expenses through a travel disruption, such as medical costs while out of the country, travel interruption or cancelation, trip delay, delayed or lost baggage, you may be eligible for reimbursement through filing an insurance claim.

Have at hand:

• Your policy number, listed in your iNext welcome letter.
  • Can’t find your policy number? It’s in your iNext welcome letter, sent to most students a week or two after their program withdrawal deadline (April for Summer/Fall terms, November for Spring terms). Search your inbox for your welcome letter from email address “info@ci-mg.inext.com.”
• Your claims form(s) — various claims forms can be found from iNext’s website.
• Your documentation, including your receipt and proof of payment (most commonly a credit card statement).
• Any medical documentation, if relevant. Do not forward this information to the GEC.

Didn’t register your iNext account? You can still do so from your welcome letter.

Registered your iNext account but lost your password? Reset it by clicking “forgot password” from this link.

Don’t see your iNext email confirmation? Check your spam/junk folder.

This policy is among the most robust policies of its kind, but as with all insurance policies there are certain nuances that participants should understand.

The chart below can help participants understand what is covered and not covered:

Please note that this chart is intended to illustrate the insurance policy in broad strokes and cannot account for every individual circumstance. Claims must be filed and approved by iNext’s underwriting insurers.

iNext Forms & Documents

iNext Claims Forms

iNext Evacuation Information

Students are strongly encouraged to have a comprehensive pre-travel consultation with a physician. This should include an assessment of the student’s health and immunization history, length of program, destination country, activities, and other travel the student will undertake while abroad. The consultation should also cover the following:

• Country and region specific health and environmental information.
• A plan for continued treatment while abroad.
• Gender-specific health information.
• Required, recommended, and routine vaccinations.
• Advice and resources for students with special needs, including specific plans for students with preexisting conditions that include provisions for medications, ongoing care, and emergency treatment.
• General advice on nutrition and dietary deficiencies.
• Cautions about alcohol and drug use and a specific plan for those with preexisting dependency issues.
• Rabies education (avoid feeding or petting animals, and post-exposure measures).
• Blood borne pathogens precautions (needles, blood products, tattoos, piercings, surgeries, acupuncture) and safe sex (including emergency contraception).
• General instructions for emergency medical situations, including locating a physician abroad.
• Illness and accident insurance policies and emergency assistance coverage information, including medical and evacuation insurance (See International Health Insurance Information section above).
• Pre-travel medical and dental exams and treatment as indicated.
• Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to research what, if any, immunizations and/or medical tests are routine, recommended or required for your host country location(s).

It is your responsibility to obtain any immunizations and/or medical tests before you travel abroad. Be aware that some immunizations require more than one dose spread over time, so do not wait until the last minute to check on your host country and program’s immunization requirements.

Students should also be sure to inform their program manager or resident manager of any allergies or dietary restrictions before the program begins.

The U.S. Department of State website contains government-sponsored information regarding travel abroad, individual country profiles, travel alerts, travel warnings and worldwide cautions. We strongly encourage you to review this information and take advantage of the following Department of State links and services:

• The Students Abroad website provides government-sponsored information about study abroad.
• Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to provide the Department of State with information that can be used to better assist you in the case of an emergency.
• Visit the U.S. Embassy website to find embassy and consulate locations worldwide.
• The Smart Traveler app available on iTunes provides country-specific information, travel alerts, travel warnings, and access to the U.S. Department of State Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can access your STEP profile from the app and create new travel itineraries from your iPhone, iPod or iPad.

• Check to confirm your prescription medication is allowed in the country to which you are traveling.  It is critical for this to be confirmed before you leave so you can work with your treatment provider on how to handle if your prescriptions are not allowed or illegal.
• Take medications with you in your carry-on luggage, not in checked luggage. That way, if your luggage is lost or your plane is delayed, you will still have access to your medications.
• Bring a copy of the prescription or some other documentation identifying the medications as legitimately yours. If possible, keep your medication in its original bottle, which has the correct label and instructions.
• Keep a note in a separate place from your medications, listing the name, dose, and other instructions related to your medications, along with your own physician’s and pharmacist’s phone numbers. That way, if your medications are lost, you will have the information you need to obtain a new supply as quickly as possible.
• As much as possible, keep your medications in a cool, dry place that is safe from children, pets, and theft.
• Bring enough medications to last the program, or make arrangements in advance for how you will refill the prescription while you are abroad. For example, you may need to find out: Are there pharmacy services where you will be? Is your medication available there? Will you be able to use your U.S. insurance? Your U.S. prescription? Is it legal to have medications mailed to you there? How reliable is the governmental mail service and are other carriers available (e.g., FedEx)?
• Remember the effect and effectiveness of your medications can change with changes in stress, diet, and climate. Even if you have been stable and doing well on your medications, plan in advance what you will do if your medications become problematic and you need medical services while you are abroad.
• Maintain your medication schedule – even if it is inconvenient while you are on the road. Remember the schedule of medication may also change as time zones change – ask your treatment provider to advise you on how to adjust your medication schedule to a new time zone.
• Check whether the local tap water is safe before using it to take medications. If the local water is not safe to drink, use bottled water or bottled soda (unless otherwise indicated by your prescription).
• If you are going to be abroad a significant amount of time and are not able to speak with your treatment provider over the phone, Skype, FaceTime, etc. try to locate a provider abroad – a U.S.-trained provider is preferable, for the continuity of your care and to minimize language problems. Your treatment provider, insurance company, program abroad, or the U.S. embassy in that location, are good places to ask for the names and contact information of local providers.

• If you are in therapy and plan to spend enough time in one location abroad that you want to continue your therapy there, work in advance to locate a provider. A U.S.-trained provider is preferable, for the continuity of your care and to minimize language problems. Your insurance company, your program abroad, the U.S. embassy in that location or your current therapist are good resources to ask for the names and contact information of local providers.
• It may helpful for your current therapist to be in touch with your therapist abroad. Ask your current therapist if you need to sign a release before you go to a mental health provider abroad. You may be able to sign such a release even if you don’t yet know the name of your new therapist abroad.
• Carry with you the number of the local U.S. embassy, your program director, a family member, and your current therapist in case you need to reach someone in an emergency.
• Be aware of the attitudes towards mental illness in the culture you are visiting. Whether you decide to be very private or very open about your own mental health issues, you can use this opportunity to learn about how different cultures approach mental well-being and mental illness.
• Don’t be surprised if you experience strong emotional reactions to being in a very new and different place. It can feel very strange to be far from everyone you know and everything you are used to. You may feel anxious, or homesick, or frustrated, or fearful, or self-conscious, in ways that are quite unlike your usual self. Such “culture shock” is often a normal and temporary reaction to new surroundings. If you feel you need some emotional support as you get adjusted, or you feel your emotional reactions are more severe than a normal adjustment phase, seek out the help of a someone who you know you can trust like a host parent, a teacher, professor, or your program administrator.
• For comfort, bring a photo of a loved one with you, or a favorite object to remind you of home. Don’t bring anything that you couldn’t stand being lost or stolen. Keep a journal. Send lots of letters home describing your new surroundings.
• Introduce yourself to others and try to strike up pleasant conversation, even in the face of language difficulties. Friendship can be a wonderful cure for culture shock.

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Looking at your phone, at a map, or otherwise being unaware of those around you puts you at risk.
• If you are going out, especially at night, always let someone know where you are going to and when they should expect you to return.
• Don’t go out alone. The most important safety tip is to always go out with at least one other person.
  • Be aware that you are easily identified as an American in large groups and might be targeted for that reason. You can minimize risks and avoid obvious dangers by keeping a low profile, and not identifying yourself as American by dress, speech, or behavior. Avoid loud conversations or arguments.
• Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys, or poorly lit streets.
• Make sure to always lock your doors and do not bring people back to your accommodations when possible.
• Do not leave money and other valuables exposed in your room while you are out. Use a safe if one is available.
• Do not give out your name or address and do not share program information with strangers. Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
• Know where the nearest police stations and hospitals are, and keep emergency numbers handy.
• Avoid scam artists by being wary of strangers who approach you and offer to be your guide or sell something at bargain prices.
• Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will jostle you, distract you, or create a disturbance.
• Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
• If you are confronted, do not fight back – give up your valuables. Your life is more valuable than any material possession.
• Avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities. Demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can turn violent or lead to you being arrested.
• Read the fire safety instructions in your room. Know how to report a fire, and be sure you know where the nearest fire exits and alternate exits are located.
• Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Do not get into unmarked cabs or accept rides from strangers.
  • If they have a meter, make sure they turn it on. If they do not have a meter, ask in advance how much the journey will cost.
• Well-organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourist routes is a problem.  It is more common at night and especially overnight.
  • Whenever possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage and secure your valuables.
  • Be aware that the same type of criminal activity found on a train can be found on a public bus on a popular tourist route.

Food and water contamination is one of the leading causes of illness for travelers. Basic precautions can minimize the risk of diarrhea and other illnesses. Specific food and water recommendations depend on the destination country. In many developing countries, the only safe sources of water are factory-sealed bottles or water that has been purified (see Water Disinfection for Travelers).

• Avoid ice in drinks, as the ice may have been made with unsafe water.
• Cooked foods should be eaten hot.
• Raw fruits and vegetables should be eaten only if they have been washed in clean water or peeled by the traveler.
• Poor refrigeration, undercooked meat, and food purchased from street vendors could pose problems related to food contamination.

See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Food & Water Precautions page for more information.

The rules and regulations of the host country, city, region, and institution may differ from those at home. Students must always abide by the legal system of their host country. Additional information on host country laws may be found on the Department of State website.

• You MUST obey the local laws of the host country in which you’re studying. It makes no difference if you did not know the law and U.S. citizenship does not exempt you from full prosecution in your host country.
• Many countries impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor or legal in the U.S., and you may be considered guilty until proven innocent. Disagreeing with the moral or cultural basis of a law does not exempt you from obeying the laws of your host country.
• In many countries, you can be detained for photographing security-related institutions, such as police and military installations, government buildings, airports, border areas, and transportation facilities. If you are in doubt, ask permission before taking photographs. You should also ask permission before taking photographs of local people.
• Don’t accept packages from anyone, regardless of what may be offered or what story you are told. You could miss your flight, your exams, or several years of your life behind bars.
• Do not accept rides, drinks, food, or gifts from strangers, especially if you are alone.

If you find yourself in legal trouble, contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. U.S. Consular employees cannot arrange for local officials to release detained American citizens. Elon University will also be unable to assist or intervene on your behalf. Avoid getting yourself in trouble and stay away from others engaged in questionable behavior. Always inform a program leader or provider staff member if you are worried about another student’s behavior.

Traffic crashes are a major cause of injury to students while traveling abroad. Vehicular traffic is not always regulated to the extent it is in the United States, and traffic laws may differ. For instance, students should be made aware of countries where traffic travels on the left side of the road instead of the right as in the United States. If not aware, students may look in the wrong direction for oncoming traffic and risk being hit by a car.

Students should also be counseled to choose safe and legitimate modes of travel in their destination countries. Each US Department of State country information sheet includes “Traffic Safety and Road Conditions” content to help assess conditions in a specific country. A good source of information on transportation safety is the Association for Safe International Road Travel.

Under no circumstances should you swim alone or on beaches where there are no lifeguards or warning signs. Be careful and informed about water safety before approaching unfamiliar bodies of water.

Swimming in contaminated water can put you at risk for contracting certain infectious diseases. Be aware of common water-borne pathogens, especially those in freshwater.

There are risk factors associated with the use of needles, tattoos, piercing, surgeries, and acupuncture. In addition to the risk of contaminated needles, the water used to create tattoo ink is often shared and can be contaminated with blood-borne pathogens.

Always be prepared. Practice safe sex (bring adequate condoms, birth control, and emergency contraception). Educate yourself on social customs of host location(s) with regard to dating, public displays of affection, same-sex relationships, and sexual intimacy.

Stay informed of any political unrest that may take place in your city or country. Avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities. There may be an increased risk of anti-American activity during periods of political conflict. Even demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can sometimes turn violent, and you could be arrested, even if you just happen to be in the vicinity of a protest.

The country in which you study may not consider unwanted sexual attention as harassment even if it would clearly be harassment in the U.S. or if other people (including local residents) might consider it a problem. The safest way to manage unwanted sexual attention is to immediately distance yourself from the individual or situation, speak up in a clear and firm manner when possible, and most importantly, report the incident immediately to your program administrator or housing coordinator.  Reporting the incident and those involved helps keep you and others safe.

Be aware that some men may mistake friendliness for romantic interest. If you feel that someone is misunderstanding you, distance yourself from them immediately and connect with someone from your group. Dress in ways that are culturally appropriate for the country in which you are studying. Never accept drinks from strangers.  If you put your drink down and leave it – even for a minute – throw it away. Never invite people you do not know into your apartment. Even if you know someone, use caution when hosting anyone not in your program in your apartment. Again, making sure that you are never alone with someone helps keep you safe.

Sexual and relationship violence are never your fault. To reduce the possibility of sexual or relationship violence, there are some important points to remember. The perception that Americans are very sexually active, heavy partiers (i.e. liberally consume alcohol and other drugs), and want to have romantic or sexual relationships with people from other countries are common stereotypes believed in other parts of the world. While these stereotypes most likely comes from the prevalence of glamorized TV and movies, and may surprise you, they need to be taken seriously in order to reduce the potential for harm. Violence against women is a growing concern all over the world. Sexual violence is prevalent in all cultures. Sometimes when students are out of a familiar environment, they are even more vulnerable to these crimes. Please remember that if someone commits one of these crimes against you, you are not responsible.

Things to think about while studying abroad:

• Talking about sex or sexual encounters may be interpreted as a “come on”.
• Dancing in clubs may also be interpreted as a “come on”.
• Though hitchhiking may be more common in other cultures, it carries the same dangers that it would in the United States, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other mental or physical harm.
• Kissing someone “goodbye” or “hello” has different meanings in different cultures. Before performing these behaviors be sure that you are communicating appropriately in the cultural environment where you are studying.
• Be firm and assertive when you say NO. Be clear and direct to be certain that your intention and words are understood.
• If someone is making you uncomfortable, leave the situation. Ideally, find someone in your group and stick with that person. If necessary, go to your program administrator or apartment manager. You do not owe someone politeness when they are making you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Be aware that  sexual or relationship violence can happen amongst students from the U.S. studying abroad. Take precautions when considering a romantic or sexual relationship with a fellow U.S. student as well.
• If something happens to you, it is NOT your fault. Know that there are people and resources at Elon here to help you. Seek support and information as soon as possible.

Any student may call the Coordinator for Violence Response via SafeLine at 336-278-3333 for help. Speaking with the Coordinator for Violence Response is COMPLETELY confidential. She will not call your parents unless you want help speaking with them about the incident. She will not share information with any other University administration unless you give permission first. The Coordinator for Violence Response is available to support you in the way you feel best during your experience, if you decide to return home, and when you return to the Elon campus.

If you suspect someone has been drugged, has overdosed, or is experiencing alcohol poisoning, do not hesitate to contact emergency services or take them directly to a hospital. Do not leave them alone or allow them to go with anyone who is not medical personnel.

Drinking ages vary from country to country, but excessive drinking is inappropriate and unsafe in all countries. Excessive drinking can lead to serious consequences, including dismissal from the program, injury, or even death. If you do drink, do so responsibly and in moderation.

Regardless of the laws of your host country, use of any drug, by an Elon student may result in termination from the program at the student’s own expense. Elon University will not assume responsibility for you if you are arrested for drug use or possession. Something that might be considered a misdemeanor in the US could be seen as a felony in another country. Laws concerning drugs may be much more stringent and penalties more severe in your host country. Being a citizen of the United States does not matter; You are always subject to the laws of the country you are in. The U.S. Consulate will not get you released if you are arrested. They can only help notify family and arrange a lawyer. All Elon students are held to the academic and social policies of the Elon University Honor Code, Elon University Student Handbook, and GEC Study Away Student Handbook at all times.