When travelling overseas, it is important you remain vigilant, know what to do in a critical incident and look after your safety and wellbeing.
Safety and security
1. Stay up to date with the travel status of places you visit and continue to monitor International SOS and DFAT website for updates and travel advice.
2. On arrival you should register with your nearest government representative, your host university and remember to update your contact details on myUNSW up to date.
3. Ensure your overseas contact and location details are kept up to date via International SOS. You can use the app to let us know if you are travelling to a different location to your original travel plans, this includes all holiday travel. This ensures you receive any critical information for your location.
4. In the event of an emergency or if you need immediate assistance please contact International SOS.
5. Don’t forget to practice good hand hygiene, wear masks as advised, follow local public health orders and monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. If you are feeling unwell you should get tested.
Critical incidents
UNSW relies on advice from International SOS and DFAT for travel related matters. If a warning is issued for the country you are in or UNSW deems it unsafe for you to stay, you must leave as soon as possible.
In the event of a critical incident and/or your need immediate assistance, please contact International SOS on +61 2 9372 2468 or via their app.
You should:
- follow the advice of International SOS in relation to your travel and safety
- ensure you have the International SOS App on your smartphone for quick access to travel security alerts and relevant travel-related information
- keep your location and contact details up to date via the International SOS app
- use the Check-in feature in the app if you are in a different location to your original travel plans
The following offices should also be informed as soon as possible:
- The International Office at your host university. Keep their contact details handy
- The UNSW Exchange team for Exchange Programs
- Your UNSW Faculty for Faculty short programs
- Where the incident occurs after hours you can also contact UNSW Security on +61 2 9385 6666. State clearly to the control room operator accepting the call you are a UNSW student currently overseas and need assistance
- UNSW insurance provider or your personal insurance provider
Incidents such as being robbed or mugged should be reported to local police and also the Australian Diplomatic Mission who will be able to provide information.
Natural disasters
Should an unforeseen disaster occur such as an earthquake, typhoon, tornado, tsunami, it is essential that in addition to the above you also make contact with the local Australian diplomatic mission:
www.dfat.gov.au
www.smartraveller.gov.au
If UNSW or the Australian Government determines that travel to a host country be cancelled, your exchange or travel will be suspended, and you should make immediate arrangements to follow the advice provided to you by UNSW. This may mean returning home immediately.
Personal wellbeing
Wellbeing is about how well we balance our lives not just at university but at home as well. Don’t forget about this when overseas. Contact your host university on how you can participate in university life to achieve work/life balance.
Preparing for culture shock
Culture shock is real and it is important to be prepared. To read more about it and for useful tips see the Pre-Departure Tutorial.
The stress of being in a new environment can often cause anxiety. If you are feeling isolated and unwell, you should talk to a counsellor or the health services at your host university.
Keep your family updated
Keep your family updated on your travel plans and let them know you are safe. Contact family from each new destination so that you ‘check-in’ after arrival.