How to Prepare for Departure

Make sure to read through the information in the Pre-Departure Tutorial before your program begins.  It's packed with valuable information and resources tailored for your Learning Abroad experience. 

Before making any travel arrangements, you must obtain travel approval to ensure your trip is registered with UNSW. This enables UNSW to provide you in-country assistance through International SOS and coverage under UNSW travel insurance

You can seek approval for your travel by completing the Student Travel Risk Assessment survey, which is available in the Pre-Departure Tutorial.

If you are undertaking an internship or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program abroad, you should also refer to Preparing for your WIL activity.

Once your travel is approved you will receive information from International SOS with details on how to access the International SOS app and update your details and travel itinerary.

It is important to check UNSW’s travel insurance and be aware of what you are covered for.  It is your responsibility to read and understand all details of the policy.  If UNSW insurance does not meet your requirements, you should arrange your own travel coverage through a private insurance provider.  

It is essential you have adequate insurance cover while you are travelling. See Smartraveller's guide to buying travel insurance and make sure you are covered!

UNSW has partnered with International SOS to provide our staff & students with emergency assistance for personal security, medical assistance, and any other unforeseen issues you experience while travelling. These types of issues could include injuries or illnesses, threats to personal safety, or lost personal items (passports, wallets, prescriptions, etc).

International SOS can also provide in-depth country-related advice, answer questions related to your travel (both before & during your trip) and will contact you if an incident or event occurs in your location to provide assistance as needed.  

Students travelling on approved travel can contact International SOS through the Assistance app, or by calling the International SOS Assistance number (+61 2 9372 2468) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

You are required to follow the steps below:

1. Download the International SOS Assistance App on your phone (at Apple or Android) UNSW Membership Number: 12AGDA1060336
2. Create an account (or log in if you already have one) using your student zID email (z[studentnumber]@ad.unsw.edu.au) via Single Sign-on (SSO).
3. Update your contact details in the Assistance App.
4. Enable location sharing in the app settings.
5. Save the International SOS Sydney Assistance Number (+61 2 9372 2468) in your phone contacts. 
6. Add your travel details in the 'my trip' section in the App once you have booked your flights. 

As a UNSW traveller, you must keep the app installed while traveling on UNSW business. 

On arrival at your destination, you should check in via the International SOS app and ensure the location service is turned on for your safety. 

More information on International SOS’s services is also available on the UNSW MyTravel site.