Health, Safety & Emergencies

YES

• All TCU students, faculty and staff traveling abroad on TCU programs or business are automatically covered under the university’s accident and illness insurance plan through On Call at no cost to the individual.
• You are covered by On Call International’s insurance for the program dates only.
• You should also maintain your own U.S. (or home country) health insurance while abroad. Consider the On Call insurance as a supplement to your own personal policy.
• For more information, review the On Call Brochure.

• If you have been treated in the last year - or are currently being treated - for any serious or chronic physical or mental health conditions, carefully consider how you will manage your health needs where care is different and where you will experience new and unexpected stressors. Consider sharing with TCU staff or program leaders any serious issues that may impact you while traveling or any vital medication you take, and add your medical info to your smartphone medical ID.
• Visit with your personal physician and a representative at On Call to discuss plans and tools for handling health conditions and concerns abroad.
• If you have any serious food, drug, animal, or other allergies, contact On Call for advice on handling your allergies while abroad.
• If you are on a medically restricted diet, carefully consider how you will manage your health where availability of food and goods are different.

• Contact On Call to see if your prescription medication is allowed in your host country and discuss a plan if your prescriptions are not allowed or are illegal.
• Keep your medication in its original, labeled container. Pack medications with you in your carry-on luggage, not in checked luggage.
• Where appropriate, bring a copy of the prescription or letter from the attending physician describing the medical condition and the generic name of the prescribed medication.
• Bring enough medication for your entire trip, or make arrangements in advance for options to refill the prescription while you are abroad. It is generally not advisable to have medication mailed to you.
• 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.
• Maintain your medication schedule, even if it is inconvenient while you are on the road. Ask your treatment provider to advise you on how to adjust your medication schedule to a new time zone.
• Consider packing a health travel-kit with over the counter medicine for minor needs.

• For iPhone: Go to your Health App and select Medical ID. (See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207021)
• For Android: Go to GooglePlay Store and download the Medical ID app (see https://medicalid.app/)

Contact On Call at +1 603-952-2062 and also contact your local on-site staff. On Call provides emergency services, medical referrals, and insurance while abroad.

If you have a CRITICAL emergency

• Life abroad can lead to new and unexpected stressors, or can trigger existing ones.
• Being away is not an escape from problems.
• It is common to have bad days and frustrating experiences.
• Communicate with people when you’re struggling and seek out help.
• Try to create routines and familiarity.

The most important tip of all is to use good judgment:

• Do not take unnecessary risks.
• Be alert and aware, be sensible, and take precautions.
• Do not let the sense of adventure override your common sense.
• Do not let your peers negatively influence your actions.
• Do not let alcohol cloud your judgment.

• Carry your housing address with you until you have it memorized.
• Be discrete about consulting maps.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people in it.
• Avoid walking alone at night; stay along well-lit streets.

• Notify program leaders / staff when travelling outside the program city.
• Keep in contact with family, especially if there are newsworthy items in and around your host country or locations you are visiting.
• Program important contact numbers into your phone, using proper country/area codes.
• Update your cell phone number on global.tcu.edu if prompted.
• Respond to requests from TCU Global to check-in.

• Don’t carry large amounts of money, & be conscientious with your belongings.
• Don’t draw negative attention to yourself by being loud, obnoxious, or drunk.
• Keep an eye on your friends; don’t leave friends alone at bars / nightclubs.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, use moderation.
• Avoid protest groups and political rallies. Attendance might cause you to lose your visa.

• Traffic laws and habits differ.
• Traffic may move in a counter direction.
• Roads may be poorly lit or maintained.
• Pedestrians may find themselves dodging motorcycles on sidewalks.

• Be alert to diversionary tactics and ploys to distract you.
• Be careful in crowded situations, such as busy sidewalks, public transportation, or large events and markets.
• Try to blend in with the locals, or at least minimize the "rich American tourist" look, such as not wearing American “gear” such as caps, t-shirts and sweatshirts with American logos, and tennis shoes. Lower the volume of your voice.
• Limit the amount of valuables you have with you and be very conscientious about what you do carry.
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket, or in a bag that you carry across your torso rather than on your back.
• Do not ever leave your belongings unattended.

• Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and judgment and can lead to accidents injuries.
• Be aware that walkways and railings may be insecure, in disrepair, or non-existent.
• Do not climb over railings/barriers, or onto surfaces not intended for pedestrians.
• Do not swim alone or in unfamiliar waters. Even if you're a strong swimmer, circumstances beyond your control (like rip currents) can kill.
• Do not jump into unfamiliar water.
• Do not dive in shallow water. Always enter water feet first.
• Heed water warnings, but be aware that not all beaches post water conditions.
• Be cautious on poorly lit, uneven, or wet flooring. Wear supportive footwear to avoid slips and falls.

• Define your personal boundaries
• Learn social norms about personal space, touching, and gender dynamics
• Balance independence with your own safety
• Trust your gut
• Speak up
• Use awareness and strategies as you do at home:
  • Do not leave your drink unattended
  • Do not go out alone
  • Be aware that smiling or friendliness can be misinterpreted as romantic interest. Be prepared to respond to such misinterpretations.

• TCU Confidential CARE Advocate care.tcu.edu 817-257-5225
• TCU Police (24 hours): 817-257-7777
• TCU Office of Institutional Equity, oie@tcu.edu or oie.tcu.edu

• Resources for LGBTQ+ Study Abroad Students
• LGBT Study Abroad Guide by GoAbroad
• U.S. State Department’s LGBTI Travelers

• Your on-site leaders and staff
• On Call International (TCU's Global Assistance Provider): 1-603-952-2062 . For more information, see the On Call Resource Hub.
• TCU: 1-817-257-0000 or emergencyabroad@tcu.edu  for serious emergencies

• TCU Confidential CARE Advocate care.tcu.edu 817-257-5225
• TCU Police (24 hours): 817-257-7777
• TCU Office of Institutional Equity, oie@tcu.edu or oie.tcu.edu

Contact On Call at +1 603-952-2062 and also contact your local on-site staff. On Call provides emergency services, medical referrals, and insurance while abroad.

If you have a CRITICAL emergency