Information for All Students
Information for Students Participating in EAP
All Students
The safety of students, staff, faculty and administrators is the University of California, Davis’ highest priority. UC Davis has developed guidelines and plans to honor its commitment to, and responsibility for the welfare of its students, staff, faculty and administrators while operating in another country. Campus administrators and staff, and on-site program leaders routinely and responsibly monitor local and international conditions, and provide support, counseling, and safety information. They are trained and knowledgeable about safety procedures and protocols and are experienced with taking action quickly and safely. UC Davis study abroad programs are supported by a wide and diverse network that includes the University of California’s Office of the President (UCOP), the Office of University Outreach and International Programs at UC Davis (UOIP), the Education Abroad Center (EAC), the University-wide Office of Education Abroad Programs (UOEAP), UC Davis’ partner host universities and agencies throughout the world, local U.S. embassies and consulates, the U.S. Department of State, and other international student exchange programs at each site. Furthermore, every program has a carefully prepared security plan, and campus administrators and staff remain in continuous contact with students abroad and professionals supporting UC Davis study abroad programs.
UC Davis pledges all its available resources to respond responsibly and commensurately to any emergency that might occur for any of its members while abroad and on official business. UC Davis will cooperate whenever possible and warranted with all national, international and private organizations to fulfill its obligations towards its members.
Participants in UC Davis study abroad programs must carefully read all pre-departure materials, and pay attention to information presented at pre-departure orientations. Once abroad, they must attend an on-site orientation with an important health and safety component, ask questions, stay abreast of local developments, and behave responsibly. They must register with the local U.S. embassy and become familiar with on-site emergency plans.
The best way that students can prepare for a healthy and safe study abroad experience is to inform themselves about basic health and safety issues before leaving the U.S., and to make informed, responsible and reasonable decisions concerning health and safety once abroad. In addition to normal concerns over appropriate immunizations and vaccinations, potable drinking water, and safe sex, other dangers must be considered, such as alcohol- and drug-related injuries and assaults, traffic accidents, local infectious diseases, discrimination and harassment, etc.
The permanently staffed entry point for all emergencies is the UC Davis Campus Dispatch, 530 – 752 - 1230, from where emergency reports will be channeled to the appropriate offices(s).
- US Department of State – Register My Trip
- US Department of State – Current Travel Warnings
- US Department of State – Consular Information Sheets
- US Department of State – US Embassies, Consulates, and Missions
- US Department of State – Road Safety Overseas
- US Department of State – General International Travel Info
- US Department of State – Medical Information for Americans Abroad
- US Department of State – Safe Travel
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Center for Global Education Safety Handbook – Advice for Parents
- Center for Global Education Safety Handbook – Country Specific
- Association for Safe International Road Travel
- University of Michigan International Center – News & Alerts
- Travel Health Online
H1N1 ("Swine Flu") Travel Information
The Education Abroad Center is committed to the safety of our students abroad and continues to monitor the spread of the novel H1N1 virus (previously labeled "Swine Flu"). There are no plans to cancel any of the 2009 UC Davis Summer Abroad or UC Davis Quarter Abroad programs at this time. UC Davis campus staff (including faculty program directors, campus health liaisons, and senior management) continue to review the situation and consult with regional assessments made by the CDC, WHO and various UC advisory groups on a regular basis. In addition, the UC Office of the President contracts with iJet - a independent risk management consulting firm - to provide immediate risk assessment and information.
If an H1N1 outbreak or infection threat occurs in the vicinity of a program, the Education Abroad Center and/or UC may decide to change the program structure or locations. In some cases, a program closure may be the safest option. Any decision to alter a program will be made in consultation with program providers, on-site program staff and UC liaisons, UC risk management teams and US and foreign embassies and departments of state. These assessments, decisions and any required actions will be communicated immediately to students and their emergency contacts as appropriate.
As the H1N1 virus continues to spread worldwide, each country has taken a number of precautions that differ widely. In some instances, local immigration and communities have imposed quarantines on suspected H1N1 carriers. While no UC Davis student on our programs has contracted H1N1 to date, these quarantines have affected a small number of our programs and we are working with local governments to comply with their policies. At all times we strive to preserve the regular academic program and to minimize the impact of the quarantines on our students. Additionally, all participating students are covered by ACE health insurance (a UC systemwide insurance policy) and a supplemental policy through HTH, with provisions for evacuation.
For additional information about public health issues for travelers worldwide, consult the online sources below:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. The CDC web site also contains advice for health maintenance (washing hands frequently, getting medical advice should symptoms occur) and a list of six ways to avoid contracting the flu (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_003).
The World Health Organization in Switzerland
U.S. Department of State international travel alerts
For information about the UC Davis campus response to the swine flu: http://ucdavis.edu/help/swine_flu.html
On April 29, the systemwide UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) cancelled its Spring program in Mexico after the CDC issued a Travel Health Warning. Per UC policy, EAP programs are closed/suspended where the CDC or US State Department issues a Travel Warning. Following the downgrade of the Travel Warning to a Travel Advisory, EAP has reopened Mexico programs for Summer and Fall 2009. EAP programs in other countries continue to operate as scheduled. For specific information regarding EAP programs: http://eap.ucop.edu/emergency_information/current_alerts/
EAP Students
Students participating in EAP programs MUST complete a medical clearance. In order to complete this requirement you need to stop by the EAC to pick up two health forms: The Confidential Health History Form (CHHF) and the Health Clearance Form. Please follow the instructions below to make sure your paperwork is processed in a timely manner.
- Health Clearance Process: You must complete the health clearance process by the deadline stated on the "UOEAP Participation Instructions" (e-packet) that you will receive via email from the University-wide Office of EAP (UOEAP). Typically, this deadline is one to two months prior to your departure. Please note that the process can take up to two months, so plan accordingly. It is important that you follow the instructions for each link.
