Safety Considerations for Independent Study & Field Research Abroad

• Review relevant resources, including DoS country information page/s, the CDC Travelers’ Health page/s, or your destination’s official embassy websites for travel document or vaccination (e.g., yellow fever, COVID, etc.) entry requirements.
• International students may have different/additional requirements. The U-M International Center can provide additional information.

• Determine U-M Country Risk Rating and related requirements for your destination/s.
• Register any U-M Related Travel (UMRT).
• All travelers on UMRT are required to enroll in U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance.
• Determine any additional unit-level processes and requirements (refer to the Education Abroad Office Contact list to determine contact information).

• Determine if on-site partners can assist with organizing and/or managing in-country logistics such as housing, transportation, communications, etc.
• Determine whether they can provide emergency support services or help manage emergencies, and if so, how.
• See Partnering with an NGOs Overseas on Global Michigan for more info.

• Identify any required host country permit/s (for equipment, specific activities in-country, etc.) and begin the application process/es.
• Obtain official documentation of being a U-M student/faculty conducting research in the field. This may include contacting your department administrator to get a departmental letter of introduction and good standing.
• Identify necessary personal protective equipment or specialized training for participants in your specific field context (e.g., first aid training, equipment or procedural training, etc.).
• Begin identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies for all aspects of your travel, including but not limited to those listed in this Self-guided Risk Management Prompts and Resources for Planning International Travel document.
  • If your field site is remote (i.e., little or no connectivity, difficult ingress/egress, etc.), make special considerations for communications and medical access / evacuation.
• Understand and develop appropriate emergency protocols for each leg of travel, including:
  • U-M’s General Emergency Protocols;
  • emergency support from local collaborators;
  • local emergency services / first responders contact info;
  • how to use your GeoBlue health insurance to access health care.

• Determine financial contingency plans, such as having access to departmental or other funds, in the event of unanticipated travel disruptions or travel health-related expenses not covered by insurance.

• Register your U-M Related Travel (for Group Travel, units or group leaders are encouraged to register the entire group by submitting a Request Form for Registering Student Group Travel Abroad).
• UMRT travelers must have U-M’s GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance (note: students must obtain the insurance, while faculty and staff are automatically covered under the “Business Travel” plan. Details are on the UHS Travel Abroad Health Insurance webpage).
• Complete a Travel Health Plan or Safety Plan for review by the International Travel Oversight Committee at least 4 weeks pre- departure if required by your destination’s U-M Country Risk Rating.

• Using your health insurance benefits (including downloading the GeoBlue app and identifying, scheduling appointments with, and/or accessing local healthcare providers, etc.);
• In- and out-of-network payment models;
• Downloading and learning to use GeoBlue’s Global TeleMD 24/7 medical consultation app;
• Accessing the GeoBlue app’s Global Wellness Assist feature for non-clinical mental health consultation;
• Using the Post-Departure Trip Interruption benefit for transportation/lodging costs (for covered reasons);
• Using Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation Coverage for your destination/s, if applicable;
• Additional up-to-date resources on the UHS Travel Abroad Health Insurance webpage.

• Download the AlertTraveler info service app (free to those who register travel to U-M’s Travel Registry).
• Register your travel dates with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or your country of citizenship’s equivalent.
• Resilient Travel – Managing Stress and Enhancing your Experience Abroad.
• U-M Safety Abroad Orientation.
• Information & Technology Services’ Traveling with Technology and Data Security resources.

• Review Global Michigan’s Identities Abroad webpage.
• Review relevant lab safety rules, regulations, or protocols.
• Review relevant local laws of the host destination/s (you are subject to all local laws while abroad) and U-M’s Arrested or Detained While Abroad Emergency Protocols.
• Confirm local support with NGOs, government collaborators, other University collaborators, or personal contacts at your field site abroad.

In case of emergencies, access guidance and contact information in the U-M General Emergency Protocols pdf download (also available on the Global Michigan website).

• Step 1: Tend to your immediate safety and/or medical needs.
  • Get somewhere you feel safe.
  • Seek emergency medical treatment, if necessary.
  • Contact local authorities, if necessary.

• Step 2: Connect with local contacts and/or local support networks.
  • Contact your U-M program leader or on-site partner.
  • Reach out to local people you trust for assistance.
  • Contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate or that of your country of citizenship, if necessary.

• Step 3: Contact U-M to provide a status update and get guidance for the next steps.
  • Contact your U-M Dept./emergency contact.
  • For urgent emergencies, contact your campus DPSS to be transferred to a U-M emergency responder for international travelers.
  • For non-urgent matters, you can contact Global Engagement at global.safety@umich.edu.

• For urgent health matters, seek the nearest medical services immediately. When possible, obtain receipts for your reimbursement claim. GeoBlue will reimburse even if the provider is out of the GeoBlue network.
• For non-urgent matters, use the GeoBlue app or call +1 610 254 8771 to identify and schedule appropriate medical care, including arranging for a direct payment, so you do not have to pay out of pocket.
• Access mental telehealth services through the GeoBlue app’s Global Wellness Assist feature for non-clinical mental health consultation.
• Access telehealth consultation with a medical professional through GeoBlue’s Global TeleMD app.
• The Post-Departure Trip Interruption benefit can reimburse transportation and/or lodging & incidental expenses for particular covered injury or illness reasons.
• Visit the UHS GeoBlue Travel Abroad Health Insurance webpage for additional up-to-date insurance information and resources.

• Access GeoBlue’s Global Wellness Assist service in one of the following ways:
  • Through the GeoBlue Mobile app
  • By texting +44 790 934 1229 and include your name, location, phone number, and issue
  • Toll-free numbers for several countries are listed on the back of the Global Wellness Assist flyer (linked above).
  • If your country doesn’t have a toll-free number, dial +44 20 8987 6228.
• UHS offers resources for stress and mental health.
  • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free, confidential services for U-M students, including 24-hour phone support at 734-764-8312.

• Get to a safe place as quickly as possible.
• Contact a trusted friend, family member, or colleague who can offer immediate support.
• Contact authorities, if necessary.
• Access U-M support resources as needed:
  • U-M Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct Reporting and Resources
  • SAPAC support services website
  • DPSS Sexual Assault response and resources
• For support resources external to U-M, RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) has a 24/7 hotline number at: +1 800-656-HOPE (4673) or SASHAA (Sexual Assault Support and Help for Americans Abroad) at: +1 866-USWOMEN (879-6636).

• Ask the detaining authorities to notify the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate (for U.S. citizens) or Embassy/Consulate of your country of citizenship (for non-U.S. citizens).
• Understand what a U.S. Embassy or Consular official can and can’t do for you.
• Inform U-M through your department or your campus DPSS.
• For additional guidance, check out U-M’s What To Do: Arrest or Detention While Abroad

• Get somewhere safe, stay informed of the situation, and avoid all large gatherings, protests, demonstrations, or other unsafe areas.
• U.S. citizens can connect with the U.S. Department of State by calling 1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 (overseas), or by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy/ Consulate. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy/Consulate of their country of citizenship for assistance.
• For additional guidance, access U-M’s What To Do: Civil Unrest/Political Instability While Abroad

• Stay informed of the situation, get somewhere safe, and follow directions from local authorities or emergency responders.
• U.S. citizens can connect with the U.S. Department of State by calling 1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 (overseas) or by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy/Consulate of their country of citizenship for assistance.
• For additional guidance, access U-M’s What To Do: Natural Disasters/Severe Weather While Abroad

• File a report with local authorities, if necessary.
• Cancel missing credit/debit cards or other forms of electronic payment, remotely lock or data wipe your devices if able, and/or file insurance claims if your lost valuables are covered.
• For lost or stolen passports, or if you are the victim of a theft or other crime while abroad, U.S. citizens can contact the nearest U.S. Embassy/Consulate or the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas). Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy/Consulate of their country of citizenship.
• For additional guidance, access U-M’s What To Do: Loss or Theft of Valuables While Abroad

• Follow unit-specific protocols and UHS incident response best practices.
• Follow U-M EHS Occupational Incident Reporting guidelines, if necessary.