FAQs about Health and Safety Abroad

Safety while Abroad

Safety is RMC’s and OIE’s number one priority for our students, faculty, and staff on our programs. In addition to working closely with our study abroad partners in the U.S. and overseas, OIE and the College continuously monitor situations around the globe when creating programs and approving individuals and classes for OIE-supported travel.

We consider various factors and resources, which include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System, CDC & WHO guidance, the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) managed by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and specific information from the intended host institution.

OIE Health & Safety FAQs

Communication is key to managing your health and safety and alleviating concern. Please reply promptly to messages you receive from the Office of International Education and formulate a plan of communication with your loved ones before you go abroad.

For more information about frequently asked questions check the questions below.

Conduct Code While Abroad

The College’s Student Handbook and Conduct Code applies equally to behavior that occurs on or off College property, including while studying abroad. Therefore, any reported incident and subsequent disciplinary proceeding may proceed, as outlined in the Student Conduct Code and Sexual and Relationship Conduct Policy, even if any party is studying abroad. Any sanction(s) as a result of a disciplinary proceeding may result in immediate action(s), including but not limited to suspension or expulsion that can result in an immediate removal from a study abroad program at the student’s expense and lost academic credit(s).

Sexual Misconduct While Abroad

If you wish to notify someone at RMC of an emergency while you are abroad, you can call Campus Safety at (804) 752-4710 who will then reach out to the 24/7 emergency contact in the Office of International Education.

If you experience any incident(s) of sexual misconduct while abroad, you may still remotely access Randolph-Macon College’s confidential resources (i.e., Counseling Services and UWill telehealth, Student Health Center, and Office of the Chaplain). To contact UWill telehealth’s 24/7 crisis line, dial 833-646-1526 if you are located in the US, Canada, or the Caribbean. If you are located outside these regions, you may dial +1-984-268-2016.

The Office of International Education (OIE) staff are resources to you while abroad for any reason, including personal safety concerns. Please know that OIE staff are not confidential resources and must report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator, as outlined in the Sexual and Relationship Conduct Policy.

To report any incident(s) directly to the Title IX Coordinator, you may complete the Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Reporting Form. The Title IX Office aims to respond to any incident pursuant to Title IX and applicable law and College policies. While incidents that occur abroad may present challenges to the College’s ability to respond, the Title IX Coordinator is a resource for any student seeking support. For more information, please visit the Title IX Office online and/or email TitleIX@rmc.edu.

RMC’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Laura Soulsby, may also be reached at laurasoulsby@rmc.edu.

Additional resources:

Covid-19 and Travel

Students may be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to participate in study abroad programs by the faculty program leaders, the program provider, or the government of the host country or countries you are traveling to. There still may be travel restrictions, masking mandates, quarantine, and testing requirements, or other protocols related to COVID-19 in the country you are traveling to. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s international travel webpage.

Traveling with Disabilities

Students who require accessibility, mobility, medical, and disability-related accommodations can and do study abroad. RMC’s policy on academic accommodations applies to all students enrolled in faculty-led study-travel courses. For students on semester or year-long programs, OIE works with students to identify program options that can provide appropriate accommodations or fit student needs.

Before committing to any study abroad program or course, consider if the program/course requirements and environment are a good fit for you. While by its very nature, study abroad should challenge you and provide opportunities for new experiences, the OIE encourages students to reflect on their individual needs and understand the specifics of their program. Read OIE’s Student Accessibility Checklist for more guidance on considering individual needs and program specifics.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with one of the OIE staff to ask questions about studying abroad as a student with a disability/disabled student and to start planning your study abroad journey.

Accessing Medical Care Abroad

All students who study abroad through OIE programs are required to enroll in overseas medical insurance, either through RMC’s participating iNext insurance plan, the plan provided by ISEP or USAC, or another option, such as the national health insurance of your host country.

Most overseas medical insurance plans operate on a reimbursement basis, and you can go to the nearest medical facility in an emergency and be reimbursed for the costs after you receive treatment. However, check your specific plan to understand how your insurance policy works and how payments are handled.

It is also critical that you carry your insurance card with you while abroad so you can present it at the medical facility if you need treatment. Notify your program provider or faculty instructor if you are sick or injured so that they can support you as well.

If you know ahead of time that you will want to see a doctor for physical or mental health while abroad, you can research English-speaking doctors and counselors in your host city.

Bringing Prescription Drugs Abroad

Each country has its own laws related to medicines. Medicines that are commonly prescribed or available over the counter in the United States might be unlicensed or considered controlled substances in other countries. While rules vary by country, there can be serious consequences if you violate the laws at your destination, which may include authorities taking away your medicine, prison time, or other penalties. Check with your destination’s embassy and embassies of countries where you have layovers to make sure your medicines are permitted.

Many countries allow a 30-day supply of certain medicines but also require the traveler to carry a prescription or a medical certificate from their health care provider. If your medicine is not allowed at your destination, you may decide to talk with your healthcare provider about alternatives. However, some countries have an approval process for medications that are not allowed in-country. In Japan, for example, prescription narcotics and psychotropics must be approved by the Japanese government before you leave home (refer to this webpage).

You may also want to check the International Narcotics Control Board website which provides general information about narcotics and controlled substances, for countries that have information available, for travelers.

For medications that you are allowed to bring into your host country, refer to your OIE Student Handbook and the TSA website for more information about packing and transporting medications internationally.

General Saftey Abroad
  • Read the Department of State information about your host country before you depart, including the local conditions and laws which you are subject to while abroad.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free, online service. This will help the U.S. government contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.
  • Be streetwise; know where you are going, or at least appear to know. When walking, appear confident. Always look as if you know where you’re going. To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
  • Make sure someone else knows where you plan to go in your free time, including the study-travel course instructors and chaperones.
  • Be aware of what is happening around you and watch out for potential problems. Always follow your instincts. If a situation seems unsafe, get out of there as quickly as possible.
  • Do not walk alone at night. Instead, walk with classmates, take a taxi, or use public transportation. Avoid shortcuts through poorly lit areas and parks.
  • Avoid impairing your judgment by consuming alcohol or drugs.
  • If you suspect that someone is following you and you want to make sure, try crossing the street several times. Go into a public place or find a police officer.
  • Carry your keys in a separate place from your address, preferably in your pocket (in case your purse is lost).
  • Carry a whistle, alarm, or pepper spray.
  • Never hitchhike or accept a ride from a stranger. 
  • Have an action plan in mind for various types of emergency situations.
Mental Health and Well-Being

For many students, arriving in a new country to study abroad is an exciting time full of new people and experiences. It can also be quite challenging to adjust to life in a new location where you don’t know anyone or speak the language well. While at home, students have friends, family and professional support systems for coping with mental health obstacles. These support systems may be more limited while abroad.

Additionally, mental health conditions that are mild, dormant, or well-controlled in your usual environment may be exacerbated abroad and may require additional planning and attention. Here are some tips to help manage your health and well-being:

  • Get plenty of sleep and exercise and maintain a healthy diet
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Engage in your community through volunteer work, sports, or local clubs
  • Reach out to your on-site program staff, program provider, or the OIE when you need help

RMC Counseling Services provides free teletherapy through UWill and a 24/7 crisis line called UHelp to all RMC students, including students studying abroad. Visit the Counseling Services website for more information.

Policies on Drugs & Alcohol

The College’s policies on alcohol use and illegal drugs apply to all students studying abroad on OIE programs. While abroad, students are also subject to the laws of the country they are visiting, as well as any consequences that result from breaking them. Here is general information from the U.S. Department of State about alcohol and drugs overseas. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of local laws and regulations surrounding drugs and alcohol. Do not make assumptions that laws will be the same as they are in the U.S., or that the legal system will operate in a similar manner. Students who are in violation of these policies and laws may be removed from their program.
 
It is widely known that the U.S. is generally much more stringent in terms of alcohol laws than other countries. This does not mean you should take advantage of less restrictive practices in a host country. Drunkenness is not culturally acceptable and is disrespectful to these hosts. Keep in mind that your actions reflect on you, RMC, and the United States.
 
Unlike alcohol laws, drug laws are frequently stricter in other countries than in the U.S. Should you choose to participate in illegal activities and are detained as a result, there is very little that can be done to assist you. Contact your program coordinator or host institution immediately and ask them to contact the local consulate or embassy.

In an Emergency

When you are studying abroad, remember that your first point of contact in emergency situations should be either your on-site program staff, local police, or the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Keep these names, phone numbers and addresses handy in case you need them.

If you wish to notify someone at RMC of an emergency while you are abroad, you can call Campus Safety at (804) 752-4710 who will then reach out to the 24/7 emergency contact in the Office of International Education.

Additional Resources