Pre-Departure Resources

This information is designed to provide resources to outbound CSULA students in a study abroad or travel abroad program.  This is not an exhaustive list of available resources, but a collection of important information for students who plan to travel abroad to be aware of.  Being prepared is not limited to just academics and finances, but also staying healthy and safe. 

Students participating in a CSULA sponsored program must participate in the pre-departure orientation.  Students participating in a non-CSULA program are encouraged to attend.  Orientation information contains information for students about health and safety issues related to international travel.  Adherence to this information, along with adopting appropriate behavior for the host culture and using caution and common sense abroad, can prevent many emergency situations.

CSULA cannot guarantee student safety or eliminate all risks associated with a study abroad program.  Safety is everyone’s responsibility.  Students are encouraged to conduct themselves in a prudent manner, pay particular attention to local conditions, and assume responsibility for the consequences of personal decisions and actions.

Travel Alerts/Warnings
U.S. Department of State: http://www.travel.state.gov/, http://www.studentsabroad.state.gov/

Health and Safety
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Flu.gov: http://www.flu.gov/
International Society of Travel Medicine: http://www.istm.org/
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/en/
SAFETI Clearinghouse: http://www.globaled.us/safeti/aboutsafeti.html

Study Abroad Student Handbook
For more information on planning and preparing for your study/travel abroad program, visit the Center for Global Education-Study Abroad Student Handbook at http://www.studentsabroad.com. 

Other Resources
PLATO-online course and resources for pre-departure and re-entry
http://globaledus/plato/

Emergency Planning
Emergency planning is an essential component to a safe and healthy time abroad.  One can never really prepare for an emergency, but one can plan to have steps and information available in case of an emergency.  Do you know where the nearest hospital or police station is?  Do you know the important terms needed to communicate an emergency?

For tips in creating your emergency plans, visit the Center for Global Education Student Abroad Student Handbook at http://studentsabroad.com/planning.