Pre-travel Preparation
Personal Safety and Security Abroad
Pre-travel planning is crucial for maximizing your time abroad and reducing your chances of unwanted encounters. Check out this presentation on health and personal safety guidance and insurance and export control requirements before you depart.
Swimming and Water Safety
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among travelers overseas. Swimming and other water activities like boating and snorkeling pose real risks. This module includes information about how travelers can mitigate risk and protect themselves and their companions around water.
Virtual Scams and Fraud
Check out this discussion about virtual scams and fraud before you travel. Financial crimes are increasingly common and often target travelers and their families and friends while abroad.
Undue Influence and Transnational Repression
This module addresses two risk areas associated with UW-Madison’s globalized community – one typically encountered abroad and the other in the United States.
Financial Security Abroad
Traveling internationally can increase the risk that scammers and thieves will jeopardize your financial security. The tips in this presentation may help keep unwanted hands out of your wallet while you travel abroad!
Cyber and Data Security Abroad
Your mobile phone and other devices contain valuable personal information. Practicing the steps in this presentation may help you keep your devices and data safe while abroad.
UW-Madison Resources
- UW-Madison ISSD International Traveler Checklist
- UW-Madison ISSD Tips for International Travelers
- Pre-Travel Safety and Security Planning
- Export Control Considerations for International Travel
- Petty Crime and Theft Primer
- Considerations for Non-Credit University-Affiliated Travel Groups
- Hotel Safety Guidance
- Airbnb (and Similar Applications) Guidance
- Rideshare Applications
- Considerations for LGBTQ+ Travelers Abroad
- Using Dating Apps Safely Abroad
- Preparing for Tropical Storms
U.S. Government Resources
All University of Wisconsin-Madison students, staff, and faculty travelling abroad under a UW-sponsored program are required the enroll in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) insurance coverage.
Visit the U.S. Department of State travel advisory page and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention travel health notice page while planning your travel.
Some locations require special considerations. Along with reading State Department and CDC resources, make sure you do appropriate research about your destination before you travel.
China Travel – Special Considerations
Emergency Action Plan
In case of crisis, create an emergency action and communications plan. You may use the ISSD’s Emergency Action Plan template.
