Upper Iowa University works closely with national organizations and partners abroad to ensure that students, staff, and faculty are aware and prepared for situations domestically and internationally.

Tips to Keep Safe

• Be aware of surroundings & do not travel into unfamiliar areas alone.
• No not wear of display flashy or expensive items or clothing
• Try to mimic local students’ behavior in order to blend in
• Stay away from demonstrations or any kind of civil disturbance
• Only travel in licensed taxis or with safe public transportation
• Always carry a copy of your passport while traveling
• Keep valuables and passports in an inside pocked that can be closed and seen to disgorge pickpockets.
• Public transportation, restaurants, and night clubs tend to have higher levels of pick pocketing
• Do your research! Be sure that you can communicate key phrases in the local language, and that you are aware of country’s past and current situations.

 

Upper Iowa Policies

When selecting a location for a group or individual to attend, the location is evaluated to ensure it is deemed safe by the U.S. Department of State. This is done by identifying the level that is placed on the country. There are four levels of travel advisories the U.S. Department of State has set. Upper Iowa will not approve travel to a country that a level four has been applied to, unless an exemption has been made after an appeal process has been completed. More information can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/about-our-new-products.html and https://travelmaps.state.gov/TSGMap/?extent=-0.879381859,47.401628436,20.397707357,54.42135931.

Travel Advisory Level	Color(s) on Map	Advisory
1. Blue	White, White stripe, Solid yellow	Safe to travel to, exercise normal precautions
2. Yellow	Yellow stripe, Solid orange	Decision made by CIE (Center of International Education)
3. Orange	Orange stripe	Must go through appeal process, reconsider travel
4. Red	Red	Do NOT travel

International Insurance is required for all students, staff, and faculty who are traveling through Upper Iowa University. We work closely with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to ensure that the coverage and services meet the safety needs.

All students, faculty, and staff are registered for the STEP alert program. As the information provided when registering might not be the preferred contact information, it is also recommended that each individually independently registers for STEP.

When abroad, the Education Abroad Office monitors situations in areas of relevance to those that are abroad. If something was to occur, the office will reach out to the participant abroad. The participant should also try to reach the Education Abroad office on the emergency line 563-419-8885 in order to relay their current situation. Emergency contacts might also be contacted with a message that has updates about both the situation that is occurring and the participant’s status.

 

Resources

U.S. Department of State’s Alerts & Warnings

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

This website defines what the difference between a travel warning and travel alert is. It also allows travelers to search their destination to see if an alert or warning is placed on the country of travel. If there is, an explanation of the reasoning is available.

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/

Suggested vaccinations and medicines are given specific to each location. A key is also available that describes what activities and safe behavior can be practiced in order to reduce the risk.

Sign up for the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

https://step.state.gov/step/

This is a free program that allows those that sign up to receive updated information about the country that you are traveling in. This service can also be helpful if a passport needs to be replaced.

U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security (OSAC)

https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReports.aspx

Reports are shared about any events, security information, or changes. These can be read and filtered by location.

Culture Grams

https://online.culturegrams.com/world/index.php

These are a great resource if you are looking to gain a broad viewpoint of a country. They are free to print, view, or email, and include topics such as history, religion, customs, lifestyle, and holidays.

 

Contact

Coordinator for Education Abroad

Phone: 563-425-5831

After hours Phone: 563-419-8885

Email: educationabroad@uiu.edu

 

The after hours contact for students involved in an Education Abroad program is 563-425-8885. If it is an emergency that requires immediate attention, please first notify the local emergency services prior to contacting the Education Abroad emergency number.