Whether traveling on your own or with a group, your attention to health, safety, and security is crucial to a successful overseas activity. Careful preparation improves your ability to manage risk and allows most problems to be resolved quickly or avoided altogether. Global Programs is happy to assist you in understanding the current conditions and risks at your destination and provide guidance in developing a plan to mitigate the associated risks.

You can start the risk management process by taking the following steps:

Consult with Global Programs to Develop Plans and Trainings to Mitigate Risks

Knowing and understanding the essential actions for responding to an emergency are important aspects of managing risk. Global Programs can help you develop emergency response and communication plans to ensure you and other participants are prepared.

Travel Groups

Global Programs develops pre-departure trainings and orientation materials for participants in international activities. All participants should be well versed in an activity’s potential risks and its safety planning and be prepared to execute any necessary emergency procedures. Please contact Global Programs at globalhss@bu.edu to schedule a pre-departure presentation for your group of 10 or more travelers.

Individual Travelers

Individuals and groups smaller than 10 traveling internationally can use the following guide and resources to assess potential travel risks.

Assess your Location’s Risks

The first step is to identify conditions and possible events that may present a threat to the health, safety, or security of participants. Factors you may consider in a risk assessment include local health concerns, health care availability, crime levels, political and economic climate, environmental conditions or threats, and the availability and reliability of transportation. You should also take into account the risk profile of your planned activities as some may require separate review—for example, if they involve working with human subjects or exposure to communicable illnesses or involve activities that may not be covered by your insurance.

Individual and small group travelers are encouraged to use the following steps and resources to complete a risk assessment prior to traveling.

  • Review the US Department of State Travel Advisory for your destination:
    • The US Department of State assesses risk on a 4-level scale, highlights the main risks associated with a destination, and provides comprehensive information regarding visa requirements and medical and security risks
  • Review Information Regarding Health-Related Risks
  • Register your travel with the US Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
    • Registration is free using your email
    • Allows the US Embassy in your destination country to easily contact and assist you in the event of a major event (e.g. natural disaster, civil unrest)
    • Non-US citizens are encouraged to check with the Department of State equivalent in their home country to see if a similar program is offered
  • International SOS
  • Health Insurance
    • Travelers on BU-sponsored travel are automatically eligible and registered for insurance through Chubb and International SOS
    • Medical insurance can be accessed by contacting International SOS directly to arrange medical appointments and services for urgent and emergency care due to illness or injury
  • Locate the closest US Embassy to your destination
    • An official list of the US embassies can be found at www.usembassy.gov
    • Prior to departing, make a note of the closest US embassy to your destination
    • In the event of a major event or emergency, you will have the closest US embassy information readily available
  • Equaldex Equality Index
    • Provides comprehensive information on LGBTAQIA+ rights and safety
    • Assesses countries on a scale of 0-100 (0: least equal, 100: most equal)
    • Compares legal rights to public opinion in the country
  • BU Traveler Checklist

    Global Programs is also available to assist you in understanding the current conditions and risks at your destination.