Health and Safety

COVID-19

For information on Study Abroad and Away's (SAA) COVID-19 protocols, please visit our COVID-19 webpage. 

 

On-Campus Resources

The following centers and departments offer important resources to assist students with their physical and mental health, safety and security on SJSU's campus. The Study Abroad and Away office works with these offices to ensure students receive the support they need during their time away.


Safety Abroad & Away

Student safety while abroad or away is of primary importance to Study Abroad and Away. We continuously monitor our program locations to ensure they are safe for our students. We continue to provide support and guidance to students while they are away, and all of our program leaders for Faculty-Led Programs receive extensive safety and security training. In addition, our office partners with SJSU University Police to ensure that a skilled SJSU staff member is available and on call 24/7 while students are away to manage any emergent issues that arise. 

Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP)

All SJSU students participating in study abroad are required to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

STEP is a free service from the U.S. Department of State to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to register their time abroad with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, the U.S. Embassy will know how to reach students in the event of an emergency (natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.) and could assist if an evacuation becomes necessary. STEP is also a resource for family to reach students in the event of an emergency, in case communications are interrupted. Additionally, students will receive important informational emails from the Embassy about safety conditions in their host country. 

We require that every student participating in a program outside of the U.S. register themselves with STEP prior to departure.

Emergency Situations

Depending on the nature of the emergency (including but not exclusive to: a major medical issue, an arrest, an assault, political unrest, natural disaster, etc.), students should immediately contact the proper authorities in order of importance:

  1. In-country emergency medical, police, or consular services
  2. In-country program management staff, which can include your host institution's emergency contact or faculty program leader
  3. SJSU University Police Department (UPD) at 408-924-2222.
  4. If in need of medical assistance, contact OnCall, your SJSU-provided insurance carrier. OnCall will assist you in getting the care you need. 
  5. SJSU Study Abroad Coordinator or advisor
  6. Family and friends to keep them updated on the situation when necessary

Non-Emergency Situations

If experiencing a non-emergency, but still have a concern, question, or need non-urgent assistance during your program, students should email SpartansAbroad@sjsu.edu. A Study Abroad and Away staff member will respond to any concerns or questions. 

Health Abroad & Away


Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention 

We encourage all participants to be familiar with the CDC page, especially their resources on travelers' health. The CDC provides up-to-date country-specific health information, which is very helpful in preparation for overseas travel.


SJSU Wellness Center

Our on-campus wellness center provides travel care consultations and services for students to minimize and prevent risks of illness and accidents while abroad. Services include:

  • providing a country-specific travel packet regarding food/water/insect precautions/health and safety
  • administering several travel vaccines and/or prescriptions if needed

More information about this service can be found here. We recommend that students call the appointment desk at (408) 924-6122 to inquire about this service.

 

Health Insurance for Study Abroad Participants

All participants on an SJSU Study Abroad program are required to carry an international insurance plan. The insurance plan covers illnesses, medical emergencies, evacuation and repatriation costs while abroad.

Faculty-Led Program and Summer School Abroad program participants are enrolled into the SJSU international insurance plan for the dates of their program by the Study Abroad and Away office. The cost of this insurance is included in the total program cost. Prior to their program, students receive an email from the insurance company with insurance enrollment confirmation, their ID card and an insurance brochure detailing their benefits.

Students studying abroad for a semester or full academic year will need to enroll in the insurance plan individually. Their Study Abroad Coordinator will provide all the details and instructions needed to enroll in the insurance plan before going abroad.

The insurance only covers the period of time within the dates of their program. If a student is planning to travel independently before or after their program, they will need to arrange additional insurance coverage on their own.