Health and Safety

H1N1 Flu Information
8 September 2009

UC International Programs is closely monitoring the current swine flu situation in consultation with the University of Cincinnati Emergency Planning Committee as well as with other education abroad professionals worldwide.  UC's Office of Public Safety maintains a page on H1N1 Information for the university community. 

Students preparing for study abroad are encouraged to review the links below for more information related specifically to international travel and their destination countries.  

http://www.pandemicflu.gov General flu information      

http://travel.state.gov/ U.S. Department of State international travel alerts

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/ The U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia page on H1N1 information

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/ CDC information on travel

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/updates/en The World Health Organization in Switzerland H1N1 information page.

Students are also strongly urged to consult airline websites as they prepare to travel, as many countries have instituted screening measures for travellers upon arrival.  It is important that all travellers understand what will happen to them if they arrive at their study abroad destination and they, or anyone else on their flight, is exhibiting flu-like symptoms.


Safety Abroad: Message to Parents and Concerned Others

Parents of students who are going, or are already abroad are justifiably concerned with their safety. Following information is on what we do in an effort to assure that all University of Cincinnati students are safe.

1. We orient students to both host country and American security information provided by the U.S. Department of State.

2. We speak to students about how to behave abroad, how to maintain a low profile, how to act responsibly.

3. We provide students emergency procedures, including a card with contact information both day and night for UC International Programs staff.

4. We collect all pertinent information from students, including their emergency contact, medical and insurance information.

5. We require all students to have an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) card, which provides supplemental medical insurance, as well as emergency evacuation for medical cause or repatriation of remains.

6. We inform students that while abroad, they represent the University of Cincinnati, and that their actions and behaviors are governed by the UC Student Code of Conduct.

1. Click here to dowload a copy of the Pre-Departure Orientation Manual.

1. Faculty leaders register all members of the group at the closest American consulate or embassy. All students traveling independently must register their whereabouts as soon as they arrive.

2. Faculty leaders carry a copy of students’ passports and visas. Independent students must carry a copy of these documents separately.

3. Students must respect the rules of the program, not take unnecessary risks, and stay in touch with their faculty leader. Independent students must stay in touch with the International Student office of the institution where they are located, and the American consulate.

In the event of an emergency situation while students are abroad, we ask Faculty leaders and independent students to follow these procedures.

1. Make sure that all members of the group are accounted for and in a safe place.

2. Call the U.S. Consulate or Embassy for instructions.

3. Call UC International Programs to report the situation and receive further instructions.

4. UC International Programs will contact the emergency phone numbers of all students on affected programs.

After-hours contact information

Kurt Olausen Director (513) 476-5679

Karen Ramos Education Abroad Program Manager (513) 794-1377

Jill Reister Education Abroad Advisor (847) 530-0660

For additional information about safety when studying abroad:

www.studentsabroad.com/ 
www.studentsabroad.state.gov

UC's 24-Hour Help Line
513-218-9531

Please program this number into your cell phone before traveling. This line is free and confidential. 

It provides services and emotional support for UC students who experience sexual violence, including sexual assault or intimate partner violence.Use this resource first in the case of this type of emergency.