The Pre-departure Orientation is the process we use to help prepare students for their study abroad experience. The orientation addresses safety abroad, emergency procedures, and provides emergency contact information for both students and parents.
Pre-Departure Orientation Guide
Know Before You Go
(1.1 MB) Know Before You Go is UC International's pre-departure orientation packet.
During the pre-departure orientation we:
- Orient students to both host country and American security information provided by the U.S. Department of State.
- Speak to students about how to behave abroad, how to maintain a low profile and how to act responsibly.
- Provide faculty directors with emergency procedures. Students have contact information both day and night for UC International staff.
- Collect all pertinent information from students, including their emergency contact, medical and insurance information.
- Require all students to have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which provides supplemental medical insurance as well as emergency evacuation for medical cause or repatriation of remains.
- Remind 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.
The International Student/Teacher Identity Card (ISIC/ITIC CARD)
The International Student/Teacher Identity Card is endorsed by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization or UNESCO. The International Student Identity Card or ISIC ( pronounced, eye'zic) was initatiated to give traveling students a document that would be readily accepted worldwide as proof of their student status.
The card provides many benefits to holders, including supplemental health and travel insurance, discounted travel, and discounts for museums and other attractions. It is required that all UC students who plan to travel abroad purchase the ISIC card. The ISIC card is available for purchase at the UC International Programs office.