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Jake and Tomas are both about to embark on their first solo trip abroad, but their travel styles couldn’t be more different. Follow them as they face some typical travel scenarios and pick up some useful tips to consider when preparing to study abroad or travel independently. Depart Smart. Safe travel starts here.
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Student Travel Statistics / Videos / Research and Plan / Helpful Resources
Student Travel Safety
Domestic and international travel opportunities for students of all ages have become a popular educational benefit provided by schools and universities across the globe. Young travelers may even venture abroad on their own, taking a gap year, backpacking trip or simply vacationing with friends.
There is no doubt that traveling can offer a multitude of opportunities and fantastic experiences, but preparation is important. At Travel Guard we want to give students, parents and faculty members, the tools and know-how you need to help you travel the world safely and enjoyably.
Why we want students to “Depart Smart”
When Sheryl and Allen Hill’s 16-year-old son Tyler, a vibrant, athletic and smart teenager embarked on what should have been the adventure of a lifetime—a student trip to Japan—no one could have imagined that he would never return home alive. In 2007, Tyler died a preventable death while overseas because he did not receive timely and appropriate medical help, although he requested it. His passing left a deep void, but it also ignited a mission: to ensure that no other family has to endure the same heartbreak.
After years of advocacy working to improve student travel safety, Sheryl passed the torch to a new generation of change makers. With Depart Smart, we honor Tyler’s memory by providing free, accessible travel safety education to students everywhere. Through engaging videos and resources, we hope to equip young travelers with the knowledge they need to navigate risks, make informed decisions and return home safely. Because no journey should end in tragedy—and every student deserves to Depart Smart.
Key statistics about student travel
6.4 million postsecondary students studied abroad in 2023.1
1 in 49 study abroad students reported a security or health incident in 2023.2
The most commonly reported incidents were property loss due to theft or misplacement, mental health issues and physical health issues.3
Depart Smart Video Series
1. Why student travel?
2. Before you go
3. Arrivals
4. Accommodation
5. Nightlife
6. Be aware
Practical tips for traveling safely abroad
Research your destination before departing on your trip
- Look online for health and safety, cultural or security related information on the destination(s) you will be visiting. Government travel advisories are available by country and are a really great resource for this information.
- Some traveler demographics, such as women and the LGBTQ+ community, may face different risks in certain countries – don’t forget to read up on local laws and customs. We have some useful information on our pages here:
- Learn some useful phrases in the local language, such as asking for help or directions, or being able to say, “it’s an emergency.”
Plan ahead and be prepared
Careful planning will allow you to travel confidently, safe in the knowledge that even in a crisis you know where to go and how to access assistance.
- If you have a trip coordinator, ask them to explain their emergency plan before you leave.
- Consider creating your own emergency travel plan (you can download our plan template here) and remember to save important contact details to your phone.
- Check your travel insurance – make sure it has the correct travel dates and covers any special activities you have planned, for example scuba diving, hiking or rock climbing.
- Ask your emergency contact(s) if their travel documents are up-to-date and give them access to copies of your important travel documents.
- Pack any prescription medications in their original bottles. If you need to take a large amount, ask for a note from your doctor confirming that the quantity is correct for the duration of your trip and take it with you.
Helpful student travel safety resources
Read more Student Safety tips below and download the PDFs to share.
One of the most effective ways to safeguard your trip is by purchasing a travel insurance plan. Travel insurance plans provide coverages in case of unexpected events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Learn more about travel insurance plans for students.
Safety should always be a top priority for all travelers. By researching your destination, securing your belonging, and purchasing a travel insurance plan, you can help ensure an enriching and enjoyable student trip. Explore the world with more confidence, knowing that with the right precautions and travel insurance coverages, you’re more prepared for the unexpected.
Sources:
- https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2018/11/13/study-abroad-numbers-continue-grow-driven-continued-growth-short-term-programs
- https://www.forumea.org/critical-incidents--student-risk.html
- https://www.nais.org/magazine/independent-school/summer-2017/reality-check/
Questions?
Call us at: 800-826-5248
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Coverage available to residents of U.S. states and the District of Columbia only. This plan provides insurance coverage that only applies during the covered trip. Similar travel insurance coverage, offered by Travel Guard or another insurance provider, may be available through a variety of other sources, but may be subject to different terms and conditions (i.e. benefits, limits, exclusions, etc.). You may wish to compare the terms and conditions of this policy with those of your existing life, health, home and automobile insurance policies, as well as any other coverage which you may already have or is available to you, including through other insurers, as a member of an organization, or through your credit card program(s). If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. Coverage is offered by Travel Guard Group, Inc. (Travel Guard). California lic. no.0B93606, 3300 Business Park Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54482, www.travelguard.com. CA DOI toll free number: 800-927-HELP. This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company, with its principal place of business at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 37th FL, New York, NY 10020-1304. It is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. Coverage may not be available in all states. Travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard.