International Programs

International Travel and Research

Below is general information designed to help Penn students, faculty, and staff who are preparing to travel overseas.

Additional information for faculty members engaged in ongoing international activities can be found at
Faculty International Research and Activities

Administrators who help to support these activities can find more detailed information at
Administrators Supporting Global Operations

International Travel

All Travelers

Before you travel internationally, we encourage you to take the following steps:

International SOS. Penn provides members of the Penn community who travel abroad on a Penn-affiliated activity with 24-hour worldwide assistance and emergency evacuation services, through International SOS. This service includes pre-trip planning advice, access to country-specific travel/health/safety/security information, and in-country medical and personal assistance. Please keep in mind that this is not health insurance but does provide for medical evacuation and repatriation. Registering will allow you to receive the fastest emergency response. Register with International SOS by entering your Penn Membership Number (11BSGC000012) and clicking on the “Add Trip” link on the bottom right side of the web page. Please include the details of your trip. This information will only be accessed in the case of an emergency. Print and carry your ISOS card with you.

Registering your travel with the US State Department allows you to record information about your trip that can be used to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Country-Specific Information.The Office of International Programs is happy to help you with country-specific travel warnings, health advisories, cultural considerations, and other information that may be useful for individuals travelling to specific countries. You may also want to read the country-specific information provided by the US State Department or ISOS.

Health. Penn also offers resources to help you receive appropriate vaccinations, travel medications, and advice about travel health. Students can make an appointment with Student Health Travel Services, and faculty and staff can contact Penn Travel Medicine.

Student Travelers

In addition to the above steps, students also should do the following:

Students who are traveling on a Penn-affiliated program must read and sign an International Experience Acknowledgement of Risks and Release form. This form will be provided by the sponsor of your abroad program at Penn. After reading and signing the form, you must return it to the sponsor. When in doubt about your program sponsor, contact your school office or the Penn Abroad office for further clarification.

Students can find more detailed information for preparing to travel abroad in the Practical Penn Abroad: Know Before You Go.

Staying Safe while Overseas—Tips from the Division of Public Safety

Exercise common safety sense. Travelers abroad should always remain aware of their surroundings and should not provide a criminal with the opportunity to do harm. Visit the Division of Public Safety website for additional safety tips.

Report all crimes to the local police and to a representative from the University of Pennsylvania. The US State Department also provides information and support for victims of crime abroad.

Remember this emergency number – 215-573-3333 – if outside of the United States and requiring assistance from the University of Pennsylvania.

	International Programs Penn Abroad \| ISSS \| International Travel and Research
International Programs Penn Abroad International Student & Scholar Services Staff Directory International Travel and Research	International Travel and Research Below is general information designed to help Penn students, faculty, and staff who are preparing to travel overseas. Additional information for faculty members engaged in ongoing international activities can be found at Faculty International Research and Activities Administrators who help to support these activities can find more detailed information at Administrators Supporting Global Operations International Travel *All Travelers* Before you travel internationally, we encourage you to take the following steps: International SOS. Penn provides members of the Penn community who travel abroad on a Penn-affiliated activity with 24-hour worldwide assistance and emergency evacuation services, through International SOS. This service includes pre-trip planning advice, access to country-specific travel/health/safety/security information, and in-country medical and personal assistance. Please keep in mind that this is not health insurance but does provide for medical evacuation and repatriation. Registering will allow you to receive the fastest emergency response. Register with International SOS by entering your Penn Membership Number (11BSGC000012) and clicking on the “Add Trip” link on the bottom right side of the web page. Please include the details of your trip. This information will only be accessed in the case of an emergency. Print and carry your ISOS card with you. Registering your travel with the US State Department allows you to record information about your trip that can be used to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest US embassy or consulate. Country-Specific Information.The Office of International Programs is happy to help you with country-specific travel warnings, health advisories, cultural considerations, and other information that may be useful for individuals travelling to specific countries. You may also want to read the country-specific information provided by the US State Department or ISOS. Health. Penn also offers resources to help you receive appropriate vaccinations, travel medications, and advice about travel health. Students can make an appointment with Student Health Travel Services, and faculty and staff can contact Penn Travel Medicine. *Student Travelers* In addition to the above steps, students also should do the following: Students who are traveling on a Penn-affiliated program must read and sign an International Experience Acknowledgement of Risks and Release form. This form will be provided by the sponsor of your abroad program at Penn. After reading and signing the form, you must return it to the sponsor. When in doubt about your program sponsor, contact your school office or the Penn Abroad office for further clarification. Students can find more detailed information for preparing to travel abroad in the Practical Penn Abroad: Know Before You Go. *Staying Safe while Overseas—Tips from the Division of Public Safety* Exercise common safety sense. Travelers abroad should always remain aware of their surroundings and should not provide a criminal with the opportunity to do harm. Visit the Division of Public Safety website for additional safety tips. Report all crimes to the local police and to a representative from the University of Pennsylvania. The US State Department also provides information and support for victims of crime abroad. Remember this emergency number – 215-573-3333 – if outside of the United States and requiring assistance from the University of Pennsylvania.
	International Programs Penn Abroad \| ISSS \| International Travel and Research