Many countries where you are likely to intern have relatively low crime rates, and interning there is unlikely to be any riskier than studying here on campus.  In the end, however, your personal behavior and preparation will be the most valuable in maximizing your health and safety while you are abroad.  Please consider the following precautions:

  • Be modest in both dress and behavior.  Don’t draw attention to yourself.
  • Don’t walk alone at night or in areas that are unfamiliar to you.
  • Never accept a ride from someone you don’t know.
  • Don’t give out personal information, such as your address, to strangers.
  • Maintain regular contact with your advisors at the ILR School and with your supervisors at your internship.
  • Always leave contact information and an itinerary with family or friends if you are traveling.  Be sure to note when your anticipated return date is.
  • Always have sufficient money with you.
  • Keep copies of your passport, credit cards, and health insurance information in a safe place.
  • Avoid excessive use of alcohol.  You are more likely to engage in dangerous activities when your judgment is impaired.
  • Practice safe sex.
  • We strongly discourage you from driving in any country while abroad.  Public transit is more than adequate for most of your travel needs.

 Use the following links to learn more about safety and security abroad.

  • U.S. Department of State: Offers a consular information web page site for every country in the world and current travel warnings. Also a great resource for international educational and cultural affairs, including information about living abroad.
  • University of California, Irvine: A helpful website in considering safety issues abroad.
  • Consumer Information Center: This government web site has information regarding foreign entry requirements and passport application.

UnitedHealthcare Global ID Card

Any Cornell students pursuing international internships are covered for Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance through UnitedHealthcare Global.  As a member of Cornell you are entitled to the following services:

  • Medical and travel assistance services
  • Security assistance services
  • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Services
  • Online information: country guides, travel security reports

Please visit the Cornell Travel Registry to print out your UnitedHealthcare Global ID card. Please keep in mind that this is not health insurance and can not be substituted for your own comprehensive health plan.

UnitedHealthcare Global  provides coverage from the first day of the month your program begins and ends on the last day of the month during which your program ends.  You are not covered by UnitedHealthcare Global for dates outside of that period.

Should a medical emergency arise, you must call UnitedHealthcare Global as pre-approval is required for medical evacuation.  The contact information for UnitedHealthcare Global is 1-410-453-6330 (collect call).  You should identify yourself as a Cornell student and provide the Cornell group number #343211

You are required to register your travel in the Cornell Travel Registry website before leaving for your international internship.  You will NOT be permitted to study abroad until you have registered.