Know Before You Go

The health, safety and security of any Missouri S&T student participating in an approved study abroad program is a primary concern for the Office of International Affairs. Take the quiz below to test your level of preparation. Knowing the answers to these key questions will be critical to your pre-departure planning and will help create a base for having a pleasant and productive time abroad.

Remember that even if the UM system takes your health, safety, and security as a top priority, you are ultimately responsible for the choices you make regarding your safety! Many places abroad are safer than the U.S., but your lack of prepardness for an emergency, familiarity with the culture, language, people and locales may put you at higher risk.

Do you know the answers to these questions?

1. What does the State Department recommend regarding travel to this country?
2. What shots or immunizations do you need in order to gain entry into the host country?
3. What is the number one health risk in the country of study?
4. What is the most common safety risk in the country?
5. Does your program include a special insurance policy that will cover you while abroad?
6. Who are you going to contact in an emergency?
7. MU Policy on Study Abroad in countries with DOS Travel Warnings

Health Insurance

Travel Registration

Four Principles of Personal Security Preparedness While Studying Abroad

Safety & Security Preparation

The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us. It is our chief concern.  The Office of International Affairs encourages our students, faculty, and staff engaged in study abroad to read thoroughly and to take seriously the risk and safety information provided below and to stay aware of current events in the countries in which they will be studying.

With this in mind, Missouri S&T will not approve any travel to countries that have a Travel Warning issued by the Department of State. MU Policy on Study Abroad in countries with DOS Travel Warnings

 The study abroad advisor in the Office of International Affairs will offer a required pre-departure orientation before each semester (link to calendar) for students, faculty, and staff participating in Missouri S&T study abroad programs.  You will also be provided with a Study Abroad Emergency Card with important phone numbers.

The Office of International Affairs also offers a two-day remote wilderness training for faculty-led programs once a year.

In An Emergency

Students are instructed to contact the appropriate phone number below when they have a medical or legal emergency, or have been the victim of a crime or natural disaster and are in need of immediate medical assistance or evacuation.

Emergency Phone

If you have a medical emergency please contact the local emergency services (number is provided on your Study Abroad  Emergency Card), then HTH, and then the Office of International Affairs who will put you in contact with a study abroad advisor.

For after hours emergency contact, please call 001 573-341-4300

For natural disaster evacuation, political crisis, please contact the Office of International Affairs and then Medex (

Questions or Concerns about Health, Safety and Security

Please contact the Missouri S&T Study abroad advisor at 573.341-6237 if you have any questions or concerns about Health, Safety and security Issues (between 8:30am - 4:30pm CST).

Other resources to check out:

1. U.S. Department of State Travel Homepage
2. Online Travel Registration with the U.S. Embassy
3. Students Abroad
4. U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
5. Center for Disease Control and Prevention
6. World Health Organization
7. NAFSA: Responsible Study Abroad: Good Practices for Health and Safety