Belmont University is committed to providing the safest possible learning environment for the more than 1,000 students who study abroad every year. Here are some resources to help ensure a safe and healthy adventure.
Belmont encourages COVID-19 vaccination prior to all international travel, but vaccination is not required.
Please be aware that some third parties—other countries/provinces/municipalities, airlines, restaurants, public venues or more—may require vaccination for entry or participation. Additionally, when traveling internationally, travelers should consider in-country regulations regarding quarantine and isolation for unvaccinated individuals who contract COVID-19. In some cases, guidelines for unvaccinated individuals may be considerably longer and more stringent than they are for those individuals who are vaccinated.
With this in mind, Belmont recommends that community members who will be traveling internationally by vaccinated for COVID-19.
If you are unvaccinated and choose to travel, you acknowledge these realities and risks and assume responsibility for the consequences. This could include, but is not limited to, out-of-pocket financial responsibility related to delays in ability to travel including lodging as well as hospitalization, COVID testing and more.
Belmont's Health Services offers a comprehensive travel consult for students, faculty, and staff who are going overseas for exchanges, study abroad, and missions.
This pre-travel service is by appointment only and provides a cost-effective alternative for the campus community. The consult includes not only discussion and administration of recommended vaccines, but detailed information about possible health and safety hazards specific to the destination and length of visit. Post-travel illness and concerns can also be addressed.
Learn more about the Belmont Health Services Travel clinic here.
International travel involves being responsible for one's health and safety. Belmont recommends that students consult the CDC and WHO websites listed for information about health issues related to travel. In addition, the U.S. Department of State may have additional information about local health issues.
The best way to protect yourself during international travel is to be informed of the latest health information for your destination, to consult with your personal physician on which vaccinations or medicines you may need, and to practice safe personal hygiene while abroad.
Health insurance is an important component of study abroad. All students on long-term programs are required to have international healthcare coverage for the duration of their study abroad program. Students are either enrolled through their program provider (e.g., Arcadia University or SAI) or through Belmont arranged insurance. There is no opt-out option.
All students on Belmont faculty-led programs will have Belmont arranged insurance coverage included in their program.
The safety and security of students are always of utmost priority for Belmont University and all study abroad program providers, particularly given international developments over the past few years. The U.S. State Department has a very helpful website, Students Abroad, that contains a wealth of information about travel documents, health issues, emergencies, embassies, and insurance while traveling abroad. More helpful resources for travel safety are listed here:
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
- S. State Department - Bureau of Consular Affairs
- Crisis Awareness and Preparedness
- Current Travel Warnings
- Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
As students studying abroad you are encouraged to:
- Stay aware of current political events
- Be informed of the laws, customs and standards in the host country
- Avoid popular American tourist destinations such as American bars and discos and U.S. fast food restaurants
- Be inconspicuous in dress and demeanor
- Avoid political demonstrations
- Notify on-site staff before engaging in any travel outside the country of study
- Register with the U.S. State Department in country
- Always remain alert to your surroundings and the people with whom you have contact
- Stay in touch with family and friends and the Office of Study Abroad on a regular basis
Despite students’ best efforts to safeguard their property, it is still possible for it to be lost, stolen or damaged when traveling or living abroad. Belmont does not insure students’ property while they are overseas, so all student participants are encouraged to purchase property insurance for the entire duration of their stay abroad. Students should investigate their parents’ homeowner’s insurance to verify if all the items to be brought on the trip will be covered by their policy. It is recommended that all valuable items (e.g., laptop computers) be insured.
The Office of Study Abroad recommends that students consider travel cancellation insurance. Travel cancellation insurance is effective in the case of a sudden illness or injury that necessitates canceling or interrupting a trip. Most policies also provide coverage due to a wide variety of unforeseen events.