What to do if you have a problem or emergency while studying abroad

While studying abroad, student travellers may run into an emergency at some point. Emergencies can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including getting sick, breaking a bone, losing your passport, having your debit card eaten by an ATM, and becoming a victim of petty crime.

If you have a problem or emergency while studying abroad, the first thing you should do is contact your program coordinator or course advisor. They will be able to put you in contact with university student support services and help you resolve the issue.

If you are unable to reach your program coordinator or course advisor, here are some other steps you can take

1. Contact your home institution’s

Study Abroad or International Office, they will put you in touch with people who are experienced and can help you in an emergency situation.

2. Get in touch with your home country consular officers.

They provide immediate and personal assistance to citizens every day in every country around the world — replacing lost passports, assisting injured or ill travellers.

3. Contact your family and friends,

they can provide emotional support and may be able to help you resolve the issue remotely.

4. Your insurance company can help

you with any medical or travel assistance you may need, and your credit card company can help you with any financial assistance you may need.

5. Gather as much information as possible

about the problem or emergency and try to stay calm and collected, this will help you think more clearly and make better decisions about how to resolve the issue.

6. Be prepared to provide your personal identification

including name, contact details, health history and other relevant details when you are contacting someone for help.

7. Follow the instructions

of those who are helping you resolve the issue. They know what is best in the situation and keep a positive attitude. Even though things may appear bad right now, they will eventually improve.

If you are studying abroad, it is essential that you have travel insurance that covers both medical expenses and emergency evacuation. This will ensure that you are covered in the event of an emergency and can get the treatment and assistance you need as quickly as possible. To find a good policy, research different companies and compare their coverage levels and prices. Once you have found a policy that meets your needs, be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what is covered. This way, you will be prepared in the event of an emergency while studying abroad.

For support and advice on the best travel and health insurance options while studying abroad, contact a Gradstar Dream Maker today.