The health and safety of students engaged in activities abroad is our top priority. Whether traveling as part of a group or individually, make sure you are familiar and compliant with USC policies and guidelines.
Student-Led Group Travel Abroad
USC tracks all student travel, except personal. All international programs at USC must be approved prior to advertisement and/or program launch. Department designated Program Coordinators (faculty/staff) act as liaisons between programs and Global Initiatives, the Student Health Insurance Office, and Campus Support & Intervention. All travel, including student-initiated travel abroad, is required to have a Program Coordinator. Once a Program Coordinator is identified, the Coordinator must follow the guidelines provided for administrators on Policies & Guidelines. The University depends on Program Coordinators for their department’s data collection and crisis response.
All students attending the student-led travel must review Student Handbook Appendix IX: Miscellaneous Policies, pages 122 to 127. This document is not for programs organized or led by USC faculty or staff.
Independent Student Travel
Students traveling abroad independently, including Ph.D. students performing research, attending conferences, or any other University-related activity, must work with administrative staff in their departments to complete the Independent Student Travel Registration to ensure they are compliant with USC policy for Student Travel Abroad. All students are required to share information, sign travel release forms, and secure University-sponsored travel health insurance and International SOS coverage prior to travel through this process. For questions, e-mail stabroad@usc.edu.
USC Student Travel Abroad Handbook
The USC Student Travel Abroad Handbook includes important information and resources for all travelers from the pre-departure process through returning to campus. All students traveling abroad should review the handbook prior to travel and save a copy for reference while abroad.
Emergency Support Abroad
In the event of an emergency abroad, the first point of contact is International SOS, USC’s contracted health and safety emergency service provider for programs abroad:
USC Member ID: 11BSGC000010
215-354-5000 | 215-942-8226
phlopsmed@internationalsos.com
Campus Support and Intervention works with all student populations at USC to provide support, guidance, and resources to assist with any challenges that may rise in their time as a student.
Tutor Campus Center, Suite 421
213-740-0411
uscsupport@usc.edu
Student Health Abroad
Student travelers are highly encouraged to receive a consultation from the Travel Clinic offered at the Engemann Student Health Center or Eric Cohen Student Health Center prior to departure. Please visit the clinics for additional information.
USC student travelers must adhere by all USC conduct codes and policies while abroad. Please refer to university governance guidelines published in the USC Student Handbook.
Additional Resources
For questions about student travel abroad planning, roster data points or any concerns, please contact Christine Jamoralin.
For questions about health insurance, please contact USC Student Health.
For questions about contracts and agreements with institutions abroad, please contact Kana Sugita.