Strategies on Reducing Risks
All activities, whether around the corner or around the globe, inherently involves risk. Traveling abroad involves higher levels of risk do to many factors. Preparing strategies to reduce risk is the responsibility of everyone involved; WKU, your instructors and program leaders, your family, and of course you ... the student. You will be the one to make the decision that will help keep you safe and make your study abroad program a worthwhile adventure. This link provide information on recognizing and reducing risks. While not the only source, it does bring together many perspectives and proven practices on staying safe.
> The Center for Global Education - Study Abroad Manual
> US State Department - International Travel Information for Students
> Students Abroad
Travel Advisory
Please check to verify your specific travel location and any current warnings.
2009 Outgoing Orientation Source
> Travel Companion Booklet
Information all study abroad students need to know.
Check specifc airlines for luggage rules!
WKU-provided information at orientation:
> Travel Safety & Alcohol Awareness (Kathryn Steward, WKU Health Services)
> Health (Dr. Pat Blewett, WKU Health Services)
> WKU Student Handbook (Michael Crowe, WKU Judicial Affairs)
> WKU counseling services (Dr. Karl Laves - WKU Counseling & Testing Center)
> Center for Disease Control web site
> US State Department - International Travel Information for Students
> Outside-Program Travel Release Form
Complete this form if you plan to travel before OR after your official program dates.
Useful Links
> Non WKU Study Abroad Information
> Study Abroad Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
> WKU's Office of Scholar Development
> Information About Foreign Countries
Starting August 15, 2009, health insurance is mandatory for students, faculty and staff traveling on WKU Study Abroad or Travel Abroad programs.
> Academic Health Plans - premiums and brochure
Note: Fall 2009 students only. The monthly premium is $28.50. AHP monthly premium is listed as $30 and will go into effect on January 2, 2010. WKU's SAGL Office will pay the difference ONLY for Fall 2009 WKU students.
- U.S. State Department Travel Warnings
- U.S. Embassy & Consulate Websites
- Register With U.S. Embassies
- CDC: Travelers' Health
Study Abroad Program Databases
Study Abroad Financial Aid & Scholarship Resources
- FAFSA On The Web
- WKU Study Abroad Financial Aid & Scholarships
- IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding
- FastWeb
You must register to use this website, but registration is free. - Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
You must be Pell Grant eligible to apply for this scholarship. - Fulbright Program
- NSEP: National Security Education Program
- Monetos International
Portal offering free information on the financial and social sectors of the European Union - Cross Cultural Training Bibliography
A list of books on cross cultural issues. - Cultural Adjustment
Compiled by UC Irvine's Center for International Education. - Culture Shock & Reverse Culture Shock
Compiled by the Office of Overseas Studies at the University of Southern California. - Reverse Culture Shock
Compiled by SUNY Buffalo's Study Abroad Programs. - Learn About Different Cultures
- This resource guide for study abroad is organized around materials collected and developed over 30 years of offering cross-cultural training courses at the University of the Pacific.
Information About Foreign Countries
- CIA World Factbook
- Library of Congress Country Studies
- U.S. Embassies/Consulates Abroad
- International Telephone Directories
- Flags Of The World
- World Maps
The Study Abroad Office does not endorse any of the following links. They are provided only for your information.
- Mobility International
National clearing house on disability and exchange. - TDS: Travel Document System
Specialize in expediting passports and visas. - Fodor's
- Lonely Planet
- Virtual Tourist
- Hostel Guide
- Eurail Pass
- Japan Rail Pass
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