Health & Safety
Global Health & Safety:
Your health and safety are our highest concern. Before departing, we will brief you on health awareness, cultural adaptation, safety, and academic and social support services.
You will be provided with a comprehensive Global Learning Handbook upon acceptance to a program. You are responsible for reviewing the content and making the appropriate preparations to manage your own health and safety needs.
USD does not support programs that take place in countries where the U.S. Department of State has issued "Travel Warnings." Programs in countries that have been issued Alert level advisories by the DOS are monitored closely and USD reserves the right to suspend or cancel programs in countries that pose a serious health and/or safety threat to participants. Parents and students are urged to be diligent and aware of potential health and safety issues that may arise during a student's time away.
General Preparation:
You are required to participate in this pre-departure process:
- Attend a Global Learning 101 session
- Meet one-on-one with the Advisor for Global Learning
- Attend pre-departure workshops
- Stay in touch via the USD Global Learning web site and our USD official e-mail accounts
International Insurance:
The South Dakota Board of Regents requires students who participate in university affiliate international activities are required to purchase international insurance coverage through the Board of Regents Endorsed Insurance Plan. While you may have medical insurance coverage through your parents or other sources, this coverage often does not extend beyond the U.S.
International Student Identity Card (ISI Card):
USD Global Learning issues the ISI Card which provides limited travel insurance benefits and numerous discounts for entrance to museums, flights, hotels, and more. All members of the USD community may purchase ISI Cards for personal or university-affiliated programs. Plan premiums range from $22-$78 and remain valid for up to one year from the date of issue.
Health Clearance
You are required to complete a Health Clearance form before participating in a Global Learning Program.
Passports & Visas:
- Any travel outside the United States requires a passport.
- A passport is a government issued document that serves as your ID and citizenship verification.
- Passports should be valid for at least six months AFTER the end date of your program.
- If you do not already have a passport, you can apply Online through the U.S. Department of State.
- USD is a member of Institute for International Education which provides Instructions for Obtaining a Passport.
- Passport processing can take up to 6 months so it's important to start this step BEFORE you intend to apply for a Global Learning program.
While traveling globally, health and safety issues are especially important. Before departing, we will brief you on health awareness, cultural adaptation, safety, and academic and social support services.
