Health & Safety
Safety and Security North Dakota State University
Study Abroad Programs
Dear Students and Parents:
I hope your program abroad will be enriching and rewarding! I want to take this opportunity to remind you that we're here to help in any way we can. I also have some issues concerning safety that I want to share with you.
In our continually changing world as it relates to health and safety issues, especially regarding Covid, I want to affirm that we are all in this together. Although you will be separated from your friends and family, our global network of support will be there to support you. Your safety and security are of paramount importance to everyone at North Dakota State University and also with the partners abroad.
The developments in the world in the past few years provide a lot of uncertainty for many, and we recognize the need to address some of the concerns that surface from a global pandemic, climate change, terrorist threats, and other international conflicts. We are informed by a variety of sources in making program security decisions. These include the U.S. Department of State, our partner institutions, overseas staff, our own (and other institutions') faculty and other experts, news media, and professional colleagues throughout the world. Our office also utilizes Alert Traveler to help both our office and the students themselves make informed decisions about travel, as well as to manage and track incidents abroad in real time.
We believe that students who are overseas on our programs are safe. You are encouraged to stay in close contact with your resident directors, international offices and/or with host institution officials. Please verify that you have been registered with the local U.S. embassy or consulate and be sure to download the Alert Traveler app on your phone prior to departure.
We will continue to do our best to receive current information and to monitor conditions so that we may make necessary and prudent changes in our recommendations and policies, and will do our best to continue to keep you informed.
Please contact us with your ideas, suggestions, questions, and concerns. The safety and security of all of our students is of primary importance. We want students to have safe, positive, and enriching study abroad experiences, and we believe that there is no better way to promote peace and understanding than to do what you are doing now as an international student ambassador.
Sincerely yours,
Important Notes
Registration at U.S. Embassies or Consulates
As soon as you arrive at your permanent residence abroad, you should register in person or by telephone with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate - or register via the web at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to inquirers without your expressed written authorization. If you register in person, you should bring your U.S. passport with you. Your passport data will be recorded at the embassy or consulate, thereby making it easier for you to apply for a replacement passport should it be lost or stolen.
Code of Student Behavior
All students who study abroad must abide by the NDSU Code of Conduct. Keep in mind that you are representatives of NDSU the entire time you are abroad and that NDSU wants all of you to help portray a positive image throughout the world.
Helpful Links
Important sites to remember
- US Dept of Homeland Security
- US State Department
- Transportation Security Administration
- Prohibited items list for US flights
Other Helpful Links
- The importance of medical insurance abroad- From the U.S. State Department
- Current Travel Warnings and Alerts
- Country Information Sheets
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators
SAFETI (Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information) - Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Center for Disease Control
- World Health Organization
- Federal Aviation Administration
- OSAC - Overseas Security Advisory Council
- American Citizens Services and Crisis Management