Safety, Security & Health
BGSU recognizes the importance of student safety and health and having necessary resources available to students while traveling abroad on BGSU sanctioned programs and activities. The University offers a Falcon Health Center to assist you with your travel health preparation. All students are required to purchase the BGSU health and travel insurance for any international education experience.
During the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in-depth information about health and safety will be provided from Education Abroad, International Programs and Partnerships. Faculty-led directors will also provide a Pre-Departure Orientation specific to their program and location. Students will receive an on-site orientation program upon arrival for all program types. Please consult with the Education Abroad, International Programs and Partnerships or your program director regarding specific health and safety concerns.
Information and Resources
Learn About the Country and Stay Informed
Read the State Department's Consular Info for the country in which you plan to study or visit. Learn about the history, culture, politics, and customs of the country/countries in which you will study and travel, and respect the country's customs, manners, rules, and laws. Stay informed about current and developing situations through local and independent media.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Register for your trip with the U.S. Department of State. This free service will provide important health, safety and security updates for your host country and better assist you in case of an emergency.
Schedule a travel health visit appointment at the Falcon Health Center well in advance of your program. One of the most important things you can do to encourage a successful experience abroad is to take care of your health before you go.
Travel Health Resources
Insurance
BGSU contracts with an international services provider, International SOS (ISOS), who will provide international emergency medical, personal, travel, legal, and security assistance services as needed. BGSU also provides international travel medical insurance with University Health Plan (UHP), which works side by side with ISOS. Together, these providers provide comprehensive medical, safety, and security support and coverage.
For more information please visit the International Travel section on the BGSU Risk Management Website.
Students can also download the International ISOS app.
All education abroad participants, except students participating in affiliate partner programs* are automatically enrolled in the mandatory international health and travel insurance plan through United Health Plan and ISOS. Students will be billed through their bursars account. Students participating on affiliate partner programs have insurance coverage built in their program.
*Affiliate Partner Programs: AIFS, API, IES, ISA, SAS, SIT, USAC
The insurance fee is reviewed on an annual basis and is subject to change. The current rate is $1.78 a day, charged from the program start date to the program end date. Coverage begins 3 days prior to the program start date and ends 3 days following the program end date If you plan to travel abroad for more than 3 days before or after the program dates, we highly encourage you to purchase additional international travel/health insurance through an outside company, such as GeoBlue.
Emergencies Abroad
In the event of an emergency situation, Bowling Green State University will be involved in securing the health and welfare of BGSU students on education abroad experiences. In order to report an emergency or to seek assistance, please contact:
During regular office hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm):
International Programs & Partnerships: +1.419.372.2247 edabroad@bgsu.edu
Michelle Ploeger, Coordinator of Education Abroad: +1.419.372.7680 mploege@bgsu.edu
During evening, weekend, or holidays, or in the event where office personnel cannot be reached:
Bowling Green State University Police +1.419.372.2346
When you reach your campus representative or campus police, inform them of the nature of the crisis, your location, and other relevant details available to you.
BGSU in Spain & Austria: For students traveling abroad on these programs please note that our office will be in contact with the onsite BG program director in the event of an emergency situation.
Faculty-Led Programs: For students traveling abroad on a faculty-led program please note that our office will be in contact with your faculty leader in the event of an emergency situation.
Exchange/Affiliate Partner Programs: For students traveling abroad on exchange or affiliate programs please note that our office will be in contact with the appropriate affiliate or exchange partner in the event of an emergency situation.
During an emergency situation please remember to check your BGSU email regularly for correspondence from our office.
Updated: 07/06/2021 12:26PM