Health & Safety

Northeastern University is committed to the health and safety of all community members.

There are many resources, services, and requirements designed to mitigate risk to our community members as they pursue their international endeavors.

Know Your Destination

Each location has its own particular health and safety challenges.  In addition, each travel has unique needs that ought to be meet in order to obtain a successful travel experience.  One must be prepared to meet the challenges of an new environment.  Therefore, your travel planning should include:

  • Determine what risks are present in the destination country and how to mitigate the impact of these risks. Travelers should review the location intelligence tab on the WorldCue site.
  • Learn about any specific vaccination requirements or other precautionary dietary, water and environmental considerations for any location on your travel plan from the Center for Disease Control. The World Health Organization also has useful information that you may wish to consult. Planning ahead is critical since many vaccinations may be required months in advance of travel. There are many travel clinics available in the Boston area such as: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
  • Plan for any prescription medications that you might require while traveling. Some may not be permitted in large quantities at your destination and may need additional documentation.
  • Consult with your program office or leader prior to travel.  We recommend you voluntarily disclose information about personal history, which can enable on campus resources and/or your personal physician to predetermine health and safety resources in your destination country.
  • Take steps to stay connected via phone and email in order to learn about potential travel disruption.  Also, save important numbers in your phone to quickly obtain guidance or assistance.
  • Register for SmartTraveler, sponsored by the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for U.S. citizens. International travelers should check with their home consular offices.
  • Keep an eye on travel warnings and alerts put out by the State Department.
  • Visit the Northeastern WorldAware travel advice site to learn about the risks and culture of your intended destination(s).
  • Download the WorldCue Mobile app onto your mobile device.
  • Investigate your options for phone service and have an emergency communication plan with family in the event you lose your phone.
  • Notify all bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

Understanding Travel Risks

All travelers are urged to understand the risks associated with any planned travel. The U.S. State Department and WorldAware (another name for the travel support services at Northeastern University) provide extensive and up to date safety and risk information. Additionally, all travelers who are U.S. citizens should register for the STEP or SmartTraveler program sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

  • International travelers can also register with STEP to receive US Embassy emails.  They should also contact their home embassy for guidance and registration information. Here is a list of foreign embassies in the U.S.
  • Students are also encouraged to read the FBI’s The Key to U.S. Student Safety Overseas and view the FBI’s most recent short film, Game of Pawns, regarding student safety and security issues while abroad.
  • NUPD’s International Security Office is available to assist all travelers in emergency planning and risk reduction strategies.  Appoints can be made by calling 617.373.2121.