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Information for International Travelers UCSF Global Health Sciences Fieldwork Advisory for The purpose of these guidelines is to harmonize, across UCSF Schools and Departments, the essential knowledge, behaviors and attitudes that will optimize the trainee's learning experience abroad and provide safety and health advice to prevent untoward events. This document addresses the practicalities of studying and conducting research abroad, and the appendices provide useful websites, a checklist, and a liability waiver from the University to be signed by travelers prior to departure. The information is especially relevant for working in developing countries, where supervision, security, and living conditions can be challenging or unpredictable. This document assumes that the student, resident or fellow has already been accepted into a UCSF program that sanctions study, research or work abroad, a host country and mentor have been identified, and funds and host country approvals have been secured. Additional generic information about working abroad, relevant websites, and an annotated bibliography can be found at the Global Health Education Consortium website under "resources". The descriptions below generally apply to any host country, with country-specific guidelines found elsewhere as noted in website references. As experiences accumulate, we invite students, residents and fellows to amend or add to this advisory by contacting Laurie Kalter, Education Coordinator, at UCSF Global Health Sciences.
First and foremost, cultural sensitivity is essential for a rewarding experience in the host country. It is advantageous to find out as much as you can about the political and cultural history of the region you will be visiting. Prior to your departure, speak with others from UCSF who have visited the country where you will be going or talk to citizens of the country who are at UCSF. If this is your first experience abroad, the US Department of State publishes useful Field Reports (see appendix) that describe the typical reactions of expatriates, the phases of adapting to a new culture, and how to make the most of your experience in a new culture and environment. The Office of International Programs has collected trip reports from students who have participated in language training, research, and other global health activities, and these can be accessed using your Galen account login (see Student Experiences under Study Abroad). Be sure to take copies of important documents, especially your passport, and keep them separate from your original documents. Make sure you have sufficient credit available on your credit cards prior to departure. It can also be useful to scan your passport, and other important documents into a JPEG or other file, and send them to your e-mail account. That way images can be available through web access in cases of theft or loss.
The UC system provides free travel insurance (ACE USA) that includes emergency medical care and evacuation, repatriation, and other related services. Be aware that: 1) coverage extends only for the duration of the trip; and 2) each traveler must register anew every time they travel. Be sure to take a copy of your insurance card with you, and leave a copy with an administrator in your department. Make sure your family or a responsible person here in the United States knows how to activate your evacuation process prior to your departure. For eligibility, to register, and more complete information go to https://www.uctrips-insurance.org.
Before you depart You must visit the Student Health Center or a travel clinic well before departure. The UCSF Travel Medicine and Immunization Clinic provides comprehensive pre-travel care to the UCSF community. Another available center for most UCSF Health Plans is the CPMC Travel Clinic (600-2356). When you call Student Health (476-1281) or other travel clinics, be sure to specify that you need a travel appointment and which country you will be visiting. This will determine what vaccinations you will need and when you will need them. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and tetanus inoculations are important. You may have to pay for them if insurance does not cover the cost. It is best to make an appointment as soon as you know you will be traveling so you have adequate time to get all the vaccinations required. Current recommendations for post-HIV exposure prophylaxis are especially important. Students who will be doing clinical work in remote areas of HIV-endemic parts of the world, especially those who will be far from larger health care centers, may be at risk of exposure, and may need to take post-exposure prophylaxis with them. Please talk to your advisor before departing about your schools or division's policies about post-exposure prophylaxis. Students should call 415/353-7344 a few weeks in advance of their departure to make an appointment with the Needlestick Hotline Coordinator, Ellie Lannen (or her delegate), who can provide advice, and medications if appropriate. Ellie Lannen can be reached at 353-4341 to confirm this or if you have additional questions. On Site
Poor countries generally have high rates of street crime (mugging, purse snatching, petty theft). It is critically important that you register with the local US Embassy or consulate and provide your family or a person here in the US who is aware of your travel plans with information about where you will be staying, your itinerary, and how you can be contacted. The Department of State regularly issues updated travel warnings, and these should be consulted prior to travel. In general, UCSF will not fund students to travel to countries with a State Department warning. However, check with your department since each case is handled individually. To avoid attracting unwanted or minimize security risk:
When traveling by road, do not stop for unknown persons or attend to an accident that has occurred on the road. Proceed to the next town and report the matter to police. Always do as you are told at a roadblock or border crossing. Do not offer bribes to anyone.
Accommodation, currency, and travel Generally, accommodation can be arranged in advance by networking with trainees and/or faculty already on site. UCSF is endeavoring to purchase or lease housing in its main partner sites to accommodate trainees. In low resource countries, expect fairly basic conditions. Sheets, blankets, clothing and other personal items can usually be purchased inexpensively in local markets, where bargaining is the norm. Currency can usually be exchanged in a national bank or foreign exchange office (forex). With a letter of introduction from your bank, many forex offices will cash checks and honor credit cards. Know your credit card pin number before you travel. It can take a few weeks to receive this information from your credit card company. Traveler's checks are more difficult to use. It is important to determine which brand of traveler's checks will be accepted in the country. Avoid black market exchanges. Some countries will accept American currency, but bills need to be in excellent condition (no markings, tears, etc). Travel in urban areas is chiefly by bus or group taxi. Always ascertain the price before embarking. Renting or purchasing a vehicle is expensive and not recommended. Cycling can be extremely dangerous and motorcycling even worse (including bicycle and motorcycle taxis).
Unexpected emergencies can happen at any time. These include: coup d'état or insurrection; assasination; invasion; civil war; demonstrations, and epidemics. Other emergencies include localized outbreaks (e.g. cholera, Ebola), and natural disasters (earthquakes, volcanic eruption, tsunami, flood). Local newspapers and radio stations are good sources of information. If a political event occurs, stay at home and listen to the local radio. (It is a good idea to take a small, battery-operated radio and extra batteries). In many countries it is inexpensive to purchase a SIM card to be used with your own cell phone, but compatibilities must be researched before travel. Cell phones can often be rented on arrival. In addition, try to remain in regular contact with someone at home in the US through e-mail. Contact the US Embassy for instructions for US national if there is an emergency. Follow instructions for any evacuation plan. Do not engage with crowds, take a side in demonstrations, or disobey any roadblock instructions. It is essential that you register with the US Embassy either before or on arrival. This allows the US Embassy to respond to inquiries and crisis situations that may affect you.
Check with the consular services of the country to which you will be traveling for visa requirements. These vary by country, so it is prudent to ask immigration authorities how long you may stay on a visitor or student visa. Some visas require a long lead-time so start this process early. For clinical privileges it will be important to ascertain in advance what paperwork, registration, and licenses are required prior to arrival. Be sure to bring copies of any student or professional credentials with you. In some circumstances, a formal appointment to a department or hospital firm will be required. One courtesy to extend to the host country is a Letter of Introduction, wherein the UCSF sponsoring faculty introduces the student/resident to the host institution, usually the Dean, Head of Hospital or Head of Department. Another welcome courtesy is to visit the head of department, hospital director, and, where, appropriate, Vice-Chancellor, to introduce yourself and your program while visiting. However, first check with your local contacts to determine if this courtesy is appropriate.
International Agreement Stipends for mentors
Prior to departure, review and write down with your mentor the specific aims, goals and learning objectives for your fieldwork, remembering that this experience is two-way, and there are many opportunities to teach more junior students while abroad. To optimize your learning experience, meet with your local mentor early on to establish meeting times, clinical experience, learning objectives, and evaluation of your performance. It is important to formalize these expectations in advance. In addition, the following is recommended:
Download PDF forms here: Pre-Departure Check List
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