As a student traveling internationally under the auspices of the University of Iowa (UI), I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Travel Risk

Traveling and living abroad as a UI student involves personal risk beyond that presented in the United States. While UI does take steps to prepare you for your overseas educational experience, it is incumbent upon you to research your destination, to understand as much as possible about risks involved and how you may mitigate them. Key resources you are expected to consult for your destination(s) prior to departure include the U.S. Department of State (U.S. DOS) Travel Advisories and  Country Information pages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health pages, Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Country Security Reports, and any additional health, safety and security information International Programs (IP) provides for your preparation.

• I agree to exercise my best judgment and I recognize that no one can guarantee my safety abroad or during travel.  I understand conditions in my destinations may change rapidly, and that the U.S. Embassy may temporarily close or suspend public services for safety or security reasons.  As a result, their ability to provide emergency assistance, should I require it, may be extremely limited.  I understand that if there is a need to evacuate the country, in certain emergency situations flights may be suspended, and other departure options may be limited. 
• I understand that my safety cannot be guaranteed in connection with my participation in this activity, and that certain risks are inherent in any foreign travel experience. I fully accept those risks, which include, but are not limited to, such things as war, quarantine, political unrest, civil unrest, public health risks, criminal activity, terrorism, exposure to communicable diseases, ill effects of unfamiliar food and water, incidents related to ground, air or water transportation, adverse weather conditions, accident, injuries or damage to property, and other physical, mental or emotional injury.
• I confirm I have researched my destination and understand, to the best of my ability, the types of risks associated with travel there.
• I acknowledge that I will check my official UIowa email account frequently while abroad and respond in a timely manner if requested by UI.
• I agree to complete any pre-departure orientations required of me, whether online or in person, prior to departure.
• I acknowledge that my decision to travel to and within my destination country is entirely voluntary, and I am proceeding with my travel plans notwithstanding the State Department advisory, or the advice from the University of Iowa to defer my travel to an alternate location.
• I agree to monitor and review travel advisory updates that may be issued between now and the end of my travel period, including links to destination-specific COVID-19 information and entry requirements posted to my destination’s U.S. Embassy website.
• I acknowledge that The University of Iowa strongly encourages student travelers, including those at increased risk for severe COVID-19, to discuss getting fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a healthcare provider before traveling. The University of Iowa recommends that travelers who are vaccinated securely carry proof of vaccination when traveling abroad.
• I agree to research and follow all airline and/or other transportation provider rules and destination entry requirements, such as testing, vaccination, mask wearing and quarantine. I acknowledge that some countries may require a negative COVID-19 test and/or proof of vaccination to gain entry. I am aware that if I do not follow my destination’s requirements, I may be denied entry.
• I understand my airline or other transportation provider may require proof of vaccination or negative public health test results prior to boarding and I should check directly with my transportation provider for guidance.
• I acknowledge that some institutions and facilities abroad may require proof of vaccination, negative test results or quarantine for lodging, entrance, enrollment, or attendance.
• I acknowledge that requirements for public health testing or proof of vaccination can change at any time and are at the sole discretion of each transportation provider, institution, or country I visit. I understand if I am denied entry or subject to a quarantine period based on my public health test results, vaccination status, lack of required entry documentation or inability to meet any other entry requirement, I will not be eligible for a refund or financial compensation from the University of Iowa.
• I acknowledge that routine healthcare and emergency medical services may be impacted by COVID-19 worldwide, and I may face unpredictable circumstances accessing medical care if I get sick or injured while abroad.
• Either:
  • I am a U.S. citizen and will confirm that I have been registered in the U.S. DOS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to update the STEP registry when I travel outside of my primary location. OR:
  • I am not a U.S. citizen and therefore not eligible to enroll in STEP. I will consult with my country’s embassy or consulate to determine if they have a similar service. If they do, I will access the safety measures available and appropriate to my circumstances.
  • If traveling outside my primary location, I agree to share my travel plans with my program provider, faculty lead, or UI International Programs by emailing safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.
  • I agree to abide by all travel restrictions established by UI. This includes not traveling to

U.S. DOS high-risk travel locations (level 3 or 4)  unless I have previously received written/electronic approval to do so. Violation of any UI travel restriction may be cause for my immediate return to the U.S. I understand that I am responsible for researching any region or country I plan to visit outside of my primary location prior to departure; this includes safety, security, and health concerns in that location. I agree to contact UI International Programs at safety- abroad@uiowa.edu when considering travel to U.S. DOS high-risk travel locations.

• I acknowledge that UI does not support student travel to CDC Travel Health Notice warning level 3 locations.
• I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to provide an emergency contact to UI when applying for a program or registering travel under the auspices of UI. I understand that this contact should be someone who is authorized to make medical decisions on my behalf in case of an emergency and will be contacted at the discretion of UI when there is a concern about my well-being.
• I acknowledge that UI may request my foreign phone number, foreign address, social media contact or other communication methods that I use while abroad to contact me in case of an emergency.
• I acknowledge that the host institution or UI partner program may report and disclose to UI International Programs information concerning incidents pertaining to my health or safety while abroad. Examples of such incidents include injury, illness, death, physical or sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct, arrest, involvement in an alleged crime or failure to attend required program activities without adequate explanation.
• I agree to follow directives from the University of Iowa to take safety precautions or self-protective action when requested, such as sheltering in place, relocating, returning home early, or completing coursework remotely due to elevated health, safety, or security risks.

2. Mandatory International Medical and Security Insurance

UI mandates that all students traveling internationally under its auspices must be covered by the insurance provided by the Iowa Regents Universities. While serious medical and security emergencies are rare, the possibility is there. UI-mandated coverage includes comprehensive medical and security provisions, including evacuation under certain circumstances.

• I acknowledge the risks associated with studying and traveling abroad, and I authorize the University of Iowa, its authorized representative(s) or the program coordinator at the host institution, to secure any medical treatment determined to be necessary under the circumstances.
• I acknowledge that I will be enrolled in the Iowa Regents’ CISI insurance policy and my digital insurance ID card will be sent to my University of Iowa email account.
• As a benefit of my coverage under the Iowa Regents’ CISI insurance policy, I understand that I can create a user account on the CISI website to access a “Personal Security Assistance” function with up-to-date traveler risk assessments for international destinations. 
• I confirm that a physician has approved of my participation in my planned international activity, or that I agree to accept the risk of my participation without such approval.
• I understand that the insurance provided through the Iowa Regents Universities is mandatory and covers me for only the duration of the international activity or program approved and registered by UI. If I decide to depart from the U.S. earlier and/or return later in order to have personal travel time abroad, it is my responsibility to provide coverage for that personal time. I understand that UI strongly recommends maintaining medical, security and evacuation coverage for any travel not covered under the auspices of UI.
• I acknowledge that I have read the current Iowa Regents Universities insurance policy and understand that some high-risk activities are not covered. I recognize that it is my responsibility to limit said activities in accordance with the policy.
• I understand that continuity of care plans for pre-existing medical conditions can be arranged before I travel through the Iowa Regents Universities insurance provider. If I require assistance, I can contact UI International Programs at safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.
• I acknowledge that if I return to Iowa earlier than planned because of health, safety or security concerns, the University of Iowa will not provide or facilitate any refund of costs incurred.

3. Personal Conduct

To be eligible to travel internationally under the auspices of the UI, students must be eligible for enrollment at the UI; may not be suspended or expelled; and must be in good academic and disciplinary standing as determined by the applicable Dean of Students. It is the University of Iowa’s expectation that students conduct themselves appropriately for the culture and country they are visiting. Students’ preparedness for the heightened responsibilities associated with international travel is an eligibility consideration. Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the international activity proposed, with higher disciplinary and academic standards required for some locations and activities.

• I will strive to understand and respect the cultural differences that I encounter.
• I understand that I am subject to local laws and that if I violate local laws, even unknowingly, I may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. I recognize that the U.S. government may have limited authority or ability to assist me.
• I will observe all academic and disciplinary regulations in effect at host institutions.
• I will adhere to UI’s Code of Student Life. I understand that infractions of the Conditions of Participation or Code of Student Life may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to immediate dismissal from my international activity or program and/or sanctions by the UI Office of the Dean of Students that may include suspension or expulsion from UI.
• I have read the UI International Travel Policy for Students and confirm that I am eligible to travel internationally under the auspices of UI. I will not be on academic or disciplinary probation while on travel status.
• I acknowledge that UI, in its sole discretion, may deny approval for international travel through its programs or activities.
• I also acknowledge that I will work expeditiously and avoid remaining in my destination beyond the necessary time to achieve my academic goals, and I understand that there might not be a possibility of extending my duration of stay.

4. Academic Conduct

While some host programs operate according to the U.S. model of higher education, others require students to adapt to a foreign educational system. Roles, expectations and responsibilities can be markedly different.

• If I am studying abroad, I will maintain a full course load while abroad, and take full responsibility for my performance in those classes.
• If I am conducting research abroad, I will obtain required approvals prior to departure, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, and I will comply with applicable restrictions

and conditions in the course of the research abroad.

5. Ethics

• I will respect the cultural differences I find and treat my host country and my host institution with dignity. I acknowledge that I am expected to conduct myself appropriately and respectfully.
• If I am taking part in a health-related, service-learning or internship activity abroad, I will take steps to safeguard my future professional reputation by following good practice standards that limit my duties to those I am qualified to perform. I will refer to the Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards of Good Practice and Guidelines to inform my participation in these types of programs.

6. Information Technology (IT) Security

• I have reviewed the University of Iowa IT Security and Policy Office Guidelines for Everyone.
• I will follow any additional program-specific guidance for online interactions and workspaces my program provider refers me to.
• I understand I may direct questions about IT security to it-security@uiowa.edu

7. Financial Obligations

• I am aware of the costs associated with my planned international activity, and I agree to pay any required fees according to the program’s fee schedule.
• I acknowledge and accept the potential academic and financial consequences of withdrawing voluntarily from and/or returning home prior to the conclusion of my planned international activity.

VIII. Agreement & Release

I acknowledge that travel to and from and participation in the Program I am applying for involves risk to person and property, including but not limited to the risk of injury due to accident and disease; and

WHEREAS, I acknowledge that travel to and from and participation in the Program may result in or otherwise involve a medical or other emergency or incident necessitating the administration of medical treatment, hospitalization and/or surgery;

NOW, THEREFOR, in consideration for being permitted to participate in the Program, I (Student) do hereby, for myself, my heirs, administrators, and executors, and the undersigned as parent, parents, or guardian of Student, do for ourselves and for and on behalf of said Student, all acknowledge and assume the risk of Student’s travel to and participation in the Program, and we do hereby release and forever discharge the State of Iowa; the University of Iowa; and the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; and all of their respective officers, employees, volunteers, and agents whether accompanying Student or otherwise, (collectively, Releasees) from any and all claims, demands, actions, or causes of action, on account of any injury to Student or Student’s property, on account of Student’s death, or on account of damages suffered by Student for whatever reasons, which may occur from any cause, including negligence, or in connection with travel to or from or participation in the Program or any continuances thereof; and we do hereby expressly covenant and agree to refrain from bringing suit or proceedings at law or in equity or otherwise as provided by law, against any of the Releasees on account of any and all such claims, demands, actions, or causes of action. I (Student) voluntarily assume these risks. I have read and understand this Participation Agreement and Release, and I submit and sign my application voluntarily and with full knowledge and intent.

Please read this form carefully and retain a copy for your records prior to submission. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or legal guardian must also sign a release for your participation.

By signing below, I signify the following: 

• my complete understanding of this notice and release;
• my voluntary participation in this travel; and
• my assumption of all risks known and unknown related to this travel. 

By signing below, I also release the University of Iowa; the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the State of Iowa; and any and all of their respective employees, officers and agents from any and all liability for any claim arising from or in any way involving this travel to my destination country, including without limitation travel to or from my destination country and my stay in my destination country. 

______________________________________________________        ______________________________________________________

Student Signature                                                                      Date

_________________________________________________       _________________________________________________

Student Name Printed                                                               UID #

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES

U.S. Department of State Country Profile Pages https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health Pages https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Iowa Regent Universities Insurance Policy https://international.uiowa.edu/travel-safety/international-health-insurance

Forum on Education Abroad’s Standards of Good Practice https://www.forumea.org/standards-of-good-practice.html

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

UI International Travel Policy for Students https://international.uiowa.edu/travel-safety/ui-international-travel-policy-students