As part of the university’s commitment to expanding its global engagement along with furthering the safety and security of those on university travel, and in keeping with the university’s travel policies, the Global Safety and Security Assessment Committee (GSSAC) developed the following guidance related to travel that takes place prior to, during the course of, and/or immediately following a scheduled program but is not part of the program. This guidance is intended to enable the university to communicate with travelers if unexpected events or conditions create circumstances that might pose health or safety risks, even if the traveler is on a personal side trip.
All side trips outside program time or away from the program are considered personal in nature. Personal trips are defines as leisure activities not directly related to the educational experience of the Northeastern program. All university travelers must adhere to the following side trip guidance:
- Students participating in university travel are required to register their personal side travel in My Travel Plans via the Student Hub.
- We recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance for all side trips to cover any unexpected disruptions or issues. Travelers must rely on their personal health and other insurances while on personal side trips, but may avail themselves of the university’s response program for country information, alerts, and to identify support resources. More information about insurance requirements.
- Personal side trips to high risk or sanctioned areas (as defined by Northeastern travel policies) are discouraged and are prohibited for N.U.in/Global Scholars/London Scholars participants, except when visiting family.
- Travelers are responsible for knowing and following all immigration requirements including any fees, visas, and passport validity lengths.
- Travelers are responsible for any impact to their program as a result of travel disruptions associated with the side trip; including, but not limited to: flight/train/bus delays/cancelations, lost or stolen travel documents/belongings, weather, labor actions, illness, or injury.
- Northeastern students, faculty, and staff are not permitted to rent a vehicle abroad without prior university authorization.
In addition to the above, travelers are expected to adhere to the below program-specific guidance:
Leisure Travel (not associated with a university program):
- Travelers assume all personal responsibility and liability for leisure travel.
N.U.in, Global Scholars, and London Scholars Participants
- Due to varying academic requirements, students should be mindful of the attendance policies of their program and should reconsider planning personal travel if they do not have the flexibility to navigate any potential delays or disruptions that would prevent the student from returning to their program location on time.
- Travelers must complete the Program Deviation Form prior to departing on the trip (seven days prior to travel) and need to register their plans in My Travel Plans in the Student Hub.
- Students should select their program site when completing the form, for the purposes of this document, any references to N.U. Bound = Global Scholars/London Scholars)
- For travelers under the age of 18, the listed emergency contact will be notified of the form completion.
- All personal travel is at the traveler’s own risk and they are responsible for any financial or academic losses related to personal travel disruptions.
- Personal side trips to high risk or sanctioned areas (as defined by Northeastern travel policies) are prohibited for N.U.in/Global Scholars/London Scholars participants, except when visiting family.
Faculty-led Groups (includes embedded trips)
- When planning a side trip from a faculty-led program, please consult with your faculty lead or program advisor, and complete the deviation form.
- Unless otherwise approved by the faculty lead and the Global Safety Office/Global Experience Office:
- Travelers may not leave the country where the group is located.
- Any authorized side trips in country may not be more than 2 hours driving distance from the group accommodations. Faculty and/or the university may set more restrictive permissions based upon curriculum, location, and/or and current conditions.
- Travelers must return same night to their respective group and are required to overnight with their respective group in provided lodgings.
- Travelers who voluntarily leave the group without following the above expectations may:
- be deemed to have withdrawn from the Northeastern program,
- be subject to disciplinary or other action,
- forfeit any return transportation arrangements made through the group, and
- be ineligible for assistance provided by Northeastern or its assistance providers.
- Travelers assume all personal responsibility and liability for personal side trips that deviate from the group itinerary, location or accommodations.
Traditional Study Abroad
- Travelers on a Traditional Study Abroad program who wish to pursue a side trip from their primary assigned location are expected to add their side trip to My Travel Plans at least 48 hours in advance of any travel.
- Students requesting to travel to a high risk or sanctioned area (as defined in the Northeastern Travel Policy) on a side trip related to their academic program must abide by the GSSAC petition process and may not pursue the side trip without express written permission from GSSAC.
Co-op Work Related Travel
- Co-op students are expected to discuss work related travel with their co-op employers prior to and during the co-op, and inform their co-op advisor.
- Students should enter their travel itinerary, including transportation and overnight accommodations, in My Travel Plans at least 48 hours in advance of any travel.
- Any travel to, within, or out of high risk or sanctioned areas as part of a co-op assignment must be immediately brought to the attention of the co-op advisor and the student must follow the GSSAC petition process.
- Travelers who fail to follow and abide by the petition process may not be eligible for insurance or assistance provided by Northeastern or its assistance providers, and may be subject to disciplinary or other action