Global Safety and Support

Connectivity Requirements

Requirements for all Students Participating in University Programs Abroad

All students traveling outside of the U.S. on Northeastern University-sponsored programs must carry an operational cell phone with international calling, SMS, and cellular data capabilities. Phones must be able to receive incoming and make outgoing international phone calls without relying solely on data-calling or a Wi-Fi signal. If obtaining a local phone number upon arrival, student must ensure that their US/personal phone will function in the interim. Students must ensure their international phone number is up to date in the “Current Address” page found in the Student Hub (the “Current Address” page is where students update local addresses and local phone numbers). If using a permanent number, student must ensure their permanent cell number is up to date in the “Permanant Address” section of the “I Am Here” portal found in the Student Hub. Students failing to comply with these requirements may be prevented from traveling, may not receive credit for courses, and/or may be excluded from participating in other Northeastern global programs. 

Synopsis: 

  1. Phone with international calling, SMS, and cellular data capabilities;
  2. User must be reachable at all times;
  3. Must enter number into “I Am Here” before departure, or no more than 24 hours after arrival.

In order to update your information in the Student Hub, please follow the steps outlined below. 

  • Navigate to “Resources” tab (located on the top, right-hand side) 
  • Type in “Current Address” in to the “Resources” search bar 
  • Click on “Current Address Form” and you will be redirected to the “Current Address” page on the “I am Here” portal 
  • Note: Although the “Current Address” page is housed on the “I Am Here” portal, the only way to access the “Current Address” page is through the “Current Address Form” link found on the Student Hub (me.northeastern.edu) 
  • When on the “Current Address” page, update this section with the accommodation and phone number you are using while abroad. 
  • You can add or update accommodation and phone number information at any time while on your program if this information changes. 
  • Note: If you are not using a local number, and instead using your regular/permanent number, please click the “Permanent Address” tab on the left-hand side of the “I Am Here” portal and make sure your cell phone number is up to date. 
  • Click the “Submit” button at the bottom when you are finished to save you changes 
  • Note: To make additional changes, to re-access the “Current Address” form if you chose “Finish Later”, or to view the “Current Address” page again, you must log onto the Student Hub (me.northeastern.edu) and follow the previously listed steps above 

Requirements for Students Traveling to Locations Deemed High Risk by the University

All students traveling to locations defined as “high-risk” by the university’s International Travel Policy must carry an operational cell phone with international calling, SMS, and cellular data capabilities. Students are required to enter the number for their international phone into “I Am Here” before departure, or no more than 24 hours after their arrival. They will be contacted by the Northeastern University Global Operations Center to confirm the phone is working. Failure to respond to outreach may result in emergency contacts, co-op employers, or partner institutions being notified in order to confirm your safe arrival.

Requirements for Faculty and Staff Traveling with Students

All faculty and staff members traveling with students must carry an operational cell phone with international calling, SMS, and cellular data capabilities that functions independent of Wi-Fi (e.g. not via WhatsApp, Skype, WeChat, etc.).  Faculty and staff leaders will need to report their mobile number to their designated program office or college and may be asked to provide it directly to the Northeastern University Global Operations Center.  They will also be contacted by the Northeastern University Global Operations Center to confirm the phone is working upon arrival.

Emergency Check-ins

In the event of an emergency in or near your destination, the University may reach out to travelers to check in and confirm safety. The outreach may come in the form of an email, call, SMS, or Whatsapp messages. Travelers should respond as soon as possible in order to confirm safety or obtain assistance. Failure to respond to outreach may result in repeated messaging, or communication with emergency contacts, co-op employers, or partner institutions in order to confirm your safe arrival. 

University travelers should reach out to the Global Safety & Support Network at +1.857.225.7090 or +44.20.3467.1773 if they require immediate assistance while traveling.

Data Protection

Before traveling to any destination throughout the world, please ensure that you have reviewed and follow the guidance included in the U.S. Director of National Intelligence’s tips for traveling with electronic devices: Travel Tips (dni.gov).