Guidance for Families
A Team Effort
While Northeastern offers numerous services to help keep your student safe during their travels, safety is everyone’s responsibility and we could not do it without your support. We understand that international travel, especially for extended periods of time, can be both an exciting and stressful experience for families. Here are some tips that can help alleviate some last-minute stress:
- Ensure that your student’s travel documents are valid for a minimum of 6 months following their expected return home;
- Familiarize yourself with the Global Safety and Support Network, and other resources offered by the university;
- Ensure your student has the appropriate insurances in place, such as health, travel, and coverage for their belongings.
- Make a plan for your student to stay connected during their travels. They must carry a working cell phone that does not rely solely on wifi connectivity and has the ability to make/receive international calls for emergency situations.
- Set up a regular communication schedule with your student, as well as a contingency plan in the event of an emergency;
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Encourage them to speak to their doctor/a travel clinic about their destination and their itinerary
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Plan for any medical needs such as medications and local referrals
- Exercise caution if mailing any packages from abroad. Check customs regulations prior to sending anything. Mailing of medications and electronics should be avoided due to the risk of confiscation, damage, loss, and/or import taxes. It is illegal to mail medications to most countries and could result in fines or arrest. Packages can also be held in customs for many weeks and the university cannot assist in retrieving packages stuck in a country’s customs process.
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We recommend, at a minimum, that students review the following guidance for their destination(s): CDC Traveler’s Health, US Department of State Travel Advisories (Please review the Country Security Report), UK Foreign Commonwealth Office, Foreign Travel Advice Government of Canada Travel Advisories, and Director of National Intelligence Guidance for Traveling with Electronic Devices
University Resources
Northeastern University has assembled some of the best resources available to ensure that your student has both an enriching and safe experience during their travels abroad. Here are some of the tools that are available to your student while they are overseas.
24/7 Travel Assistance
Northeastern has partnered with some of the top names in travel security and medical assistance to assist our travelers through the Global Safety & Support Network, wherever their university travels may take them.
If your student needs assistance during their travels, call: +1.857.214.5332 (collect calls accepted).
24/7 Mental Health Support
Support and Resources that help you find yourself, your peace of mind, and your distinctive path.
For more information, visit: https://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs/find-at-northeastern/
The Global Safety Office
GSO strives to assist NU travelers prior to international travel by providing guidance, logistics assistance, and information in order to enhance traveler safety and security awareness. We also provide one-on-one travel consultations!
For more information, please email us at: mytravelplans@northeastern.edu
WeCare
The We Care office assists students who are experiencing unexpected challenges to maintain their academic progress, and works with other university offices and faculty to help ensure students’ success at Northeastern.
Contact Information:
Telephone: +1.617.373.7591
Email: wecare@northeastern.edu
Website: https://studentlife.northeastern.edu/we-care/
Travel Registry
All students are required to register their university-related travel plans with the Global Safety Office prior to departure. Simply use your Northeastern email to access the Travel Registry, Factsheets, and Alerts. Best of all, it’s completely free for students, faculty, and staff!
Northeastern University Police Department
NUPD is a full-service and accredited police agency that comprises patrol and investigative divisions providing 24-hour service. Officers are ready and willing to assist all members of our community.
On-campus emergencies: +1.617.373.3333
Non-Emergency Line: +1.617.373.2121
Website: https://nupd.northeastern.edu
Global Experience Office
GEO maintains a vast portfolio of international opportunities for Northeastern students. Our Program Coordinators and Peer Advisors will help you define your goals, select the program that meets these goals, navigate courses, and prepare you to be safe and successful on your journey.
For more information, please visit: https://www.northeastern.edu/geo/
Title IX (Office of University Equity and Compliance)
The OUEC is responsible for investigating and resolving all complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at Northeastern.
For more information, please visit: https://www.northeastern.edu/ouec/
Homesickness
Many students traveling abroad experience homesickness in some form during their international program. The symptoms of homesickness may resemble those of depression or anxiety, including difficulty focusing, fatigue and change of appetite.
Experiencing homesickness doesn’t necessarily indicate a mental health concern. However, if feelings of distress persist or significantly impact daily functioning, it’s essential to seek support from a mental health professional. As parents and family members, you can help them navigate any challenges and encourage them to seek support if needed.
What can I do?
- Set up a regular communication schedule via telephone or email. Understand that your student may communicate less frequently as they may want to disconnect from home to fully immerse themselves in the local culture;
- Foster independence. While abroad, your student will learn to transcend cultural barriers, and develop critical problem-solving skills that will follow them for the rest of their lives. This is part of what makes international programs so unique.
- Be ready to lend a listening ear as your student navigates culture shock, homesickness, and frustration;
- Encourage your student to seek outside support. Alongside their on-site support network, Find@Northeastern provides 24/7 mental health and counselling support to all students worldwide!
- Review the Parent & Family Guide for Supporting Student’s Mental Health
FERPA Disclaimer
Like any other Northeastern University program, all international programs are mandated by Federal law to protect the privacy of student education records, both financial and academic. The University is not allowed to disclose student-specific study-abroad information with parents, guardians or others without the student’s express permission. Students may opt to allow the University to share information with parents or legal guardians by completing a FERPA Update Form.