Prepare to Go

Once you have completed the study abroad program or university and OIE application processes, you must complete the following health and safety requirements prior to studying abroad.  

If you are funded by a Harvard international center or academic department for your summer study abroad experience, they may provide region or country-specific pre-departure orientations as well. Please check directly with them for this information.

Review Harvard College Travel Policy
Review your desination’s Travel Risk Rating

Register your travel in International SOS MyTrips

  • Register your itinerary and contact information with International SOS MyTrips, even if you haven't purchased your flight but you know your tentative dates and location (city, country). Submit screenshot of registered travel to cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu  
  • Update your itinerary once you book your flight and lodging and remember to update your travel details as they change (weekend travel, lodging, transportation, etc.)

Complete Harvard GSS Online Orientation

This online orientation module should take approximately 45 minutes. You will have completed this once you reach the “Certificate of Completion” screen at the end. Submit screenshot of the certificate to cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu.  

Complete OIE Orientation

Students who have completed a Request for Course Approval will be contacted about attending a 45-minute virtual OIE orientation. Multiple sessions will be offered, and attendance at one is required.

Obtain Health Clearance

  • This can take time, so please complete this at least 30 days in advance of your program start date.
  • Follow instructions for obtaining health clearance electronically.
  • Submit screenshot of clearance email to Camila Nardozzi, Director of the OIE (cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu).

Download the International SOS Assistance App on your mobile device

With the SOS Assistance App, you will be able to “check-in” to a location if there for less than 24-hours and receive country-specific information sent to you.

If traveling to Elevated Risk Regions

Determine if your travel destination is an Elevated Risk Region