Health and Safety Abroad

Travelling and learning abroad can be one of the most exciting and rewarding learning experiences, but with it can come many unknowns and risks.

Before making any decisions to go abroad, it is important to make sure that you understand your own vulnerability and identify potential hazards and risks involved in your international activities and travel. Go to Travel advice and advisories - Travel.gc.ca to make informed decisions about traveling safely outside of Canada. 

OC International Education provides resources to help you assess and mitigate risks while you are abroad. 

Student sitting at table with a phone and backpack

Pre-departure Checklist

Orientation

Once your application has been approved, you must attend a pre-departure orientation session.

Health and safety advice

Take all reasonable measures and precautions to ensure your personal well-being.   

Sufficient and appropriate health and safety precautions must be taken before you leave on your exchange.  You'll need to obtain proper health insurance and vaccinations against disease before you go. Medical services and safety issues may differ greatly from what you are accustomed to so research these on the official website of the institutions and countries you plan to visit before you leave Canada.

For information on health insurance coverage consult the Provincial Ministry of Health. For advice and information on health concerns for international travel, consult the staff at Campus Health Offices. There is also valuable information at  Health Canada website.

No one can guarantee an accident or injury-free semester away, so give serious thought to the possibility of such incidents. Research the areas you wish to visit and talk with other exchange students and professors who have visited the school you are interested in.  Learn how you can safeguard yourself against the possibility of theft, burglary, property damage, personal injury or more serious crimes. 

Resources

Everyone participating in any of Okanagan College’s mobility programs must complete their Emergency Protocol Form prior to departure. This form helps identify risks involved in activities abroad and develop a basic plan to mitigate any risks.  

Guard.me medical insurance is required and provides emergency support through Core CAP. The Emergency Protocol Form will request your information about the following:  

  • Emergency contact  

  • Mobility program specifics 

  • Travel itinerary 

  • Guard.me Insurance

  • Risk identification and assessment 

Emergency Protocol Form

An orientation session will be provided prior to departure, which will cover: 

  • Academic advising 

  • Travel logistics 

  • Health and safety 

  • Emergency support 

  • Cultural competency 

For Okanagan College to support those abroad in case of an emergency, please ensure the following are completed prior to travelling and easily accessible while abroad: 

  • Mobility registry (by submitting Emergency Protocol Form) 

In an emergency

The CAP Advantage app is accessible for download on mobile devices at no cost.

24 Hour Client Response Center (CRC) Hotline: +1-619-717-8549 

Text number: +1-954-727-1916 

Call or text +1-250-317-2435 any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Emergency consular assistance for Canadians*:

You can also download the Travel Smart app to find Canadian consulate or embassy contact information and social media accounts, as well as follow any updates for your destination. 

*If you’re not a Canadian citizen, please also refer to the government of your country of origin for similar services. 

More Questions?

Our mobility team can provide information on general and administrative matters, pre-departure resources and procedures for applying for an exchange study, plus specific information regarding eligibility requirements, course selection for degree requirements and related academic matters.

For more information about the Study Abroad program please contact us by email at mobility@okanagan.bc.ca.

International Education

contact information
Address

E110 (Centre for Learning)
1000 KLO Road
Kelowna BC V1Y 4X8
Canada

Phone
250-762-5445
1-877-755-2266 (toll-free)
Email
askoc@okanagan.bc.ca
Office Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Friday: 8:30-4:30
Saturday: Closed