Study and work abroad guide

• Check your passport is valid (many countries require 6+ months).
• Ensure you have the correct visa for your destination.
• Check if you need a visa or an exemption for any country you are travelling through.

• Pack suitable clothing. Make sure you have at least few days’ essentials (clothing, medicines, tech, travel documents) in your hand luggage. 
• Bring the correct power adapter – you can find this information on Crisis24 Horizon.
• For US flights, use a TSA-approved padlock.
• Notify your bank if using cards abroad and keep cards separate.
• Inform next of kin, family, or friends of your travel plans.
• Save emergency numbers in your phone. You should also have a copy elsewhere, for example written down in your hand luggage, in case you lose your phone or run out of charge.
• Check your mobile provider’s roaming charges and decide whether to get a physical or eSIM for your destination – many SIM options can be ordered online before you travel.
• Make sure your next of kin, family and friends know your destination.

• Check with your doctor if you need vaccinations or anti-malarial treatments. See the NaTHNaC Country List for guidance. You should do this with plenty of notice – many vaccinations need several weeks before they become effective.  
• Bring enough medication for your trip and keep essential meds in your hand luggage. 
• Some medications may be restricted abroad. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if your medicine contains a controlled drug and check the rules with the embassy of the country you are travelling to. Carry a prescription or doctor’s letter as proof. You should carry at least a few days’ medication in your hand luggage. 
• Have a dental check-up, as travel insurance usually covers only emergency dental care.
• Arrange travel insurance for your activity.

• Check your bank’s policies and rates for spending on your card and withdrawing money abroad. 
• If your bank charge a fee or a high exchange rate for transactions and withdrawals abroad, consider opening a separate account to use abroad. Many banks offer fee-free spending and withdrawals.

Travel insurance protects you against unexpected issues while traveling, such as: 

• Medical emergencies
• Trip cancellations
• Lost or stolen belongings.

Students who take part in an overseas activity that has been approved by the university are entitled to UWE Bristol travel insurance (UMAL). This cover is not a replacement for your own travel insurance policy.

• Most countries don’t offer free healthcare to visitors.
• Travel disruptions and lost belongings or medical repatriation can be costly.
• Some countries require proof of insurance for entry.
• UWE Bristol Travel Cover only covers the agreed activity and dates.
• UWE Bristol Travel Cover is not a substitute for personal travel insurance.

• Make sure that your policy spans the entire period of your travel, including any pre- or post-trip extensions. 
• Check what is covered. Standard travel insurance may not cover certain activities associated with work, volunteering, or study. Ask your activity provider for advice and ensure your policy explicitly covers the nature of your activities.
• If you plan to engage in activities considered high-risk – such as diving, white-water rafting, or other adventure sports – you must inform your insurer. These activities often require additional coverage or policy add-ons.
• Always declare any existing medical conditions, recent treatments, or medications when applying for insurance. Failure to do so can lead to you not being properly covered.

For Go Global activities which include Pagoda Projects, Think Pacific, The Mighty Roar, CCUSA and Gotoco your activity provider can offer information on travel insurance options.

For Study Abroad, Sandwich Placements and Project Zulu, Money Saving Expert can be a useful tool in finding a suitable policy.

While we advise the purchase of personal travel insurance, some elements of your activity will also be covered by the UWE Bristol UMAL Policy (PDF).

If you are spending time within Europe a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you access public healthcare in Europe, but it does not replace travel insurance as it only covers basic health needs.

Find out the latest information about a GHIC and where it can be used.

• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender foreign travel advice – from the FCDO.
• Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – government travel and consulate advice and information.
• International Student Identity Card (ISIC) – provides a variety of student discounts in the UK and worldwide.

• Citymapper – detailed journey planner information, including real–time departures for public transport in 30 cities worldwide.
• Maps.me – download regional or country maps and use them offline to navigate or plan journeys.
• Rome2Rio – plan cross–country, multi–mode travel with flight, train, bus, ferry, and driving options with estimated travel times and fares.
• Google Travel and Tripit – pull together travel information for flights, buses, and hotel bookings into one itinerary.
• Seat 61 – information on train travel between most worldwide destinations.

• Skyscanner and Kayak – search across travel sites to help you find the best prices for flights.
• Hopper – tells you the best time of the year to book a flight to ensure you get the cheapest deal and sends alerts when your favourite routes go on sale.

• XE currency app – provides access to live exchange rates. Can be used offline.
• Splittr – a platform to share travel costs between friends including ability to mix currencies.

• Plan for your arrival – are you being met at the station, port or airport, or do you need to arrange onward travel?
• Check Crisis24 Horizon and be aware of potential risks in your location, including petty crime, scams, natural hazards, and extreme weather.
• Have a copy of your destination and accommodation address – you may need this at customs.
• Make a note of contact details for your provider, host university and accommodation.
• Plan for phone connectivity – check if your mobile phone network offer roaming in your destination country, and/or purchase a digital or physical SIM card to use when you arrive.'

While you are away from home, we recommend that you:

• Keep in touch with family and friends.
• Check your UWE Bristol email regularly.
• If you are Study Exchange student, find out how to access support at your host university.
• If you are working or volunteering abroad, or part of a provider-organised trip, ensure that you have contact details for your employer or provider.
• Keep a journal or blog to remind you of your time away – this can also help with future job applications and interviews.

Adjusting to a new country can be exciting but also stressful. It’s normal to feel disoriented, homesick, or frustrated. You may find it helpful to: 

• Connect with other international students and share experiences.
• Seek support from the UWE Bristol Wellbeing Service and self-help resources.
• Join local activities, societies, volunteering, or faith groups.
• Stay in touch with family, friends, and staff back home.
• Accept culture shock as a normal part of adapting to a new environment.
• Give yourself time to adjust and connect with support networks.
• Consider making a wellbeing plan. You could include things which you know help you to feel grounded and happy, and contacts for people who could support you if you are having trouble.

If you already access support for your mental health, consider talking to your provider, university or Employer about how you can plan for any challenges abroad.