Whilst Abroad

General Advice whilst Studying Abroad

At your destination

• Each university will have an International Office. When you arrive at your host university, find out where this is located and what its opening hours are. It should be your first point of contact for any non-academic problems you might encounter.
• Notify the host university/organisation if you have any illness, disability, or learning difficulty that should be brought to the attention of staff.
• Join a buddy programme if offered by the host university.

Safety

• Be vigilant at rail and bus stations and keep a close eye on your luggage.
• Keep valuables out of sight and keep cash and credit cards in zipped pockets or in a secure money belt worn inside your clothes.
• Find out if any areas of your host city are considered unsafe and avoid them if possible.
• Have a list of important telephone contact numbers and the number of your credit/bank card as well as the bank’s emergency number, and keep these details about your person or in a safe place, in case you are unfortunate enough to lose your wallet or mobile phone.
• If any significant incidents occur in your host country or city, make sure that your family know that you are safe. Follow any instructions given by the authorities, and if you have concerns, get in touch with staff at your host university’s international office.
• Your personal safety is vitally important. When socialising or travelling, make sure that some friend always knows of your whereabouts, and take care never to be out alone at night.
• Stay in regular contact with your family. When you travel abroad, your loved ones will be anxious to know that you have arrived safely and are settling in well. A quick phone call, text or message will put their minds at ease.

In general

• Remember that you are bound by the regulations and the code of conduct of both the host university and of University of Galway. You are ambassadors for your country and your University and it is expected that you show respect for the host country, its people and its customs. 
• While you are abroad please remember to stay in regular contact with your family. When you travel abroad, your loved ones will be anxious to know that you have arrived safely and are settling in well. A quick phone call, text or message will put their minds at ease.
• The time abroad will go by more quickly than you imagine, so make the most of it. Take advantage of any events or activities that are organised for visiting students, try to integrate as best you can with domestic students, and, if you are a language student, resist the temptation to socialise with other native English speakers. Make use of any opportunities to travel at weekends or during holiday periods, and see as much as you can of the host country. An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can be useful for obtaining reductions on travel, entertainment, sightseeing, etc.

Staying in touch with University of Galway

E-mail will be our principal means of official communication with you while you are away, and your @universityofgalway.ie address is the one that we will use for bringing you any news, e.g. messages from your College/School, advice and reminders, grant information (if applicable), etc.

Please ensure that you check your college e-mail account regularly and that you monitor your spam/junk e-mail folder too, as important messages can end up there.

Keep an eye on the International Office website for major updates. Your College/School may provide you with other weblinks or Facebook groups to keep you connected.

For Erasmus students, keep an eye on universityofgalway.ie/erasmus-programme/outgoingstudents/latestnews/

What to do in an Emergency?

If serious injury or illness occurs, immediately seek medical treatment at the closest medical facility and, if relevant, notify your host organisation staff right away – i.e. your host university or employer main contact.

• Alert your primary University of Galway College/School contact.
• Notify your personal health care provider and /or insurer of your medical treatment.
• In an emergency, always seek treatment first.

In case of emergencies you can contact this University of Galway 24/7 phone number: 086 8252612

Political Unrest/Natural Disaster

• Contact the nearest Irish Embassy or consular service (www.dfa.ie/embassies/), or the embassy of your country of citizenship.
• Alert your University of Galway College/School primary contact.
• In case of emergencies you can contact this University of Galway 24/7 phone number: 086 8252612

Wellbeing Supports whilst abroad

All students studying abroad remain registered students of University of Galway. Students are entitled to make use of the available supports here including:

• Student Counselling Service Online appointments can be made whilst you're away from campus. There will also likely be a similar service available at your host destination for in person appointments. 
  
• Student Success Coaches Studying abroad may feel overwhelming at the start, student success coaches can help navigate successful transition into new university life and surroundings.
• Self Help Resources at University of Galway 
  
• University of Galway Support Wheel A comprehensive list of resources available to you based on your needs and how you are feeling.
• Remember to keep in touch with your Academic Coordinator. They can give you guidance on your classes or programme of study.