Handling Emergencies and Crises while Studying Abroad

Studying abroad comes with a bag full of responsibility. Unlike at home, students can only rely on themselves to handle each of them. From financial management to time management between study, work and leisure. Every aspect of studying abroad needs keen attention and balance to function for the benefit of the student. Even small disruptions in the system can significantly reduce their productivity, commitment or experience. In effect, students flying to foreign countries to begin their academic journey must plan ahead and beyond.

Facing an emergency or crisis during your time abroad would be no game. From a natural disaster to political upheaval, accidents to illness, from terrorist attacks to extreme weather. These could be in all shapes and sizes. As a result, parents of international students are constantly worried about the happenings with and around their kids. While one cannot control the obstacles, planning in advance can give both the student and their parents moments of relief. Let’s understand how you can effectively handle them and reach safety.

Conduct Quality Research

Before leaving for your study destination, conducting thorough research could cut the work out for you. Learn about the city as well as the country. Some key points to consider are the weather, history of natural calamities or attacks, culture and norms, and local laws among other safety concerns. While you cannot possibly prepare for everything, do for as many conditions as you can. Outline a plan for situations like extreme weather and natural calamities, health issues and getting lost while travelling. It will be wise to keep other people informed of your plans. Like the embassy, education consultants or program providers. They too could help establish protocols and procedures in place for known emergencies.

Get Insurance

Get them and get as many sorts as you can. Be it travel insurance or health insurance, that small piece of paper can save you in the most unexpected turn of events. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical expenses and emergency evacuation along with cancellation. Your health insurance will help you cover your physical and mental health consultancy, prescriptions and treatments during your stay. Go through all relevant plans, understand their coverages and benefits and sign up.

Carry Your Documents, Always

Documents like passports, visas, university acceptance letters and ID cards, insurance policies and healthcare are very important for international students. The originals must be kept safe to avoid any theft or loss. However, one must carry them along at all times. Make some photocopies to carry during your trips and travels. Furthermore, store digital copies online of these documents as backups. You may need to present these documents to prove your identity and origin.

Prepare a Go-bag

In most emergencies, we find ourselves without a backup. One needs to prepare for situations like cyclones, floods or COVID-19. Read about the emergency supplies needs for varied situations and create a small bag with all the necessary items. Moreover, there might not be a way to receive or access your funds either. Set aside some funds in the local currency to utilise during emergencies. This care bag could further include bottles of water, edibles, flashlights with extra batteries and a first-aid kit. Furthermore, write down emergency contacts on a piece of paper and keep it in a waterproof carry bag.

Craft an Exit Plan

Finally, have a plan B. You may need to quickly get back to your homeland. Make an exit plan including areas of consideration like transportation, accommodation and communication. Make sure you have a backup route in mind. This could be your last-minute resort under unfortunate circumstances. If you find yourself in a volatile situation, grab your bag and fly off. If you can, help your friends through the difficult times as well. As the airline staff keeps telling you, help yourself before you help others.

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