After You Enrolled in the Program

Health & Safety Abroad

U of T Policy on Health & Safety
https://governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/secretariat/policies/health-and-saf...

Safety Abroad Office
Centre for International Experience
33 St. George Street
https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cie/safety-abroad
safety.abroad@utoronto.ca

Risks of Travelling
In a new place, you are not used to rules, customs, food, etc. Research where you are going to mitigate the risks. 

Shared Responsibility
The University will choose sites carefully; provide information regarding risk at 2024 Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO); liaise with Global Affairs Canada; provide on-going support. Students will attend PDO; evaluate risk; make decisions regarding participation; employ informed safety practices; report problems.

Emergency Assistance

  • U of T Emergency Contact Card will include Primary contact number, On-Site coordinator's phone number, Consular Assistance number (Collect Call), U of T Campus Police, and Local Emergency Services (Medical assistance number and local police number).
  • U of T Campus Police
  • On-Site
    • On-Site Coordinator: Available 24 hours a day for serious illness or accident, threat to personal safety, and problems with local authorities
    • Local Emergency Services (police, fire, ambulance)
    • Canadian consulates and embassies

- Main source of assistance for serious problems (e.g., loss of passport, evacuation, etc.)
- ALL students should register with their embassy/consulate (Registration of Canadians Abroad: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration)
- Non-Canadians should research what support is available to them from their consulate

  • Home: Emergency contact - Listed on your Safety Abroad form. Emergengy contact should be someone you trust with financial and personal information and be fluent in English.

Preparing for Your Trip

Important Documents

  • Make copies of all essential documents
  • Leave copy with emergency contact and have duplicates with you (separate from originals).
  • Email yourself copies of documents and important information

Accessing Money/Carrying your money

  • Bring (if possible) US dollars or Euros in small denominations - easily exchanged for Georgian Lari
  • Consider all options that are available to you: Credit Cards, Debit Card, Cash

Technology

  • Make sure the plu-in technology runs on 100-240v
  • Consider purchasing US-EU plug adapters
  • USB charges
  • Best to bring a battery pack to recharge phone on trips etc.
  • Speakers are good, but also bring headphones/ear buds
  • Wired might be good in case wireless die on trips

Health Matters

  • Ask for generic names of any medication you are taking
  • Carry all medicine in original, labeled containers if taking it in your carry-on luggage
  • Ensure that all medicine is legal in country that you are travelling to
  • Medical travel kit (allergies, colds, diarrhea)

Supplementary Heath Insurance

  • U of T requires participants to have sufficient travel health insurance
  • Carry the claims phone # and your policy #

Packing

  • Keep one hand free
  • Pack light – do not be overburdened with many bags that can be easily taken
  • But pack for a variety of weather

May and June are late spring months in the Republic of Georgia and weather patterns can be highly variable – from clear and hot to wet and cold in a short period of time. Nevertheless, the area we will be working in is generally comfortable and very similar to what we experience here in Toronto at the same time of year. The afternoons are characterized by highs of 23–25°C, while the evenings and mornings can be cool (lows of 12–17°C). 
Participants are encouraged to pack for highly variable weather conditions. (NOTE: There is the potential for significant rain.)
A more extensive list will be sent to all accepted participants.

Living Abroad

  • Cultural Adaptation: Learn language basics, Preconceptions, flexibility, RESEARCH, Beware of unregistered taxi cabs, scams, etc.
  • Observing Local Laws: Careful crossing borders! Never admit or sign anything, Right to consular representative
  • International Challenges: Pay attention to special rules and restrictions
  • Gender, Race & Ethnicity: Pay attention to special rules and restrictions, know what to expect and what strategies you might use to deal with difficult situations (dealing with sexist, racist attitudes or comments overseas).
  • LGBTQ Rights in host country: Level of acceptance of LGBTQ IS different than in Canada, but also seems to be getting better. Learn about appropriate codes of conduct, dating, friendship and attitudes before you go.
  • Sexul Harassment & Assault: Cultural sensitivity should not replace common sense or gut reaction. Report harassment or assault to on-site staff. AVOID TRAVELLING ALONE. Be aware of your surroundings
  • Alcohol Misuse: Alcohol can cause physical harm, can have an impact on your health, can affect your status in the program. Try not to drink to excess. If you drink off site, don’t do it alone.
  • Vehicle Accidents: As a pedestrian, be aware that traffic flow IS not as orderly as in Canada. Strongly recommend that you DO NOT drive while overseas. Try to avoid being in a vehicle at night. Avoid buses or taxis that do not seem safe.

Resources