Family orientation guide
Welcome to the WorldStrides family
As your student prepares to go abroad, we know you both might have a lot of questions. Rest assured, our entire team is here to support you both. Our team members will ensure that your student has tools and guidance every step of the way.
Your student is in good hands
LOCAL STAFF
In addition to the university faculty or staff member leading the program, our local guides and English-speaking support staff will help your student explore their destination like a local.
VISA & FLIGHT TEAM
As your student prepares to travel, our team will review their registration to provide individualized guidance about destination entry requirements and visa applications, as needed. If your student books their airfare through our team, we can also help them in the event of a cancellation or travel delay.
ACCOUNT MANAGER
The faculty member leading this program has a dedicated Account Manager to assist in planning the entire experience, including arranging accommodations, meals, on-the-ground transportation, and local activities. Account Managers also oversee the student registration process and manage your student’s access to our exclusive WorldStrides travel app.
“We were really impressed by your program and would highly recommend it to any student thinking about studying abroad!”
Linda C. Parent of UCLA Student
Important considerations
Supporting travelers while encouraging their independence is our tried & tested approach to ensuring your student can travel with confidence.
Health & safety
If your student experiences a medical emergency or has a concern about safety at any time while traveling, they should contact their on-site faculty member immediately, who will coordinate the appropriate care and supportive response with our team.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Our programs include an embedded accident and sickness policy that covers all travelers for the duration of the program. Travelers have the option to extend their coverage before and after the official program dates if they wish to travel independently.
VACCINES
Check the official CDC guidelines to ensure your student has received all required vaccinations for their destination. We recommend families also update their vaccinations accordingly to prepare for visiting students or unexpected emergency travel.
U.S. EMBASSY
All travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered by the Department of State that will ensure they can be reached in case of emergency. It’s also a good idea for travelers to register with the U.S. Embassy in their destination.
DOCTORS ON CALL
All traveling participants have 24/7 access to medical care through our exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates. Through telehealth consultation, medical professionals are available to evaluate health-related concerns and make treatment recommendations. Telehealth consultation with a mental health professional is also available through AXA Behavioral Health.
WORLDASSIST
Our emergency response center is staffed 24/7 by specially trained team members who can help with any situations that may arise during travel, from missed flights and stolen wallets to larger, unexpected emergencies.
Need to contact your student ASAP while they’re traveling?
In the event of an emergency at home, you can reach out to our WorldAssist team members to connect with your student and their program staff.
Information about students is highly confidential and can only be shared with pre-authorized contacts. Ensure your student has listed you as one of their emergency contacts before departure.
You can reach WorldAssist at:
800-999-4542
(if you are calling from inside the United States) or 703-933-6143
( if you are an international caller)
As your student begins their program, you may notice the frequency of their communication starts to slow. This is good! Your student is immersing themselves in the experience, learning more about themselves and the world every day. It’s important to allow your student the chance to remain present and take the lead in creating a communication cadence.
• If your student intends to make international phone calls or send texts, they may incur additional charges. Check with your mobile provider about adding an international plan before departure.
• Make sure your student is aware of all emergency numbers for their destination and the program. They can find all program-related phone numbers on our exclusive WorldStrides travel app.
Creating a communication plan Navigating new cultures
Adjusting to a new culture is a key part of traveling abroad, and it can result in a wide range of emotions. Students can have an easier transition and feel more comfortable abroad by learning about the culture of their destination in advance.
REVIEW LOCAL CUSTOMS
Ensure your student understands local laws, customs, and behavioral expectations. This can help them avoid unwanted attention while they travel.
ORIENTATION
Encourage your student to use resources like Google Maps and social media to become more familiar with their new environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IF MY STUDENT LOSES THEIR PASSPORT WHILE TRAVELING?
Their first step should be reporting the loss to the on-site staff and local authorities immediately. Our team members will provide your student with the contact information for the local consulate or embassy, where your student will begin the process of applying for a replacement passport. This information is also available on our app. We recommend students have an electronic copy of their passport and visa (if applicable) stored securely and easily accessible.
Please note: your student will not be able to legally travel across international borders without a valid passport.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT LOSES THEIR WALLET WHILE TRAVELING?
Before departure day, your student should make electronic copies of all of their credit and debit cards and save the international phone numbers of their bank companies. In the case of theft or a lost wallet, students should notify the on-site staff, who can help them file a police report or discuss acquiring emergency funds, if needed. Students should also notify their banks and credit card companies immediately to freeze or cancel their cards.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT HAS AN ISSUE WITH THEIR ACCOMMODATIONS?
Many conflicts that arise between roommates while abroad stem from common misunderstandings. Students should handle all conflicts respectfully and directly. On-site staff can help resolve ongoing issues, if needed, and address any other general questions or concerns about accommodations.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT HAS DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
All travelers are asked to describe their dietary needs during online registration. This helps us ensure that all meals included in the program itinerary provide a suitable option for your student. Please note: your student’s program may not include meals. In this case, each traveler is individually responsible for finding their own food in the program location. Our on-site team is comprised of local experts, though, who would be happy to provide recommendations to your student, when asked!
WHAT IF MY STUDENT NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION WHILE TRAVELING?
Your student should notify the on-site team and their faculty member as soon as possible. If your student requires medical attention while abroad, they have access to all emergency and insurancerelated contacts through the WorldStrides Travel App. The app is also where your student can find details on how to file an insurance claim.
