Studying abroad is an exciting experience for a student. You get to know a different environment, culture, and perhaps even learn a foreign language. This can be an experience that will shape your career goals and open your mind to the rest of the world. Safety should be considered when choosing a study abroad program.

While no study program can absolutely guarantee total safety or elimination of all risks, the study abroad program you choose should be one that can give you a certain degree of comfort.  The University of New Orleans and our partner institutions work together to provide a safe environment for our participants. A comprehensive Study Abroad Health Insurance policy is provided by the program. Click here for the policy information. We also require that each program participant fills out our Medical History form online.

We encourage program participants to do the following:

• Research your destination. Gabon is a French-speaking country in Central Africa. You may wish to start by visiting the country fact sheet provided by the US Department of State for more information: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1120.html
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/travel_abroad/STEP/STEP_6121.html)
• Visit the web site set up by the US Department of State just for students (http://studentsabroad.state.gov/)
• Research the vaccinations and prophylactic medications you may need in order to travel to Gabon.
• The CDC has a guide to Health Information for Travelers to Gabon. Their website is: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/gabon
• Discuss your plans with a parent or significant other, leaving important information with that person in case of an emergency. This might include such information as your direct contact information in Gabon, the contact information for the Program Administrators in Gabon, the contact information for the UNO Division of International Education in New Orleans, as well as data such as passport number, credit card numbers (in case of a stolen wallet), etc.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings and current events, and stay informed.
• At all times keep track of valuables in any situation. Locking personal belongings in secure areas and being careful on the streets are critical life skills that can ensure a safer travel experience.

Health Insurance:

All students will be covered by a comprehensive study abroad medical insurance plan, provided by the program. This policy provides for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, family assistance coverage, and more. Extended coverage is available at an additional cost. The policy does not cover trip cancellation or baggage loss. More information on the insurance plan is available online at http://inst.uno.edu/insurance.cfm.

Accessibility:

The University of New Orleans is committed to providing an environment where all students have the opportunity to equally participate in the academic experience, including students with disabilities. Students with disabilities have rights as determined by federal and state laws which require institutions to provide reasonable accommodations for the student’s disability in order to afford an equal opportunity to participate in UNO’s programs, courses, and activities. Persons requiring disability-related accommodations should notify the program administration at the earliest possible date so that their needs may be properly assessed and accommodated.