Staying safe overseas

If you are going overseas, check out these tips first.

Before you leave

  • Get a medical check from a GP . Ask them if you need any vaccinations for your destination and get a letter listing any medical conditions and medications that you have.
  • Have a dental check. Dentists near RMIT are listed on our website.
  • All students travelling overseas for study must be covered by adequate travel insurance. All travel insurance policies contain exclusions and conditions. Students should read the following clauses very carefully: general exclusion to all sections of the policy and specific exclusion to particular sections.
    Students may choose their own policy or select the RMIT Student Mobility Travel Insurance.
    Further information is available on the Travel Insurance page.
  • Check out the Smartraveller website for information about your destination. Notify the government of your itinerary so they can find you in an emergency while you are overseas.
  • Organise your budget and how you will access your money securely while you are away. Check out the financial advisory service website for information about budgeting and Centrelink while you are overseas.

On the way

  • On the plane, get up and walk around, drink lots of water, and limit food and alcohol.
  • To help reduce jet lag and adapt to a new time zone, try to stay awake, use an alarm clock and eat meals at the correct time in the changed time zone.

While you are there

  • Be careful what you eat because in some countries, food hygiene standards are not as high as in Australia. Contaminated food can make you very sick. High-risk foods include:
    • ice, watermelon and water in unsealed bottles
    • pre-cooked food on display in a bain-marie
    • shellfish and raw seafood
    • salads washed in water that might be contaminated.
  • In some countries, mosquitoes can carry diseases like dengue fever and malaria. Ask your doctor about precautions to take.
  • Keep an open mind, check out the meaning of what people say before you respond, respect local customs and social behaviour.
  • Homesickness is normal. Stay in contact with home so that family and friends know you are safe.
  • Practice safe sex. Get some free condoms before you leave.