Travel Support Network

Providing safety support when you’re working and studying abroad

Preparedness Beyond the Boston Campus

NUPD established the International Safety Office (ISO) to ensure students are safe even when they go beyond the Boston campus. The International Safety Office includes three full-time administrators, who specialize in predeparture training, global event monitoring, and emergency response. Their goal is to help mitigate risks faced by students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad, as well as respond to any issues that may arise during travel.

Emergency Contacts In the event of a life-threatening emergency overseas, contact local authorities for immediate assistance.

If you need assistance with a medical or security incident abroad, contact the Northeastern Travel Support Network’s 24/7 international assistance hotline at +1.857.214.5332 and/or the Northeastern Police Department (+1.617.373.2121).

For more information about resources and services, please visit the International Travel website.

International Travel Tips

  • Review the following government resources for advice about your destination:
  • Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will be traveling for the latest security messages. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you should also review the website of your country of citizenship’s embassy in your destination.
  • Learn about visa requirements, local laws, customs, and medical care in the countries you’re visiting. Some travelers, such as those with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ persons, may face additional challenges when abroad. Feel free to consult with your program or the International Safety Office.
  • Prepare to handle money overseas. Before you go, notify your bank and credit card company of your travel, and check exchange rates.
  • Carry contact details with you in both English and the local language of your destination. The university recommends saving the following numbers and addresses:
    • Northeastern Travel Support Network 24/7 international assistance hotline: +1.857.214.5332
    • Nearest embassy or consulate of your country of citizenship and S. embassy or U.S. consulate. Most international embassies and all U.S. Embassies/Consulates provide help for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call +1.888.407.4747 or +1.202.501.4444if you need to contact U.S. Citizen Services overseas or in Washington, D.C. Read more about what the U.S. Department of State can and cannot do for you in an emergency.
    • Host institution or employer
    • Local emergency services. You must understand the local emergency services’ capabilities prior to departure or consult with your program or the International Safety Office.
    • Housing accommodations
    • Home-based and local emergency point of contacts
      NUPD, +1.617.373.3333 emergency, +1.617.373.2121 nonemergency

International Travel FAQ

Whom do I contact if I need urgent or emergency assistance while I’m abroad?

All travelers should know the local emergency numbers and understand the capabilities of the host nation’s response services. If you’re in a life-threatening situation, call the local emergency number.

If you’re on an organized trip (for example, Dialogue of Civilizations or Alternative Spring Break), contact your trip leader first. However, if you’re unable to reach your trip leader or you’re not part of a group trip and you’re experiencing an emergency, call the Northeastern Travel Support Network’s 24/7 international assistance hotline at +1.857.214.5332 or Northeastern Police.

What should I do if I’m the victim of a crime?

Consider calling local law enforcement and/or your closest embassy or consulate. If you need advice, additional support, or would like to notify the university, contact Northeastern Travel Support Network’s international assistance hotline at +1.857.214.5332.

You can also call NUPD at the non-emergency number +1.617.373.2121 or emergency number +1.617.373.3333.

NUPD
+1.617.373.3333 emergency
+1.617.373.2121 nonemergency

Northeastern Travel Support Network
+1.857.214.5332

U.S. Embassies may be found on the U.S. Embassy website.
Embassy information worldwide at embassy.goabroad.com.

What should I do if I’m arrested?

Immediately ask to speak with a representative from the nearest embassy or consulate of your country of citizenship if you are arrested for any reason. Locations of U.S. Embassies may be found on their website. Embassy information worldwide for all travelers may be found at http://embassy.goabroad.com. You should also attempt to contact your emergency point of contact, as well as the university via the Northeastern Travel Support Network’s international assistance hotline +1.857.214.5332 or NUPD.

NUPD
+1.617.373.2121 nonemergency

Northeastern Travel Support Network
+1.312.470.3108

U.S. Embassies may be found on the U.S. Embassy website: www.usembassy.gov
Embassy information worldwide at embassy.goabroad.com

What’s the best way to reduce the risk of becoming a victim?

Always learn about the area you’re visiting before you go. Before you leave for your destination, review the travel information on the State Department website to learn about your planned location in advance of your trip and review the country briefings available in the university’s travel registry. Schedule an appointment with the International Safety Office to review your trip if you have questions or concerns about your destination. In addition, keep in mind these safety tips:

  • When you arrive at your destination, make sure your accommodations are secure. If you don’t feel safe, ask to move your room or choose alternate housing.
  • Do not walk alone or distracted, especially at night.
  • Avoid shortcuts.
  • Use caution when at ATMs. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels and avoid ATMs on the streets.
  • Never leave your valuables unattended.
  • Always lock/secure your room and belongings.
  • Never enter your room if you believe it has been broken into.
  • Report suspicious persons/activity immediately to police.
  • Share any concerns about your experience with the International Safety Office or GEO when you return to campus.