How can the U.S. Embassy assist me while I am abroad?
Consular officials at U.S. Embassies help U.S. citizens abroad. To help them provide this service, be sure to register your trip with the Department of State prior to your departure. Consular officials provide many different services for both emergencies and non-emergencies.
Emergency services include assistance with:
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Emergency Procedures
In case of accident, severe illness or other danger, follow the following steps:
- Handle immediate needs: stop bleeding, get to a safe place, protect yourself and others from further harm.
- Contact your group leader and emergency services as required
- Contact SIUE by calling (618) 650‑3324. This reaches the dispatcher at University Police. They will notify the Study Abroad Advisor who will coordinate government services, insurance if applicable and family notification as desired.
SIUE Course Registration for Semester of Return
You are responsible for registering for the courses for the term after return from studying abroad. Before departure, students should remind their academic advisor they will be abroad in the upcoming term. Ask to complete your advisement for next semester and obtain your enrollment PIN via email. The Registrar's Class Registration page has class registration information and registration dates for upcoming semesters.
Can I take a course abroad that was not pre-approved for credit at SIUE?
Yes. But if you plan a course not pre-approved, email your Study Abroad advisor ASAP, ideally before you enroll in the course. In your email, include the course title, course description (or link to syllabus) and hours of instruction. The Study Abroad advisor will contact the appropriate Department Chair on your behalf. This process takes time, so contact the Study Abroad Advisor early. If your Study Abroad advisor is able to obtain approval, you will receive an email with the course equivalency information. Of course, you should have planned for this and obtained approval for additional alternate course options prior to your departure. Obtaining SIUE approval for courses enrolled abroad is the student’s responsibility.
If I travel independently while abroad, do I need to inform anyone of my travel plans?
Yes, absolutely! It is very common for students to travel to nearby cities or countries during weekends or breaks. Many students make arrangements to travel with other students in their program. If you plan to travel away from your host institution, you should notify your on-site director(s) and your parents. This is extremely important in the case of an emergency either abroad or at home. Someone should know how to contact you at all times.
Recording Your Experience Abroad
Journaling
While studying abroad, many students keep a journal of their experiences and the emotional and intellectual changes they go through. Many students choose to keep an online journal or blog of their experiences to share with their friends and family. SIUE does not generally require students to keep a journal, but we do encourage you to keep a record of your experiences and growth for your own knowledge. Students often set up these online journals or blogs before departure so they can write about where they are going and their feelings in the days leading to departure. Here are some popular journal/blog sites:
Please remember that any information you put online can be accessed by anyone for years to come – including employers, parents, family members or criminals! Be aware of your potential audience when you are writing.
