International & Off-Campus Programs

International Travel Policy / Services

This information is subject to change.  Please contact IOCP if you have questions.

1. All participants travelling internationally on institutionally-sponsored or supported programs or trips must do the following:
   • Follow University policies and guidance regarding international travel, including the use of University approved travel services providers, including those for TPG funded travel.
   • Students who wish to use funds to participate in the activities of or receive accommodations or services from an external international organization or institution that is not a preapproved partner, such as an NGO or a charity providing a service or internship opportunity, must supply two letters of reference from US universities/colleges that have worked with the organization. These must be forwarded by email to iocp@owu.edu prior to the submission of the grant proposal.
   • Comply with restrictions and prohibitions on certain activities that are deemed high risk by the University's insurer, including but not limited to motor sports, potholing, scuba diving, spelunking, zip-lining and all organized contact sports. For a complete list of these restrictions, contact the IOCP office.
   • Complete all required forms and waivers -- available through the IOCP Office. 
   • Complete both the Pre-Departure Essentials and the Cross-Cultural Essentials on-line programs, and submit all required responses. 
2. Institutionally sponsored international student travelers may not rent motor vehicles of any type abroad.
3. All international travel must be registered with the IOCP Office. The University reserves the right to suspend institutionally-sponsored activities in countries for which the Travel Advisory changes or there are other changes that might present a risk to OWU travellers. Travel can be cancelled up to the day of departure and you may need to leave the country if advisory levels change.
4. Travel to certain countries is prohibited. Proposals that include travel to countries/regions with United States Department of State level three travel advisories will be reviewed by the administration; those considering travel to such countries should contact the International and Off-Campus Programs Office prior to submitting a grant proposal for more information. 
   • Travel to countries with a Level 3 Travel Advisory is restricted and will only be allowed if a petition to travel is approved.
   • Contact iocp@owu.edu for information about petitioning.  
   • Here is the petition form.
   • Petitions should be submitted as far in advance of travel as possible, but at least six weeks prior. Petitions normally take four weeks for initial review.  
   • Institutionally-sponsored travel to countries with Level 2 and Level 1 Travel Advisories is permitted if registered with the IOCP Office. All international travel requires the permission of a divisional Vice President/Provost, or their designee.
   • Travel to countries with Level 4 Travel Advisories is not permitted except when it is a country of citizenship or residency of the traveler or if there are other close personal ties. Then it may be permitted with approval. 

5. Refer to the U.S. Dept. of State's International Travel Page for information regarding the countries your travel.  All OWU approved international travellers who are U.S. citizens must enroll in the U.S. Dept. of State's STEP Program. 

6. All students, faculty and staff traveling on University sponsored programs, both domestic and international, must follow current CDC recommendations (including those regarding vaccinations) and the recommendations of the relevant authorities in destination countries. Please review the U.S. Center for Disease Control's international travel resources, especially the country specific web resources, including the Travel Health Notices, the vaccination requirement information and the country-specific web pages.
7. Students are strongly encouraged to visit the OWU Student Health Center for a pre-travel appointment at least one month in advance of departure to discuss vaccinations, health risks, etc.  
8. For information about our institutional insurance coverage for international travel, please see the EIIA International Travel page. Particular attention should be paid to the International Travel Brochure page and the FAQ page. Please note the restricted activities (as mentioned above) that may be prohibited or require an insurance rider.
9. Travellers are encouraged to consider cancellation-for-any-reason / interruption-for-any-reason (CFAR/IFAR) insurance -- contact IOCP for more details.
10. No academic credit will be transferred from programs that are in countries for which there has been no permission for institutionally sponsored travel. No funds will be disbursed or reimbursed for activities in countries for which there has been no permission for institutionally-sponsored travel.