Safety & Policies - Honors College

Your safety matters most

*Scroll to the bottom for FAQs*

As students traveling on behalf of the Honors College at Florida International University, your safety is the upmost priority. FIU monitors the State Department Country Specific Information and Travel Advisories and the Centers for Disease Control Department to ensure student safety.

If circumstances change and the State Department issues a travel advisory for any country to which students are traveling to, FIU may, in its sole discretion, terminate the study abroad program and require students' immediate return to the United States.

All students traveling abroad are enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

All students traveling abroad are covered under FIU's International Travel Insurance. The insurance coverage includes:

Prior to Departure:
- Call an Assistance Centre for free pretravel information (i.e. vaccination, required medication and travel security concerns)
- Sign up for health and security email alerts
While Abroad:
- Free and unlimited health, safety, and security advice
- Find a local nurse, internationally trained doctor or security specialist near you
- Find medication or medical equipment
- Travel advice on loss of travel documents or legal assistance
In an Emergency:
- Arranging medical transportation and care
- Monitoring your condition
- Evacuation when necessary

Resources available to students:

Policies

As Honors College students, the highest standards are expected in terms of behavior, academics, and engagement. Students on Honors College Study Abroad and Study USA programs are ambassadors of FIU and the Honors College. It is expected that students represent the Honors College and FIU honorably and maturely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the programs allow for some free time?

Yes, they do! Due to the nature of the programs, the program’s itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled Free Days may be utilized for quizzes, class meetings, or class days. Always check with your Program Director before scheduling activities during free time.

During free time, students must notify their Program Director and/or Program Assistant of their whereabouts and give the names of persons with whom they are traveling with for information purposes.

Are my friends or family allowed to join the program?

Any one not registered as part of the program, including other FIU students, parents, friends, and family, are NOT allowed to join the travel group for the study abroad program. This is for safety purposes.

During non-class time, students may choose to spend time with individuals that are not on their program. However, individuals not on the program cannot enter student accommodations due to safety concerns.

Is drinking alcohol allowed?

In other countries, the sale of wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages may not be restricted. Students are expected to exercise personal responsibility and limit the use of such beverages. Students are subject to disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal from the program or expulsion from FIU, for excessive consumption of said beverages. FIU regulations including, but not limited to FIU Regulation 2501 entitled the Student Conduct and Academic Honor Code or FIU Regulation 105 entitled Sexual Harassment (Title IX) and Sexual Misconduct, govern my behavior while participating in the program.

Can people outside my program stay in my hotel room while I am on the program?

Can I leave the country during a free day?

It is up to the discretion of the Program Director as to whether a student can leave the country during a Free Day.

It is important to discuss plans ahead of time with your Program Director. Due to the nature of the programs, the program’s itinerary is subject to change. It is a “living document,” meaning that scheduled Free Days may be utilized for quizzes, class meetings, or class days.

During free time, students must notify their Program Director and/or Program Assistant of their whereabouts and give the names of persons with whom they are traveling with for information purposes.

Do I have to stay in my housing accommodations on my program?

The housing accommodations are selected due to location and security. It is highly recommended that program participants sleep in their program accommodations. Keep in mind that the Program Cost fee includes the cost of the accommodation.

If choosing to spend a night outside of the program’s housing accommodations, the student must notify their Program Director and/or Program Assistant of their whereabouts and give the names of persons with whom they are traveling with for information purposes.