RPI has contracted with International SOS (SOS) to provide travel assistance and emergency services to all students who are studying or traveling abroad under the auspices of RPI.   SOS provides security and medical evacuation services, as well as a variety of health, safety, and travel-related resources.  SOS services include medical advice and referrals, repatriation, travel assistance and security evacuation assistance.  SOS is NOT health insurance and is not a substitute for health insurance.   Students will receive an SOS membership number and information prior to their departure.

The U.S. Department of State issues a Travel Advisory for every country in the world based on the security conditions that exist in that country/region.  Travel advisories follow a numerical system ranging  from 1 (exercise normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel), Travel advisories describe the risks that exist in a country or region and provide clear guidance that travelers should follow in order to ensure their own safety.

RPI does not support undergraduate student travel to any country with a level 3 or 4 advisory. 

Travel Alerts are issued to inform U.S. citizens of specific safety and security concerns in a country, such as demonstrations, crime trends and weather events. 

Visit the State Department website to view the Advisory/Alert for your destination, and for other important travel resources.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  issues Travel Health Notices (THNs) to inform travelers about global health risks during outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, and to provide advice about protective actions travelers can take to prevent infection or adverse health effects.  

CDC Travel Health Notices are assigned using the following scale:
Level 4 – Avoid All Travel
Avoid travel to this destination unless traveling for humanitarian aid or emergency response; there is an extreme health risk for travelers and no available precautions.
Level 3 – Reconsider Nonessential Travel
Reconsider nonessential travel to this destination. The outbreak or event poses risk to travelers because limited precautions are available.
Level 2 – Practice Enhanced Precautions
Practice enhanced precautions for this destination. The Travel Health Notice describes additional precautions or defines a specific population at risk.
Level 1 – Practice Usual Precautions

RPI does not support undergraduate student travel to any destination with a level 3 or 4 health notice. 

Visit the CDC website for detailed information on health conditions worldwide.