Bobcats Abroad: International Pre-Departure Orientation

Bobcats Abroad provides essential information to help travelers prepare for their upcoming international travel. The orientation is not location specific but covers important topics that apply to all travelers, regardless of destination or program length, including:

  • Health and safety considerations
  • Risk awareness and emergency preparedness
  • General travel tips and resources

In addition to covering health and safety, Bobcats Abroad also offers several optional, bonus modules to help prepare for takeoff! These include topics such as applying for a passport, finding flights, packing, and more.

Note: Travelers will also participate in one or more site-specific orientation sessions led by the program director or program provider.

Looking for information about domestic, US-based travel? Please review our Bobcats Away page.

Who is required to complete Bobcats Abroad?

Bobcats Abroad is required for all students participating in a for-credit international study abroad experience. This includes:

Students participating in non-credit or independent study abroad experiences are also welcome to complete the orientation. The online modules are designed to support program preparation by building awareness of health, safety, and personal responsibility and by connecting students to helpful tools and resources available before and during the experience.

How do I complete this requirement?

Bobcats Abroad is completed online through WorldKind Academy, an award-winning traveler training platform. The course is interactive and divided into four short, self-paced modules taking approximately two hours to complete.

  • Introduction: Get an overview of WorldKind Academy, travel advisories, STEP registration, and resources to learn more about your host country.
  • Insurance – Understanding Ohio University’s Policy: Learn what insurance coverage is provided by Ohio University and explore options for additional coverage if needed.
  • Travel Health PRO: Prepare for health-related concerns abroad, including emergency planning, allergies, dietary needs, healthcare packing, and overall well-being.
  • Safety & Security PRO: Explore real-world safety and security scenarios abroad and learn practical tips to help you stay informed and prepared.

After completing the required modules, you will earn a Travel Health & Safety Certificate.

Access Bobcats Abroad

What to expect:

  • Travel Confidently: Practice real-world scenarios—even if this is your first time traveling
  • Get Organized: Downloadable and customizable travel planning templates
  • Keep Track: Automated, personalized travel to-do lists
  • Be Prepared and Safe: Build your emergency and resource information
  • Travel Rewards and Discounts upon completing individual modules 

Questions?

If you have additional questions about your upcoming travel:

Attend OGO Drop-In Advising  Email Global.Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

I have traveled extensively prior to this program - why do I have to attend a general pre-departure orientation session?

As an Ohio University student, our office has a certain level of responsibility (called duty of care) to prepare you for your upcoming travels. Participating on a global experience like studying abroad is different from family vacations, leisure travels with friends, or other types of travel you may have experienced. Also, as an Ohio University student you have access to certain resources such as International Emergency Health Insurance and/or International SOS, our global travel and security service provider, that you may not have had before, and you need to learn how to access those resources.

If you are an experienced traveler we hope you will come with an open mind to learn more and encounter new information you may have not previously considered. Every travel experience is different and it is always helpful to hear a few reminders before traveling.

I have previously completed the Bobcats Abroad or Bobcats Away requirement for another program - do I have to attend again?

If you are participating on an international experience:

  • If you completed the Bobcats Abroad (international) requirement within one calendar year prior to the departure date for your upcoming program, you do not need to complete the pre-departure orientations again. OGO will verify when you completed the orientation session and update your OGO Student Portal record appropriately.
    • For example: Alex completed Bobcats Abroad on 4/15/23 for a summer study abroad program. Alex is planning to study abroad again this spring break, starting on 3/9/24. Alex does not need to attend Bobcats Abroad again
  • If you completed this requirement more than one calendar year prior to your departure date for your upcoming program, you will need to complete the Bobcats Abroad pre-departure orientation sessions again.
    • For example: Riley completed Bobcats Abroad on 11/15/22 for a spring semester program. Riley is planning to study abroad again this winter break, starting on 12/28/23. Riley needs to attend Bobcats Abroad again.
  • If you completed the Bobcats Away (domestic) requirement, you will need to complete the Bobcats Abroad pre-departure orientation sessions prior to your international experience.

If you are participating on a domestic experience:

  • If you completed the Bobcats Away (domestic) requirement within one calendar year prior to the departure date for your upcoming program, you do not need to complete the pre-departure orientations again. OGO will verify when you completed the orientation session and update your OGO Student portal record appropriately.
    • For example:
      • Sam completed Bobcats Away on 8/17/22 for a fall semester program. Alex is planning to study abroad again spring break, starting on 3/11/23. Alex does not need to attend Bobcats Away again.
  • If you completed this requirement more than one calendar year prior to your departure date for your upcoming program, you will need to complete the Bobcats Away pre-departure orientation sessions again.
    • For example: Riley completed Bobcats Away on 11/15/22 for a spring semester program. Riley is planning to study away again this winter break, starting on 12/28/23. Riley needs to attend Bobcats Away.
  • If you completed the Bobcats Abroad (international) requirement, you will need to complete the Bobcats Away pre-departure orientation sessions prior to your domestic experience. 
I am not receiving academic credit while abroad (i.e., interning with no associated academic credit, researching, volunteering, attending a conference, etc...) - do I need to attend Bobcats Abroad or Away?

Students not participating on a study abroad or study away program for academic credit are not required to attend the pre-departure orientation sessions, but are encouraged to do so. 

If you have completed or are intending to complete Travel Registration in the OGO Student Portal to register your travel with our office, you fall into this category. If you have not completed Travel Registration for your experience, you can do so now in the OGO Student Portal. 

I went through all the Bobcats Abroad modules, and they are still marked as incomplete.  What do I need to do to complete the modules?  

Bobcats Abroad modules are marked “Complete” based on meaningful time spent reviewing the content. This helps ensure that material and videos are fully reviewed, rather than being clicked through quickly.  Be sure to open all sections marked with a “+”, watch videos, and review all materials. Assessment questions must be answered correctly to advance.   

Once all required items are finished, a checkmark will appear.  If the module still does not show as “Complete”, please contact OGORiskManagement@ohio.edu for assistance.  

I enrolled in WorldKind Academy to complete Bobcats Abroad, but didn’t receive a verification email. What’s next? 

A verification email should be sent to your ohio.edu inbox after completing registration. In some cases, delivery may take a few minutes.  If the email does not appear in your ohio.edu inbox, be sure to check spam, clutter and junk folders.  

If the verification email still cannot be found, please contact OGORiskManagement@ohio.edu for assistance. Include the email address used to register, the name entered during registration (if different from the ohio.edu student account), and approximate registration date.  The Risk Management Office will respond within 1-2 business days, after investigating the issue.