Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates

International SOS Insurance

Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Insurance: International SOS

Duke recognizes that in this rapidly changing world, there may be apprehension about travel and health. It may be challenging to contact a staff member while traveling abroad should something unexpected occur. It is for these reasons that the university has contracted from a company called International SOS (SOS) for travel assistance and medical evacuation services, on behalf of all undergraduates (Duke and non-Duke) studying abroad. In other words, parents do not have to worry about purchasing medical evacuation and repatriation of remains insurance on behalf of their students.

The services provided by International SOS range from telephone advice and referrals to full-scale evacuation by private air ambulance. The SOS network of multilingual specialists operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from SOS Alarm Centers around the world. Your SOS membership, provided by Duke University, protects you against a variety of difficulties that could arise while you are abroad. The coverage is designed to supplement the policies, procedures and support staff, which Duke University already has in place. For more information, please see the International SOS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Questions about the new policy should be directed to Duke Corporate Risk Management at corprisk@duke.edu or 919-684-6226.

It is important to understand that, although International SOS will offer our students travel, medical and security advice and services, as well as on-line access to information which many insurance companies do not offer, International SOS is NOT health insurance. Duke University continues to require all students attending our programs to maintain health insurance coverage that covers them while abroad.

Whenever you are traveling or living abroad, you can access up-to-date reports on more than 170 countries worldwide on health issues, medical care and vaccination requirements via the International SOS website - your home page for travel health and safety information (located at http://www.internationalsos.com). The International SOS website also contains an on-line Personal Locator form for inputting travel and destination information. We strongly encourage all travelers to complete the form so that this information is available to International SOS and Duke on-call staff should you need to be located in the event of a crisis or emergency.

All undergraduates studying abroad through Duke, including Duke students on non-Duke programs, will receive an International SOS wallet card, which contains the Duke University group membership number and the Alarm Center phone numbers. Students should carry these cards at all times when they are overseas.

While you are abroad, your first contact should always be the director of your overseas program, as instructed during your orientation. If you are traveling, and/or in a situation where you are not able to reach that person, you should contact the Duke University Police Department at 919-684-2444 or International SOS who will work to meet your needs immediately. They will contact the University's on-call staff in the United States while coordinating services with Duke University.


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Postcard from Abroad

Dear Office of Study Abroad:

I entered into my semester in Senegal with high expectations. During the year prior to going abroad, I had come to the conclusion that the world was too small. Having traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and South America, I found that cultures were inherently similar. I was in search of something completely foreign.

I can easily say that Senegal was one of the most difficult periods of my life. However, it should not be surprising that (as these things usually always are) Senegal was also one of the most rewarding experiences. Each day was filled with color, activity, and surprise. How do you learn to call a country home when you are singled out everyday, verbally and nonverbally, as being a foreigner? Living in a Muslim country ended up being a much larger part of my experience than I had imagined - whether it a month of fasting and celebration with my Senegalese family during Ramadan or being awoken at 6 AM to the sound of prayer calls coming from nearby mosque loudspeakers. I was integrated into a culture and showered with love by people who talked about the United States, though they have never seen it, as if it the most beautiful place on the planet.

During two months of research, where I led discussions in public schools on feminist literature, my French improved significantly. As the only American girl living in the neighborhood, my neighbors adopted me into their lives, calling me “daughter” and “sister.” I witnessed a kind of happiness in people that I believe I have never seen in the States, nor any other part of the world. Now that I am back at Duke, I have written several pieces performed in plays that highlight my experience. I have made Senegalese contacts throughout North Carolina and am considering applying for a Fulbright after college to resume my studies abroad. I am also volunteering with an NGO abroad this summer. All of this may never have happened if it were not for the people and country I encountered while abroad. For this, I am very fortunate.

– Christine Schellack

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