Safety Measures for Independent Travels

This page is provided as a resource for DIS students who choose to travel during the weekend or travel breaks. For more information on Program Study Tour and Elective Course Tour safety measures, refer to the Emergency Response Plan When on DIS Travel page.

Independent Travel Plans

Prior to your independent travel that takes you outside of Copenhagen overnight or longer, you are required to provide your itinerary and contact details to DIS. We will keep this information on file in order to facilitate communication in the case of an emergency.

Students choosing to undertake independent travel do so with the understanding that they are solely responsible for the travel arrangements, preparations and risks, including personal and financial. DIS Academic Regulations require that independent travel not interfere with DIS academic courses including Field Study and Study Tours. In addition, you must adhere to your home institution requirements regarding any and all travel policies, including those that might limit travel to specific locations.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (for U.S. citizens and nationals)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling and/or living abroad. Sign up online here and register your travels and current residence, and you will automatically receive the most current information about safety conditions and notifications for the countries you will visit. You will also help the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of emergency. DIS recommends non-U.S. citizens register their travel with the equivalent service from their government, if one exists.

Note: U.S. citizens do not need to register for STEP for travel to DIS Copenhagen, as DIS registers all students prior to the term of study.

Consult U.S. Department of State Resources

Before booking travel, and prior to beginning your journey, review the important travel information provided by the U.S. State Department. Non-U.S. citizens may find similar resources from their own government, as well. Get updated information about your destination from the U.S. State Department here.

Know Your Embassy

Before traveling, find out where the nearest embassy will be located. Save the embassy’s contact information in your phone in case of an emergency. Find the U.S. embassy directory here. Non-U.S. citizens will find similar information from their government online or by calling your government’s representative in the U.S.

Get Educated

One of the best ways to increase your safety while traveling it to be educated on the location you are visiting. Review the U.S Department of State’s Traveler’s checklist, as well as look at news from the location you will visit. Read reviews in travelers forums for other travelers and talk to anyone you know who has visited the location.

Care for Yourself and Your Valuables

If traveling outside of the EU (within the EU, the emergency number is always 112), note the emergency phone number for that location and keep it on you. Find worldwide emergency numbers per country here.

Should you choose to use a rideshare service, such as Uber, while abroad, DIS recommends that you follow the following safety tips:

  • Do not get into a car until you have:
    • Made sure the driver’s information on the app matches the person who has arrived, including the car’s make and model and license plate
    • Asked the driver to confirm your name
  • If you are alone, sit in the back seat
  • Share your travel plans with a friend or family member

Keep in Contact with Your Emergency Contacts, Friends, and Family

In addition to reporting your planned travel to DIS, be sure your emergency contacts (often your parents) know that you will be traveling, have a copy of your itinerary, and can reach you in an emergency. Let them know when you plan to check in with them and assure you do so to avoid scaring them. Except in an emergency, DIS will not provide travel details to emergency contacts, friends, or families.

Families can contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Citizens Services at 1.888.407.4747 if they are not able to locate their student in a crisis or need crisis assistance. Review What the Department of State Can and Cannot do in a Crisis, and read this article about ways to locate someone in a crisis abroad.