The NYU Student Health Center and the Department of Public Safety work closely with program staff to plan for safe, healthy, and enriching opportunities long before you arrive. Students are introduced to many of these services in the months leading up to their departure while others will be explained in detail during the mandatory on-site orientation, which includes detailed information about local healthcare and crisis response resources, crime prevention techniques, cultural differences, and more.
While an issue is unlikely to surface, should an emergency situation arise, a local staff member is on call 24-hours a day; as well, the Department of Public Safety in New York will assist with international emergencies (+1(212) 998-2222). For medical situations, the University assigns coverage by HTH Worldwide, an international insurance company, to ensure that treatment is available to you by qualified professionals when needed with no out of pocket expense. Students are also required to maintain insurance with their home policy.
The Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the Office of Global Programs works to create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to pursue their educational and professional goals and aspirations.
Health Insurance
All those who attend NYU Summer Study Abroad are required to have both international and domestic health insurance. NYU makes having international health insurance simple, because we give it to you!
International Health Insurance: All students studying abroad with NYU are enrolled in HTH Worldwide Insurance. (You will see a small fee for this on your bill). HTH provides students access to English-speaking, western trained doctors throughout the world. HTH covers 100 percent of treatment with no out-of-pocket expenses for both physical and mental health needs. You’ll be enrolled in HTH for the duration of your program and are covered even if you travel outside of your study abroad program location. However, you are not covered after your program ends! If you travel internationally after your program ends, you will need to acquire your own international health insurance.
Domestic Health Insurance: Even though you will be covered internationally through HTH Worldwide, you must keep your US-based health insurance for the time you are abroad. DO NOT cancel your US based health insurance! Your health insurance plan should have a lifetime aggregate maximum limit of up at least $250,000 per condition and must provide coverage for both medical and mental health treatment.
Personal Property Insurance
While it’s not mandatory that you purchase personal property insurance for your semester abroad, we strongly recommend that you consider it before your semester begins, particularly if you are bringing electronics with you or if you plan on traveling. CSI Insurance Agency is a recommended company that provides personal property/effects insurance for you while abroad if you select to undertake coverage. This is the same company that offers a similar policy for students personal items on the NYU campus in New York.
Questions about this coverage should be directed to CSI Insurance Agency directly.
Top 10 security tips
During your study away experience, please note that your safety is our top priority. Upon arrival, you will hear from NYU Florence staff about safely navigating the city – you will receive 24 hour emergency numbers, tips about the city, and a better understanding of the facilities in your home away from home. We are there to support you throughout the entire process. Help us keep you safe wherever you travel by keeping these general safety tips in mind:
- Have a cell phone that works locally. Ensure to update your Albert account with this information, share with local staff in the Office of Student Life, and also share with your family back home.
- Add an emergency contact to the Study Away Confirmation Portal.
- Keep the NYU Florence site staff informed of your independent travel and always register trips in NYU Traveler prior to out-of-town travel. Additionally, let your host family or your roommates know of any traveling that you plan to do.
- Do not walk on the streets alone at night. It is safest to take taxis from one destination to another or to walk with a group of trusted friends. Stay in well-lit areas where there are open businesses and other people around.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Know your limits! Students’ with impaired judgement are more likely to be victims of a crime or injury. Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know well, and never leave your drink unattended.
- Always obey the local laws. All students are expected to respect the culture, customs, and laws of the host nation as indicated in the study away standard.
- Do not leave your bags or belongings unattended at any time. Be conscientious of keeping your wallets, cell phones, laptops and other valuables with you. These are the types of property that are commonly reported stolen.
- Avoid traveling in poorly maintained vehicles. When taking a taxi only use those that are licensed and always sit in the back seat.
- Never keep all of your documents and money in one place or one suitcase.
- Avoid conflict. Sometimes individuals approach foreigners in bars on the street at night and attempt to start an altercation. Move away from the situation and/or call the police or NYU Florence for help.
- In your residence, always close and lock your door even if you leave for just a minute. Insist your roommate(s) do the same. Establish rules with your roommate(s) regarding visitors.
- Have sufficient funds or a credit card on hand to purchase emergency items such as an airline ticket.
- Be alert to your surroundings and the people with whom you have contact. Be wary of people who seem overly friendly or overly interested in you. If someone says something or acts in a way that you find disturbing, ignore and avoid making eye contact with the person. If the person is persistent, turn to a police officer or merchant and ask for help. Florentines are generally very proud of their city and are willing to assist a person in need. If you find yourself the repeated subject of unwanted attention, please inform a staff member in the Office of Student Life. The staff will provide you with information and support.
- Exercise good judgment about what places to frequent during the day and at night, and avoid being on the street at late hours more than necessary.
- Do not flash money or documents in public places. Avoid carrying large sums of cash – keep small bills in your pocket and use them whenever possible to pay for things. Be discrete in displaying your passport. Keep in mind the best time to use ATMs is during the daylight hours. Use bank affiliated ATMs whenever possible.
- Do not carry weapons. Something as simple as a pocket knife can result in a serious weapon charge while on foreign soil.
- Be aware of pickpocket situations such as crowded areas, including on buses or subways. Carry wallets and cell phones in the front pants pocket, or use bags, pocketbooks etc. that zipper well; keep pocketbooks on your lap when in restaurants etc. Avoid the backs of chairs or under the table, carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow. Avoid bags that clasp or snap shut, zippered bags are preferable.
- Use your street smarts and be aware of your surroundings.
Counseling Abroad
While studying abroad is an incredible experience, it often takes time to adjust to a new culture, living arrangements, food, language and submersion into the unfamiliar. Some students feel overwhelmed, others homesick. Some afraid, others depressed. You may periodically feel out of sorts. The attitudes toward counseling, or therapy, vary from one country to another.
NYU Florence has a full-time Wellness Counselor, Dr. Silvia Fiammenghi, on staff should you ever wish to check in. The NYU staff at your study abroad site can also refer you to a local counselor if you wish. Your HTH Worldwide Health Insurance should cover the cost for your mental health care needs so that you do not have to pay out of pocket for counseling services.
If you are presently taking prescribed psychotropic medication you must meet with your prescribing physician to discuss:
- Receiving enough medication to last until you return. (Note: For some conditions and some medications, this is not possible)
- Getting a referral to a psychiatrist or medical doctor abroad who will follow you and write prescription refills. Note that prescriptions from doctors outside of Australia cannot be filled abroad.
- Having the prescription and the generic make up available and translated into the language of the country where you are studying abroad.
- If you know you will need medication, get it before you leave, or contact NYU’s Wellness Exchange. Counselors will be able to put you in contact with the appropriate NYU site staff NOW to get a referral to a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS TO PLAN AHEAD!
If you have questions or concerns, contact the Wellness Exchange at +1(212) 443-9999 ; e-mail us at wellness.exchange@nyu.edu or check our web page at www.nyu.edu/shc/counseling.
NYU Florence Summer 2016 