Prepare to go on exchange

Once you've been accepted to participate in the semester-based exchange program, it's time to get ready to go!

Below you'll find some tips to help you make the most of your experience while ensuring you keep safe and healthy while overseas.

Work your way through the IGET Pre-departure Essentials Checklist to help you prepare.

2. Health and safety

Health and Wellbeing

Visiting a doctor before you leave for your experience is strongly encouraged. The doctor will be able to provide information about required vaccinations and health advice for your destination.

If you are on any medication, be sure to take an adequate supply, as an equivalent medication may not be available at your destination. You will require a letter describing the contents of your medication from a doctor in order to carry this through customs. You should also confirm that the medication is permitted in your host country.

Students must exercise due diligence in planning and undertaking approved UQ travel, including ensuring that they are aware of and abide by any health-related requirements during transit to or from their host country and abide by all local government guidelines or restrictions while overseas. This includes any requirements relating to vaccinations, quarantine or medical testing.

If you have a pre-existing or new medical condition, mental health condition or disability that may require assistance or special conditions to be in place while on your experience, we recommend that you speak with your treating practitioner regarding any considerations that may be important prior to or during your experience. This includes medication requirements and access, options for remote support and documentation requirements for accommodations with your host. Being proactive to arrange accessibility requirements is important to ensure these are in place prior to your arrival.

You are also encouraged to familiarise yourself with your travel insurance policy, and where and how to access health support overseas.

Student Advisers at UQ Student Services and doctors at UQ Health Care can meet with you ahead of your experience to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health condition and your experience. To make an appointment, please follow the links below.

If you require support for any medical conditions, mental health conditions or disabilities while overseas, there are a number of resources available to you including UQ support mentioned above, International SOS and support available through your host university/organisation. 

Smart Traveller

We recommend that you subscribe for updates for your exchange destinations on smartraveller.gov.au so that you can stay up to date with important notifications in the event of an emergency. The site also provides general advice pages on a range of travel topics, to learn what you need to know before you go including destination travel advice.

Passports

If your passport has been lost or stolen, please refer to the advice provided on the smartraveller before you gopage.