The resources below were compiled to help you and other School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences’ students, faculty, and staff prepare for travel and research abroad and in remote areas of the US. We are always striving to make this list as comprehensive as possible, so if there is something you would like to see added please contact the SES Field Program Coordinator.

Before you travel, we highly encourage you to complete the online International and Remote Field Safety training module. You will learn about important issues to consider as you plan your trip and about the services available on campus and overseas to help you in case of an emergency. 

If an emergency or dangerous incident occurs, contact your department manager or program director immediately.  If you are a student, also contact your faculty advisor.  If you cannot reach anyone or are unsure whom to contact, contact the SES Deans Office at 650-723-2544 or Tom Koos, Health and Safety Coordinator, at 650-736-1002.

General Resources

Are you travelling internationally on Stanford business or conducting research in the US or abroad? Are you responsible for any students or junior colleagues traveling or working with you away from campus? Are you familiar with the resources available to help you prepare for your trip or research project?

• School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences’ Checklist for International Travel and Research: Prepare for a safe and productive trip, identify information and resources you may need before and during your trip.
• US Department of State’s International Travel Site: Provides extensive information about how to prepare and be safe wherever you may be going.
• Stanford International Travel Assistance Program: Launched in June 2011, this site is your “one-stop shop” to register your travel and find the support services Stanford provides for you.
• Stanford's Office of International Affairs: Find a wealth of information about traveling and working abroad, with portals targeting faculty, students, and staff. Prepare a pre-departure checklist.
• Stanford’s Bechtel International Center: Provides information for Stanford students and is a “must read” for international students planning to travel outside the US.
• School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences Emergency Contact Card: This card contains emergency contact numbers for all departments and programs as well as emergency medical and security service providers. Available from your Student Services Officer or the SES Field Programs office in 132 Mitchell.

Travel Logistics

Who has your travel itinerary and contact information? Have you planned ahead for any natural or social hazards you might face? Do you have emergency money in a safe place, like a $100 bill in your shoe?

• US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program Register your travel with the State Department, store your passport and visa information, and sign up for travel alerts.
• Stanford's Global Activities Operations Guide Provides useful information about all international work, from traveling to collaborating with local organizations to moving equipment and materials back and forth.
• Stanford's International Travel Policy Outlines the University’s policy about international travel for University business.

People and Organizations

Do you have emergency contact and important health information for everyone you are responsible for? Have you clearly outlined in writing what you expect of your students and research assistants? Have you made arrangements with local collaborators and proper authorities so your research goes smoothly?

• Sample Memo of Understanding for Research and Field Assistants Use this sample to create your own research agreement for those you are mentoring or collaborating with.

Health and Safety

Have you thought about allergies, infectious diseases, or poisonous plants or animals you might face? Do you have all the extra prescriptions, medications, or first aid materials you might need? Do you have information about the emergency medical or evacuation resources that are available to you?

• Vaden Health Center's Travel Clinic Find out what vaccinations or medications you may need for your trip; serves Stanford students, faculty, and staff.
• Emergency Medical and Evacuation Services Learn more about what services Stanford provides for you in case of emergencies.
• International SOS Membership Card Have this card with you when you travel – all Stanford students, staff, and faculty are covered.
• Center for Disease Control and Preventions Provides extensive information about infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters and what you can do to be prepared.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 Learn about HIPAA and be sure you are protecting health information for you and any colleagues you are responsible for.
• School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences Medical and Emergency Contact Form Make sure you have emergency contact information for everyone on your trip. If you also collect medical information to be used in case of emergency you must destroy the form after the trip is over.

Equipment and Materials

Have you considered what would happen if your research equipment is confiscated in customs either in the US or abroad? Do you have the proper paperwork and approvals to take your research samples away from your research site and bring them back into the US?

• Stanford's Export Control Policy Explains how the federal export control policies apply to research materials, equipment, and collaborations.
• Import Controls This portion of the Foreign Activities Guide has contact information for import brokers who have relationships with Stanford as well as contact information for the Export Controls Officer, who may be able to answer questions related to importing and exporting goods related to research.
• For more information about transporting research samples, contact Ryan Peterson, SE3 Field Program Coordinator, at 650-721-4024 or rypett@stanford.edu.

Other Resources