Safety, Security and Emergencies

While you’re overseas, the way you connect with people may be different. For example, an Australian SIM card might not work internationally and you may decide it’s worthwhile getting a local sim or an eSIM. If you’re used to texting using data, you may need to download a messaging app like WhatsApp, Viber or Signal and use WIFI to connect with people instead.

In certain (hopefully very rare) situations, we may need to get in touch with you urgently, and email may not be fast enough.

• If your overseas study program is short (less than three weeks) it should be enough for you to check that your contact details are correct in your MyUniSA student portal and with the Travel Risk Management company, Healix.
• If your overseas study program is longer than three weeks, we expect you to update your contact details:
  • Via Healix 
  • In your myUniSA Student Portal, and
  • For Semester Exchange students - also via the webform you’ll be sent a link to, which updates your details with the Global Opportunities team directly.

It’s also strongly recommended that you let family and emergency contacts know your updated phone and address details.

This is an important step to complete so that in case of an emergency, Healix and UniSA can contact you urgently. In the majority of cases this will simply be to confirm your safety, though an actual critical situation can’t be entirely ruled out. A critical incident could include (but is not limited to):

• An environmental disaster
• A political incident such as riots, demonstrations, or civil unrest
• An act of terrorism such as a shooting or a bombing
• A criminal incident such as theft, mugging, or assault
• A major accident such as train derailment
• A physical injury or an accident such as a car crash

While unlikely, critical incidents occasionally do arise, and it’s important you know what to do, or who to contact in an emergency situation. Your actions in such a situation will likely vary depending on exactly what’s going on, or how impacted you are by it.

Wherever possible, in the event of an emergency follow the instructions of the local authorities and make sure you get to safety as quickly as possible. You should also contact Healix as soon as possible so they can assist you. In some cases, Healix may contact you first to verify your whereabouts and safety.

While every situation is likely to be unique, here are some pretty consistent guidelines to follow:

1. Get to safety. Take immediate action to stay safe. If you’re in a safe location, do not go out or travel until the threat has passed.
2. Contact Healix. Make contact as soon as possible via the app or phone, so they can provide you with security, medical, or safety assistance. With 24/7 access to security experts and ground support worldwide, Healix can provide you with the best and most up-to-date advice for your situation.
3. Get medical care. Seek medical assistance if you’re injured or hurt. Understand that local emergency services may be stretched during a large-scale crisis. Healix ompany can help in finding a nearby hospital or medical aid and can assist with translation if required.
4. Follow instructions from local authorities. Unless instructed otherwise by the Healix, follow the directions of local first responders (police, fire services, ambulance services etc.)
5. Contact friends and family. When possible, let your friends and family know that you are safe. You can also ‘mark’ yourself as safe on Facebook and certain other social media platforms. 
6. Stay up to date on the situation. You should keep track of any updates via the Healix app or email. You should also follow the news or social media for any developments if the emergency is of a public nature.

In any emergency where an operator or message taker is involved, please be prepared to provide the following information:

1. Your name
2. Where you are
3. Nature of the emergency
4. Phone number and where administrator(s) may contact you
5. Until when/for how long you will be in that location
6. When you will call back if you cannot be called

If there’s been an emergency situation, but you’re unaffected, the University (or Healix) will probably still try to be in contact with you to verify your safety. Your family, friends, and loved ones may also be worried, so consider sending a message or posting on social media to let people know you’re ok.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you’re required by law to report it to the Australian Government as soon as possible. Contact the nearest Australian embassy/consulate who can assist you in applying for a replacement passport. Make sure you also report it to the local police and get a copy of the police report or the report number.

Remember, your passport is your most important legal document while travelling overseas. As a visitor, some countries require you to carry your passport at all times. Guard your passport carefully and do not travel without it.

UniSA is committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive culture in which all students and staff are valued. This means we have zero tolerance for sexual assault or sexual harassment and are continually striving to improve our prevention programs and support services. 

You can visit the university’s website page here which has details on emergency help, getting further support, and actions to take if you been affected by sexual assault or harassment. This information is also discussed in the online Pre-Departure Modules.

Perhaps even without realising, you probably already take certain actions to keep yourself safe in the city where you live. You know which areas are a bit dodgy after dark, and you have a frame of reference for the environment, and often the people, around you. When you’re in a new environment, you don’t have those unconscious markers to help you digest your surroundings as quickly.  

Some general safety tips we recommend you follow:

• Exercise the usual cautions you would if you were in your home city. This applies to your personal belongings as well as your personal safety.
• Particularly for students who will be overseas for more than a few weeks, when travelling to other cities/countries make sure to tell people where you’re going, who you’re going with, and when to expect you back. Phone someone who’s at the same place as you, but it’s also wise to let someone back home know, too.
• Don't forget to be aware of your surroundings. A very common reaction to arriving in a new place is to feel safe and protected - but beware, every town and city in the world has some level of crime.
• Avoid walking through empty spaces by yourself, particularly at night. This might be a campus space or a public street away from main roads. If you feel unsafe look for other people or an open business where you can ask for help, and try to travel with others as much as possible.
• Be respectful and aware of the dress code and local social norms, as people may perceive you as a target if you go against them.
• Get to know other people taking the same program as you are so you feel comfortable getting their advice and help. This extends to people living nearby such as neighbours in your accommodation, workmates during an internship or Host Institution Staff.
• If you’re based at an institution or workplace, find out if there’s a security office and where it’s located, as well as any security phones or other access services.
• Don’t participate in any political activities in the countries you visit and avoid public demonstrations.
• If an incident occurs, report it immediately, then follow up by letting UniSA staff know (this could be staff travelling with you, or staff back in Australia). You might choose to report the incident to the local authorities, but also to your host institution/provider directly.
• Be mindful of online security. Adjust your privacy settings on social media accounts and think before you post, share your location, or accept people as online friends.

Complete the UniSA Global Opportunities Pre-Departure Modules and Safety Plan before you depart. Take your Safety Plan with you!

It’s imperative that you’re able to access your student email while overseas, as this is how the University will usually contact you.

All UniSA students need to use Multi-Factor Authentication (also known as Two-Step Authentication) when logging in to the UniSA student portal to access student-only services, including email.

For most people this means that when you log-in to the UniSA portal, the MFA system will send you a one-time use code via SMS that you’re required to submit in order to gain access.

When you’re offshore, you may not have access to your usual mobile phone number or data plan (e.g., if you’ve purchased a local SIM in your host country). To prevent issues with this, UniSA students and staff should download the OKTA Verify App and register as a UniSA student before departure.

This will allow the OKTA mobile app to send you an MFA code via push notification (when your device is connected to the internet), rather than sending a code via SMS.

All students must download the OKTA app to their mobile phones prior to departure.  Please see instructions on how to download and register as a UniSA student.