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Global Cornell

Cornell University

Predeparture Resources

Join thousands of Cornell students who’ve already taken the International Travel Predeparture Orientation! Since its launch in 2023, over 4,000 students have completed the course, and the reviews speak for themselves: 97% rated it positively. Don’t miss out—get prepared and travel with confidence!

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Students: Prepare for Safe, Healthy Travel Abroad

As a Cornell student traveler, you should complete the online International Travel Predeparture Orientation before going abroad. The orientation is designed for all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students and prepares you to manage your own health, safety, and security responsibly while overseas.

The course consists of three modules:

  • Travel Logistics
  • Staying Healthy
  • Safety Abroad 

Each module includes a short quiz. After completing all modules, you’ll receive a confirmation email to share with your program administrator if requested.

Important: Completion of this course may be required for final travel approval and/or funding. Check with your travel/program administrator.

Tip: Download and print the predeparture checklist to help keep track of your requirements.

Access student predeparture orientation in Canvas

Note: Cornellians who need a Canvas account can request one by visiting request.canvas.cornell.edu. If you are a non-Cornell traveler taking part in a Cornell-related trip, please contact intlsafety@cornell.edu for instructions on how to register.

Off-Campus Activity Leaders: Know Your Responsibilities

As an Off-Campus Activity Leader (OCAL), you have the responsibility to anticipate and respond responsibly to student health, safety, or security concerns while abroad. To help prepare you, Global Cornell offers online orientation modules that will equip you for the challenges of working with students in a variety of situations. The modules will also explain your responsibilities under Federal law as it pertains to Title IX and Clery Act reporting, and share information regarding a variety of resources and support available to you.

This information consists of four subtopics: 

  • Logistics of Being an OCAL
  • OCAL Conduct
  • Working with Students in Distress
  • Managing Incidents Abroad

Completion of all modules should take approximately 45 minutes.

Units may require that you finish this orientation before granting you approval to lead students abroad and/or authorizing funding or supporting your travel. Please check with your unit's administration.

Access OCAL orientation in Canvas

Due to constantly changing university, state, and federal guidelines and laws, you should review this content again each academic year in which you will be taking students abroad.