Leaving for an Experience Abroad with Peace of Mind

Unexpected events, accidents and emergencies in foreign countries are now easier to manage because on February 8, at the Bocconi International Fair (BIF), there will be an information desk on International SOS, a medical and travel security services firm on which Bocconi University relies to support students who are leaving for a study or work experience abroad. This is an assistance service that students can use through Agenda or App (Assistance App), and which does not replace health insurance.

International SOS works on three levels. Before leaving, students can enter the portal and find all information about the country of interest, and so, have a better insight to decide where to go.

While abroad, students can use the service in different ways: they will be notified with a pop-up message in case of major events affecting the country in which they are located, for example particular weather conditions, natural events, transport disruptions or dangerous situations, and they can request online or telephone assistance in case of necessity, such as loss of a passport or a road accident. "I have been in New York for an internship at the Italian consulate since a couple of weeks and I've received some alerts warning me on the particularly cold weather that could have affected public transportation," explains Valeria Cosmai, a law student. "An option that I find very useful and that I will definitely use is the Check In, through which you can make not of your movements, for example to another city."

In case of medical or security emergencies, students can ask for assistance. In case of a major emergency, such as a natural disaster or threat to public order, students potentially affected by the event will be contacted by International SOS to ascertain their situation and to verify their need for support.