Practical advice on work experience abroad

Make sure that you are prepared for the requirements and practicalities of your specific country and location, especially if you have not travelled there before. Always research your destination and check the FCDO website. Speak to your internship host if there is anything you are unsure about.  If you are not a UK national, also follow guidance from your own government. 

Key points: 

• Only travel to FCDO “green” zones. Avoid “amber” (advise against all but essential travel) or “red” (advise against all travel) areas.
• Set up email alerts for travel updates on your country’s page.
• Understand local safety/security risks and ask your host for advice.
• Prepare for “what ifs” (e.g. crisis situations abroad).
• If the area you are in turns “amber” or “red” during your internship, you will be expected to return. This may be arranged via your insurance, the embassy, or the University. 

Health insurance 

Health (medical) insurance helps cover healthcare costs abroad, such as hospital treatment, prescription charges, or consultant care. It is usually included in travel insurance, but some students may need additional short-term private medical insurance. Health insurance works alongside the NHS so you don’t lose entitlement to NHS care when you have private cover. 

Travel insurance 

Travel insurance is designed to protect travellers from financial risks and losses associated with their trip. Buy your policy as soon as possible. Multi-trip policies may cap the number of travel days, so check carefully. Your travel insurance should include: 

• Medical cover for sudden illness/injury
• 24-hour emergency support
• Personal liability (if you cause injury/damage)
• Lost or stolen possessions
• Delays, cancellations, or interruptions
• Medical evacuation
• Unforeseen events 

Top tips: 

• Compare providers
• Don’t risk travelling without cover
• Cheaper policies usually mean less cover
• Declare pre-existing medical conditions
• Some activities such as some sports will require extra cover
• Check FCDO website, as most insurers restrict cover in “red” or “amber” designated areas 

Vaccinations 

Whether you need vaccinations, and which ones are appropriate, will depend on: 

• The country you are travelling to
• When you are travelling
• Where you will be staying
• How long you will be staying
• What activities you will be doing during your stay 

Some vaccinations may be required for entry into certain countries (e.g. yellow fever), while others are recommended for your personal protection. You can check which vaccinations are required or recommended for your destination on the official Fit for Travel (NHS Scotland) or NaTHNaC (UK Health Security Agency) websites. 

Some GP practices provide travel health advice and vaccinations. These may be offered free on the NHS if they protect against diseases that also present a risk in the UK (such as hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, tetanus/diphtheria boosters, and sometimes cholera). Other travel vaccines are only available on a private basis. Alternatively, you can visit a private travel vaccination clinic for the full range of vaccinations. 

It is also important to check whether you need to bring additional medicines or equipment, such as anti-malarial tablets, mosquito nets, or insect repellents. 

Health and Disability 

If you have a disability or health condition, plan ahead to make necessary arrangements. Accessibility, cultural attitudes, and legal protections vary widely. In some countries, certain disabilities (including mental health conditions and neurodivergence) may not be widely recognised or culturally accepted. Even where legislation exists, accessibility standards can differ significantly from those in the UK. Doing your research in advance will help you feel more prepared. 

Useful resources: 

• FCDO guidance on disability and travel abroad
• FCDO guidance on mental health and wellbeing abroad
• NHS advice on mental health and travel
• Mobility International USA briefing 

Speak with your host about adjustments you might need and contact the Careers Service & Internship Office for support. 

Medications 

Check if there are restrictions on any medications you need in the country you are travelling to. Some medications or ingredients are banned in other countries: check with the embassy of your destination country if you are unsure. 

• If you need to carry medication, check the NaTHNaC guidance on travelling with medicines.
• Carry medicines in original packaging, with prescription copies.
• Bring extra supplies in case of delays, damage or loss.
• Carry a GP/healthcare letter if needed.
• In some countries it is not possible to source adrenaline autoinjectors. See Allergy UK travel guidance.
• Ensure access to a fridge if your medication requires refrigeration.

Itinerary  

Organising your travel arrangements and accommodation can feel overwhelming, but careful planning will make your trip much smoother. Preparing your travel itinerary before leaving for your internship will save time and reduce stress. 

• Confirm exact addresses and travel dates.
• Secure a visa (if required) before purchasing travel.
• Book flights/transport as soon as your internship is confirmed AND you have a visa.
• Arrange airport/station transfers.
• Research local driving requirements and vehicle hire rules if relevant.
• Avoid unsafe night travel.
• Carry paper copies of your itinerary.
• Share your plans with a trusted contact. 

Accommodation 

Securing accommodation is one of the most important steps when preparing for your internship. Start your research early and explore all available options. 

• Confirm your exact placement location (check with employer/Internship Office).
• Set a clear budget and check what’s included.
• Ask your employer for help.
• Stay with friends/family if possible.
• Explore university halls (see University Rooms website).
• Use listings sites (e.g. Craig’s List and Time Out).
• Connect with Oxford Alumni Groups (you could request that your housing query be shared on their local mailing lists). 

Check: 

• Safety (is the area safe, are doors/windows lockable with proper locks, are there fire exits?)
• Would extra security (door locks, alarms) give you peace of mind?
• Availability of clean drinking water
• Laundry facilities 

When travelling internationally, always carry physical copies of essential documents in case your phone or originals are lost. Border officials may also request proof of accommodation or work placement on arrival.  

Key documents you will need:  

• Travel documents: photocopies of passport, ID, visas/permits, tickets, boarding passes.
• Insurance: policy number and emergency helpline.
• Contacts: emergency services, local embassy, University of Oxford Security Services (24/7), insurance helpline, family/friends at home, internship host.
• Addresses & itinerary: accommodation details, host organisation’s address, flight numbers/times. 

Top tips: 

• Back up important files and follow University data security guidance.
• Keep copies of key phone numbers/addresses in multiple bags.
• Know where to get help if you lose key documents.

To plan, prepare and pack effectively for your international internship, it is important to research your specific internship location. It can also be helpful to seek advice from your internship host and from previous Oxford interns. Understanding the cultural and geographical specificities of your destination country can also help to prevent or mitigate culture shock. 

Payment methods 

Understand how payments work in your host country: 

• Can you use your bank card abroad? What are the fees?
• Are credit cards typically accepted?
• Is cash widely used?
• Are ATMs nearby?
• Do you need mobile payment apps (e.g. WeChat Pay, Alipay)?
• Check limits on bringing in cash. 

Data and devices 

Find out what you need to do before you leave for your destination: 

• Research whether you’ll need an eSIM or local SIM card.
• Consider downloading a VPN for secure internet access. IT Services provides information on the University VPN, which allows you to remotely connect to the Oxford University network.
• Install apps for navigation, communication, translation, and payment before departure
• Take a charger and an adapter for your specific country. Consider taking a portable charger (check for restrictions in the country you are travelling to). 

For key information on keeping your data and devices safe while travelling, read the information page: Stay safe on the move | Information Security Team (ox.ac.uk). 

Weather and packing 

Research local climate (e.g. monsoon or cold season) and pack appropriately. Consider how you will prepare for possible severe weather events. The ‘safety and security’ sections of FCDO country-specific travel advice pages will often have information on extreme weather and natural disasters, where relevant. 

Past interns recommend: 

• Mosquito nets/repellent, anti-malarials
• Plug adapters
• Power bank
• Clothing layers and modest attire if needed
• Practical shoes/ outdoor clothing
• Water filter 

Culture shock 

Spending a longer period of time in a new country can be daunting for both first-time and more seasoned travellers. Here are some tips to help you adjust:  

• Learn about local history, politics, and norms.
• Plan logistics (transport, internet, arrival arrangements).
• Learn the language: the Oxford University Language Centre offers a wide range of language courses; consider using a language app; download a translation app to help you navigate menus, emergencies, travel etc.
• Check food/water safety and how well they deal with allergies.
• Be aware of different attitudes to dress, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, and race. (see the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance for LGBT+ travellers) 

Useful resources: 

• The NHS Fit for Travel website has useful information on the manifestation of culture shock.
• Travel guides such as Lonely Planet are a great place to start researching your trip.
• Independent travel blogs are useful to consult for information about challenges faced by other travellers. Be aware that these reflect individual experiences, however, and your own trip will be unique.
• The Foreign Office website has some useful advice for solo travellers, women travelling abroad, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travellers, as well as mental health travel advice.
• Allergy UK has put together a useful resource for those travelling with an allergy.
• Those travelling with limited mobility may find this briefing from Mobility International USA useful.

Overseas emergencies 

Life-threatening emergency 

• Call the emergency services in the country where you are.
• Contact your insurance provider who may be able to offer guidance in an emergency (this may also be a requirement of the insurance).
• Contact Security Services at the University of Oxford at +44 1865 289999, available 24/7. 

FCDO 

The FCDO website advises on safety and security threats for all countries outside the United Kingdom. It is useful to set alerts to receive emails on the latest travel advice for the country where you are. You can do this by going to the country-specific page and click on GET EMAIL ALERTS. 

The FCDO also provides detailed guidance for British citizens who are affected by a crisis abroad. This includes advice on how to prepare for a potential crisis and what to do if a crisis occurs, as well as information on how the FCDO can help British nationals in a crisis overseas and on how to access support upon returning to the UK. 

Disease outbreak 

Visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre for official data on disease outbreak surveillance. 

Consular assistance 

In the event of an emergency, your country’s embassy will be able to provide consular assistance to nationals in distress. The Embassy Finder website can help you find the nearest embassy that relates to the passport you hold. 

UK emergencies 

Life-threatening emergency 

• Dial 999 or go to John Radcliffe Hospital's A&E at Headley Way, Headington OX3 9DU. Open 24/7. Contact: 0300 304 7777. Find your nearest A&E.
• Contact Security Services at the University of Oxford at +441865289999, available 24/7. 

Internship Office support 

If you encounter difficulties while undertaking an internship, your first port of call should be the designated point of contact within the organisation for which you are working. 

If you are unable to contact them, or if the situation cannot be handled internally you should contact the Internship Office. The management team can be contacted to confidentially discuss any aspect of your experiences during or after your internship: 

• Dr Fiona Whitehouse, Head of the Internship Office, [email protected] 

Other welfare and health concerns 

For additional contacts for emergency services and non-emergency health, welfare and academic support services, visit the Oxford student information webpage on welfare and health concerns. 

The following are useful links for travelling students: 

• Gov.uk: Foreign Travel Advice
• Gov.uk: Foreign Travel Advice Email Sign-Up – to subscribe to any changes to the UK Government’s travel advice
• Gov.uk: Foreign travel checklist – advice from the FCDO on travelling and staying safe abroad
• FCDO advice on travelling during Ramadan - check travel advice for specific country where relevant
• Gov.uk: Gap Year Advice – that may also be helpful when living abroad for a long period of time
• Gov.uk: Moving, living or retiring abroad – advice from the FCDO on considerations when moving and living abroad
• NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro: General Travel Advice – tips for safe and healthy travel abroad
• NHS: UK Global Health Insurance Card
• Gov.uk: Zika Virus
• NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro: Country Information – country-specific advice and tips to stay healthy abroad
• NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro: Personal Safety Abroad
• Oxford University: Sexual Violence – advice on prevention and support
• Gov.uk: Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad  – advice from the FCDO
• Oxford University Safety Office: Overseas Travel and Fieldwork (OxIntranet)
• Gov.uk: Advice for women travelling abroad
• Gov.uk: LGBT+ foreign travel advice
• ILGA – International lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association
• Stonewall – LGBT organisation
• Oxford University: Bribery and Fraud Policy