Health and Safety Information | Pepperdine Community

At Pepperdine University, your health and safety are a top priority. We strive to keep our students that travel abroad healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. It’s important to know that every country has different laws, resources, and cultural attitudes toward medical conditions, disabilities, and mental health. Because of this, the care and accommodations you’re used to in the U.S. may not always be available in the same way abroad. We encourage you to think carefully about your personal health needs, talk with your medical providers before departure, and reach out to the International Programs Office with any questions.

Emergency Contacts:

Email: dispatch@pepperdine.edu

Phone: In U.S.: 310.506.4441 When abroad: Use local emergency line and International SOS 215.942.8226

Timeline

Ensure Good Program Fit Before Commitment
Prepare
During Program
Prepare for Re-entry

Review all health and safety information including program-specific accessibility and accommodations and diversity and identities abroad.
Speak with health providers, International SOS, Office of Student Accessibility (OSA), IP Office, etc. to address all questions/concerns before program commitment.

Know your insurance coverage and wellness resources.
Speak with OSA about applying accommodations abroad (if applicable).
Contact International SOS to discuss health, safety, and security needs including transporting/obtaining medications and arranging future health appointments.
Complete health and safety training.
Finalize the IP health clearance process including obtaining needed immunizations.
Prepare your tech and pack with health and wellness in mind.

Create healthy habits within the first 30 days (academic, personal health, travel, social, etc.).
Proactively address health needs with in-person and online resources.
Research personal travel destinations for health, security, and safety.
Contact local staff and International SOS for health, safety, and security support while abroad.

Create a reentry plan to support anticipated needs including ongoing journaling, action item list, and identifying key relationships.
Set appointments at home with health providers to address any health needs.

Health and Safety Chats

Health & Safety Chats are a chance to speak one-on-one with a current student—a global health & safety intern and IP program alum—who’s highly knowledgeable about wellness, safety, and adjustment in international settings. Whether you're curious about food, medications, safety, or adapting to a new culture, this is your space to receive personalized, peer-led support. These informal, non-clinical conversations are designed to assist you in reflecting on preparations for life abroad and connect you with appropriate resources, so you can feel confident and supported before studying abroad. Please note: this conversation does not replace any required medical or psychological evaluations. Contact International Programs at 310.506.4230 or international.programs@pepperdine.edu to request a health and safety chat.

Healthcare & Insurance

Resources for International SOS, GeoBlue Health, and Corniche Travel Insurance.

Medical Preparation

Details for the Health Clearance Process, immunizations, and prescription medicines.

Mental Health

Mental health resources while abroad.

Accommodations & Access

Learn about diversity, service animals, and how to register accommodations.

Safety

Pepperdine safety policies and travel log with MyTrips.

Testimonials

Mireya

"Being intentional about my health and wellness preparation allowed me to dive headfirst into my abroad experience and thrive in a new environment. Laying that groundwork for my well-being gave me self-confidence and stability."

Mireya Jewel Galacgac

Switzerland Program and Fiji Program