International Travel Policies and Resources

Journalism School students traveling abroad for research, reporting, master’s projects/master’s theses, class trips, or other university business (PhD student conference attendance) are required to be in compliance with Columbia University International Travel Planning and Policy. You must be in compliance with this policy to receive international travel grants and to get academic credit for courses that have international travel as an integral component.  This compliance is required even when students are doing the work in their home countries. Those who are not in full compliance are ineligible to submit expense receipts and will be subject to disciplinary action for non-compliance with the university's travel policy.

The various components of the policy are listed below.

Additionally, students need to do the following before leaving

  • Get a pre-travel health assessments through CU Health Services
  • Make sure you have the immunizations required or advised for the location to which you are traveling.
  • Make sure you have the necessary visas required for entry for those with your passport/citizenship.
  • Make note of the location, address and phone for the nearest Embassy (for your home country) during your trip?

For additional information, please see the following

  • Those traveling to medium and higher risk areas should consider reaching out to the relevant Regional Director at CPJ for a consultation when planning your trip.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides helpful tips for travelers as well as health information specific to the country you will be visiting.
  • Travel support and emergency services through ISOS
  • All Columbia University affiliates traveling internationally on Columbia Travel have health insurance for emergent illness and injury while abroad. This insurance is provided at no cost to the traveler via Zurich. No additional steps are required to sign-up for this coverage once you have completed the steps of the International Travel Planning Policy.

For any immediate questions or concerns, please contact Dean Melanie Huff directly at [email protected].