Safety and security abroad
Precautions
Your safety is important and, as otherwise, common sense will take you far.
- Make yourself familiar with the country you are going to and follow official travel advice.
- Infection control: It is your job to familiarise yourself and comply with the applicable infection control measures and quarantine rules in the country you are going to study in.
- Please make sure that you have insurance! Make yourself familiar with the conditions of your insurance company and the National Insurance, if you qualify for coverage while you are on exchange.
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Comply with national laws: The laws in Norway are not necessarily the same as in other countries. Avoid all narcotic substances. Most countries have strict penalties related to drugs.
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Familiarise yourself about the area you are staying in and follow advice from local authorities and the host institution.
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Show caution: Remember that drugs and alcohol affect your sense of judgement. Stay in groups in the evening and never carry large amounts of money/valuables.
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Follow the advice of other students and staff about which areas are safe and less safe. Avoid areas prone to crime.
- Avoid participating in political demonstrations. Even though it might be tempting to support a good cause by participating in a political demonstrations, it might be dangerous, and in certain countries it is illegal for foreign citizens to do so and you may risk being expelled.
- Have a copy of your passport, visa and other important documents in case of theft. Store the originals in a safe place.
If you need help
Make a list of relevant emergency numbers and keep it at hand.
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Call the local emergency number
Note the local emergency number and keep it at hand.
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The Norwegian Church Abroad
OsloMet has an emergency response agreement with the Norwegian Church Abroad that safeguards our students abroad. The Norwegian Church Abroad can provide assistance in the event of crises and accidents that affect students abroad (advice and guidance during the acute situation, hospital visits, processing of incidents etc.)
If you need help, call the Norwegian Church Abroad’s 24-hour emergency phone line: +47 951 19 181. -
The host institution
Call the international office at your host institution or their emergency number for assistance.
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OsloMet
You can always contact the security guards/emergency management at OsloMet on +47 40 91 10 00 when necessary.
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Your insurance company
Your insurance company’s emergency service will provide recommendations if you need medical assistance. Note the number of your insurance company’s emergency service.
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Your family
Always remember to inform your family if something were to happen and let them know how you are doing.
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Your home country's embassy in the country you are visiting
In case of serious incidents (serious illness/accidents, violence, natural disasters, political unrest etc.) you might get assistance from your home country's embassy in the country you are studying in. In a state of emergency (political unrest, natural disaster etc. ) you should follow the recommendations from the local authorities. It might be wise to inform the embassy of your whereabouts.