This module is designed to help you build awareness of the paperwork related to your mobility that you will need to complete, and to offer tips on how to prepare for your exciting adventure.

Protect your identity

One of the most important tips we want to give you relates to protecting your identity while abroad.

Protect your important documentation

The first step is to protect the important documentation you will need during your mobility, such as passport, ID, health insurance, learning agreement etc. Before you leave for your destination, you should create copies of these as well as any other documents you feel are relevant and upload them to your cloud or email them to yourself. If you happen to lose your ID while abroad, being able to produce a digital copy could save you a lot of time and hassle!

Digital safety

You should also be aware of digital theft or identity theft. The best way to prevent this happening is to be careful of how and when you share your data and identity information online. You may have to interact with services or companies in your host country that are unfamiliar to you. If you are looking for a particular service it may be difficult to tell which provider or website is legitimate and one which may misuse or steal your data. Scammers can often create websites that appear to offer an essential public service.

If you are unsure about a provider or service, always check to ensure their website has a 'https' web address. This ensures that your data will be transmitted confidentially and securely. Legitimate websites will also display a GDPR notice or request you to confirm your preferences upon visiting them from a device for the first time.

Only transmit data and identify information (such as bank details) via secure forms, and never in an email. If a website or provider is requesting you to pay for a service, please speak with someone at your host institution's international office to make sure that this is appropriate before authorizing payment. If you discover that you have had your data or identity stolen, or suspect that you have, you should immediately inform your bank, home university, host university and family.

Never leave your belongings unattended

The second tip is to never leave your belongings unattended, even if you are alone in a café or study area and need to go to the bathroom. If your research has given you the impression that your destination is not a particularly safe city, we recommend you bring two wallets (one with a small amount of cash) or even two phones (one not valuable or perhaps an older one you have replaced).

Then, in the unlucky case that you encounter a thief you can surrender these ‘decoy’ items and they will likely leave thinking they have everything of value. When travelling, wear clothing that has a discrete or hidden pocket where you can keep your debit card, or a second bank card if possible. This will reduce the chances of you losing access to your bank account in case of theft. If your possessions or wallet is stolen cancel your bank cards immediately to prevent loss of funds and report it to the local police.

Research public transport options

Our third tip is to research the public transport options in your host city and region before you arrive. Most medium to large cities will have multiple options that run throughout the day and late at night. However, not all systems are the same and purchasing a ticket or travel credit may be different to what you are used to at home. You may need to buy a special travel card from a machine, or a ticket, or even purchase credit online or on an app. In some cities you not only need to purchase a ticket, but also validate it once you get on the bus or tram. If you forget to do so you may be charged a fine!

You may need to take more than one option to travel between your accommodation and host institution, so it is important to know the timetables before you make your first journey. If the weather is cold or wet (or too hot!), or if you are in a rush you don't want to be stuck waiting at a bus stop for longer than necessary...

Student testimonial

Moving to a new city and country can feel very daunting, but you will learn a lot about yourself and your abilities. Watch this student testimonial for some advice on what to think about and plan for before you move.

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