BOIR120998 Security training for studying and field research abroad - raising awareness for critical and emergency situations

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Strohmeier, Stefan , Melcher, Andreas
Organisation
BOKU-International Relations
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

This course will help you prepare for field research, field trips, or any other stay abroad. We provide an introduction to the hazards, safety, security, and health issues that may affect the success of your project while travelling, doing research, or studying in a foreign country.

We will support you in answering questions such as:

How do I prepare my trip to avoid health and safety issues in my destination country?
What do I need to consider during the trip to avoid such issues?
What steps and behaviour are needed during critical incidents?
How should I react after such an incident?

We will start by defining key terms such as hazard, risk, safety, and security.

Travel preparation is a strong focus of the course, including:

Gathering information, including an assessment of the political and social situation at your destination
Vaccinations and visa requirements
Insurance, including travel and repatriation insurance (e.g. air ambulance)
Registration with the BMEIA (Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs)
Detailed planning of transport and accommodation
Handling money and documents
Intercultural preparation (customs, dress code, local etiquette)
Your emergency envelope
The BOKU emergency plan and travel order
Your grab bag

We will also work with you on your local safety & security plan, covering:

Establishing a local safety network
Conducting a local risk analysis
Preparing local protection strategies
Organizing local reciprocal help, just in case
Preparing measures and materials for protection

The course also introduces behaviour in acute emergency situations, first aid basics, and how to report and follow up on incidents.

Please note: this course is designed to raise awareness and serve as an introduction. You will also learn where and how to gain additional, more in-depth knowledge and training on any of these topics, should your trip require it.

A well-prepared trip that takes precautionary practices into account is always more fun — let us help you make your trip a great experience, not a nightmare!
Previous knowledge expected

None
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After this course the students will:

Being able to explain all needed steps for preparing a trip abroad as requested by BOKU and needed for the country of destination, including insurance, vaccination/visa requirements, registration, and documentation.
Being able to develop a local safety and security plan for their destination, including risk analysis, a local safety network, and protection strategies.
Being able to explain the required behaviour and steps to take during and after a critical incident or emergency abroad.
Being prepared to acquire additional specialist knowledge from additional sources on safety and health issues needed for the country of destination.
Having improved skills for reducing risks during stay abroad.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.