Travel essentials – DMU Global

This page contains some important information and useful resources that will help you get the most out of your DMU Global experience. You are encouraged to explore these resources before you depart for your experience.

Travel insurance

DMU provides travel insurance for all students participating in overseas DMU Global opportunities for the duration of the experience. Students will receive a policy summary by email once they have accepted their place on the trip. It is recommended that you review this carefully, and source appropriate additional insurance cover for personal property (including mobile phones and tablets) or for incidents that occur outside of the official dates of the DMU Global opportunity.

Travel and accommodation

For most opportunities, travel and accommodation will be booked by the university on your behalf (see the opportunity advert for details). Once booked, the trip lead will share details with the group in the pre-departure session.

For a small number of opportunities students may be required to book travel and accommodation independently. In these cases, DMU Global (where applicable) will support or offer booking suggestions.

Students studying or working overseas for a full academic year are required to source and arrange accommodation independently. Further details and support will be provided to accepted students.

If you are unsure about the travel booking process, or need advice please contact the Global Mobility Office for support.

Managing your money

As a part of planning your trip, we suggest creating a travel budget to help you manage your money. Take some time to think about the costs that could be involved beyond travel and accommodation. These could include visas, food, transportation in the country, cost of activities and any items you might be thinking about purchasing. Further information about the foreign currency required will be given in your trip briefing sessions, but some of our top tips include:

Consider an alternative online bank account for travel such as a Monzo or Revolut, or even a pre-paid card topped-up with money in advance. These options are secure, usually offer the best rates and often don’t charge exchange fees (check with your provider).
If exchanging currency in cash, research the best exchange rates online using comparison sites.
If you are planing on using your main UK debit or credit card abroad, let your bank know that you are travelling overseas and find out if there are any additional charges for using your card overseas.
Download a currency converter and tip calculator.
Lastly, make sure you have a backup method for payments in case of emergencies.

Useful links and travel apps

Foreign And Commonwealth Office Travel Advice – up-to-date information on every country regarding safety and security, travel advice, health advice, entry requirements, local laws etc.
Hopper allows you to access flights deals, tracks the price of your selected flight and notifies when it is the best time to book the flight.
App in the Air provides information on flight delays and cancellations even if there is no internet coverage.
Citymapper – provides information on the transport options available in your chosen city.
Google Translate particularly useful at destinations where not many locals can speak English.
Memrise and Duolingo will help you learn a new language before you go on your opportunity or during your trip. Make sure you utilise these skills trying to talk to locals in their language whilst overseas.
Lonely Planet – provides survival guides and specific advice for every country, covering money and costs, travel options, weather, health, safety and security, disability advice and information for LGBT travellers.

Whilst you are overseas

To help you prepare for your time overseas, we have created a digital Travel Guide with lots of useful information and tips. The guide can help you to make the most of your opportunity and stay safe, so click the link below to check it out!

Emergency contact details

It is important that you look after your personal safety whilst you are overseas with DMU Global. If you have any questions or issues whilst abroad, your Trip Lead, the Global Mobility Office and the university are here to support and advise you. In case of an emergency, the key contact details are:

Global Mobility Office

Available Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

T: +44 (0) 116 257 7613
E: dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

DMU Security

Available 24 hours, 7 days a week

T: +44 (0) 116 257 7642
E: security@dmu.ac.uk

If you experience any issues whilst overseas, we recommend that you contact your Trip Lead in the first instance (they will share a contact details with participants prior to travel). For other matters, such as lost or stolen passports, being a victim of crime or being arrested you may need to liaise with Embassy or Consulate in the country.