International Volunteer Experience checklist

Note: For the sections below, please contact the Occupational Health Nurse (ext. 36264), the Safety Office (ext. 33587) for additional information if required.

Health/safety

Check those that apply to this activity:

• Provided your emergency contact in Canada with copies of your personal information including passport, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) number, medical/travel insurance coverage, blood type and any information such as allergies, drug sensitivities, regular medications and other information (e.g. medical condition) that might be of significance to the university, a physician or hospital treating you in any emergency situation
• Recommended immunizations and/or vaccines have been obtained (mandatory)
• Communication devices must be available (e.g., cell phones) and up-to-date email address on WatIAM (mandatory)
• Completed pre-participation physical
• Other medical requirements have been met
• Have OHIP coverage for duration of period outside of Canada (mandatory)
• Have FEDS/GSA Health & Dental Plan coverage for duration of stay outside of Canada or other sufficient health insurance coverage if FEDS/GSA Health & Dental Plan does not provide coverage in the country where volunteer experience will be done (mandatory)

Student involvement

Check those that apply to this activity:

• Risk and responsibility form has been completed prior to departure (mandatory)
• University of Waterloo international pre-departure briefing completed (mandatory)
• Registered at a Canadian government office abroad (mandatory for Canadian citizens)
• Obtained visas, if required, in country of volunteer experience. Visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Canada's Office of Protocol website (mandatory)

Cultural/legal

Check those that apply to this activity:

• Have reviewed DFAIT Canada essential information for Canadians abroad (mandatory)
• Required government, host or institution approvals, certifications, permits or licenses have been obtained
• Other forms of possible social or cultural impact

University of Waterloo policies and guidelines

Check those reviewed that apply to this activity:

• Travel requirements
• Safety in Student Abroad Programs
• Policy 60 - University of Waterloo emergency response

Mitigation of risk

Identify possible risks associated with principal activities and indicate risk-mitigating measures that will be undertaken.

Examples of risk

• Natural hazards (extreme heat/cold, avalanche, earthquake, floods, animals)
• Environmental (contamination, pollution, biohazards)
• Health (disease)
• Technological (explosion, firearms, equipment, travel)
• Security (vandalism, theft, terrorism)
• Human/political (riots, sabotage, assault, political instability)
• Legal (laws, licenses, permits, authorizations, contracts, negligence, drugs and alcohol, finances)
• Social/cultural (impacts to local communities)