Preparing to Research or Work in a Conflict Zone

Close up of barbed wire at sunset

Photo via Ehmitrich/Unsplash

Before traveling to a conflict zone, make sure you understand the risks, put plans in place to mitigate them, and always prioritize your personal safety over your academic and research goals.

How to Understand & Mitigate the Risks

Traveling, working, or researching in a conflict zone is challenging and could be dangerous. It requires extensive research, planning, and preparation. The video and resources below can help you start the process.

Resources

Global Conflict Tracker

Explore the Council on Foreign Relations' Global Conflict Tracker for background information and resources about ongoing conflicts around the world.

Global Conflict Tracker

High Risk Travel Advice

Review the U.S. State Department's advice and information about what it can and cannot do for high-risk area travel.

High Risk Travel Advice

Assistance App

Download the International SOS Assistance App and log in with your HarvardKey to access destination guides, sign up for push alerts, temporarily update your location for 48 hours, and chat or talk with a case manager for routine advice and emergency support.

Assistance App

Destination Guides

Visit the International SOS Member Portal to search your destination and read city and country guides. Log in to the portal with your HarvardKey.

Member Portal

Email Alerts

Sign up to receive email alerts about major incidents and events that could impact your travel, including transportation disruptions, demonstrations, disease outbreak, crime, natural disasters, and more.

Email Alerts

Talk with Us

We also encourage you to meet with a member of our International Safety & Security team to discuss your travel and receive feedback on your plans. Challenging opportunities can be rewarding, but you should always prioritize your safety and well-being.

Schedule a Consultation

In an Emergency

Remember, if you need medical, mental health, or security advice and evacuation support while overseas, call International SOS at +1-617-998-0000 or connect through the Assistance App. And don't forget to register your trip.

Further Reading