We currently employ staff in 13 countries, and we’re always interested in expanding our portfolio in support of our clients' projects. Where we can offer employment and payroll services depends on:

• the project's activities
• the project's duration
• the project's funding sources
• our registration status and jurisdiction to operate in the selected country

See Where We Operate for the complete list of countries where we have ongoing operations and operations in development. Note that we do not provide employment services in the U.S.

The two engagements are very similar, although we’re able to provide additional services, including tax advice (for U.S. expatriates and third-country nationals), direct deposit into foreign bank accounts, payment in foreign currencies, and a dedicated International HR and Benefits Manager.

We've developed systems and policies focused specifically on supporting individuals overseas and the many challenges presented in operating in various countries. Harvard University does not have the ability to employ staff in most countries, and the University's systems are not capable of processing multi-currency payrolls or complying with country-specific tax regulations.

Our global benefits package is tailored for overseas assignments and employment. As a Harvard Global employee, you receive nearly the same—and in some cases better—benefits compared to Harvard University employees, including:

• Harvard University ID (HUID) number and HarvardKey account
• Harvard University Library access
• Affiliation with Harvard University
• Integration with Harvard University financial and HR systems
• Harvard University network access (e.g. shared drives, calendars, online databases), if required
• IT support (determined by respective School)
• Dedicated International HR and Benefits Manager
• Pre-assignment tax briefing (for U.S. expatriates and third-country nationals)
• Direct deposit into a bank account of your choice
• Payment in currency of your choice
• Global health benefits, including options for bundled health care (medical, dental, vision), supplemental life, and long-term disability insurance
• Pension (U.S. expatriates only)
• Service credit
• Harvard Global email address
• Harvard Global business cards
• International SOS emergency response services and resources*
• Visa sponsorship, if possible**

*Eligibility for the University's International SOS membership varies based on employment category. See the frequently asked question “Are HG employees eligible for International SOS?” for details.
**Visa sponsorship restrictions apply. We can sponsor visas only in certain countries on a case-by-case basis.

In certain scenarios, we may be able to provide visa sponsorship; if not, then you or the department will be responsible for obtaining sponsorship from a local in-country partner in order to apply for a visa before work can commence. This determination is made prior to hiring.

For payroll, benefits, and visa sponsorship purposes, we categorize employees into the following three groups:

Expatriate: a U.S. citizen or permanent resident working abroad on international programs. Expatriates may be hired specifically to work outside of the U.S. or be transferred from a Harvard University position to an international assignment scheduled to last six months or more. Some temporary positions may have an assignment less than six months, and we review these on a case-by-case basis.

Third-country national: an employee working in an assigned country where he or she is neither a citizen of that country nor the U.S.

Host-country national: an employee hired to work within his or her home country; also referred to as a foreign national or local national.

As a Harvard Global employee, you're considered to be an employee of an affiliate of Harvard University. You can describe yourself as a member of your lab, department, or School.

As we are your legal employer, any documents that list the legal employer will specify Harvard Global or the local affiliated Harvard Global entity that is your employer of record; these documents include HR forms (e.g. conditional offer letter, employment agreement, visa sponsorship letters), tax filings, and business cards.

Yes, our service can provide for continued appointment with a Harvard School—along with access to Harvard systems—if transferring from a Harvard University position to an international assignment on behalf of Harvard.

International SOS provides 24/7 emergency medical and security support and evacuation services to eligible affiliates while on Harvard business. To expedite access, it's vital that you register your trip. Although the program provides access to medical and travel assistance services and insurance for emergency evacuations, it does not provide health insurance coverage.

The University's International SOS membership is managed by Harvard Global Support Services, a department at Harvard that we work with closely. The program includes services provided by International SOS, a global medical and travel security services firm, and Everbridge, a global provider of SaaS-based critical communications and enterprise safety solutions. If you register your trip with International SOS, sign up to receive travel alerts via email or the Assistance App, or you contact International SOS regarding an incident, the communications you receive may come directly from International SOS or Everbridge.

For more information, refer to the International SOS emergency response program on the Harvard Global Support Services website.

The International SOS MyTrips platform aggregates locations and contact information for Harvard affiliates abroad. This information enables International SOS and our security staff to quickly contact you in the event of an emergency (i.e. natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.), so that we can account for affected Harvard affiliates and provide medical or security assistance to the best of our ability through the International SOS program. Registration is strongly recommended.

The first time you use MyTrips, you'll need to create your profile, which includes your Harvard ID, status, and affiliation, as well as your contact information and emergency contact information. After registering in MyTrips, you're strongly encouraged to register with the embassy of your country of citizenship.

• Expatriates and third-country nationals: Log in to MyTrips with your Harvard email and enter your current host country address and contact information, and keep it updated. You should also enter any Harvard business trips (outside of your home country) in MyTrips as you book them.
• Host-country nationals: Log in to MyTrips with your Harvard email and enter your itinerary and contact information in MyTrips for any upcoming business trips outside of your home country. Remember to add trips as you book them.

For more information, see the Register Your Travel page on the Harvard Global Support Services website.

In general, affiliates traveling internationally with Harvard sponsorship or on behalf of Harvard are covered by the University's International SOS membership for medical, security, and evacuation services. Carefully review the following eligibility guidelines based on your employment category.

Expatriates and third-country nationals: You and your accompanying spouse and dependent(s) are eligible for the University's International SOS membership while on Harvard business outside of your home country. Home country is defined as the primary citizenship stated for your employment as a Harvard Global employee, regardless of residency statuses or additional citizenships.

Host-country nationals: As a local employee for one of Harvard Global’s entities, you and your accompanying spouse and dependent(s) are eligible when traveling for Harvard business-related purposes outside of your home country. Home country is defined as the primary citizenship stated for your employment as a Harvard Global employee, regardless of residency statuses or additional citizenships.

Exclusions: Personal travel is not eligible under the University's membership, although you can purchase your own membership at a discounted rate. For additional exclusions, see the eligibility guidelines on the Harvard Global Support Services website.

If you have any questions about eligibility, contact our International HR and Benefits Manager.

Medical & Mental Health Assistance:

With more than 1,000 International SOS clinics in 90 countries, you have access to a global network of primary, diagnostic, specialist, and emergency care.

• Pre-trip information on travel health issues
• Emergency and routine medical advice
• Medical, dental, and counseling referrals*
• Inpatient admission and identification of receiving physician
• Inpatient medical expense guarantee, cost review, and payment*
• Medical monitoring
• Post-sexual assault support and counseling
• Emotional support and mental health program
• Teleconsultations (in selected locations where available) with locally licensed physicians
• Outpatient referrals*
• Outpatient case management
• Outpatient medical expense guarantee and payment*
• Dispatch of medication and medical supplies*
• Claims assistance
• Emergency evacuation
• Medically-supervised repatriation
• Companion ticket
• Additional travel and accommodation arrangements after medical evacuation*
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Return home of minor children

*You or your insurance company may incur a charge if a third party is engaged to deliver services (e.g. health care providers, transportation, hotels, etc.).

Security Assistance:

• Urgent and non-urgent travel security assistance and advice by telephone
• Daily online and email updates on the latest travel security developments
• Special advisory emails with advice in response to significant travel security incidents
• Security and travel information on 220 countries and more than 330 cities
• Access to security evacuation*
• Coordination of post-evacuation debriefs and counselling

*The basic security evacuation costs are covered if the evacuation is recommended and facilitated by our security partner.

Travel Assistance:

• Legal referrals*
• Emergency message transmission*
• Translations and interpreters*
• Lost document advice and assistance*
• Ground transportation and accommodations for accompanying family members*
• Emergency personal cash advances*

Staff and faculty who need assistance booking travel, including flights and hotels, should visit Harvard's Travel Services website to access the University's preferred travel agencies and discounts. International SOS does not provide travel agency services.

*You or your insurance company may incur a charge if a third party is engaged to deliver services (e.g. health care providers, transportation, hotels, etc.).

Mobile App and Member Portal:

International SOS provides several country-specific online resources—including a mobile app, training videos, country guides, and email alerts—that may be helpful before you leave and while you’re away.

• Download the Assistance App for easy trip registration, access to country guides and alerts, chat and check-in features, and one-touch dialing for routine advice and emergency support.
• Visit the member portal to browse country guides and learn more about the University's International SOS membership.
• 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.
• Visit the International SOS training hub to watch videos about cybersecurity, female travel, malaria, student health and safety, and security for high-risk destinations.

For more information, see the International SOS frequently asked questions on the Harvard Global Support Services website.