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Emergencies
In the event of a political, social, or
natural emergency, the Learning Abroad Center will be in close contact with the
on-site staff for any study abroad program offered through the Learning Abroad Center. The on-site staff will in turn seek advice from the local authorities
and the US Consulate or Embassy nearest the program location. Be sure
to remain in contact with the on-site staff in an emergency situation.
For further information on emergency precautions, please see the section
below on Safety Precautions.
US Consulates and Embassies
The US State Department’s Bureau
of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. aids Americans needing emergency
assistance. They are in contact with their consulates and embassies overseas
and can assist friends and family members with a number of different kinds
of emergencies. During a crisis, the State Department will try to locate
the whereabouts of an American overseas if needed. In case of injury overseas,
the Bureau of Consular Affairs can assist in sending funds to the injured
American and collects any necessary health information to forward to the
in-country embassy or consulate. In case of evacuation, the embassy or
consulate overseas will try to establish special air flights and ground
transportation to help Americans depart. If destitute, Americans can turn
to a US consular officer abroad for help.
The Citizen’s Emergency Center will help by contacting the destitute person’s family, friends, or business associates to raise private funds. It will also help transmit these funds to destitute Americans overseas. If necessary, it can provide small government loans to tide a destitute American over until private funds arrive. In case of the death of a participant overseas, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides guidance on how to make arrangements for local burial or return of the remains to the United States. The US State Department’s Crisis Emergency Center telephone number in Washington, D.C. is 202.647.5225. Updated recordings on State Department travel advisories are also available at this number.
Safety Precautions
When traveling overseas, there are a number of precautions that
you should follow in order to travel safely. You should also consult
the US
State Department Travel advisories for up-to-date information
on travel precautions for the country where you will be studying
or traveling.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Because the health and safety of study abroad participants are the
primary concern for all study abroad providers, the following guidelines
have been developed by NAFSA:
The Association of International Educators, to provide useful
practical guidance to participants. Although no set of guidelines
can guarantee the health and safety needs of each individual involved
in a study abroad program, these guidelines address issues that
merit attention and thoughtful judgment. (See
the full set of NAFSA guidelines on health and safety).
- Read and carefully consider all materials issued by the sponsor that relate to health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, and religious conditions in the host country.
- Consider their health and other personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a place in a program.
- Make available to the sponsor accurate and complete physical and mental health information and any other personal data that are necessary in planning for a safe and healthy study abroad experience.
- Assume responsibility for all the elements necessary for their personal preparation for the program and participate fully in orientations.
- Obtain and maintain appropriate insurance coverage and abide by any conditions imposed by the carriers.
- Inform parents/guardians/families, and any others who may need to know about their participation in the study abroad program, provide them with emergency contact information, and keep them informed on an ongoing basis.
- Understand and comply with the terms of participation, codes of conduct, and emergency procedures of the program, and obey host-country laws.
- Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions. Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the program staff or other appropriate individuals.
- Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others and encourage others to behave in a similar manner.
- Accept responsibility for their own decisions and actions.
- Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in the host country.
- Follow the program policies for keeping program staff informed of their whereabouts and well-being.
Additional Safety Precautions:
- When traveling, do not leave your bags or belongings unattended at any time. Security personnel in airports, bus depots, and train stations are often instructed to remove or destroy any unattended luggage. Do not agree to carry or look after packages or suitcases for anyone. Make sure no one puts anything in your luggage.
- When using local transportation, avoid traveling in old, poorly maintained vehicles. Inquire about the safety records of different bus companies. When taking a taxi, it is good advice to sit in the back seat.
- Never keep all of your documents and money in one place or one suitcase.
- If you find yourself in uncomfortable surroundings, try to act like you know what you are doing and where you are going. 5
- Use caution when traveling alone. Women especially should not walk alone at night. Try to find an escort. In some countries it is dangerous to take a taxi alone at night for both men and women.
- Keep the on-site program coordinators informed of your whereabouts. You should let the on-site coordinators, your host family, or your roommates know of any traveling that you plan to do.
- Have sufficient funds or a credit card on hand to purchase emergency items such as an airline ticket.
- Be alert to your surroundings and the people with whom you have contact. Be wary of people who seem over friendly or overly interested in you. Be cautious when you meet new people, and do not give out your address or phone number. Be careful with information about other students or group events. Be alert to anyone who might appear to be following you, and to any unusual activity around your place of residence or classroom. Report any unusual people or activities to on-site staff immediately.
- Exercise good judgment about what sorts of places to frequent during the day and at night, and avoid being on the street at late hours more than necessary.
- Avoid alcohol consumption in quantities that might impair your judgment.
- Don’t flash money or documents in public places. Keep small bills in your pocket and use them whenever possible to pay for things. Be discrete in displaying your passport.
In times of political or social unrest in the host country or region, or when the United States becomes a party to a political conflict anywhere in the world, additional precautions are advisable:
- Keep in touch with the current political situations by listening daily to the television or radio if available. If not, ask friends, host family, and colleagues to share with you any relevant information they learn. In the event of an emergency, advisories may be made to the general public through the media. In case of an emergency, remain in contact with the on-site staff.
- Make sure that you are registered with the closest American Embassy or Consulate.
- When in large cities and other popular tourist destinations, avoid places frequented by North Americans: bars, discos, and fast food restaurants associated with the US, branches of US banks, American churches, US businesses and offices, US consulates or embassies.
- Keep away from areas known to have large concentrations of residents aligned with interests unfriendly to the United States and its allies. Always consult with the on-site officials before undertaking travel to neighboring cities or popular tourist destinations.
- Be as inconspicuous in dress and demeanor as possible. Wear moderate colors and conservative clothing. Avoid American logos on your belongings and clothing. Avoid large loud groups.
- Keep away from political demonstrations, particularly those directed toward the United States. If you see a situation developing, resist the temptation to satisfy your curiosity and investigate what is happening. Walk the other way.
- Do not agree to newspaper or other media interviews regarding political conflicts. It is important to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Do not make reference to your program group. In such cases, always say “no comment” and hang up or walk the other way.
Last modified on November 21, 2008 |