Faculty-Led Study Abroad Pre-Departure and Risk

PREVENTION The best time to address common health and safety concerns is during the planning phase of your program.

Main factors to consider:
Road travel – outline your travel plans; does time of day determine the route/travel option? In many locations, traveling at night may not be the best option. Have alternative travel plans or alternative plans in case an emergency occurs at night, or if your program requires long-distance travel.
Communication with students – plan for frequent informal/formal communication with students prior to, during, and after your program; have an emergency communication plan in place if a natural disaster or political event were to disrupt phone/internet communication
Communication with CIE Study Abroad - plan for frequent communication with the office prior to, during, and after your program; have an emergency communication plan in place if a natural disaster or political event were to disrupt phone/internet communication
Routes and travel to health organizations/professionals – outline your travel routes and consider alternative methods of travel if a natural disaster, political event, or time of day were to affect modes of transportation<br>

Program Planning Destination concerns: Know the potential health and safety concerns of your location
Weather, walking/hiking conditions, water/food
Road travel safety
You need to consider the factors that will impact the physical, mental and emotional health of your students
Student concerns: What kind of student will your program attract? What kind of student do you expect? How do we best work with these students to ensure a successful program?<br>

Itinerary Your itinerary needs to reflect a well-timed program
Time for reflection (both in a group and individual)
Time for travel
Scheduled downtime to allow everyone to recharge
Remember this is 24/7 togetherness!
Students will bicker with you and each other<br>

CIE Pre-Departure Students will attend pre-departure with CIE Study Abroad and other students
We will give them country specific information regarding immunizations, weather, etc.
It is recommended you do additional follow-up with students
Address any specific health concerns they have
Outline expectations for student behavior/conduct
On-site orientation for students upon arrival<br>

How you can prepare Be proactive not reactive
Know the location of the US Embassy
Understand the health insurance coverage
Always have emergency plans with students
Meeting location
Contact information (back-up ways to communicate)
In case of emergency: document and communicate with CIE<br>

Planning for Safety Resources
U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Travel warnings, public announcements, consular information sheets, background information sheets
Students register: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
OSAC www.osac.gov
CDC http://www.cdc.gov/
WHO http://who.int/en/
Mental health
Be prepared mentally and physically before you leave. Stress of traveling can intensify current mental/physical health issues<br>

HTH Worldwide Covers up to $500,000
Up to $5,000 if someone needs flown to you (in hospital week or more)
Will not cover injuries sustained while participating in a riot or civil commotion
Does not cover high risk activities
Driving, scuba diving, sky diving, parasailing, hang gliding, parachuting, bungee jumping
NO DRIVING<br>

HTH resources Hthstudents.com
Find hospitals, doctors, pharmacies from their portal
Insurance card
Recommend students print and have on hand
Remind students to take ownership of their health<br>

Documentation An incident report is included in your handbook
Contact CIE immediately and document the incident in writing
Who, where, when, how, why—as many details as possible<br>

Communication Communication is key both with CIE and with your students
Contact us as soon as you are safe/stable
Follow-up and debrief with students after any incident regardless of how minor it may seem
Do not communicate with the media if you are contacted, direct them to Mike Counter<br>

Student behavior: Alcohol & Drugs Model appropriate social behavior
Alcohol and Safety Video – University of Texas – Austin
Alcohol is usually a factor when students find themselves in danger while abroad.
Alcohol and drug laws differ in other countries
Ensure students know how these differ and what that means for them
Why the behavioral expectations are important<br>

Student Behavior & Conduct Remind students to remember they are subject to host country’s laws and regulations
They do not receive special treatment because of US citizenship
Violation may lead to deportation, arrest, or imprisonment
Remind students:
Know the rules and laws of your host country
Learn the necessary phrases in your host country’s language
Exercise sound judgment, common sense, and responsibility<br>

What we tell students Encourage students to submit HIPAA forms to medical providers
Take ownership of your health
If you have health conditions or other circumstances that require special attention, you must note this on your Medical Report
Health issues and illness abroad
Water and food
Culture-shock related illnesses
Drugs and alcohol
Be aware of your host country’s laws regarding drugs, alcohol and prescription medication<br>

Your Health Immunizations
What’s required? When do you need them?
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Prescriptions
Plan (with your doctor, the consulate, and HTH Worldwide) to ensure that you can have access to your medication
Is your medication legal and can you can the necessary amount with you?
Pack medication in your carry-on luggage
Keep all medications in their original containers<br>

Final thoughts The onus is on students to take responsibility for their health and safety.
We need your support to give them the information they need to make informed decisions while studying abroad.
It can be stressful traveling with students 24/7 but also incredibly rewarding.<br>

What we will provide Emergency contact information for all students
Campus emergency contact information
Resources for finding country/city specific information
Additional sessions with students regarding health and safety
Up-to-date insurance information for your reference
Pre-departure and re-entry for students<br>