Faculty-Led Study Abroad Pre-Departure and Risk Management CIE Study Abroad

SCENARIOS Common Problems for students 1. Lost Luggage 2. Departure Problems 3. Debit/Credit Card Issues 4. Demonstrations, Protests, Riots

SCENARIOS What you need to be prepared for: 1.Robbery 2.Assault 3.Injury/Illness and Mental Health Worst Case Scenario: 1.Missing Student 2.Death of a student -traffic accidents (pedestrian) -drowning

Program Planning  Destination concerns: Know the potential health and safety concerns of your location  Weather, traffic, walking/hiking conditions, water/food  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?

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

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

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

Planning for Safety  Resources  U.S. Department of State:  Travel warnings, public announcements, consular information sheets, background information sheets  Students register :  OSAC  CDC  WHO  Mental health  Be prepared mentally and physically before you leave. Stress of traveling can intensify current mental/physical health issues

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

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

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

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

Student behavior: Alcohol & Drugs  Model appropriate social behavior  Alcohol and Safety Video – University of Texas – Austin Alcohol and Safety Video  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

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

What we tell students  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

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

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.

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