faculty-led study abroad pre-departure and risk management cie study abroad
TRANSCRIPT
SCENARIOS
Common Problems for students1. Lost Luggage2. Departure Problems3. Debit/Credit Card Issues4. Demonstrations, Protests, Riots
SCENARIOS
What you need to be prepared for:1. Robbery2. Assault3. Injury/Illness and Mental Health
Worst Case Scenario: 4. Missing Student5. 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: 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
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 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