How safe is study abroad?
As you prepare to study abroad, health, safety and security are important issues to consider. You should first realize that while there are a number of potentially serious situations that can occur around the world. Each country has its own unique characteristics that differentiate it from others. In the Scandinavian countries, bicycle accidents may pose (statistically) the largest threat, while in certain African countries the AIDS virus may be a more serious threat. It is important for you to focus your attention on matters that are relevant to your study abroad destination. Nothing is more valuable than accurate information to help you make wise decisions.

Lea Levine-Wilkins (SBC-JYF): London, England (Fall 2005)

The overseas staff of Program Providers maintains ongoing communication with U.S. embassies, consulates, and with local officials for the latest security information. When you arrive overseas, the staff will provide a complete orientation about the local culture and thoroughly review country and program related safety and security guidelines.

For the latest safety alert information on a specific location, visit www.travel.state.gov and select the country of interest from the alphabetical listing. U.S Embassy contact information can be obtained from the bottom of each country page and should be copied in case of an emergency.

Your medical circumstances, personal habits, and the activities you choose to engage in or the places you choose to visit will undoubtedly play a crucial role in you overall health and safety.

No orientation program or handbook can alert you to every potential difficulty. Whittier expects you to attend all program orientations and to learn as much as you can about the country to which you are going. Being well-informed and making wise decisions are the two best things you can do to prepare for a healthy and safe year abroad. It’s amazing how far common sense will get you.

Do the programs provide health insurance?

Each program enrolls all participants in a health and accident insurance plan, which is effective throughout the duration of the program. However, in the rare case that a program does not provide insurance (this most typically is the case with direct exchanges), it can be easily obtained. Several recommended sites for obtaining more information on purchasing health insurance are:
• www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
• www.isicus.com/MyISIC - click on Travel, Travel Insurance

What happens in the event of an emergency during my time abroad?

Most students returning from study abroad say that it was one of the most valuable aspects of their Whittier College experience. While most students experience a safe and healthy time abroad, some are forced to deal with minor crises like pick-pockets, petty theft, or a minor illness or injury. In an unfamiliar environment with communication and cultural barriers, a minor crisis may be more difficult to handle. In addition, similar to the realities on a U.S. campus, there may be a few students who encounter a major emergency while abroad. Many study abroad programs have developed comprehensive support strategies to handle such situations.

Ellen Anderson (IES): Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Fall 2007)


Emergencies Abroad: Your first call should be to the local police or fire department. Next, call the Resident Director or Program Representative of your study abroad site. If the emergency occurs while traveling, call the nearest U.S. Consulate. You should also notify the Office of International Programs to keep us updated on your situation.

Emergencies at Home: People need to know how to get in touch with you – especially if you are away from your program city or after the program has ended. You should have a conversation with your family before you leave about what you will do in the event there is a death or serious medical situation in your family. Please inform the resident director at your site if there has been a family emergency. You must have a leave of absence approved by the resident director in order to be excused from classes to return to the U.S. even in a family emergency. In the case of an emergency, parents are welcome to contact the Office of International Programs and have us relay messages abroad.

Resources to Support Health and Safety Abroad
Courtesy, Gary M. Rhodes, Ph.D. and Marcos Alvarado
University of Southern California

1. U.S. State Department

Publication: Your Trip Abroad/A Safe Trip Abroad/Tips for Travelers

State Department Country Background Notes

Travel Advisories: (202) 647-5225 (press 1)
Linkage to Embassies and Consulates Abroad
Citizen’s Emergency Center: (202) 647-5225 (business hours)
(202) 647 5226 (after hours)

In off-hours, note emergency and request Citizens Emergency Duty Officer
E-mail: Travel-advisories@stolaf.edu

Whitney Gorton (DIS):
Links: http://travel.state.gov/ Copenhagen, Denmark (Fall 2006)
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1231.html (travel tips)
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html (travel warnings)
http://usembassy.state.gov/ (embassies abroad)

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Phone: (404) 639-3534
Fax Updates/Information (404) 332-4565

Publication: Health Information for International Travel

Links: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/

3. World Health Organization (WHO)

20 Ave Appia, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
011-4122-79121 11

U.S. Public Information: (202) 974-3000
Publication Center (New York): (212) 963-4388
WHO Liaison Office with the UN: (212) 963-4388

Links: http://www.who.int/ith/en/