Health and Safety Abroad
(Adapted from the
Bentley Education Abroad Handbook and the
SAFETI Study Abroad Safety Handbook.)
Bentley makes every effort to ensure the safety of its students participating in education abroad programs. To help us facilitate your well-being while you are abroad, please read through the following information carefully. Its purpose is to inform you of issues about which you should be aware upon arrival to your new setting. Remember that soon you will be in a country and culture completely different from what you are used to. It may thus be easy not to notice some of the things that a local person would automatically take into consideration. Keep in mind that your overall safety and well-being in your new country is a shared responsibility. Therefore, we urge you to share this information with your parents, and to be well-informed and active participants of your own safety while abroad.
Health Issues
Remember that studying abroad will be stressful both physically and mentally. A healthy mind and body are essential for a successful education abroad experience. Please read the following points carefully to prepare yourself for any health issues that may emerge while you are abroad.
Review your medical history and needs before departure: Your physical examination must take place within twelve months of the start of your program. Honestly assess your health. If you are experiencing or have experienced physical or emotional problems, please address them before leaving the United States. If you are experiencing emotional, eating or substance abuse problems, consider deferring your participation in a program until you have the problem well under control. If you choose to participate in the program, speak with your doctor/therapist to devise a plan for your ongoing care. It is vital that you inform your Education Abroad Adviser of any physical, emotional or psychological difficulties or special needs you may have before going abroad. Have any necessary dental work done before your departure, in addition to appropriate immunizations recommended by your physician.
Special needs: Students who have medical conditions that are not easily recognized (such as diabetes, allergic reactions to antibiotics or bee stings, heart conditions or epilepsy) should consider obtaining a medical alert ID tag. These are internationally recognized; check with your doctor or local hospital for more information.
Availability of medical care: The type of medical care available will vary from country to country. In some countries it will seem similar to the type of care you find in the United States. In others, finding an English speaking doctor or appropriate medical facility might be difficult. You should seek advice from on-site staff at the host institution on available medical care and support both inside the campus facility, as well as the city. If the on-site staff have a list of the best available local medical facilities, make sure to make a copy for yourself.
Health insurance coverage: All students participating in Bentley-sponsored education abroad programs are automatically enrolled in an international health insurance plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
www.culturalinsurance.com. This plan covers Bentley students during the time of their program dates only and includes basic and emergency medical care (excluding pre-existing conditions), accidental death and dismemberment benefits, emergency medical reunion for one individual chosen by the student if hospitalization is required fro more than six days, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
CISI insurance serves as the primary insurance policy while traveling anywhere in the world. It can be used for doctor and hospital visits as well as 24-hour emergency assistance over the phone. To avoid paying out of pocket and filing a claim, always present your CISI card to a doctor or hospital to have payment arranged over the phone by CISI.
If you plan to travel before the program begins or after it concludes, you should be sure that your personal policy covers these periods or purchase additional short-term coverage so that you will be protected for your entire period away from home. If a student visa is required for your program, you should check the embassy web site for information on specific insurance requirements that may be required as part of the visa application.
Safety Issues
Although studying abroad can be a very enjoyable and fruitful experience, for some it could turn out to be anything but this - many a times due to the complete ignorance or disregard of local laws, especially those concerning drugs, alcohol and disorderly behavior. Keep in mind that American citizens are not immune to getting arrested while overseas in the event of unlawful acts or misconduct. Being arrested is not the only misfortune that can occur while abroad. Young Americans have suffered injury or even death from automobile accidents, drowning, and falls, in addition to other mishaps. While these accidents are sometimes chance occurrences, many are caused by alcohol or drug abuse. Other mishaps may also happen by not exercising prudent judgment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Basic tips for your safety and security while studying abroad:
- Be aware of local laws and act in a responsible manner.
- Do not leave your bags or belongings unattended at any time.
- When you travel, use a security pouch to carry your passport, credit cards and traveler's checks.
- Be aware of your surroundings and know your way around.
- Do not handle or display large amounts of money openly.
- Be inconspicuous in dress and demeanor. Try to blend in.
- Try speaking the local language, even with other study abroad students.
- Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol; that will impair your judgment.
- Never use, handle, or distribute controlled or illegal substances. The punishments in other countries can be very severe.
- Do not hitchhike. We also recommend students NOT to drive while abroad.
- Use the same precautions for HIV/AIDS/STDs and unwanted pregnancies overseas as you would at home. Be aware that the quality of some contraceptives in some countries is unreliable. Act responsibly!
- Always try to travel in small groups.
- Be careful how late you come home at night.
- Know where the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate is.
- Soon after arriving, register with the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate. This is very important in case your family needs to reach you in an emergency.
- Be wary of people who seem overly friendly or interested in you.
- Observe local traffic laws - in some countries they drive on the left side of the road.
Communicating Your Plans
Always inform the on-site coordinator at the host institution and your family of your travel plans (destinations, itineraries, and how to contact you), even if it is just a weekend trip. This information is vital in case you need to be contacted in the event of an emergency. Needless to say, be certain to educate yourself about any destination you plan to visit prior to your departure.
In Times of Political Conflict
- Make sure you always carry the emergency contact numbers for your on-site coordinator, the U.S. embassy/consulate, and the police. (See your emergency card.)
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Stay informed of the current political situation in your host country by using the local media. Consult the U.S. Department of State travel advisories (
http://travel.state.gov). - Avoid potential target areas, especially bars, clubs, fast food restaurants, banks churches, embassies/consulates frequented by U.S. citizens.
- Stay away from areas known to have large concentrations of residents unfriendly to the United States.
- Stay out of political demonstrations. Resist the temptation to satisfy your curiosity and investigate what is happening. Go to a secure location and watch it on the news.
- Do not agree to newspaper, TV, or radio interviews regarding political conflicts or controversial issues. Remain inconspicuous.
Emergency Procedures
Both Bentley and your host institution are prepared to assist you in an emergency. At pre-departure orientation each student receives an emergency wallet card with host institution, U.S. Consulate, and Bentley contact information. Carry this card at all times. You should also familiarize yourself with other resources that can assist you in an emergency:
Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) provides 24-hour emergency assistance through TEAM ASSIST:
+1 713.267.2525 call collect from outside U.S.
ISIC Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services provides 24-hour emergency hotline assistance to ISIC cardholders:
+44 20.8762.8110
U.S. State Department Overseas Citizen's Center provides information on medical, financial, or legal emergencies to US citizens abroad:
+1 202.647.5225
http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html
(a) Political Emergency or Natural Disaster:
In case of a political emergency or natural disaster, the Cronin International Center has developed a plan in conjunction with our partner institutions abroad to look after the safety of students participating on Bentley programs. Should an emergency of this nature occur, a member of the on-site staff or Bentley College would notify you of specific actions to take. If you are traveling or are unreachable for any reason, you should get in touch with on-site staff or contact Bentley College immediately.
- Stay informed of local events.
- Stay informed of international events and the local response in your study abroad area.
- Keep your family and on-site coordinator informed of all your travel plans.
- If you have a cell phone abroad, give the number to your family and the on-site coordinator.
- Know where the nearest hospital and U.S. embassy/consulate are located. Know how to contact the police and emergency services in your host country.
- Be inconspicuous. Use common sense. Be a savvy traveler.
(b) Dealing with illness, injury or harm:
In case you find yourself with health or injury situations such as for example the common cold, fever or a sprained ankle, you should go to the campus health facilities at your host location. If your condition is something of an emergency, please go to the nearest hospital emergency room as soon as you can. It is advisable to get any of your host family members or local friends to accompany you, so that they can assist with the local language if necessary. Keep the number of your insurance card handy at all times. If you are traveling, you should familiarize yourself with the city you are visiting and locate the nearest hospital.
(c) Passport issues:
At least one student per semester either loses their passport or has it stolen while abroad. It is important that you leave a photocopy of your passport with a family member and also with the Cronin International Center. Keep one for yourself that is kept separate from your actual passport. It is much easier to have another passport issued if you have a copy of the original. Should you need another passport to be issued while abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in your host country. Embassies and consulates are listed in the Education Abroad Handbook and your country-specific orientation material.
(d) Lost or stolen travelers' checks and other stolen items:
In case you have had anything stolen, you must report it to the local police immediately. If you have travelers' checks, keep a photocopy of the serial numbers separate from the actual checks. In the event they are stolen, you can bring the serial numbers to your local American Express Office or Thomas Cook Travel Office and have them reissued for you. Cash is never recoverable if lost or stolen. If you are using credit cards, exercise caution in how you use them and keep them in a safe place. It is important to note down the credit card company telephone numbers in your diary, so that you can promptly contact them in the event of theft of your credit card. We recommend that you have your personal items insured before you leave (especially your laptop) in case of any loss or theft while abroad.
Online Safety Resources
Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
U.S. Department of State
The State Department provides country-by-country safety and health assessments.
* Useful international travel information for Americans traveling abroad.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html
* International travel warnings.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)
OSAC is a division of the U.S. State Department that fosters the exchange of security information between the government and the private sector operating abroad. The general web site provides information regarding "recent events" as well as links to current public announcements and consular information.
Centers for Disease Control, CDC Travel Information (CDC)
CDC provides official U.S. government information about health conditions worldwide, including recommendations for immunizations.
Federal Aviation Administration
Contains up-to-date information on which airports (domestic and foreign) "meet current aviation security requirements." It also includes an FAQ section that is updated frequently.
Links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
http://www.usembassy.gov/
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
http://www.nafsa.org/PressRoom/PressRelease.aspx?id=11168
Promoting Safety in Study Abroad - resources and recommendations for students and parents.
SAFETI Clearninghouse Study Abroad Safety Handbook
http://www.lmu.edu/academics/Study_Abroad.htm
Provides resources and preparation tips for students considering studying abroad and parents trying to help them.
Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT)
ASIRT provides information to travelers about safe road travel while abroad.
StudyAbroad.com Handbook
http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook/safety.html
Useful information on safety, security and other relevant study abroad issues.
Cronin Office of International Education Contact Information
Regular office hours (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)
Tel: +1 781.891.3474 Fax: +1 781.891.2819
Summer hours (mid-May through mid-August):
Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed Fridays)
After Hours Emergency Contact:
+1 781.891.3131 University Police Emergency Line
For urgent assistance in a very serious situation, contact the University Police emergency line, identify yourself and your program, describe the emergency briefly and give a number for call back, including country and city dialing codes. The dispatcher will locate a staff member to return the call quickly.