Santa Clara University

Health & Safety in Study Abroad

International Programs is vitally concerned about the health and safety of students abroad. International Programs and the study abroad sites with which Santa Clara is affiliated are actively engaged in proactive risk management and pay close attention to the health and safety of students. Components of risk management include:

• Monitor U.S. Department of State, Center for Disease Control and other agencies’ announcements about conditions in other countries
• Maintain close contact with local center directors
• Ensure that local administrators provide orientation and on-going advice about safe practices abroad
• Utilize the electronic network of professional study abroad professionals around the globe for on-the-spot information and evaluation
• Maintain contact with SCU students through a dedicated email list and the International Programs web
• Continue detailed health and safety discussion as core component of SCU pre-departure orientation
• Conduct site visits and participate in advisory boards of study abroad partner organizations
• Maintain professional development programs for International Programs staff

No institution or individual can provide a total guarantee that studying abroad (or at home) is totally risk free. It is important to remember that Santa Clara does not "send" students overseas, nor does it "order" them home. Our role is to provide advice and information so that students may decide whether or not an international educational experience is right for them. Obviously, International Programs would not recommend sites where extraordinary health or safety threats have been identified. Students, in discussion with family and friends, ultimately must assess the risks and assume responsibility for their well-being.

Students and their families are justifiably concerned about the situation in London and around the globe. International Programs understands the dilemma presented by global terrorism. The most vexing problem is that no one knows where or when an incident may occur. It is possible to postpone studying abroad until next spring or fall, but that would probably not alter the risk level. Those planning to study in London could switch to another program for spring 2006. However, London is the target right now but that could change in an instant. Some of the world's safest cities, such as Copenhagen, may find itself the next victim for the same apparent reasons that London is currently under attack. For what it is worth, statistics show that the odds of being involved in a terrorist attack in a major European city are very small, smaller than the risk of being hurt in a traffic accident or petty crime. Statistically, the biggest risk to U.S. students abroad continues to be traffic and other accidents, often associated with alcohol use.

If there is any good news in all of this, there is no doubt that the authorities in London and around the world are on the highest of alerts. Study abroad programs are re-examining their safety orientation and risk management procedures. When students arrive at their overseas destinations, they will be given detailed safety briefings and the most current health and safety information available in order to maximize their personal safety while studying abroad.

There are many resources which can assist students and their families in making choices about study abroad including:

• SCU study abroad pre-departure handbook
• U.S. Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov)
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators safety guidelines (www.secussa.nafsa.org/safetyabroad/goodpractices2003.html)
• Study abroad program provider sites
• SAFETI (www.lmu.edu/globaled/safeti/) 

It is also essential that you stay informed about local and national news. A quick internet search will provide addresses for many foreign newspapers and other news outlets. International Programs is happy to answer your questions about study at various locations around the world. Now is the time to immerse yourself in information about your study abroad location both to address safety concerns and also to gather information about the city which will soon be your temporary home.

Should students decide to study abroad, all of the health and safety resources listed above will be available, along with academic and personal advising to insure a worthwhile academic and personal experience. If recent events have raised doubts about some international locations, remember that SCU has programs in small and large cities in Latin America and Caribbean, Asia, Africa, New Zealand and Australia, as well as Europe.

More health and safety information is available in the SCU study abroad handbook. To gain a broader perspective it is also a good idea to consult other national sources of information such as the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office or Foreign Affairs Canada.

As always, International Programs is available to help with your international education plans (www.scu.edu/studyabroad) or 408 554 6940.