Health & Safety Recommendations

In study abroad, as in other settings, parents, guardians, and families can play an important role in the health and safety of participants by helping them make decisions and by influencing their behavior overseas.

Parents/guardians/families should:

• Be informed about and involved in the decision of the student to enroll in a particular program.
• Obtain and carefully evaluate participant program materials, as well as related health, safety, and security information.
• Discuss with the student any of his/her travel plans and activities that may be independent of the study abroad program.
• Engage the student in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues, insurance needs, and emergency procedures related to living abroad.
• Be responsive to requests from the program sponsor for information regarding the student.
• Keep in touch with the student.
• Be aware that the student rather than the program may most appropriately provide some information.