The OEA believes that all students are primarily responsible for their own health and safety through the decisions they make before and during their time abroad.
As such, participants on international èßäÊÓƵapp need to:
- Read all materials issued or recommended by the OEA, Program Providers, Host Universities and faculty program coordinators that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural and religious conditions in your host countries prior to departure.
- Consider your personal, emotional, physical and mental health and safety needs when accepting a place in a program.
- Provide your accurate physical and mental health information to the OEA, Program Provider or Host University along with any other personal data that is necessary in planning for a safe and healthy overseas study experience.
- Assume responsibility for your personal preparation for the program and participate fully in orientations. Use the online resources provided to conduct additional pre-departure research on your host country.
- Obtain and maintain appropriate health insurance policies and abide by any conditions outlined in these policies.
- Inform your parents, guardians and any others who may need to know about participation in the international program. Provide them with emergency contact information and keep them informed on an ongoing basis.
- Learn the culture and laws of your host country of study. Comply with local codes of conduct and obey host country laws. Remember that Americans are not immune to local laws in the host country. The U.S. Embassy does not have the authority to shield your from the consequences of breaking the host-country’s laws.
- Be aware of local conditions when making daily choices and decisions. Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the program staff or other appropriate individuals.
- Inform the faculty program coordinator, resident director, program provider, host university and/or host family (if applicable) when traveling independently while abroad and provide these parties with your emergency contact information.