Health & Safety
The health, safety, and security of UW–Madison students, faculty, and staff abroad is our primary concern. Every effort is made to ensure that our students have the resources and information they need for a successful study abroad experience. Though absolute safety cannot be guaranteed abroad, just as it cannot be guaranteed in the United States, we are committed to taking the necessary steps to maximize safety at every program site.
In collaboration with the UW–Madison International Safety and Security Director, we actively engage in the following protocols and guidelines to minimize risk to our student participants:
- Monitor US government advisories, considering both those issued by in-country embassies and consulates and by the US Department of State and the Center for Disease Control.
- Are a member of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, a division of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the US Department of State.
- Monitor news and intelligence information from a variety of sources around the world.
- Coordinate with a network of international safety and security experts working in higher education institutions around the US.
- Maintain contact with all students abroad, and keep them updated on travel warnings or potential threats in their area.
- Maintain an emergency telephone number for faculty, staff, and students abroad. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Provide students with a detailed study abroad/away student handbook with extensive sections on safety and student health and wellness. Topics include:
- Alcohol and drug use
- Food safety
- Road safety
- Sexual assault & harassment
- Water safety
- Conduct pre-departure orientation sessions for students during which health and safety issues are covered in detail.
- Cover all program participants in a mandatory, comprehensive CISI health insurance plan.
- Provide mental health information and resources for students.