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 follow protocols and guidelines to minimize risk to our student participants, we:
- Monitor U.S. government advisories, considering both those issued by in-country embassies and consulates and by the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S.
- Maintain contact with all students abroad, and students are kept 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.
- 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 insurance plan.
- Provide mental health information and resources for students.