Health and Safety Abroad

INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

When thinking about safety around the world, it is important to have a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the U.S. is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world.

STONEHILL RESOURCES

While no international program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students and their parents to read through the Health and Safety section of the Stonehill College Study Abroad Handbook in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges abroad. Among other topics, the following areas are covered:

§ Infectious Diseases and Inoculations

§ Food and Water Safety

§ Laws and Codes of Conduct

§ Mental and Physical Health

§ Emergency Contacts and Procedures

§ Alcohol and Drugs Abroad

§ Risk Factors and Strategies to Reduce Risk

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE RESOURCES

In addition to the Stonehill College Study Abroad Handbook, resources are also available at www.studentsabroad.com, a website for U.S. citizen students abroad maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Some important things to do and resources to consult prior to your trip overseas include:

§ Enrolling with the nearest ones’ presence abroad with the nearest U.S. Embassy through the STEP Enrollment Program at: www.travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui

§ Checking country-specific conditions as well as travel warnings and alerts at: www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

§ Checking travel safety and other traveling tips at: www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html

STUDENT CONDUCT OVERSEAS

Stonehill students participating in any study abroad program, whether a Stonehill-sponsored direct-enroll program or another US-based study abroad organization, are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the Stonehill College Community Standards, as outlined in the Hill Book. Failure to abide by the Stonehill Community Standards may result in termination from the abroad program and the initiation of appropriate disciplinary procedures.

Students must also comply with the rules and regulations set forth by their program sponsor and host institution, as well as the local laws, regulations, and cultural norms of the foreign country or countries in which they reside or travel to throughout the duration of their program. If a student violates these standards they can and will be removed from their program.