Health & Safety

Studying abroad means experiencing unfamiliar places, cultures, and perspectives. Our role is not to remove every challenge, but to ensure students have the preparation, guidance, and support they need to navigate those experiences. From the first questions before departure through the end of the program, SRAS works with students to support both their academic experience and well-being.

Safety Starts Before You Arrive

Preparation begins well before departure. Students receive guidance on health planning, continuity of care, and identity-related considerations, as well as health and emergency insurance provided by SRAS. The student portal, SRAS Explorer app, and pre-departure communications provide access to emergency procedures, on-site resources, and travel and arrival information.

Students also connect with their program community before departure through location WhatsApp groups, are encouraged to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and participate in pre-departure and on-site orientations.

Support While You’re Abroad

Support during study abroad comes from more than one person or office. Throughout the program, students have access to a network of local staff, instructors, hosts, and SRAS professionals who work together to provide guidance, answer questions, and help address challenges as they arise.

Students also play an important role by staying informed, following program guidance, communicating with staff when concerns arise, and making responsible decisions while abroad.

Prepared for the Unexpected

Every program includes procedures for responding to medical situations, political developments, natural disasters, and other emergencies. SRAS staff monitor local conditions, communicate with students when necessary, and coordinate between local teams and the U.S. office when circumstances change.

When necessary, itineraries, activities, or other program arrangements may be adjusted in response to changing local conditions.

Local Experience Matters

Across our program locations, SRAS works closely with local partners, universities, housing providers, and community organizations. These established relationships help us understand changing circumstances and provide students with informed guidance rooted in firsthand local knowledge.