Health, Wellness & Safety

Studying abroad can come with its own concerns about health, safety, and security. The Global Education Office is determined to ensure that all our partner programs have gone through a thorough review for academics, health, safety, and security. While preparing to study abroad it is important that students read all information given to them regarding their health insurance as well as emergency contacts during their time abroad. Information regarding health, safety, and security is reviewed during each pre-departure orientation. Students will also have their pre-departure orientation materials uploaded to their MU Study Abroad Portal. It is important that students attend ALL pre-departure orientation as we will be going over important information for your time abroad. Should you have any questions regarding health, safety, or security please feel free to reach out to our office at geo@monmouth.edu. 


Preparing to Study Abroad
1. Research your study abroad and travel Locations.
2. Make sure that your student participates fully in Pre-Departure and On-Site Orientation activities.
3. Develop a Communication Plan: know how to reach each other, during normal times and in the event of issues or emergencies. Ensure that your student has a phone on them at all times, and discloses their phone number—and weekend travel plans—to you and to their Host Institution.
4. Consult Online Study Abroad Resources: we recommend the Center for Global Education’s national clearinghouse for resources related to students studying overseas, including informative sections on safety and security and a special page for parents: http://globaled.us
5. Ask GEO for Assistance!  We are here to help.  Please encourage your student to sign a FERPA release so that we can communicate with you freely during the study abroad experience.

Getting Help Abroad
Students have access to 24/7 local emergency assistance through their host institution. Students are given these numbers as a part of the orientation process as well as in their individual GroupMe program chats. All students should program these numbers in their phones! In the case of a life threatening emergency, students should call the local police, fire department, and/or EMS. For all situations, students should first contact the host institution or on-site MU faculty, then contact MUPD. Parents should feel free to call MUPD for any concern.

Communication Plan
In the case of large scale natural disaster or terrorist attack,
Students:
1. Check your cellphone regularly
2. Keep contact information updated
3. Reach out to your host institution for next steps
4. Contact your parents with your status

Parents:
1. Call your student and MUPD
2. Check your email for updates