Back to the main Overseas Study page. No set of guidelines can guarantee the health and safety needs of each individual involved in a study abroad program, but the following address issues of general concern and the responsibilities of all parties. It is not possible to account for all the inevitable variations in actual cases, so those involved must also rely upon their experience and thoughtful judgment while considering the unique circumstances of each situation. Study abroad initiatives which attempt to proceed without the approval of OSAC have no official status as IU programs and cannot advertise themselves as such.
Independent initiatives risk being cancelled, and credit for their participants denied upon review.
Conduct regular assessments of health and safety conditions for IU programs and develop and maintain emergency preparedness and crisis response plans. Provide guidelines for program directors and staff with respect to managing emergencies abroad. Provide orientation meetings and materials to participants prior to departure for the program and on site, which include appropriate information on health and safety conditions in the host country and emergency response measures. Provide students with information on the role of and assistance provided by the on-site resident director or program coordinator. Discuss with students, following their selection but prior to their participation in a study abroad program, individual health and disciplinary history issues, that may impact on the safety of the individual or the group.