Central to this maze is the health and safety of our students while they are in the field. Educational institutions in Canada need practical approaches to implement policies for managing study abroad programs. These approaches need to ensure that institutions continue to initiate and deliver quality international learning experiences for students, while protecting institutions from potential liability. While risk management and questions of liability are often the main motivations for institutions to explore these issues, it is important that these concerns not rule out institutional involvement in international programs, which are worth doing for their academic and experiential components. Although it is understandable that educators have become increasingly concerned about being held legally responsible or liable for their actions and decisions, professional educators must accept the fact that there is no escape from the normal risks associated with educational endeavors.
Normal risk taking is part of life and a part of almost any professional activity.
Fortunately, when weighing the risks associated with their professional responsibility, most educators decide that the satisfaction gained from contributing to the development of students, and the successful implementation of programs and services are well worth reasonable risks. Managing study abroad programs within a context of reductions in financial and human resources presents a unique challenge. Without adequate resources to ensure that quality support and administrative services are in place for study abroad programs, the potential to manage is greatly reduced. This paper introduces four approaches for managing risk and for protecting the health and safety of students while participating in study abroad programs. Along these lines, we have tried to identify the precautions advisable under the range of circumstances.