21 Health & Safety Abroad

The IUHPFL Office, instructors, and Onsite Coordinators are careful to protect students’ health and safety overseas, but students must ultimately take responsibility for the consequences of their decisions, choices, and behavior. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to read this section carefully and to be aware of how they can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer abroad.

How IUHPFL works to ensure student safety and well-being:

• Qualified, dedicated, and experienced Onsite Coordinators and host families
• Careful selection and extensive training of Instructors
• At least one Instructor per site is CPR and First Aid certified
• One instructor carries a well-stocked First Aid Kit at all times
• Health & Medical Insurance is provided for every student and instructor
• A licensed therapist or counselor is aware of the program and is available at every program site
• Identification of high-quality health and medical facilities at every site
• IUHPFL registers all program participants who are U.S. citizens at the respective U.S. Embassies in each host country (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)): https://step.state.gov/step/
• Careful adherence to Indiana University student safety and study abroad procedures.

First steps to staying healthy and safe abroad:

• Be sure to read the IUHPFL Honor Code thoroughly to understand how it is intended to keep students safe during the program. It is provided in full at the end of this handbook.
• Before the program, students should consider any special conditions or needs of the student and be sure to disclose these to the Office right away, so that reasonable accommodations and support can be provided.
• Parents/guardians and students are also encouraged to consult the U.S. Department of State website for Consular Information Sheets and Travel Alerts or Warnings and the Centers for Disease Control website:
• http://travel.state.gov/
• http://www.cdc.gov/

Personal Safety

When traveling abroad, most risks to tourists involve petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. However, it is still important to take measures to prevent becoming a victim of a crime.

What you should do:

• Always remain in groups of three or more, as per the IUHPFL Honor Code.
• Take care of your teammates at all times, including telling instructors if one of them is at risk.
• Wear clothing that helps you to blend in with your environment. Do not wear clothing that is revealing or makes you stand out as a tourist.
• Be cognizant of your surroundings at all times—do not appear to be lost or wandering around.
• Avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place.
• At night, stay in a group and remain in well-lit areas.
• Never accept food or drink from a stranger.
• Do not carry large sums of cash on you and keep your valuables in a secured backpack or other apparel worn close to your body.
• Know local traffic patterns and pedestrian signs and move through city areas watchfully and with purpose.
• Listen to your instructors, Onsite Coordinator, and host parents and understand that they care about you and wish to keep you safe and happy!
• Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances under any circumstances.
• Always be where you should be!

Emotional Health

Students are likely to experience some form of culture shock during their time abroad, but this should not be confused with a real emotional crisis. If a student feels withdrawn or detached and cannot cope with the environment, they need to talk with an instructor right away. If necessary, the student can see a licensed therapist or counselor onsite; such visits are covered under the health and medical insurance provided by the program.

Public Disturbances and Protests

Students will not be permitted to attend political events and protests abroad. If Onsite Coordinators or Instructors inform students of such events or protests in the city, students are to stay clear of those areas and blend in with local residents as much as possible. It is always a good idea to dress to fit in with the local culture and to not draw attention to oneself, especially when there are safety concerns.

In the event of public disturbances abroad—including violent dem­onstrations or terrorist acts—the instructors and Onsite Coordinator will immediately contact all students and their host families about the appropriate protocol. If such an event occurs, the IUHPFL Office will send an email to all U.S. families, informing them of the students’ safety and whereabouts. If possible, students will also be allowed to contact their parents and guardians once they are out of harm’s way.

Sexual Harassment

If a student believes they are being sexually harassed, it is essential to speak with the instructors immediately. They will help sort out the difference between harassment and culturally typical behavior—which may be nonetheless inappropriate and uncomfortable—and they will know how to advocate for and protect the student’s safety and privacy in such situations.

If the harassment were to involve a member of the host family or a family friend, at minimum the student would be moved immediately to another host family and the appropriate protocol, depending on the severity of the offense, would be implemented without delay. The student’s parents/guardians would be involved at every step and all appropriate authorities would be contacted.

IUHPFL Instructors and staff must undergo extensive background checks and are required to complete Title IX training on preventing and responding to sexual harassment and violence, so that they are better able to protect and assist students. All such matters are reported immediately to the IUHPFL Office, parents/guardians, and the appropriate authorities.