Safety and Travel

MSU's preparation

MSU is dedicated to offering a wide variety of study abroad opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse student population. MSU has recognized the importance of establishing policies and procedures in an effort to protect the safety and well-being of study abroad participants, while acknowledging that no single plan can address all contingencies. Listed below are a few of the ways that MSU strives to keep study abroad, before and during your participation, as safe as possible.

• OSA regularly and responsibly monitors safety issues in each of our program locations. A review of all study abroad programs at departmental, college, and university levels is conducted in which safety, security, and overall quality are measured.
• OSA is one of the few study abroad offices in the country to employ a full-time travel security analyst responsible for overseeing health and safety concerns and serving as first responder to any emergency abroad involving MSU students, faculty or staff.
• Each MSU program's safety and security conditions are evaluated by an independent committee. The Study Abroad Risk and Security Assessment Committee is headed by a senior university official appointed by the President and Provost. The committee has ultimate authority for approving the safety of programs and sites, and has the ability to cancel programs or revise them to address safety and security concerns.
• All participants are required to complete an online orientation that stresses safety issues and understanding cultural differences. Most programs also provide a country-specific orientation in which safety precautions are outlined.
• Emergency procedures are in place, including medical and general emergency evacuation procedures. In any emergency, OSA has plans to be in contact with faculty and students abroad. MSU's procedures for handling emergencies abroad have served as a model for other institutions.
• All program leaders who accompany an MSU study abroad program are required to attend an Emergency Preparedness and Response Seminar conducted by the Office of Study Abroad's Health and Safety Team.
• All study abroad program leaders are required to carry an international cell phone to facilitate emergency communications.
• In addition, a 24/7 Emergency Assistance line provides assistance to members of the MSU community who are abroad on university business or study abroad. This number will connect callers directly to the MSU Police Operations Desk. Calls are processed following a detailed emergency response protocol. The phone number and procedures, reproduced on a wallet-size card, are given to all students prior to departure.
• An accident and sickness health insurance policy which includes coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation is included in all program fees.

The Office of Study Abroad strives to keep students, faculty, and parents informed of conditions and decisions related to student safety and well-being. However, in these changing times, it is necessary that each student take responsibility for his/her own safety by staying informed and conducting him/herself accordingly.

If you have any questions regarding travel health, safety, or security, please visit OSA's Safety and Security webpage or contact Cindy Chalou chalouc@msu.edu, Office of Study Abroad, (517) 353-8920.

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