Safety and
Support Abroad
Safety is Important to Us
CEA CAPA programs are carefully planned with your safety in mind. We follow nationally recognized safety guidelines and standards in the international education field, as well as local safety requirements in our program locations. Our onsite student support teams are trained in emergency response and student affairs. CEA CAPA's dedicated Health, Safety, and Student Affairs Team is available to speak with you and answer safety and security questions you may have about your experience abroad or program destination.
What to Know Before You Go
As you're preparing for your time abroad, CEA CAPA will provide you with information regarding safety and security abroad in your CEA CAPA Student Portal. It's important that you do your own research as you are ultimately responsible for your personal health and safety while abroad. In addition to travel guides, check out the U.S. Department of State International Travel website, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your program destination(s), and reputable online media outlets for current events. Talk with your family, support network, home institution study abroad office, CEA CAPA advisor, and others who have traveled or studied in your program destination.
Attending Orientation Makes a Difference
Plus, it’s mandatory for all CEA CAPA students! During the onsite orientation, your local CEA CAPA support team will provide invaluable information about important cultural differences, how to live (and blend-in) like a local, safety tips, and what to do if you feel unsafe or experience an emergency. CEA CAPA cannot guarantee a student’s safety; however, we'll provide you with guidance and information on relevant risks in your program destination so that you can make informed choices.
Communication is Key
During the program, we'll frequently communicate with you via email, and when necessary, our emergency communication app. Having a working cell phone (that does not depend on Wi-Fi) is a requirement so we can reach you in the event of an emergency, regardless of where you may be traveling. Your CEA CAPA onsite support team will give you a 24/7 emergency number during orientation, as well as other important numbers for emergency services. Save these numbers in your phone for quick access to assistance and support.
When the Unexpected Happens
No one expects their phone or passport to get stolen while abroad but these things, as well as other unexpected situations, can occur. CEA CAPA local team members are available 24/7 if you find yourself in an unsafe or unexpected situation such as being pickpocketed. Our staff can assist by connecting you with local authorities, providing guidance on next steps, or referring you to support services. Regardless of how large or small the incident, be assured that CEA CAPA is available to help you and point you in the right direction.
Should a critical event happen during your program, such as a natural disaster, pandemic or security threat, the CEA CAPA Crisis Management Team will work closely with the local onsite team to follow our established crisis response protocols. We also partner with an experienced emergency assistance provider and international insurance company who provide critical services in these types of situations. CEA CAPA will communicate with your designated emergency contact, as well as your home institution, to keep them informed about the situation, action being taken, and most importantly, your safety and wellbeing.
In the Event of an Emergency
Students: If you're currently a student on a CEA CAPA program, and you're experiencing a health or safety emergency, call the local authorities where you are located. Or you may call the CEA CAPA emergency number given to you at orientation.
Parents, Family, Friends, or Institutional Partners: If you'd like to report a health and safety emergency on behalf of a CEA CAPA student, please call 1-800-266-4441 to be connected with an on-call CEA CAPA staff member 24/7.
For more information about how CEA CAPA is prepared to respond in the emergency situations, please, visit our Emergency Protocols page