Study Abroad

Study Abroad Emergency Protocol

Western Michigan University stands ready to assist students abroad and their families in the event of a serious family or personal emergency. Students are issued a WMU Study Abroad 24/7 Emergency Assistance card prior to departure. Students are instructed to carry this card on them at all times while overseas. The card includes simple steps for reporting an emergency and seeking assistance, as follows:

WMU Study Abroad 24/7 emergency assistance

In case of emergency, students are directed to call WMU's international travel service provider, International SOS at +1-215-942-8226

International SOS provides support in a variety of ways, including assistance in seeking medical attention, emergency transportation or evacuation, arranging payment for covered medical expenses and can provide advice for different health, safety or emergency situations.

Report Sexual Assault or Misconduct to WMU: Title IX

Individuals should promptly report conduct that may violate Title IX. In addition, individuals are encouraged to report conduct that may violate criminal law to both the University and to local law enforcement. These processes are not mutually exclusive. Any University student, employee, or third party who seeks to report a sexual assault or misconduct should please refer to https://wmich.edu/sexualmisconduct/report for instructions.

Risk Management

Health insurance, immunization and other health concerns

The Study Abroad Office does not provide health-related information to students.

The International Travel Clinic at Sindecuse Health Center provides immunizations and comprehensive information about other travel-related health concerns. Students may schedule a consultation with a Sindecuse professional to discuss travel immunization needs and health precautions. Students may also see their personal physician to receive required or suggested immunizations and other health-related information and warnings pertaining to travel and specific study abroad destinations. To complete all necessary preventive vaccinations before your trip, plan to visit the International Travel Clinic or your physician at least eight weeks prior to your planned departure. Schedule an appointment with Sindecuse's International Travel Clinic by calling (269) 387-3298.

All students participating in study abroad through Western Michigan University are covered by the WMU Study Abroad Insurance program.

Procedure

In the event of serious illness, accident or emergency, WMU Study Abroad may notify the participant's designated emergency contacts. Information may also be shared from the Student Health Emergency Treatment Authorization collected during the application process.

All participants must inform the faculty member-in-residence, on-site director(s), or program assistant(s) representing the host institution and the Study Abroad Office of any problems that arise during their stay abroad so that assistance can be provided. Prior to departure, the study abroad staff will provide specific instructions for requesting emergency assistance from the Study Abroad Office.

Additional Study abroad health and safety information

WMU Study Abroad Insurance Program—Mandatory insurance for all WMU study abroad students.
Individual Safety Plan—Required for students traveling to select destinations, based on U.S. State Department's designation of risk.
Study abroad overseas emergency protocol—Explains how students should respond to an emergency situation abroad.
Gender-based violence and Title IX Resources for study abroad—Resource for students regarding the report of Title IX violations while abroad. Students reporting violations may find additional resources through this external site: Pathways to Safety International.
U.S. Department of State travel registration

Individual Safety Plan

The United States Department of State issued a new travel advisory system in January 2018. Under the new system, every country, and in some cases specific locations and regions within countries, has a Travel Advisory, providing levels of advice ranging from 1-4:

Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to a greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.

WMU Study Abroad will not authorize students to travel to countries at Level 4. Individual students who wish to travel to countries at Level 3 (or to countries at Level 2 with Level 3 or 4 locations and areas within) must submit to the Director of Study Abroad a summary of their study abroad program and itinerary. The summary must make specific references to the details mentioned in the Department of State Travel Advisory for the country, and confirm that their study abroad program is not impacted by the details in the Travel Advisory. The summary is then reviewed by the Director of Study Abroad and other relevant staff in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and a decision is made.

WMU Study Abroad is not supportive of developing new study abroad programs in countries with a Level 3 Travel Advisory. If you wish to request an exemption to this policy, the faculty leader must submit to the Director of Study Abroad a summary of their program itinerary, and must make specific references to the details mentioned in the State Department Travel Advisory, and confirm that their study abroad program is not impacted by the details in the Travel Advisory. The summary is then reviewed by the Director of Study Abroad and other relevant staff in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education and a decision is made.

Note: If you are planning to take a group of students abroad, please complete the group safety form located in Faculty and Staff Resources.