At CIS we have always been concerned that you have a safe experience while you are overseas. We feel that our greatest responsibility is to ensure that we develop and implement programs that are safe, but encourage you to enjoy and explore the opportunities that are afforded to you while overseas.

We take double measures to ensure that you are fully prepared for any health and safety issues that may come up; once before you depart the U.S. and again when you arrive in the foreign country. During our predeparture preparations, we let you know what health and safety issues you might encounter when you arrive. At this time we also provide you with contact information of individuals in-country who will assist you with any issues that arise while you are abroad, be it emergency or otherwise. Once you arrive in country, you will take part in an orientation program that will again highlight local health and safety issues.

We are also very careful in the locations we choose. First, we operate programs only in countries that are considered safe and stable as defined by the US Department of State. Once a program location has been determined and is up and running, we continuously monitor the situation in that country through local news and contacts, the U.S. Department of State website, and the professional organizations to which we belong. Also, as most of our programs are based at universities overseas, we do not have to worry about our students "sticking out" as they are fully integrated into the university population. You go to class and live with local students so there are no distinctly American enclaves.

In addition to choosing locations considered safe and stable by the US Department of State, we also register all of our students in the US Department of State Travel Registration program. This means that the US embassies/consulates in the host country will be aware of ours students’ presence and will be able to contact our students in the event of an emergency.

Finally, CIS offers 24 hour emergency assistance to our students and their parents in the U.S. and in-country. We have a U.S. hotline that is available for students and/or parents to call day or night, we have on-site contacts with 24 hour contact ability in all of our locations, and we have a network of local contacts (police, fire, hospital, embassy) with whom we can be in contact should the need arise.

If you would like more information about our preparedness for the safety of our students abroad, please do not hesitate to contact us, toll free at 877.617.9090 or via e-mail at info@cisabroad.com. We are more than happy to answer any of your questions and address any of your concerns. Remember, your safety is our number one priority.

The following guidelines indicate all measures taken to ensure the health and safety of all of our students.  They lay out the responsibilities of CIS, your (the student's) home college or university, your host institution overseas, you, and your parents, families, and/or guardians in helping to ensure a safe and healthy study abroad experience. These guidelines were formulated using the recommendations of the International Task Force on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad. If you are interested to learn more about the Task Force, please contact CIS.


The Center for International Studies (CIS):
 
    1.    Provides written information on safety, health, legal, environmental, political, and cultural conditions in the country where your host institution is located ("Host Country"), as well as general guidelines for safety abroad.
    2.    Provides a pre-departure orientation reviewing health, safety, legal, environmental, political and cultural conditions in the country where your host institution is located, as well as general guidelines for safety abroad.
    3.    Registers all CIS students through the US Department of State Travel Registration program.  This means that the US embassies/consulates in the host country will be aware of our students’ presence and will be able to contact our students in the event of an emergency.
    4.    Provides accurate information concerning health insurance requirements and health care for each host country.
    5.    Maintains good communication among all relevant parties in cases of serious health problems, injury, or other significant health and safety circumstances.
    6.    Stays up-to-date on US State Department travel advisories and current news.
    7.    Provides a 24-hour emergency contact number for use in the event of crisis or emergency.
    8.    Provides you an emergency information card.
    9.    Provides affiliate universities with CIS contact information including 24-hour emergency contact phone number.


Your home college or university:
 
    1.    Considers relevant physical and mental health factors and other conditions, such as disciplinary history, when advising or recommending that students participate in CIS programs.
    2.    Provides pre-departure orientation to participants, emphasizing student responsibility for reviewing information provided by CIS and the home institution concerning health and safety abroad.


Your host institution overseas:

    1.    Informs participants about general safety issues with special emphasis on local conditions and customs through orientation on arrival and written materials as appropriate.
    2.    Monitors the safety of student housing and informs you of any conditions that may entail a different level of personal responsibility than conditions at home.
    3.    Provides information to you on available medical and professional services and emergency contacts.
    4.    Communicates promptly with CIS in case of major emergencies involving your health and safety.
    5.    Advises you and informs CIS in the event of civil unrest, including campus strikes, or natural disasters.
    6.    Assists students who have been victims of a crime and need to contact police or other authorities.
    7.    Passes on travel warning messages sent by CIS or home institution to all CIS students.


You will:

    1.    Read and carefully consider all materials issued by CIS and the Host Institution relating to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, and cultural conditions in host countries.
    2.    Consider their health and other personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a CIS offer of acceptance.
    3.    Make available to CIS accurate and complete physical and mental health information and any other personal data necessary in planning for a safe and healthy study abroad experience.
    4.    Assume responsibility for your preparation for the program and for participating fully in the CIS predeparture orientation.
    5.    Fully participate in the on-site orientation provided by the host institution.
    6.    Follow all procedures for obtaining host country health insurance and consider the CIS recommendation to purchase supplemental health care.
    7.    Abide by any conditions imposed by the airline carriers.
    8.    Inform parents / guardians / families, and any others who may need to know, about your participation in a CIS program and provide them with a copy of the emergency contact card.
    9.    Inform parents / guardians / families of host-country activities and travel plans.
    10.    Understand and comply with the terms of participation, codes of conduct, and emergency procedures of CIS and the host institution, and obey host-country laws.
    11.    Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions. Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the host institution international student coordinator and/or the CIS site director.
    12.    Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others, and encourage others to behave in a similar manner.
    13.    Accept responsibility for your decisions and actions.
    14.    Become familiar with procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services in the host country.
    15.    Seek assistance from the international student coordinator at the host university and/or the CIS site director if problems occur that seriously affect their well-being.
    16.    Inform host institution of travel plans during your time abroad.


Your parents, guardians, and families will:

    1.    Be involved in the decision of your child to apply for and accept an offer of participation a CIS program.
    2.    Review the health and safety information and guidelines provided by CIS and engage your child in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues, insurance needs, and emergency procedures related to living abroad.
    3.    Read Safety Tips for Parents of Students Studying Abroad

Although CIS runs programs in countries that are considered safe as define by the U.S. Department of State, problems ranging from minor verbal harassment to theft and robbery to serious physical and sexual assault are a danger in these countries just as they are in the US. Some of these incidents are not avoidable, but many are. Below you will find useful information about behaviors that can put you at risk and strategies that can help you reduce the likelihood of these incidents happening to you.

Conditions that Contribute to Risk Whether at Home or Abroad

Situations which place anyone at greatest risk are:

    * Being out after midnight

    * Being alone at night in an isolated area

    * Being in a known high-crime area

    * Sleeping in an unlocked place

    * Being out after a local curfew

    * Being intoxicated


Strategies Used by U.S. Students to Reduce Risk

You have most likely been using a variety of strategies to avoid harm while living in the United States and these will be useful overseas as well. These are:

    * Listening for what is being said around you

    * Keeping watch for suspicious people and vehicles

    * Knowing what hours of the night are more dangerous than others

    * Staying in and walking only in those areas that are well lit

    * Avoiding being alone in unfamiliar neighborhoods

    * Knowing where to get help (stores, phones, fire station, etc.)

Note: It is important to discuss the extent to which these strategies are or are not applicable during your time abroad.



Factors Placing Students at Risk Abroad

Your circumstance as a foreigner places you at some increased risk because you:

    * Are new to this country

    * May not speak the local language well

    * Are traveling to new places and making new friends

    * Will generally be traveling by public transportation

    * Are curious about your new home and the new culture you are living in

    * May stand out in a crowd

    * Have not yet learned the best way to say no in this culture

    * May not yet pick up the "clues" in this culture that you are in danger

    * Have not yet established personal daily routines in your new home


Strategies for Reducing Risk

Safety is ultimately the responsibility of each individual student and you should actively develop your own personal safety strategies. Administrators and/or our CIS site directors can assist you in developing personal awareness and personal safety strategies. Some suggestions include:

On site:

    * Establishing relationships with hosts, neighbors, and local authorities
    * Improving structural security of residence (shuttered/barred window, door locks, sealed walls/ceilings, etc.)
    * Ensuring access to emergency medical care
    * Developing emergency support/communications network
    * Screening visitors


Traveling:

    * Notifying the international student office of travel plans
    * Wearing prudent attire
    * Restricting night travel
    * Projecting certainty of route and destination
    * Avoiding "high risk" regions
    * Traveling with a friend/ trusted other
    * Establishing rapport with regular drivers
                   * Women sitting with other women or middle aged couples


Urban Area:

    * Demonstrating vigilance/confidence/"street smarts"
    * Being aware of surroundings
    * Avoiding "high risk" areas
    * Identifying "safe zones"
    * Using "buddy system"
    * Carrying whistle or other personal safety device
    * Locating safe hotels/guest houses
    * Moderating alcohol consumption
    * Carrying only sufficient cash in safe place (pouch, money belt)


Reporting:

If you are a victim of an assault, reporting this incident to the host university emergency contact is important because:
    * You may need medical attention
    * You may need to or choose to talk with someone about what has happened
    * You may want or need assistance in working with the local authorities
    * You should be aware of whether the discussion is confidential


(The above guidelines were adapted from SAFETI's adaptation of Peace Corps resources.)


Top 10 Tips for Students While Overseas

In addition to the guidelines above, below are the "Top Ten Travel Tips for Students" as found in the brochure "State department travel tips for students", provided by the U.S. State Department.

    1.    Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
    2.    Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
    3.    Make copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas. Take one set with you and leave a second set with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
    4.    Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
    5.    Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
    6.    Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
    7.    While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
    8.    Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
    9.    Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
    10.    When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.

Included in this page are efforts we take to help you stay safe and respond to emergency situations should they arise. Please note that these are simply guidelines on actions we will take; we handle all situations on a case by case basis to ensure you receive everything you need from us.  That said, the ultimate responsibility for your health, safety, and recovery from emergency situations is yours.


How Orientation Prepares You for Emergencies

If you choose to participate in a CIS study and intern abroad program, you will participate in two orientations informing you of health and safety issues - once before you depart the U.S. and again when you arrive in the foreign country. During our pre-departure preparations, we let you know what health and safety issues you might expect when you arrive. At this time we also provide you with contact information of individuals in country who can assist you with any issues that arise while you are abroad. Once you arrive in country, you will take part in an orientation program that will highlight, again, local health and safety issues.


Insurance and On-site Preparedness

While overseas it is important that you understand the health requirements of the country. As part of your pre-departure orientation you will be informed of all issues relating to medical care, insurance and immunizations. It is also very important that you make CIS aware of any pre-existing health conditions that may impact you during your time abroad well before your departure. Announcement of any health conditions, either prior or existing, will not affect your admission to any CIS programs; quite the contrary, revealing this will allow for the host institution and CIS to make proper accommodations prior to your departure.

Medical treatment in a foreign country is not something we expect you to require, but should the need arise, we want to make sure you are adequately covered. The cost of medical and accident insurance, no matter where you study, is included in the program fee.

As part of our pre-departure orientation we inform you of issues relating to medical care, insurance, and immunizations. We emphasize that it is also very important that students make CIS aware of any preexisting health conditions that may impact your time abroad. (NOTE: Announcement of any health conditions, either prior or existing, does not affect admission to any CIS program.)

Our overseas host universities have medical and mental health services available to you when on campus as well as contacts with local physicians, hospitals, and other emergency services. You are made aware of these services during on-site orientations. In emergency situations, each university has an emergency contact person available 24 hours a day.
 

Definition of Emergency and Emergency Response Plan

An emergency is when the student is in a life-threatening situation or in a situation that may cause serious psychological or emotional trauma. If the problem can wait 12 hours, it is most likely not an emergency. The following situations would be considered emergencies and CIS has developed an emergency response plan for each these situations:

    * Life threatening accidents or illnesses
    * Crimes against a student (rape, assault, mugging, etc.)
    * Arrest of a student
    * Death of a student
    * Missing student
    * Natural disasters
    * Psychological emergencies
    * Terrorism
    * War
    * Political emergency


Emergency Contact Information

CIS offers 24-hour emergency assistance to all students and their parents in the US and in-country. We have on-site contacts available 24/7/365 in all of the locations we operate. These on-site individuals have a network of local contacts (police, fire, hospital, embassy) with whom they can be in communication should the need arise. Also, each CIS participant is given an Emergency Information Card which they are required to keep with them at all times. This card provides phone numbers for emergency contacts both in country and in the U.S.


Emergency Response Team

Ethan Ring, Program Manager - ering@cisabroad.com

Joe Debiec, Program Manager- jdebiec@cisabroad.com

Amanda Bernhard, Program Coordinator – aberhnard@cisabroad.com

Eliza Camire, Program Coordinator – ecamire@cisabroad.com


Suspension and Cancellation Policy

Cancellation or suspension of any program will result if:

    •    The US Department of State issues a travel warning advising US citizens not to travel to a particular country or, if in country, to leave; or
    •    If CIS deems it necessary to cancel or suspend the program for any other reason. Any serious illness that causes a student to withdraw must be documented by a licensed US physician and notification sent to CIS.


In cases where CIS is forced to cancel or suspend a program, or in the case of serious documented illness, the following refund policies will be applied:

    •    If the program has not yet begun, all funds will be refunded, less the $50.00 application processing fee and any non-recoverable housing/damage deposits.
    •    If the program has begun, CIS will refund any portion of the student's expense that has not been used or committed less the $50.00 application fee.


Refund Policy

A student who withdraws voluntarily will receive the following refund of fees paid:

    •    Withdrawing more than 60 days prior to program commencement will result in a refund of all fees paid less the $50.00 application fee and the $500.00 program deposit.
    •    Withdrawing between 30 and 60 days prior to program commencement will result in a refund of all recoverable fees paid less the $50.00 application fee and the $500.00 program deposit. Please be aware that housing deposits and housing payments are often non-recoverable within this time period because this money has already been applied to guarantee housing.
    •    Withdrawing less than 30 days prior to program commencement will result in no refund.

Note: All voluntary cancellations must be made in writing to CIS.

Ethan Ring, Program Manager - ering@cisabroad.com

Joe Debiec, Program Manager- jdebiec@cisabroad.com

Amanda Bernhard, Program Coordinator – aberhnard@cisabroad.com

Eliza Camire, Program Coordinator – ecamire@cisabroad.com


The CIS Emergency telephone number is 413.210.7091

While overseas it is important that you understand the health requirements of the country. As part of your pre-departure orientation you will be informed of all issues relating to medical care, insurance, and immunizations. It is also very important that you make CIS aware of any pre-existing health conditions that may impact you during your time abroad well before your departure. Announcement of any health conditions, either prior or existing, will not affect your admission to any CIS programs; quite the contrary, revealing this will allow for the host institution and CIS to make proper accommodations prior to your departure.

Medical treatment in a foreign country is not something we expect you to require, but should the need arise, we want to make sure you are adequately covered. The cost of medical and accident insurance, no matter where you study, is included in the program fee.

Where will I live while abroad?

Most of our students live in university sponsored accommodation. In many of our non-English speaking locations, we can also offer you homestay options. Details about all housing options are provided in the months leading up to your departure. All housing is safe and provides a comfortable learning environment. Details for exact arrangements vary from program to program.


Is it safe to travel in all of CIS’s countries?

Yes, it is safe to study and travel in all of the countries to which CIS sends students. We only operate programs in countries that are considered safe and stable as defined by the US Department of State. Furthermore, all the countries that we work in are well suited for traveling and backpacking. We recommend that you wait until after you have arrived in country to make travel plans as tickets may be cheaper when purchased in that country.


What happens if I am hurt or in an accident while I’m abroad?

It is very important for you to think about your health and safety before you go abroad. The university abroad is similar to your home campus in terms of how accidents are handled. All our partner universities react speedily and appropriately to emergencies to make sure your needs are met. It is important to stress, however, that you need to be more aware of surroundings and environment, as you will be in a new culture. While it might seem like common sense, you should never travel alone, especially at night, and be extra careful about your alcohol consumption.


How is health insurance handled while I’m abroad?

All CIS participants receive medical and accident insurance coverage for the duration of the program.  The cost of this coverage is covered by the program fee, and you are enrolled automatically.  Coverage details will be sent to once you have been accepted to study with CIS. In the event that you need medical attention, you will most likely need to pay the health care provider out of pocket, and will then file a claim for reimbursement.


What is the CIS refund policy if a program is suspended or canceled?

Cancellation or suspension of any program will result if:

    •    The US Department of State issues a travel warning advising US citizens not to travel to a particular country or, if in country, to leave; or
    •    If CIS deems it necessary to cancel or suspend the program for any other reason. Any serious illness that causes a student to withdraw must be documented by a licensed US physician and notification sent to CIS.


In cases where CIS is forced to cancel or suspend a program, or in the case of serious documented illness, the following refund policies will be applied:

    •    If the program has not yet begun, all funds will be refunded, less the $50.00 application processing fee and any non-recoverable housing/damage deposits.
    •    If the program has begun, CIS will refund any portion of the student's expense that has not been used or committed less the $50.00 application fee.


What if a student voluntarily withdraws from the program?

A student who withdraws voluntarily will receive the following refund of fees paid:

    •    Withdrawing more than 60 days prior to program commencement will result in a refund of all fees paid less the $50.00 application fee and the $500.00 program deposit.
    •     Withdrawing between 30 and 60 days prior to program commencement will result in a refund of all recoverable fees paid less the $50.00 application fee and the $500.00 program deposit. Please be aware that housing deposits and housing payments are often non-recoverable within this time period because this money has already been applied to guarantee housing.
    •    Withdrawing less than 30 days prior to program commencement will result in no refund.
Note: All voluntary cancellations must be made in writing to CIS.


What happens if I lose my passport?

All CIS students are asked to make a copy of their passport and keep it separate from their original passport. It is very important if you lose your their passport while you are abroad that you report it to the host university immediately, so that the proper steps can be taken to get a new one. Please keep in mind that only you and your immediate family (mother, father or legal guardian) can work with the consulate to send back forms if necessary. This is why it is extremely helpful to have a copy of the passport, to help speed up the process. Issuing a new passport can take anywhere from 3-4 hours to 2 weeks depending on what country you are studying in. You will need your passport to not only leave the country you are studying in, but also to get back into the United States.

When traveling, studying, and living overseas, everyone experiences the ups and downs of cultural adjustment or "culture shock," so the best thing you can do is expect it. You may end up comparing everything with how it's done "back home," as you go through stages of loving the new culture, and having difficulty accepting why things are done differently than what you are used to. More serious troubles might include bouts of depression and doubt.

Again, this is a normal process, especially when you are in a foreign country for an extended period of time. Try to remain open; be an observer and learn to appreciate the differences.

The study or intern program you’ve chosen may take place in a country where English is the second or third language spoken. Therefore, it is important to learn some basic conversational phrases at minimum. This communicates respect for the culture and an effort to integrate into the local community.

Experts have suggested that there are four stages of culture shock:

    * Initial euphoria
    * Irritability and hostility
    * Gradual adjustment
    * Adaptation

Almost everyone experiences culture shock to some degree. It can be frustrating and confusing. But there are positive steps that you can take to minimize the impact.

    * Realize that this is normal and that you will live through it.

    * Be open-minded and ready to learn. Realize that there are different ways to do things and readjust to think in terms of "different" and not "better" or "worse."

    * Research your new culture. You can begin today by reading as much as you can about the culture that you will be experiencing.

    * Look for logical reasons for behaviors in the new culture that you may find strange. With a little analysis, you may find that these different behaviors don't seem so strange after all.

    * Above all, flexibility, humor, humility and open-mindedness will be your most valuable traits. These may have even been the key qualities that led you to travel in the first place!