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Health & Safety

Your safety and well-being abroad is our top priority. At CISabroad, we have several measures in place to ensure your safety and security, including pre-departure and onsite orientations, 24/7 emergency assistance in-country and in the United States, and comprehensive health insurance included in all of our programs.

Home > Health & Safety

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 CISabroad’s countries?
Yes, it is safe to study and travel in all of the countries to which CISabroad 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 CISabroad 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 CISabroad. 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 CISabroad 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 CISabroad 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 CISabroad.


In cases where CISabroad 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, CISabroad 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 CISabroad.


What happens if I lose my passport?

All CISabroad 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.