Safety and Support Abroad
Get a Flight Credit worth up to $1,000
when you apply with code* by February 17, 2023
Safety is Our First Priority
At CEA, we are committed to putting your safety first. CEA study abroad and internship program are carefully reviewed and planned with your safety as our top priority. CEA’s global team is proud to follow nationally recognized safety guidelines and standards in the international education field, and our local student support teams are trained in emergency response and student affairs. CEA’s dedicated Health and Safety Team is available to speak with you and answer any safety or security questions you may have about your abroad experience or program destination.
What to Know Before You Go
As you are preparing for your time abroad, CEA will provide you with detailed information regarding safety and security abroad in your MyCEA Portal. It is important to do your own research, too, as you are ultimately responsible for your personal safety while traveling and studying during your program. In addition to travel guides, be sure to check out the U.S. Department of State International Travel site, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for your program country, as well as reputable, online media outlets for current events. Talk with your family, support network, CEA enrollment advisor, or even others who have travelled to or studied in your destination.
Attending Orientation Makes a Difference
Besides, it’s mandatory for all CEA students! During orientation, your local CEA support team will provide invaluable information about important cultural differences, how to live (and blend-in) like a local, and what to do if you feel unsafe or experience an emergency. CEA cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any participant; however, we will educate you about relevant risks in your program destination so you can make informed choices about your personal safety.
Communication is Key
During the program, we will frequently communicate with you via email, text messages, an emergency communication app (only when necessary), and even old-fashioned phone calls. Having a working cell phone is a requirement so we can reach one another in the event of an emergency or critical event, regardless of where you may be travelling. Your CEA onsite support team will give you a 24/7 emergency number during orientation, as well as other important numbers for emergency services. Save those 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, let alone anything worse! Unfortunately, these things do happen while abroad. CEA local team members are available 24/7 for safety emergencies that may arise during your program. They will be able to assist you 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 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, CEA’s Crisis Management Team will work closely with the local CEA 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 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 are currently a student on a CEA program, please call the local authorities where you are located, or the CEA emergency number given to you at orientation.
Parents, Family, Friends, or Advisors: If you would like to report an emergency on behalf of a CEA student, please call 1-800-266-4441. A CEA staff member will assist you.
