In an Emergency
24-Hour Contact Information
An emergency is any situation that jeopardizes the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø student(s) physical or mental health, safety, well-being, or program participation and/or requires the intervention of program staff. Such emergencies include, but are not limited to: civil disobedience, natural disasters, severe or prolonged illness or injury requiring hospitalization, disciplinary action, emotional or behavioral disorders, illegal actions (i.e., drug use), absence from program site, and academic probation, etc.
In the event of an emergency, students are instructed to contact the appropriate on-site program staff immediately. The on-site staff in turn will contact a member of the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Education Abroad team (in NYC) who may contact the student's emergency contact (depending on the situation).
If a family member or friend is contacted by a student about an emergency and it is unclear whether or not the on-site staff are aware of the situation, they should call the appropriate ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Security office:
- New York City: (212) 346-1800
- Pleasantville: (914) 773-3400
ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Security will then contact the appropriate ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Education Abroad team member (or other ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø staff). The ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Security number is answered 24/7. It is important to leave a detailed message with the following information:
- Your name (who is reporting the incident)
- Your contact information
- Country and program of study
- Student's name
- Date and time of the occurrence
- Description of the occurrence
- Actions taken thus far
In the event of natural, political, or social emergencies, ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Education Abroad will coordinate with the on-site staff or U.S.-based program contacts. The on-site staff will seek advice from local authorities and the U.S. Consulate or Embassy nearest to the program location. Assistance will be managed in coordination with the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø-designated insurance provider that ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø students are mandated to purchase for their semester abroad.
Parents, family, and friends are asked to communicate with ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø Education Abroad in order to allow on-site staff to focus on working with students and local officials.
In case of Medical Emergency Abroad
Students should call the insurance provider, AXA 24/7 Travel Assistance Services at +1 (855) 327-1425, before seeking medical assistance because AXA will help them locate a qualified health care provider, make appointments, and pay for services abroad — making it a cashless process for students (rather than seeking reimbursement after the fact). Here is a full description of the International Travel Insurance policy (PDF) and a quick snapshot of the benefits (PDF). Read more about the insurance coverage.
Under the ÌÒñ«ÉçÇø-provided international emergency insurance, the cost of COVID testing is not covered if considered preventative, routine, or elective. It is only covered if ordered by a doctor as part of course of treatment experiencing COVID symptoms.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We strongly suggest that all students register with the (STEP) – a free service of the U.S. Department of State. The STEP program allows students to receive important up-to-date safety information about the destination city/country. In the case of emergency, including a natural disaster or civil unrest, it allows the local U.S. Embassy to communicate to the student. And, it helps family and friends get in touch in the event of an emergency. They have a free iPhone app that students can download for easy mobile access: .
Safety Resources
Visit (U.S. Department of State) to find websites of U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world. Register with the embassy of your destination to make your presence known in the event of an emergency: