ISA would like to assure students, parents, and study abroad advisors of the complete concern for student health and safety while abroad. ISA takes these concerns into consideration in the planning of the program and throughout the duration of the program. We understand that safety issues are of utmost importance, especially during times when international issues are at the forefront of our minds. Please know that the ISA staff based in the U.S. is in constant contact with the ISA staff located in each program site, and all staff members are committed to the students' well-being during their study abroad experience.

The ISA U.S.-based staff is available Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 7:00pm Central Time, to answer questions that might arise before the program starts, as well as during the program. Students should feel free to call and visit with a site-specialist about the specific place where he or she will be studying. Students will receive abundant program-specific information and recommendations in the form of an orientation booklet.

PLEASE NOTE: For students or parents who need assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 1-800-580-8826 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week.

ISA also has on-site staff in each program location to provide a support system for students while they are abroad. ISA provides pre-departure orientation sessions (in person or by phone) to help students prepare for their trip. In addition the resident staff conducts an on-site orientation to welcome students to the host country and to discuss cultural expectations, safety concerns, guidelines for daily living, and the specific city and country where the students will be studying.

The ISA staff is well-prepared to advise, assist, and accompany students in times of need. They are in close contact with the local U.S. Embassy and ready to respond to situations that might arise.

At all times, the ISA resident staff is in close contact with the U.S. Embassy in the country of that particular program. ISA closely follows the guidelines of the U.S. Department of State. If at any time the Department of State were to recall all U.S. citizens from a country in which ISA students were studying, ISA would certainly support students throughout the process of returning back to the United States. In this event, ISA would refund any money that might be recoverable at that time.

Please consider visiting the following websites for more information about student health and safety during the study abroad experience:

Department of State, Tips for Students Studying Abroad,
http://travel.state.gov/visa/americans/americans_1252.html

Department of State, Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Study Abroad Safety Handbook,
http://www.lmu.edu/globaled/studentsabroad/intro.html