Health & Safety Abroad

Ensuring the health, safety, and security of our students abroad is essential to a successful study abroad experience. This will depend upon:

Pitzer College and host: to provide ongoing support and information about health and safety risks and emergency protocols; to understand and monitor the local political, social, and economic climate; and to assist in case of emergency.
You: to adhere to instructions about tips regarding your safety and security; to inform yourself about risks associated with your travel; to act prudently to avoid putting yourself in risky situations; and to uphold Pitzer norms, policies, and code of conduct while abroad.
The on-site team: to be an initial point of contact in an emergency; to understand and monitor the local political, social, and economic climate; and to enact risk management protocols to ensure your environment is safe and secure.

Learn more about expectations and responsibilities here. Also access additional information related to these important health and safety resources:

Pitzer's & Host's Responsibilities

Provide a knowledgeable, supportive host community. Pitzer has established relationships with contacts abroad through which we have developed institutional and personal partnerships with trusted local colleagues and have years of experience working with international students and local communities. While conditions can change, the network of on-site contacts and partners monitor the local climate as it relates to the safety of our students and are trained to provide guidance and support to mitigate risk in the case of any unanticipated uncertainty.
Provide information about conditions related to safety and security in your host community. Through literature and resources distributed to you before arrival and your on-site program orientation, we equip you with information and tools to be aware of the realities of your host community, to help avoid situations that would put you at risk, and to manage uncomfortable or risky situations in the unlikely event they arise.
Provide emergency contact information and protocols. Before your departure, Pitzer will provide you with various emergency contacts, including medical resources affiliated with On Call International, the travel assistance provider through Pitzer’s international insurance policy. Your on-site program staff can also identify medical contacts and support you in addressing your needs during a medical or other emergency.
Contact your emergency contacts in the case of a significant emergency. We will only contact your emergency contacts upon request or in the case of an emergency that prevents you from being able to contact them.

Your Responsibilities

Understand Your International Travel Health Insurance Policy. An international travel health insurance policy through Zurich covers Pitzer students who are participating in study abroad and non-Pitzer students participating in Pitzer Program. Please familiarize yourself with the benefits outlined in the brochure. (See Study Abroad Health Insurance)
Purchase supplemental coverage if traveling more than 15 days before/after your program. If you elect to travel on your own before or at the end of your program, you must purchase additional insurance coverage.
Maintain your U.S. Health Insurance Policy. While you will have health coverage in case of illness or injury abroad, you must maintain your comprehensive health coverage in the U.S. if you need to return to the U.S. unexpectedly. Pitzer College requires that proof of insurance be provided to the College each year that you are an enrolled student.
Register with STEP. Register with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). See https://step.state.gov/step/.
Plan and disclose current health conditions. If you have any physical or mental health conditions that will affect you while abroad, it is essential that you and your healthcare provider plan to ensure that you will have adequate care while you are abroad. When engaging in non-program activities abroad (e.g., personal travel and excursions), it is also important that you set a plan and inform all relevant parties of this plan, including on-site staff, before you go.
Minimize risk. Follow the tips provided in your orientation materials.
Be able to access important documents while you are in-country.
- Carry with you:
  - A copy of your insurance ID card
  - A copy of your passport
  - Emergency contacts
- Keep apart:
  - Copies of your passport, bank cards, and credit cards. You should keep a copy of these with an emergency contact at home. Please do not carry your passport unless it is required for travel or access to an event or facilities.
  - Emergency contacts and any other important documents. Keep a copy in your email inbox.
In case of health or safety concerns, crisis, or emergency, seek assistance from on-site staff, the Office of Study Abroad & International Programs (SAIP), or Campus Safety. If you are involved in a health or safety incident abroad, whether in an emergency or not, please seek assistance from your program director or other on-site contacts first; they will help you resolve the situation. You can also get assistance from SAIP or Campus Safety.
In the case of a medical emergency, go to the nearest treatment facility and phone On Call International through their 24/7 number (+1-978-651-9219) as soon as possible.
Plan financially for medical and emergency-related costs. For non-emergency medical needs, you may be able to arrange care through a nearby facility in the On Call International network so that no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred. Just be sure to contact On Call International or report your need for medical care to SAIP before your appointment so that a Guarantee of Payment can be issued. If you see another provider, On Call International can ask the treatment facility if they would be willing to establish a direct bill relationship. If this is not possible, you must pay up-front for services. Please bring a credit card and have access to extra cash to cover any medical expenses, and be sure to hold on to your receipts. You will be able to submit a claim for reimbursement after treatment. Never defer medical treatment because of financial concerns.
Inform yourself and adhere to instructions and tips about health and safety. Be sure to read the information in your orientation materials, on the U.S. Department of State’s Travel site (See http://travel.state.gov/ and enter your country), and on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm) to inform yourself about and prepare yourself for health and safety concerns abroad. While you are abroad, be sure to pay attention to and follow the advice and tips provided to you by Pitzer and on-site staff.