Safety First
A commitment to student safety is a hallmark of our study abroad programming. International Programs and the Education Abroad and International Programs staff daily monitors media and governmental sources to ensure students are in safe learning environments.
Additionally, safety considerations are built into our programming and our program approval. Each program, before it is approved for student participation, is reviewed for safety concerns. International Programs administrators visit each site to evaluate the program for a variety of criteria, including safety. Moreover, it may be helpful to know that all of our programs have on-site directors who orient students to the culture and prepare them to live and study in their new homes.
Our International Risk Management Committee reviews all of the locations where Messiah students are studying. Meeting at least twice each year, the Committee seeks to ensure that our students will have a safe semester abroad.
Before students leave for their program, they take part in mandatory four-part pre-departure orientation sessions to prepare for their overseas experiences. Two sessions have a safety emphasis: "Health and Safety in an International Setting" and " SAFE: Self-Defense Awareness & Familiarization Exchange (For women).
Following are some of the safety links we use and you may find useful:
Centers for Disease Control: Travelers’ Health
US State Department International Travel Information
- Travel Warnings
- Travel Alerts
- Country Specific Information
- Country Background NotesÂ
- International Travel Information for Students
