Aix en ProvenceSafety and Study Abroad

How safe is study abroad?  While no program, domestic or international, can provide a 100% guarantee of safety, study abroad is neither safer nor more dangerous than studying in the United States.  Students need to utilize maturity and act responsibly, regardless of whether their campus is across town, across the state, across the country, or across the world. 

At the same time, the health and safety of our students and faculty is a primary concern for APA.  We have made every effort to make our programs and exchanges as safe as possible and to ensure that our students and faculty have the information they need to make safe and informed decisions.

APA's Responsibility

  • Design programs that embody the best practices in the field of education abroad with regards to safety and security using resources such as SAFETI and NAFSA.
  • Regularly review program locations and activities for suitable safety procedures.
  • Monitor US State Department warnings and travel advisories. LSU prohibits travel to locations for which the U.S. State Department has issued an official travel warning.
  • Conduct annual risk management training for faculty and staff participating in APA programs.
  • Conduct orientations for students prior to departure with information on health, safety, emergency contacts, and site-specific considerations.
  • Collect and review medical information, including information on medications taken regularly and registered disabilities, from every program participant.
  • Procure health insurance and medical evacuation insurance for all students participating in international programs.
  • Maintain communication with program participants, hosts, faculty, and service providers while traveling.

Students' Responsibility

  • Read and carefully consider all program materials, including those provided by host universities and/or service providers.
  • Participate fully in all pre-departure orientations.
  • Conduct their own research into the sites they will visit.
  • Understand and comply with the Student Code of Conduct and the terms of participation for the program.
  • Obey the laws of the host culture. Avoid illegal activities and substances.
  • Accept responsibility for their decisions and actions.
  • Complete a pre-departure safety training with On Call.

What Parents Can Do

  • Discuss your student's travel plans with them; discuss both travel with the university and any independent travel your student intends to take.
  • Program On Call's number (844-302-5131) into your phone and/or make sure it’s stored in an easily accessible place, so you can report problems quickly.
  • Attend the parent orientation (for international exchanges and short-term programs).
  • Discuss with your student their specific medical concerns and how travel will affect them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
  • Keep a copy of passports, flight itineraries, insurance cards, and credit cards, so that these items can be quickly replaced and/or cancelled if lost.