Safety Abroad
Health and safety are our number one priority on every one of our CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs. Dedicated program staff, 24/7 in-country emergency support, and comprehensive travel protection give participants — and parents — peace of mind during the study abroad experience. Specifically, CIEE takes the following steps to best ensure students remain safe and healthy while on program:
- Enrolls participants in iNext Travel Protection’s platinum policy
- Encourages participants to enroll in the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Conducts regular safety reviews and audits of CIEE sites worldwide by the CIEE Health, Safety & Security team
- Facilitates a pre-departure orientation and correlating pre-departure course online that includes important health and safety information
- Provides emergency support 24/7
- Participants do their part in positioning CIEE to successfully support them through fully and transparently completing their entire CIEE application including all relevant pieces tied to health
- Has a robust active emergency and communication plan that includes evacuation assistance and security intelligence services
- Is part of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, a division of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in the U.S. Department of State
To learn more about CIEE Health, Safety & Security's team and sign up for safety alerts, check out ciee.org/safety.
24/7 Support
While in-country, participants receive support through our CIEE Support Team and CIEE local staff. CIEE local staff members are the people responsible for finding, screening, and matching students with their host families or in dorms or apartments. They support participants throughout the enrollment process, monitor their well-being during the program, and write periodic reports to CIEE about their progress.
CIEE local staff members are a source of comfort, building bonds with participants while they prepare for their journey, then greeting them on arrival and acting as helpful guides. As a go-to resource, they might be called on to help with cultural adjustment, or to offer advice on finding volunteer activities — anything having to do with the program and the participant’s daily life.
Additionally, our Support department at our headquarters in Portland, Maine is on call 24/7 to provide emergency support and resolve any issues that may arise.
Setting You up for Success
You will take part in an online orientation prior to your departure. In addition to providing logistical information, the orientation helps you set realistic expectations and goals. It also affords you and your parents the opportunity to ask CIEE Study Center staff questions.
An in-country orientation will take place at the CIEE Study Center upon arrival. The goal of this orientation is to help introduce you to your new city, country, host family, and fellow Gap Year Abroad participants. The academic program will be reviewed, health and safety tips will be covered, and faculty and staff will offer advice on adjusting to a new language and culture. You will be met at the airport upon arrival by CIEE Study Center staff, who will also assist in the final transfer to your housing.
Insurance for Study Abroad
CIEE enrolls all Gap Year Abroad participants in iNext’s Platinum Plan with coverage for security evacuation at no additional cost. This specific plan is one of the most comprehensive and inclusive plans offered by study abroad providers worldwide.
Participants who are U.S. residents are covered by iNext international travel insurance, in addition to any coverage provided by their own primary insurance providers. The iNext policy covers accidents or illnesses while abroad. If participants require medical attention, they’ll have to pay up front and then contact the iNext department at CIEE for instructions on how to submit a claim.
CIEE also purchases participants a supplemental policy that covers evacuation from the host country, in case it is required as a result of political unrest or natural disaster. All costs associated with purchasing iNext insurance are included as part of the program price. Participants do have the option to choose from an array of other policies and products offered by iNext at cost. For more information, please visit www.inext.com.