Stage 4: On Location

Safety Planning and Mitigation

Safety Orientation

It is important to provide students with an on-site safety orientation upon arrival to mitigate potential risks that could occur during the program. Below is a list of duties to consider:

General

  • Provide on-site orientation to introduce the students to the host site and culture
  • Review program schedule/itinerary
  • Review host country information (local laws, regulations, customs, cultural differences, language)
  • Provide on-site orientation package (map, schedule, contacts, etc.)
  • Go over goals and expectations for the program and review behaviour expectations

On-Site Orientation

  • Inform students of local laws and regulations (research location laws prior to leaving)
  • Provide location-specific health and safety information
    • Identify high risk/dangerous areas (places to avoid)
    • Nearest local clinics and hospitals including hours of operation, availability of English-speaking doctors, cost and method of payment for treatment
  • Review emergency protocols and action plan in event of a crisis that affects the entire group i.e. natural disaster, act of terrorism, political crisis, kidnapping etc.
  • Ensure students have all emergency contact information and important numbers (ISOS, faculty cell phone, embassy, numbers for local police or hospital)
  • Review culturally appropriate behaviour (dress, PDA, sexuality, drinking, gender roles etc.)
  • Review student code of conduct, student-faculty or team contract, and other policies

Accidents, Illness and Incidents

Make sure to document all accidents, illnesses and incidents, and provide this to the Safety Abroad Coordinator at Western International after your trip.

Emergency Contact

In times of emergency, your first point of contact should be International SOS for immediate assistance. They can be reached by phone (+1 215 942 8478), email or through their Assistance App. ISOS will then contact Western International, who will reach out and escalate where necessary. The Safety Abroad Coordinator will be available to update emergency contacts and other relevant persons accordingly.