Health and Safety
Cal Poly has administered study abroad programs for more than 25 years, and student safety and security has been the highest priority. Study abroad staff monitors international conditions affecting student safety and provide relevant information to program participants. We closely monitor the world situation by following U.S. State Department warnings, and continuing with overseas staff and service providers, about the political climate. All Cal Poly program participants are registered with the local American Embassy or Consulate. In the event of an emergency, a crisis response team and procedures are in place to respond, and University Police maintains a 24-hour emergency phone number.
Cal Poly cannot guarantee student safety or eliminate all risks associated with a stay abroad. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Students, parents, and study abroad programs all have a role to play in minimizing potential dangers. Students are encouraged to conduct themselves in a prudent manner, pay particular attention to local conditions, and assume responsibility for the consequences of personal decisions and actions.
Students are required to participate in pre-departure orientations for all faculty-led quarter abroad programs, department exchanges, and affiliated programs and are responsible for becoming familiar with all materials provided, including safety guidelines and procedures. Orientation information contains information for faculty and students about health and safety issues related to international travel. Adherence to this information, along with adopting appropriate behavior for the host culture and using caution and common sense while abroad, can prevent many emergency situations. Cal Poly makes every effort to provide students the information they need to make responsible decisions about their participation in, and conduct during, a study abroad program.
Students are encouraged to utilize the following resources to prepare for their study abroad programs:
- U.S. Department of State (http://travel.state.gov) for travel advisories and warnings, along with country background notes
- U.S. Department of State (http://studentsabroad.state.gov) for current information on health and safety for study abroad students
- Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.html) for health information and vaccination requirements
- The SAFETI Clearinghouse (http://www.globaled.us/safeti/aboutsafeti.html) for information related to safety and study abroad and a study abroad handbook
- PLATO (http://globaled.us/plato/) for an online course and resources for pre-departure and re-entry