Emergency Protocols

Emergency Protocols

Safety is CEA’s first priority, and while we cannot guarantee the absolute safety of any individual student, staff, or faculty member, we have implemented risk management processes to help minimize the risks to those participating in a CEA study program, custom program, or internship. Pro-active risk management at CEA involves:

• Vetting of all vendors, homestays, and university partners to include reviewing safety records, appropriate insurance coverages, and student policies
• Arrival cards in hard copy and/or electronic formats that provide emergency service information for all program participants
• Trained and experienced staff to support and resolve issues onsite
• 24/7 Emergency Phones to contact with a CEA Staff member as needed
• Requiring all participants to have a working cell phone while on-site that is not dependent on Wi-Fi and sharing that number with On-site staff and CEA HQ
• Mandatory Arrival Orientations that review cultural adaptation and norms
• Emergency Contact/Response drills with students, staff & faculty post-arrival

The comprehensive CEA General Emergency Protocol addresses both singular student incidents and mass incidents, and is complemented by site-specific evacuation plans for students and staff. Onsite Emergency Protocols include all contact information for CEA staff, local authorities, partner institutions, student contact numbers, security precautions, and specific guidelines for onsite staff on liaison with CEA Headquarters regarding potential emergency situations.

The CEA Student Emergency Protocol focuses on the immediate safety of and communication with students and additional follow-up with staff, faculty, and university partners.

CEA advises students to:

1. Take shelter in place, or find a safe place to stay.
2. Contact your Emergency Contact and family members.
3. Contact CEA and respond to CEA communications.
4. Follow the directions of local authorities.

CEA will post information to our Updates as needed regarding issues that may impact the student experience abroad, including natural disasters or terrorism incidents. CEA communicates with university partners, who opt-in to receive CEA messaging, when situations arise abroad which have direct impact on CEA locations or CEA program participants. We value our partnerships and are happy to discuss the specific communication needs of your institution, including reporting requirements for health and safety or emergency situations.