Health & Safety
Health and safety is a top priority for all of our study abroad programs and trips. Behind the scenes, the EdOdyssey team spends countless hours planning and preparing for just about any situation so you don’t have you. Here is how EdOdyssey works to mitigate risk and support the health and safety of all our participants:
Comprehensive Insurance
EdOdyssey is fully insured as an organization and carries an international emergency medical policy that covers participants. Specifics about our insurance coverage can be found on your Program Page and you should contact us at any time with questions.
In addition, we encourage travelers to consider supplemental insurance for themselves, and strongly suggest travel insurance with cancel for any reason (CFAR) and quarantine coverage. Visit your Program Page for suggestions or ask your program contact.
Established Health, Security, & Emergency Protocols
EdOdyssey maintains extensive emergency protocols and procedures that are regularly updated and reviewed annually during training session with our entire team. From non-urgent incidents to serious emergencies, we’re always planning ahead, just in case.
Enhanced Safety Guidelines in Response to COVID-19
In response to the pandemic and impact of COVID-19, EdOdyssey is closely monitoring conditions on the ground, travel restrictions and rules, and implementing country-specific protocols to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19. Our enhanced safety guidelines include social distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes and during other site-visits/activities, quarantine procedures, and access to local testing.
Monitoring & Communication
EdOdyssey’s local teams are experts in their respective country and constantly monitoring local events and situations. We monitor governmental security sources and receive safety and security alerts for all of our locations. Should a serious event arise, we will regularly update you - students, faculty, parents, home school/college/university - with the most up-to-date information. Travelers should also register in S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) to receive updates and emergency information.
24/7 Emergency Support
While abroad, students and faculty will have emergency contact information for EdOdyssey, any local partners, and local authorities. Our international emergency medical policy also has 24/7 on-call emergency phone support.
In-Country Networks & Local Support
We work in countries that our team calls home and maintain contact with local authorities, U.S. Embassies and Consulates, our partner communities and organizations, and other professionals. Should you need to see a medical or mental health professional, our team will help connect you with an English-speaking provider. In the case of emergency, we’re always prepared and have hospitals and clinics identified in all destinations included in our itinerary.
Required Cell Phone
We strongly recommend all travelers have a cell phone that works abroad in case of an emergency. For long-term programs, such as our semester study abroad, a local cell phone is mandatory and our local team will help you set-up your local cell during orientation.
Mandatory Orientation & Resources
Before departure, EdOdyssey host a pre-departure meeting or supplies pre-departure resources to the faculty-leader/school/college/university. Upon arrival in-country, our local team also hosts an orientation and will review the most important country-specific details including emergency contacts, health/safety/security procedures, cultural reminders, and the “911” equivalent.
Helpful resources regarding health, safety, and culture are also shared with participants during the pre-departure process on your Program Page so your time abroad is fun, educational, and safe. Some general resources include:
-US Embassies Abroad Main Page
-US State Department: Travel Advisories and more
-US State Department: Information for U.S. Student Travelers
Have a question? Click here to contact us or get in touch with your Program Coordinator.