Be prepared for today’s new risks for student travel
New Challenges in Today’s Travel Abroad Programs
In today’s globalized world, student travel is an essential part of the educational experience, offering opportunities for cultural immersion, language acquisition, and personal growth. However, these rewards come with significant risks, particularly in a post-pandemic environment where international travel is fraught with new challenges.
For example, a US college student suffered a syncopal episode, a sudden loss of consciousness due to an abrupt drop in blood pressure, while walking in Madagascar. Despite receiving treatment at a local medical clinic, her condition did not improve, and a medical evacuation to a hospital capable of a higher level of care had to be initiated. Following additional treatment, her condition improved and she was discharged.
As college and university risk managers, it is your responsibility to anticipate and mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff abroad.
Getting Back on a Growth Trajectory
The landscape of study abroad programs has shifted dramatically in recent years. Before the pandemic, study abroad was on a growth trajectory, with eight million students projected to participate by 2025. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 disrupted this trend, forcing colleges and universities to repatriate students, cancel programs, and adopt remote learning solutions. Participation in US study abroad programs plummeted by 91% during the 2020-2021 academic year.
As the world adjusts to a post-pandemic environment, student travel is once again on the rise. Institutions have adapted by offering hybrid learning options and shorter, more flexible travel programs. This shift, which began before the pandemic, has accelerated in recent years, with fewer students opting for semester-long stays and more choosing short-term experiences.
Where Travel Abroad Students Are Going Now
Traditionally, Europe has been the preferred destination for US students, with 40% of participants choosing to study in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. These countries are favored for their relative safety, familiar healthcare systems, and ease of access in emergencies. However, there has been a noticeable shift towards less conventional destinations, such as Asia and South America. Over the past decade, the number of American students studying in Asia has increased by 33%, while those in South America and the Caribbean have grown by 27%.
These emerging destinations present unique challenges that require more robust travel protection measures.
When a student studying abroad in China started vomiting blood, she relied on medical experts to assist the Chinese doctors in the detailed review of the student's past and current medical reports. In India, a wild dog bit a college student who was there for a foreign studies program. He relied on essential translation services, medical records review, and help obtaining and administering the medication needed.
In countries with less developed healthcare infrastructure or higher risks of political instability, students and staff may need access to 24/7 medical advisory services and field rescue capabilities. These risks underscore the importance of a comprehensive risk management strategy that includes medical and security evacuation, natural disaster preparedness, and contingency planning for civil unrest.
Reviewing Your Duty of Care Policies
The legal concept of "duty of care" is central to managing these risks. Colleges and universities have a legal and ethical obligation to protect their students and staff while they are abroad. This responsibility was brought into sharp focus in the case of Cara Munn, a student who contracted encephalitis from a tick bite during a school-sponsored trip to China. The school was found to have breached its duty of care due to the lack of a comprehensive risk management plan, resulting in a $41.5 million settlement. This case highlights the critical importance of having well-developed and executed plans in place.
To protect students and staff, it is essential to evaluate and update duty of care policies regularly. This includes ensuring that all staff and students understand their responsibilities, assessing travel risks by destination, and developing robust risk management and crisis response plans. Training staff and establishing clear communication protocols with students are also crucial components of a comprehensive duty of care policy. Technology solutions can assist in tracking and assessing incidents in real-time, while post-travel feedback can help refine safety protocols.
Not all institutions have the in-house expertise to develop and maintain a comprehensive travel risk management program. Partnering with specialized organizations can provide critical support, from evaluating current risk management practices to developing new protocols tailored to today’s travel environment.
Real-world examples illustrate the importance of being prepared for any eventuality. When protests erupted in Hong Kong in 2019, timely intelligence enabled the swift and safe evacuation of a student, avoiding potential harm. During that same year, riots in Chile triggered the deployment of a third-party security team to provide on-the-ground assessments and planning to guide university officials to make informed decisions regarding if and when to initiate student and faculty extractions. But emergencies do not always mean an evacuation. When a US graduate student’s passport was stolen, the replacement process was expedited by securing an urgent embassy appointment and minimizing disruption to her studies.
A well-implemented duty of care policy is the cornerstone of any risk management strategy. Ensure that your policy is not just a document but a living framework that guides your institution's approach to student and staff safety during travel. Regularly update and communicate the policy and ensure that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities.
The Rewards of Travel Abroad Haven't Gone Anywhere
In an unpredictable world, the risks associated with student travel are real, but so are the rewards. By taking proactive steps to manage these risks, higher education risk managers can ensure that students and staff are well-protected, allowing them to fully benefit from the life-changing experiences that international travel offers.
Partnering with experts and continuously refining your institution’s risk management practices can provide the confidence that every precaution has been taken to ensure the safety of students and staff during their international experiences.
8/27/2024
By David Leopold, Global Director Sales, Global Rescue
By Harding Bush, Director, Security Operations, Global Rescue
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