Health, Wellness & Safety Abroad
Health & Wellness Abroad
Going abroad is an exciting experience! At CEA CAPA, we believe that planning for your health and wellness before you arrive at your program destination is key to enjoying your program to the fullest.
CEA CAPA programs are carefully planned with your safety and wellness in mind. We follow nationally recognized health and safety guidelines and standards in the international education field, as well as local requirements in our program locations.
Our onsite student support teams are trained in emergency response and student affairs. CEA CAPA's dedicated Health & Safety Team is available to speak with you and answer safety and security questions you may have about your experience abroad or program destination.
When the Unexpected Happens
No one expects their phone or passport to get stolen while abroad, but these things, as well as other unexpected situations, can occur. We are prepared to support you if you become ill or experience a health or safety emergency during your program. Every program destination has a local CEA CAPA team trained in student support and emergency response, and they are available to assist you onsite by connecting you with local authorities, providing guidance on next steps, or referring you to support services. Regardless of how large or small the incident, rest assured that CEA CAPA is available to help you and point you in the right direction.
Attending orientation makes a difference. Plus, it's mandatory for all CEA CAPA students! During onsite orientation, our CEA CAPA team will provide invaluable information about impoprtant cultural differences, how to live (and blend in) like a local, satety tips, how to access local medical or mental health services, maintain your overall wellbegin, and what to do if you feel unsafe or experience an emergency.
Communication is also key. During the program, we'll frequently communicate with you via email, and when necessary, our emergency communication app. Having a working cell phone (that does not depend on Wi-Fi) is a requirement so we can reach you in the event of an emergency, regardless of where you may be traveling. Your CEA CAPA onsite support team will give you a 24/7 emergency number during orientation, as well as other important numbers for emergency services. Save these numbers in your phone for quick access to assistance and support.
Planning for your time abroad
We encourage you to talk to your current medical provider(s) about how to best care for your wellbeing abroad, and how support services in your program destination may differ from what you’re used to receiving at home. Additional information on health and travel may be found online through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We also strongly recommend that all students are up to date on all CDC recommended vaccinations for your program location and any other destinations where you hope to plan personal travel.
Once you apply to CEA CAPA, you will be able to share any information that will allow us to assist you in planning health and support services, accommodations, or appointments you may need while onsite. Our Health and Safety team is also available to speak with you individually.
While CEA CAPA will provide you with information on safety and security abroad in your CEA CAPA Student Portal, it's also important for you to do your own research. You are ultimately responsible for your personal health and safety while abroad. In addition to travel guides, check out the U.S. Department of State International Travel website, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your program destination(s), and reputable online media outlets for current events. Talk with your family, support network, home institution study abroad office, CEA CAPA advisor, and others who have traveled or studied in your program destination.
You will also have access to your individual CEA CAPA Student Portal where you can:
- Read more about health and wellness abroad.
- Obtain additional health and wellness tips and resources to help you prepare for your valuable abroad experience.
- Learn about our international accident and illness insurance coverage.
International Accident and Illness Insurance
Your program includes an international accident and illness health insurance plan administered through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). It was specifically designed to meet most insurance needs of students abroad. We encourage you to speak with your support network and your current insurance provider to discuss any unique insurance needs you may have.
This insurance coverage is valid from the CEA CAPA program start date to the program end date and is included in your overall program cost. We will enroll you in the insurance coverage two to three weeks before your program start date. If you plan to travel after your CEA CAPA program ends, we encourage you to extend your CISI insurance coverage for 30 days (at your own expense) by visiting mycisi.com, or by contacting CISI directly at 800-303-8120 or enrollment@mycisi.com
Some highlights of the insurance plan include:
- Generous benefits for medical care up to policy maximums
- Mental health treatment coverage
- Emergency medical reunion and evacuation services
- Provider referral services and emergency assistance
- Easy process for filing insurance reimbursement claims
Students can download a copy of their CISI brochure in their CEA CAPA Portal.
Emergency Health Assistance
CISI partners closely with AXA Team Assist which is an international emergency assistance company available to help you while abroad. Calling AXA Team Assist gives you access to information about local medical providers, where the nearest hospital is located, instructions on what to do in an emergency, and more. AXA Team Assist is available 24/7 and their contact information will be provided during our onsite orientation.
Support Services and Accommodations
CEA CAPA is committed to helping all students access an abroad opportunity. If you receive accommodations or services at your home university and would like the same support during your program, it is important that you speak with your CEA CAPA advisor early in the pre-departure process. Request a copy of the Academic & Residential Life Accommodation Request Form and provide a detailed account of your accommodation requests.
Accommodations may differ greatly in your program destination from what you currently receive, or they may not be available at all. CEA CAPA cannot guarantee that accommodations will be available to you. We will work closely with you to investigate the possibilities for accommodations in your desired program destination. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation from your home institution and your healthcare providers for any accommodation requests.