Pre-Departure

Before Leaving the Country

CEA Global Education takes special steps to ensure students, their families and academic institutions are well-prepped for what to expect while studying abroad in a foreign country. While we do not wish to dissuade anyone from the tangible benefits of cultural immersion, we do hope you, your students and their families are assured that CEA Global Education has taken the necessary steps to ensure your students’ safety and well-being.

An exhaustive list of Student Tips and Parent Tips are available online to help prepare for a safe and valuable study abroad experience. University faculty and staff should read the information below before advising students further on health and safety while studying abroad with CEA Global Education.

Insurance

CEA Global Education requires students to purchase a mandatory health insurance plan while abroad. CEA utilizes the provider HTH Worldwide Insurance. The cost is supplemental to the program price and differs dependent on program length. The cost will be reflected on the students' invoice.

Medical Facilities Abroad

During orientation, international staff will provide students with all medical facility contact information. International directors will ensure that the students have access to quality medical care. They will aid the students in making arrangements with doctors and when necessary will accompany them to appointments. International staff also will make students aware of English-speaking doctors where available.

Mental Health

Studying abroad will not fix any problems that students are having at home or at school. Students will not be able to escape their issues; they may even be amplified. When going into a new situation in a new country, students are likely to experience culture shock. Without their friends and family from home, students often suffer from an initial feeling of isolation that will fade with time.

Students with a past history of depression should make sure to note it on a medical questionnaire they fill out for CEA Global Education. International staff, if aware can help alleviate some of the students’ concerns and can provide local counselor information, including English-speaking counselors as available.

Disabled Students

Oftentimes, countries outside the US do not have the legislation and infrastructure to accommodate disabled individuals in the way they are aided in the United States. Disabled students should investigate the conditions of their prospective host countries prior to applying for a program. Check out the Mobility International website for additional information.

Students should be aware that in some situations there will be additional charges incurred for handicap accessible housing. They also should note that CEA has limited staff abroad and cannot guarantee that all activities and excursions will be handicap accessible.