Safety FAQs

The staff at CEA is closely monitoring the current world situation as well as the situation at all CEA program sites. CEA conducts orientation sessions and provides each student safety tips for their particular destination and has established a comprehensive emergency plan that that will enable the staff to make swift and sound decisions to protect and ensure the safety and welfare of all CEA participants. We are responsible for providing a comprehensive predeparture and onsite orientation for students that includes health and safety information. We provide updates on safety and hold general student meetings when relevant. Although we do everything we can to prepare students and keep informed of health and safety information, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to follow suggestions and guidelines, in addition to staying in contact with the resident staff regarding their travel plans and other important information. CEA, nor any other study abroad advisor, can ever guarantee a student's safety.

The CEA Tempe staff communicates daily with the resident staff. CEA's resident staff has been trained in emergency procedures and has practiced scenarios for various situations. Additionally our Resident Directors have regular meetings with CEA students and are in contact with local police agencies. The Resident Directors assist in registering all CEA students with the local US embassy or consulate. Students on CEA programs go through an intensive orientation so there is a heightened awareness to use common sense and keep a low profile. During orientation, all CEA students receive the resident staff's 24-hour contact information.

There would have to be a Travel Warning for the host country issued by the US State Department in order for the program to be cancelled. Recent travel warnings have been issued for select countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, however, there have been no travel warnings for any of the countries where CEA hosts programs.

On February 6, 2003, the US State Department released a Worldwide Caution Public Announcement to remind Americans to remain vigilant due to a heightened threat of terrorism and to avoid demonstrations. This announcement concerns Americans whether they are in the US or traveling abroad.

A Public Announcement is used to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions that pose significant risks or disruptions to Americans. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country.

The decision to cancel a program due to Travel Warning will be made by the Executive Officers at CEA in accordance with the other leaders in the study abroad industry and the Health and Safety Committee of NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

This is a worst-case scenario and an unlikely event. However, if there is a need to evacuate, CEA resident staff would escort students to the nearest international departure city by train or bus so they can take a commercial flight out of the country. The type of plan that CEA would put into action will depend on the situation and the safest method of travel for the students. Tempe office and the resident staff will work closely together to execute the emergency plan.

Again:

• Students are registered at the US embassy or consulate. Not only does CEA have an emergency plan in place but the US embassy will be fully aware and will work with CEA and other study abroad providers to get students home safely.
• resident staff has the home and cell phone number of every CEA student so they will be able to contact the student in case of emergency.
• There is constant communication between resident staff and the Tempe office. The key in an emergency situation is communication and information and the dissemination of such is our top priority.

CEA's Refund Policy states that once the program begins, refunds are not granted for meals, housing, tuition, CEA-sponsored excursions, or transportation unused by students due to absence or any other reason.

If CEA cancels a program due to a Travel Warning, accepted applicants are given the choice of (1) deferring to a future program session; (2) switching to a different CEA program site; or (3) a full refund of all recoverable fees less the $75 online application or $95 manual application fee.

CEA will only cancel a program if the State Department issues a Travel Warning for that particular country. This policy is in accord with other study abroad providers. In CEA history, there has never been a need to cancel a program because of a Travel Warning.

Although individual Americans are generally well-liked abroad, host nationals will often question the activities of the US Government and may espouse anti-American views. This has occurred for sometime, both in peaceful and crisis periods. Using common sense, keeping a low profile, dressing to blend in, speaking softly, avoiding overt displays of American patriotism and staying away from known established American locations (like McDonald's or Hard Rock Café) all help to alleviate this issue. Students are always advised to avoid all public demonstrations. Additionally, during orientation, CEA students are provided with location specific information.

CEA is committed to international education and encourages students to study abroad. We believe these kinds of international experiences broaden one's view of the world and increase cross-cultural understanding. By studying abroad, students can help to forge relationships across national and cultural boundaries that promote peace. However, the decision ultimately rests with the student. CEA will work with the student, the student's family and university to provide the most current, comprehensive information to aid in the decision making process.

CEA advisors are available to talk with students and parents about their concerns. Please call CEA at 1-800-266-4441 or email us. Institutional representatives should contact University Relations.