Your personal safety while you are on an education abroad program is important to all of us at CU and we are committed to promoting a safe experience and to offering reliable information on potential risks and necessary precautions; however, this is a collaborative effort. You must be active and engaged and prepared to take responsibility for keeping yourself healthy and safe. 

CU Boulder Education Abroad adheres to the following practices regarding its programs:
 

• Education Abroad routinely monitors health, safety, and security conditions in all program locations through a number of channels, as outlined on our Assessment of Education Abroad Programs page.
• Education Abroad provides health, safety, and security information so you can make informed decisions during your program.
• Education Abroad provides pre-departure resources that include information on how to deal with health, safety, security issues, potential risks, and appropriate emergency responses.
• Education Abroad enrolls you in limited accident and health insurance coverage, including coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Education Abroad enrolls you in International SOS' TravelTracker service, which keeps travelers updated on potential health, safety, and security risks that might arise while you are on-site.
• Education Abroad communicates applicable codes of conduct and the consequences of noncompliance to participants. Education Abroad takes appropriate action when we become aware of violations. In cases of serious health problems, injury, or other significant health and safety incidents, Education Abroad maintains communication with all who need to be informed.

While Education Abroad prioritizes your health & safety, there are limitations on what Education Abroad can and should do in its role to support you. This includes the following:
 

• Education Abroad cannot guarantee or assure your safety or eliminate all risks during your program.
• Education Abroad cannot monitor or control all of your daily personal decisions, choices, and activities.
• Education Abroad cannot guarantee you will not engage in illegal or dangerous activities.
• Education Abroad cannot ensure U.S. standards of medical care or the process to receive care will be available (even in developed countries).
• Education Abroad cannot ensure U.S. standards of due process apply in overseas legal proceedings; nor can we provide or pay for legal representation for you.

Education Abroad encourages you to take an active role in your own health and safety, both in preparing for your program and while abroad. This includes the following: 
 

• Take an active role in your health and safety by exercising good judgment, remaining aware of your surroundings at all times, and following health and safety best practices, as you would maintain at home and in any new environment.
• Review the pre-departure resources made available to you.
• Research your host county's cultural norms, especially those related to your own identity, and current/historical social, political, and cultural events.
• Disclose your health and medical needs and discuss your travel plans with a medical professional.
• Adhere to the advice of Education Abroad, your program, and/or your host university, in addition to U.S. and international government and local laws and regulations.
• Monitor your CU Boulder email for any updates related to health and safety, as well as programmatic updates. 
• Register your travel with the USDOS Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
• Ask questions, especially if you are unsure, concerned, or feel uncomfortable or unsafe.