Emergency Response Plan
We have created an Emergency Response Plan for our study abroad locations that will be implemented by both our staff in Australia and our U.S.-based staff in Chicago. Our staff will work with students, parents, and study abroad staff at the student’s home university to provide the most up-to-date information regarding any situations that may arise while studying abroad. Our participants will be given Emergency Contact Information before they depart the U.S. and also briefed at orientation on specific instructions to follow in case of an emergency.
TEAN Protocols
In the event of a health emergency, serious accident, natural disaster, crime, or death each program location has a contingency plan that can be activated. The Education Abroad Network will contact participants, their emergency contacts, and home universities in the event of such a situation.
Disclaimer – Nothing in this plan is a guarantee that any specific action will be taken in any given situation, nor is anything in this document a contract or part of a contract between TEAN and any other party, nor is any statement in this document intended to sell a service to a prospective customer, nor to attempt to persuade any party to avail themselves of any program or service provided by TEAN. Health, safety, and recovery from emergency situations are the sole responsibilities of each individual participant.
After Hours Urgent Line
TEAN personnel are available to assist you with an emergency 24/7. In addition to having access to on-site TEAN staff as well as instructions on contacting Police/Fire/Ambulance in your host country, you and your family will be able to reach us after hours in the event of an emergency. Although we will not always be your best resource to resolve an issue directly, we work in conjunction with our partners on the ground to make sure students get a quick resolution in crisis situations.
Please call 1-800-585-9658 or 312-239-3710 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm, CST. For urgent assistance after business hours, please call 574.239.6545. The Urgent After Hours number will connect you with U.S. based TEAN staff who likely do not work with this program directly, but will help connect you with the correct person.
Safety While Abroad
We are committed to the health and safety of every participant. It is very important that students make informed decisions about their study and travel destinations. We continually monitor the safety and security of our study abroad program locations as well as popular student travel destinations. We continue to advise students of the safety and health risks associated with studying and traveling abroad based on the information from the U.S. Department of State travel warnings, local law enforcement, the Australian government, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the World Health Organization.
Tips for Personal Safety
Emergency Contacts: Be sure to designate a parent or guardian as your Emergency Contact. This way, information regarding an emergency situation will automatically be passed on to your parents. Also make sure to provide us with your Emergency Contact’s most up-to-date contact information.
Communication Information: Provide TEAN with accurate and up-to-date contact information regarding your telephone, cell phone, address, and email address. Be sure to notify your parents and TEAN staff in Australia in case of an emergency.
Keep Others Informed: Tell others (your roommates, your parents, your on-site TEAN staff) your travel plans. Keeping others informed will make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
Stay Informed: Research the political, cultural, and social climate of your study and travel abroad destination before heading overseas. While abroad, read local newspapers and watch local news broadcasts for developments that may affect your health and safety. If you have questions, please contact us either in the U.S. or abroad.