Emergency Planning & Communication

While major emergencies abroad are rare, it's important to have a plan before you leave. Talk with your family, friends, and travel companions about how you would handle unexpected situations and who should be contacted if an emergency occurs.

Before You Travel

Create an Emergency Financial Plan

  • Keep an emergency credit card or backup source of funds.
  • Consider giving a trusted family member the ability to assist with financial matters if needed.

Discuss Medical Emergencies

  • Determine who should be contacted if you are hospitalized.
  • Understand what support is available through your GeoBlue insurance and program staff.

Create a Communication Plan

  • Decide how often you will check in with family and friends.
  • Establish alternate ways to communicate if internet or phone service is unavailable.

Additional Safety Tips

  • Encourage a trusted family member or friend to maintain a valid passport in case emergency travel is needed.
  • Monitor your SCSU email regularly while abroad for important updates and emergency notifications.
  • Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures provided by your host institution and program.

Important Emergency Contact

Save this number before departure: (320) 308-3333

St. Cloud State University's Public Safety Office is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can assist students and families during emergencies abroad by connecting them with the appropriate university resources and Education Abroad staff.

Having a plan and knowing who to contact can provide peace of mind and help you respond quickly if an unexpected situation occurs while abroad.

Sexual Assault & Personal Safety

Your safety and well-being are a top priority while studying abroad. While most students have positive experiences overseas, it's important to be aware that sexual harassment and sexual assault are global issues, and cultural attitudes, laws, and reporting procedures may vary from country to country.

Important: You never have to participate in any activity or situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Trust your instincts and prioritize your personal safety.

If you experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any form of unwanted sexual contact while abroad:

  • Get to a safe location as soon as possible.
  • Contact local emergency services or law enforcement if needed.
  • Notify your faculty leader, program director, host university staff, or another trusted individual.
  • Seek medical attention for any injuries and to discuss testing, treatment, emergency contraception, or other healthcare needs.
  • Reach out to available support resources, both locally and through SCSU.

Remember that reporting processes and support services may differ by country. In some locations, healthcare providers may be required to notify local authorities when treating survivors of sexual assault.

Tips to Help Reduce Risk

While no one is ever responsible for being harassed or assaulted, there are steps you can take to increase your personal safety while abroad:

  • Travel with friends whenever possible.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep emergency contact information with you at all times.
  • Learn key phrases in the local language, especially those related to seeking help or reporting an emergency.
  • Share your location and travel plans with trusted friends when traveling.
  • Familiarize yourself with local laws, customs, and safety resources.
  • Review available Sexual Violence and Misconduct resources before departure.
Important: If you experience sexual harassment, assault, or misconduct while abroad, you are not alone. Support is available through your program staff, local resources, your GeoBlue insurance assistance services, and St. Cloud State University.

Your health, safety, and well-being are important. If something doesn't feel right, trust yourself, seek help, and reach out to someone you trust.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct & Violence

St. Cloud State University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students. This commitment extends to education abroad programs and includes addressing concerns related to sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and other forms of sexual misconduct.

If you experience or witness sexual misconduct while abroad, support and reporting options are available. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and report concerns as soon as they feel comfortable doing so.

Reporting Options & Support Resources

The "Report It" page provides information about:

  • How to report sexual misconduct online or in person.
  • Options for contacting local law enforcement.
  • Confidential and non-confidential support resources.
  • Available accommodations and support measures for students.
  • The Title IX reporting and investigation process.
  • Resources available both during and after an incident.

Important: You are not alone. Whether an incident occurs on campus, abroad, or during program-related activities, St. Cloud State University is committed to connecting students with resources, support, and reporting options.

We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with reporting procedures and available resources before departure so they know where to turn if support is ever needed.

Safety and Security Resources

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