Safety Planning
Develop your safety plan
Make a Plan with Your Family
We advise making a plan with your family and/or close friends on what to do in case of an emergency. Consider the following topics:
- How will you quickly access emergency funds?
Consider a prepaid bank card that a family member can fund. - What if you are hospitalized?
Determine who will stay with you. If your group is traveling, ask your faculty director for a plan of action. Your insurance, GeoBlue Worldwide, has a network of English-speaking doctors. - What is your communication plan with family members?
Set a regular communication schedule. Inform family if you cannot communicate on-schedule.
Precautionary Tips:
- A family member or close friend should have a passport and the means to travel to the country where you are studying.
- SCSU staff registers students with the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. During a disaster, health epidemic, or other emergency, emails are sent to SCSU email accounts.
Put this number in your phone: (320) 308-3333
SCSU's Public Safety switchboard can accept collect calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staff are trained to accept calls from Education Abroad participants or their families where they will take your information and contact the appropriate individuals as quickly as possible.
Safety and Security Resources
Sexual Assault Abroad
Sexual assault is a worldwide issue. Response to sexual harassment and assault varies from nation to nation. The safety and health of students is a priority and students should never feel obligated to engage in activities that make them uncomfortable. If you experience harassment or sexual violence while abroad, get to a safe place and notify your faculty director, local police or a trusted individual. Minimize risk by:
- Traveling with friends
- Learning key phrases in the local language
- Keeping emergency contact information with you at all times
- Paying attention to your surroundings
- Sexual Violence and Misconduct resources
Seek treatment for injuries and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy or emergency contraception. Be advised that some countries require health care providers to notify police about incidents of sexual assault.
Reporting
St. Cloud State University is committed to eliminating violence in all forms including sexual assault, relationship violence, gender discrimination, harassment, stalking and other types of sexual violence.
The “Report It” page at St. Cloud State University provides guidance on reporting sexual violence or misconduct. It explains how to file a report online or in person, outlines options for contacting law enforcement, and lists confidential support resources. The page also details what happens after a report is made, including the Title IX process and available assistance for students.
"REPORT IT": SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND MISCONDUCT