The Office of International Education (OIE) is committed to doing everything reasonably possible to ensure a healthy and safe experience for the participants in the study abroad programs that it sponsors. With that goal in mind, we are listing below the things that OIE can and cannot do, the things that students should do, and the ways in which parents can help.
Policy on Department of State Travel Warnings
The University of Richmond does not permit students, staff or faculty to use University funds to travel to countries under U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings unless the student, staff member or faculty member has received specific approval from the Office of International Education. If a travel warning is issued by the U.S. Department of State while the students are abroad, the University will review the situation to determine the appropriate action. Click here for information on this policy http://international.richmond.edu/facstaff/taking_students_abroad/Policy_of_Travel_to_DOS_Travel_Warning_Countries.pdf
Students with disciplinary issues Participation may be denied or approval may be revoked if a student's conduct prior to departure raises doubts as their suitability for the program abroad. Students with a history of physical violence or altercations as well as sexual assault and other violent crimes will not be allowed to study abroad. The Richmond and Westhampton Dean's offices have the right to deny the student's approval to study abroad.
Students with disabilities The University of Richmond is committed to assist students with physical and learning disabilities so that they are able to study abroad. The University will make every effort to develop reasonable accommodations in cooperation with the host institution so that students with learning or physical disabilities may achieve the intended goals of the study abroad experience.
What OIE will do
Consider health and safety issues in evaluating the appropriateness of a student's participation in a study abroad program.
Provide orientation meetings and materials to students prior to departure, including information about health, safety, security, cultural issues, and academic issues.
Provide health insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation, or ensure that students have obtained similar coverage privately.
Monitor conditions in host countries and keep students informed of changes that are likely to affect their health or safety in a signifcant way. Develop and maintain an emergency response plan, including a means of communicating with students via email, Blackboard, and/or cell phone.
Ask students to share all health and safety information with their parents or guardians so that they can make informed decisions regarding participation in study abroad and behavior while abroad.
What OIE cannot provide
OIE cannot guarantee or ensure the safety of participants or eliminate all risks from the study abroad environment.
OIE cannot monitor or control all of the daily decisions and activities of individual participants.
OIE cannot prevent participants from engaging in illegal, dangerous, or unwise activities or behavior.
OIE cannot provide or pay for legal representation of its students while abroad or ensure that U.S. standards of due process will apply to them.
OIE cannot fully replicate home campus support services at the host institution.
OIE cannot assume responsibility for consequences arising from the failure of a student to disclose pertinent information to OIE in a timely manner.
What the student should do
Attend all orientation meetings at UR and abroad and heed the advice offered at those meetings.
Give accurate physical and mental health information to OIE in a timely manner.
Include your parents or guardians in your study abroad plans, including sharing information with them regarding health and safety.
Give OIE your new contact information (address abroad and cell phone).
Comply with OIE's emergency procedures, with the rules of your host institution, and with the laws of your host country.
Do not abuse drugs or alcohol.
Do not buy or lease a car while abroad (traffic-related injuries or fatalities are common when not familiar with local driving conditions).
Do not hitchhike.
Do not engage in risky behavior.
Keep OIE informed of your whereabouts and well-being, especially when traveling away from the program site.
Behave in a manner consistent with the University of Richmond Code of Conduct.
What parents can do
Obtain a passport or renew yours if it will expire within the next year (keep in mind that passport processing time is currently 12 weeks for new passports, so apply early).
Discuss health and safety issues with your student, including matters related to insurance, emergency preparedness, and living in the host country.
Keep in touch with your student while abroad, but understand that he or she may not be able to communicate with you as often as when on campus.
Encourage your student to send his or her contact information (address abroad, new cell phone number) to you and to OIE.
Arrange in advance for your student to contact you at the earliest possible moment in the event that a crisis should occur abroad in a location where your student is likely to be.
University of Richmond Office of International Education Puryear Hall, Middle Floor Office Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday studyabroad@richmond.edu
