Keeping Healthy while abroad:

At Summit Global Education, student safety is our top priority, and it guides every decision we make. We understand that studying abroad is an exciting opportunity but also a big step, and we want parents to feel as confident as students when embarking on this journey.

At Summit Global Education, we understand the trust parents place in us when sending their children abroad. That’s why every decision regarding health and safety is approached with the utmost care and professionalism. As our professors and staff travel alongside students, we ensure the same high standards of safety for everyone involved, treating student well-being as our top priority.

Summit takes care to vet housing, transportation, medical facilities, communication systems, and emergency procedures in every program location. While no one can guarantee absolute safety, we have worked diligently to minimize risks, offer thorough cultural preparation, and maintain flexibility in response to unforeseen situations.

Comprehensive Safety Preparation

Safety begins well before students depart.

• Pre-Departure Training: Students participate in online orientation sessions to prepare for the cultural and logistical aspects of traveling abroad.
• Daily Safety Discussions: While abroad, students take part in daily debriefs during our "Introduction to Europe" sessions, where we review safety and health protocols and address any questions or concerns.

Safe Locations:

• We consult U.S. State Department travel advisories and remain vigilant about global developments. If safety concerns arise, our flexible itineraries allow us to adjust plans.
• Accommodations are chosen with safety in mind. Students stay in secure neighborhoods, often in the same hotels or nearby apartments as professors. Proximity to public transportation and major points of interest ensures ease and safety while exploring.

Staying Connected

We understand how important it is for parents to stay in touch with their children while they’re abroad. To ensure open communication:

• Professors and staff are reachable 24/7 via dedicated phone lines, and emergency contact numbers are provided before departure.
• Students can set up international data and voice plans or obtain local SIM cards, with staff assisting in the process. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Messenger allow students to stay connected easily.
• Parents can reach Summit’s U.S.-based phone numbers, which forward directly to program directors during the program.

On-Site Support

Summit staff and professors are always available to assist students with health concerns or emergencies. If a student needs medical attention:

• Staff will help schedule appointments, accompany the student to the doctor, and provide guidance on insurance claims.
• Students are covered by FrontierMEDEX TravMed Choice travel medical insurance, including $250,000 in medical coverage, sports coverage, and a $250 deductible. Insurance cards and instructions are issued upon arrival.

Health & Safety Procedures

Our safety procedures ensure students are prepared for every aspect of their journey:

• Comprehensive Orientation: Students receive extensive health and safety training upon arrival and throughout the program.
• Medical Information: A medical information form is completed by each student and kept on file with Summit staff.
• Local Expertise: In Brazil, we collaborate with local students from host universities, who provide cultural insights and safety tips throughout the program.

Flexibility and Contingency Planning

Adapting Itineraries:

The traveling nature of our programs gives us flexibility to adapt to safety concerns. For example, if conditions in Berlin make travel inadvisable, the itinerary might be adjusted to spend additional time in Prague or Vienna.

Evacuation Planning:

In the unlikely event of a major emergency, Summit follows detailed evacuation procedures:

• Collaborative Efforts: Decisions are informed by U.S. State Department advisories, OSAC, local governments, and trusted contacts.
• Transportation Arrangements: Staff coordinate ground and air transportation to safe locations. If students are unable to cover unexpected costs immediately, Summit can offer temporary financial assistance.
• Academic Continuity: We work closely with host universities to preserve students’ academic progress, exploring remote options or transferring students to alternate Summit programs if necessary.

Ongoing Safety Monitoring

Summit continuously reviews U.S. State Department travel warnings, global alerts, and local conditions to ensure programs remain safe and secure. Parents and universities are encouraged to review State Department resources for additional peace of mind:

• Tips for Students Studying Abroad
  
• Travel Warnings and Country Information
  

Program Cancellation or Changes

If a travel warning is issued advising U.S. citizens to evacuate a country, Summit will:

• Cancel or modify the program, transferring students to alternative destinations or arrangements when possible.
• Work with students and their home institutions to ensure academic progress is preserved.

By prioritizing flexibility and preparation, we ensure students can enjoy a safe and enriching experience while parents and universities remain confident in our approach to health and safety.

Safety:
see also our pages on:

• Safety in Europe
  
• Safety in Brazil​