Is it safe to study abroad?
We believe that the overseas programs administered by Brockport’s Center for Global Education and Engagement are very safe. This safety is a direct result of:
- Our experience administering education abroad programs
- The dedication of our Education Abroad Advisors, in-country program coordinators, and faculty leaders for faculty-led programs
- The locations of our education abroad programs
What happens if I get sick while I am overseas?
During in-country orientation sessions, our partners’ program coordinators provide you with information about the health facilities (physicians, clinics, hospitals, etc.) that are available to you at the program site. In most cases, it is the health service at the host university that is the clinic of choice.
In-country program coordinators also identify a “recommended” hospital based on the quality of its facilities, services, and proximity to the area as well as its experience in providing services to visiting students. All participants in Brockport’s overseas programs are enrolled in a mandatory health insurance policy that covers the cost of medical treatments for illness or accidents while are abroad.
For more information about issues on health and safety in studying abroad, please consult the US Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health Insurance
SUNY mandates that all students studying abroad are enrolled in the SUNY International Health Insurance plan, which included Evacuation and Repatriation. All students are automatically enrolled in the SUNY International Insurance Policy. In some cases, the host institution (or country) requires students to purchase a particular international insurance policy for visa requirements. There are no exceptions or exemptions to this requirement. The insurance charge is reflected on your program’s cost sheet and bill – and is pro-rated based on students’ travel dates.
More information on the plans can be found on the United Healthcare Student Resources website.
- Select “The College at Brockport – Int’l Student and Scholar”
- For study abroad students, select “Outbound Students”
Other Resources
More information about issues on health and safety in studying abroad, please consult the:
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Participants are recommended to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.
- STEP is a free service provided by the US Government to US citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.
- STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.
- STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program makes your presence and whereabouts known, in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation should that become necessary.