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Safety Resources

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is committed to providing outstanding and enriching study abroad opportunities for our students throughout the world, but at the same time we recognize that there are times and places where personal security issues affect your international experiences; therefore, we have developed a very careful and considered approach to the safety of our students. For more detailed information on safety procedures or the Emergency Response Protocols, please contact the Center for Global Engagement.

Many of the resources on this page are links to information on external websites. The CGE works closely with several of these organizations but cannot be held responsible for the accessibility of the content on external websites. If there is information on one of those sites that you need in a different format, you will need to contact the webmaster for that site.

In order to be prepared for a variety of situations, CGE recommends that all program directors and participants reviews the Natural and Political Incident Response Procedures.

Travel Warnings and Alerts

Travel to countries with US State Department Travel Warnings will not be approved by the president unless you have supporting documentation and a letter of support from your department chair, dean, and CGE director.  Please see the US State Department Country Alerts and Warning website for specific warnings/alerts and information.

Program Directors

Emergencies abroad are varied in nature and broadly defined. An emergency is any issue needing an immediate response from a program director to ensure the health, safety or well-being of students while abroad. Your initial response to an emergency can either escalate or de-escalate the situation.

As a program director, you have a responsibility to:

  1. attend to the immediate needs of the student(s) involved;
  2. remove any participants from danger;
  3. contact appropriate local emergency services;
  4. contact the CGE;
  5. document your actions and the action of others using the Study Abroad Incident Report Form; and
  6. follow up with the CGE regarding necessary updates on student health, safety, and well-being for the duration of your program.

In the event of a natural or political emergency, immediately contact the CGE after securing the safety of your students.

Students

Should you encounter an emergency abroad, first contact your program director or on-site coordinator for support. When you have addressed any immediate health or safety issues and are in a secure location, contact your family and then the CGE Emergency Line (706-867-2858). Someone will be able to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will work with you, along with the Embassy in your location, to provide support during a period of unrest. Support could come in many forms and will be appropriate to the situation. Below are some tips to keep you safe during times of natural or political incidents. Document your actions and the action of others using the UNG International Programs Incident Report Form.

Safety Tips for Students Traveling Abroad

  • Do not carry a lot of cash
  • Try to blend in with locals
  • Seek out local hospitals and health care and become familiar with their locations as well as find out if there is a "911" system in place in the host country in case of emergency
  • Be aware of surroundings
  • Stay sober
  • Try to avoid driving at night
  • Understand traffic laws
  • Check reliability of transportation methods
  • Understand any laws associated with drug use (The U.S. Government has no authority to remove an American citizen from foreign jail if the citizen was placed there on drug charges.)
  • Make smart decisions in regards to sexual behavior (Risks for diseases such as HIV/AIDS are higher in other parts of the world than in the U.S.)
  • Be aware of potential natural phenomena (example: surfs at beaches)
  • Watch for dangerous plants and animals
  • Be aware of any environmental hazards
  • Learn which individuals and businesses can be trusted (Sometimes the police cannot be)
  • Learn norms for dress and behavior
  • Stay in touch with emergency contacts in U.S.
  • Notify program staff if any illness develops

Statement on Zika Virus

CGE is deeply committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. As such, we are closely monitoring the current outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil and beyond. Although the virus is a risk to pregnant women and those who plan to get pregnant in the near future, we feel that any serious risk to our general student body is extremely limited. However, our understanding of the situation is evolving rapidly. Protecting oneself after returning from travel is equally important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a map of the United States where the Zika carrying mosquitos can normally be found. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are working together to create awareness and educate the public. For information on the Zika virus, mosquito precaution, and travel recommendations, we recommend that you visit the CDC website.

The Georgia DPH has created the Zika Virus Awareness Campaign which provides information on how to help reduce mosquito populations at your home and in your neighborhood. 

FBI Game of Pawns Video

The Game of Pawns: The Glenn Duffie Shriver Story video dramatizes the incremental steps taken by intelligence officers to recruit Shriver and convince him to apply for jobs with the U.S. State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency.

Transcript Link

Additional Resources and Information

Reportable Incidents

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose information about campus crime activity and security policies in an annual report.

UNG must meet obligations in the following categories in order to ensure compliance: policy disclosure, records collection and retention, and information dissemination. UNG follows all procedures laid out by the Clery Act to ensure accurate dissemination of Clery Reportable incidents. NAFSA: Association of International Educators (NAFSA) has information and multiple resources on the Clery Act and on understanding crime reporting requirements in education abroad.

It is the responsibility of the study abroad program director to report incidents that occur during study abroad programs and to complete the appropriate forms documenting the incidents. 

Please contact the CGE for information on UNG Clery Act statistics.

UNG follows Section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require the content on this web page in another format, please contact the ADA Coordinator.

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