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:

  1. A family member or close friend should have a passport and the means to travel to the country where you are studying.
  2. 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

SCSU PUBLIC SAFETY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
MINNESOTA OFFICE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, DATING/RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE, OR STALKING

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 

Reporting an incident is not an easy process. You have the right to decide when and to whom you report the incident.

Gender Violence Prevention Coordinator
Provides confidential support
Rebecca Kotz
rebecca.kotz@stcloudstate.edu
(320) 308-3995

Vice President for Equity and Inclusion & Title IX Coordinator
Assists in maintaining a safe educational environment
Chocoletta A. Simpson
chocoletta.simpson@stcloudstate.edu
(320) 308-5123

SCSU Public Safety
available 24/7, 365 days per year
+1-320-308-3333

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