Health & Safety
Health and safety are of utmost importance as you study abroad. When you are admitted to one of our programs, we will provide you with detailed information, instructions for preparation and arrival specific to your destination, and other personal health and safety resources. However, it is your safety that is at risk, so you will need to do some research to make sure you have the most positive experience.
Health
Do some research. Gather information about your destination and any special health issues there prior to your departure. Be aware of potential injury and/or diseases. Determine what vaccinations you might need, if any, before you travel. One useful resource is http://www.cdc.gov.
Visit your personal doctor. Have a physical examination and inform your physician of your plans to travel abroad. Discuss any prescriptions you might continue taking while abroad and make sure to have sufficient meds for the duration of the program. Receive the appropriate vaccinations if needed, and review any specific individual medical needs. If you plan to be sexually active while abroad, you will also want to discuss this with your doctor.
Safety & Security
The safety and security of Global PACT participants are paramount. Classroom and residential facilities are either located on campus at accredited universities or in clean and safe partner-approved hotels in the towns we work. Transportation is on widely used public transport or chartered buses. All of the country locations are in cities, so you should take general precautions: don’t carry valuables on you and beware of pickpockets. The petty and violent crime rates are no higher than in most other cities, but just like at home Global PACT students are advised to travel in groups, avoid high crime areas and not walk around late at night.
Although some program locations are less diverse than the campuses of major American universities, minority students need not take exceptional precaution. Some travelers may encounter anti-Americanism on rare occasion, but students can use their discretion to avoid and diffuse these situations. During excursions, you must stay with Global PACT staff people and the excursion site leaders. The conditions in all five countries have improved and are stable.
Global PACT ensures that all students are covered for emergency procedures and evacuation. Each program site has both hospitals and pharmacies, and all have airfields for medical evacuation in case of extreme emergency. If you become sick or injured, we will contact the person designated on your emergency contact information provided to us through your acceptance package. A Global PACT staff person will always carry an emergency cell phone on the ground.
A Global PACT staff person will meet you at the airport and accompany you to the residential halls on university-sanctioned vans or public trams. You will meet all of the other students on the first night during a welcome reception.
