SAPO explains their role in the dangers of studying abroad

By: Ryan, Megan

Posted: 6/23/09

Headlines regarding studying abroad don't always come bearing good news, and statistics from USAToday don't bode well either. From 2004-2006, State Department Data reports 2,364 healthy Americans dying while studying abroad. Between 2002 and 2008, a survey of 917 New Mexico State University students revealed 11.1 percent experienced a "serious" safety or health incident while studying abroad. There is also no laws in place that insure travelers' safety or compensation for losses.

However, the Texas A&M Study Abroad Programs Office, SAPO, has good news for Aggies. Incidents are rare, considering that the statistics above represent a population of almost 250,000 students studying abroad each year, according to data from the 2006-2007 academic year. Also, SAPO offers resources for students to turn to when in need overseas. SAPO has a team organized to ensure Aggies are protected from dangers or risks that may jeopardize their educational experience.

Each fall and spring, SAPO holds an orientation meeting for students that will be departing that semester. These meetings allow for discussion regarding health and safety issues that may arise while students are studying abroad.

"All students participating on faculty-led and reciprocal exchange programs are provided with more in-depth information regarding the specific location where they will study," said Jane Flaherty, director of SAPO.

SAPO organizes briefings for staff members who teach study abroad courses. These briefings make the staff aware of how to deal with medical emergencies. The study abroad office has a 24/7 emergency call system.

"We would like everyone who travels to be informed," said Ambassador Eric M. Bost, the Vice President of Global Initiatives at Texas A&M. "The inference is that there is a greater likelihood that something is going to happen to you if you leave the United States, and that's not the case. Jane and her staff do an outstanding job in terms of having a pre-departure session and orientation for students and faculty, before they go overseas, that is geared to places that they go."

Ambassador Bost also said that in his personal experiences with being abroad he has not seen a lot of particularly dangerous situations. Even when he served as ambassador in South Africa, he said, he saw only two incidents of danger overseas.

"I've been to 88 countries in my career, and I've only had one unpleasant thing happen to me," he said. "It was in Paris, which people think is one of the safest places in the world."

Texas A&M University and the Division of Student Affairs have developed a Critical Incident Response team (CIRT). This team has been trained as qualified to react to episodes regarding the students.

"CIRT offers counseling, guidance and appropriate support to members of the University community, their families and caregivers," Flaherty said. "CIRT can be activated through a call to their offices directly, through the University Police department or through a call to the offices of the International Programs for Students."

The study abroad office coordinates the provision of medical insurance with HTH Worldwide, a travel insurance provider. HTH has a direct billing system with various forms of payment to make it easier for students.

"Every student who goes overseas, if they are on a specific A&M-sponsored program, has international health insurance built into their program," Flaherty said.

The members of SAPO have also hired Bill Frederick, a nationally recognized expert in risk management, to give seminars for the faculty and staff who accompany students abroad.

"I feel very comfortable and confident that if something were to happen to one of our students while they were traveling that we have a system in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in case something happens," Bost said. "Someone called once because they lost their ticket, and they called at 4 o'clock in the morning, and it was dealt with."

However, the members of the program said the number of incidents is very small. The most serious incident this year was a student who was bitten by a snake in Brazil. The staff reported that the situation was dealt with appropriately and the student fully recovered.

"The vast majority of problems with young people, whether they are here or abroad, are directly related to drinking," Bost said. "We can't protect people from themselves."

Robert Rathvon, a former Aggie who studied abroad with an independent program, said he felt safe and protected by that program, despite having heard many unusual stories.

"You can definitely get yourself into dangerous situations, but I never felt unsafe with my program," he said. "People hear crazy stories and get scared, but no one in my experience ever was hurt or endangered."

Another student traveling on an independent study abroad program said she feels that her health and safety is a priority even though the program is not affiliated with the University.

"Most things we do in groups with our directors, and they definitely take care of us when it comes to classes, our housing situations, food and more," said Rachel Castleberry, junior Spanish major. "I am having a great time and can go to my directors any time of day if I have a question."

The staff members of SAPO said they believe also that students are guilty many times of entering themselves into dangerous situations, especially with alcohol and irresponsibility.

"During the orientation sessions for students, study abroad staff members emphasize that the leading cause of injuries, both on-campus and overseas, relates to being under the influence of alcohol or other substances," Flaherty said. "Staying in control of yourself while you are abroad is the most important element to your personal safety."