Traveler Safety Resources
Domestic & International Programs
APU Community Expectations
Our identity in Christ gives meaning and purpose to our existence. Knowing who we are as a Christ-centered university informs our behavior, guides our decisions, and provides a clear identity for our community. Community thrives when the needs of all are considered. It flourishes in a place where love for God and neighbor is cultivated and nurtured.
Azusa Pacific University Study Away participants are expected to abide by all APU Community Expectations (Undergraduate or Graduate/Professional Students) as stated in the APU Student Handbook or Academic Catalog. Additional standards may be applied dependent on the program provider or location. By attending a program, participants agree to uphold these standards as listed in the Student Handbook and Academic Catalog and pre-departure materials. Failing to abide by these standards can lead to the imposition of sanctions and even student dismissal from a program. Click on the respective links to read more about the accountability process for Undergraduate Students and Graduate/Professional Students.
Strategies for Staying Safe
Inform your program staff immediately of any situation or person that causes you to feel in any way uncomfortable, threatened, or demonstrates potential sexual harassment threats or assault.
Give your information to others: Home, U.S. Campus, U.S. Provider, On-site administration, and carry phone numbers of faculty/staff with you.
Always carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original safe. Always ensure that your passport is in a safe place. Please note you may be required to have it on you at all times in certain countries. Check travel.state.gov for country specific information.
Keep a tight hold of your belongings in public areas.
Travel in groups.
Learn about the local laws away and obey them – you are subject to their laws as well as APU policies.
Stay away from large group gathering, protest demonstrations, & high risk activities.
Be aware of the effects alcohol & drugs can have on your own and other’s judgment and can lead to serious consequences.
Be proactive to take care of your health and safety taking preventative measures to avoid unsafe situations.
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing both headphones and be sure that valuables are tucked away.
Safety During Emergencies
If the student becomes a victim of crime, harassment, discrimination, or terrorism, help is available:
Contact the local emergency services located on the students’ Emergency Contact Resource card provided prior to program departure.
Domestic Programs
Call "911" or the local emergency services located on the students’ Emergency Contact Resource card.
International Programs
In the event of an emergency, U.S. citizens can contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
You can locate the Embassy or Consulate at the website here or by calling +1 (202) 501-4444.
Contact your program assistant or program director as soon as possible.
If you are traveling independently, contact APU Campus Safety 24/7 at +1 (626) 815-3898. The officer on duty will locate a CCEL/Study Away staff member to assist.
Complete the CCEL/Study Away Incident Report Form immediately following the incident.
APU's Travel Activities Committee works with APU leadership to determine when/if a location or circumstances of a context develop to the point where a change in program or student location or participation may be necessary in compliance with APU's current travel policies.
Victims of Crime
If you become the victim of a crime, there are resources available to you.
Contact your program assistant or program director as soon as possible.
If you are traveling independently, contact APU Campus Safety 24/7 at +1 (626) 815-3898. The officer on duty will locate a CCEL/Study Away staff member to assist.
Complete the CCEL/Study Away Incident Report Form immediately following the incident. A Campus Safety Officer will follow-up with you directly.
Utilize on-campus resources available to you during your Study Away program.
Your current medical or mental health provider
International Programs - The U.S. Department of State has resources available to victims of crime. Please visit their website to learn more about how a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide you with support.
Do you want to file a police report? Victims of crime have the option to report a crime to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report. A program assistant or program director can accompany the student to the police station; additionally, information on the closest police station is located on the students’ Emergency Contact Resource card provided prior to program departure. Filing a police report will help local authorities and may also be valuable should you wish to submit an insurance claim.
Hate Crimes
If you become the victim of a crime, there are resources available to you.
Contact your program assistant or program director as soon as possible.
If you are traveling independently, contact APU Campus Safety 24/7 at +1 (626) 815-3898. The officer on duty will locate a CCEL/Study Away staff member to assist.
Complete the CCEL/Study Away Incident Report Form immediately following the incident; your responses will be sent to the APU Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellent and a trained staff member will follow-up with you directly.
Utilize on-campus resources available to you during your Study Away program:
Your current medical or mental health provider
International Programs - The U.S. Department of State has resources available to victims of crime. Please visit their website to learn more about how a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide you with support.
Do you want to file a police report? Victims of crime have the option to report a crime to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report. A program assistant or program director can accompany the student to the police station; additionally, information on the closest police station is located on the students’ Emergency Contact Resource card provided prior to program departure. Filing a police report will help local authorities and may also be valuable should you wish to submit an insurance claim
Sexual Harassment
Azusa Pacific University is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes all forms of sexual misconduct. Sex discrimination violates an individual’s fundamental rights and personal dignity. APU considers sex discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offense. This policy refers to all forms of sex discrimination, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence by employees, students, or third parties.
Sexual harassment and rape occur in the country(ies) you are visiting, as in most places in the world. Be proactive.
Never go out alone; always make sure to travel in groups.
Follow group size requirements and be aware of your surroundings; stick together.
Never accept an open drink from a stranger or even someone you think is nice.
Don’t be overly friendly with strangers. Your intentions might be mistaken - immediately move away from any person or situation that shows the slightest potential of risk.
If you feel uncomfortable at any time make sure your friends realize this and get away as soon as possible.
If you are a survivor of sexual violence, what happened to you was not your fault. Resources are available after an incident:
Contact your program assistant, program director, or another trusted person as soon as possible.
If you are traveling independently, contact APU Campus Safety 24/7 at +1 (626) 815-3898. The officer on duty will locate a CCEL/Study Away staff member.
Complete the CCEL/Study Away Incident Report Form immediately following the incident; your responses will be sent to the APU Title IX Office and a trained Title IX officer will follow-up with you directly.
Utilize on-campus resources available to you during your Study Away program.
Your current medical or mental health provider
International Programs - The U.S. Department of State has resources available to victims of sexual violence. Please visit their website to learn more about how a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate can provide you with support.
International Programs - You can also contact the APU International Insurance provider to find a local health clinic or hospital that can best address your needs.
Do you need medical attention? Medical attention encompasses your physical, emotional, and sexual health needs; you may wish to request a forensic exam. Access to these services may vary based on your location. Please contact your program assistant or program director immediately if you require medical attention.
Do you want to file a police report? Victims of crime have the option to report a crime to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report. A program assistant or program director can accompany the student to the police station; additionally, information on the closest police station is located on the students’ Emergency Contact Resource card provided prior to program departure. Filing a police report will help local authorities and may also be valuable should you wish to submit an insurance claim.
The university is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual violence violations. All university employees who are involved in the university’s Title IX response receive specific instruction about respecting and safeguarding private information. Throughout the process, every effort will be made to protect the privacy interests of all individuals involved in a manner consistent with the need for a thorough review of the report. Those who have disclosed a sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual violence violation should know that university employees (excluding University Counseling Center staff, Community Counseling Center staff, Student Health Center staff, Campus Pastors, and the University Chaplain who may be bound by confidentiality standards), will report sexual conduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
Alcohol & Other Drugs
“Using alcohol [or other drugs] can expose students to numerous risks unique to study abroad including trouble with foreign authorities, disrupted travel plans and offending host families and other local people (Rhodes, n.d.).”
The use of alcohol and other drugs is strictly prohibited on all APU Study Away programs. Please reference the APU Community Expectations (for Undergraduate Students) or Standards of Conduct (Graduate/Professional Students) to learn more.
If you choose to use alcohol or other drugs while on a Study Away program, please be aware: You do not know the local customs or laws as well as your own. Your ability to use sound judgement will be impaired and your behavior may be compromised. Being in an unfamiliar location or country heightens your risk for unwanted or dangerous situations.
We recommend you review and understand your destination’s laws and regulations in regard to alcohol and drug use. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may face harsh penalties. Punishment for possessing, using or trafficking alcohol or other drugs can be severe. Convicted offenders can expect hefty fines, deportation, jail time or even the death penalty.
International Programs - For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State's website for country specific information and general information about drugs and alcohol abroad.
GO Terms
Search your travel location(s) at travel.state.gov.
Semester Programs (International)
Additional Programs (International)
REACH Summer
Search your travel location(s) at travel.state.gov.
If you are struggling with misuse of alcohol or other drugs, resources are available. Please visit the Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Task Force website for guidance. (Adapted from the UCLA “Student Study Guide: Alcohol Awareness in Study Abroad”).
Arrest & Detention
Students are expected to abide by all local laws for the countries and communities they visit. If students break these laws, it could lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment. If you are detained during your Study Away experience, follow these steps.
Contact your program assistant or program director as soon as possible.
If you are traveling independently, contact APU Campus Safety 24/7 at +1 (626) 815-3898. The officer on duty will locate a CCEL/Study Away staff member to assist.
International Programs - Contact a consular officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. A consular officer can provide limited services as described at the U.S. Department of State's website.
Terrorism & Study Away
“Terror attacks occur at home and abroad, but there is no evidence to suggest that Americans are less safe abroad than they are here in the U.S.”
In order to limit exposure to terrorism risk, Azusa Pacific University travelers are urged to abide by these best practices:
Exercise vigilance in public places – identify multiple exits, monitor your possessions and alert authorities to unaccompanied bags or suspicious individuals
Exit and enter buses, trains and subways quickly (do not loiter)
Keep abreast of local news; follow the guidance of local authorities
Have your cell phone fully charged and with you at all times
Memorize local emergency contact information (names and telephone numbers)
Pay attention to all messages from your team leader, faculty director, host institution/provider, or Azusa Pacific University main campus
International Programs
Stay in regular contact with your family members or loved ones at home
Read all electronic messages you receive from the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Limit your patronage of American-owned or branded shops and restaurantsAdditional information is available on the U.S. Department of State website. (Adapted from Northwestern University “Terrorism & Travel’’).
Evacuation
APU is well-resourced in the event of a natural disaster, civil unrest, political unrest, or any other situation that will require students to withdraw from their Study Away location. In the event of an emergency, students will gather at a safe and familiar location predetermined by their in-country director and await instruction. Participants must follow all instructions given by their in-country/program director and APU leadership; these instructions are advised by the APU Risk Management Team. If it becomes unsafe to remain at the Study Away location, students will most commonly travel to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and utilize the support services offered by the U.S. government.
Evacuations are covered by the APU international insurance provider.
$250,000 benefit for medical evacuation
$25,000 benefit for security evacuation
Any participant who fails to comply with instructions given by the U.S. Embassy, Azusa Pacific University, or its affiliates will lose their student status, APU International Insurance evacuation coverage, and APU student health insurance coverage (if applicable). Participants who do not comply with an evacuation scheduled by the aforementioned entities cannot request coverage should they decide to evacuate at another date or time.
International Programs Only
Lost or Stolen Travel Documents
The U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs has a detailed procedure for those who lose their passport. Please visit the Lost or Stolen Passports Abroad page for more information. You will have to replace the passport before returning to the United States. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates is also available on the U.S. Department of State country information pages. Ask to speak to the Consular Section to report your passport lost or stolen.
If you are notified by a relative or friend traveling abroad that their U.S. passport has been lost/stolen, you may wish to contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C, at 1-888-407-4747. That office will be able to help you put your friend or loved one in touch with the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. Your relative/friend must apply in person for a new passport at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory System
All Study Away opportunities are assessed for safety based on U.S. Department of State travel advisories. Every country will have a Travel Advisory, providing tiered levels of advice ranging from Levels 1-4.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. Government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Travel Advisories at Levels 2-4 will contain clear reasons for the level assigned, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to those who choose to travel there.
C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
N - Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
E - Time-limited Event: Short-term event, such as elections, sporting events, or other incidents that may pose safety risks.
O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.
APU requires that all university travel be approved via an International Travel Authorization Form. An International Travel Authorization Form is submitted for each program location and term. The approval of a Travel Authorization form indicates the university’s belief that the location is safe for student travel. APU does not permit Study Away students to travel to Level 2 or Level 3 countries without the special approval of the APU Travel Committee and General Counsel. APU Study Away students are never permitted to Level 4 countries.
GO Terms
Search your travel location(s) at travel.state.gov.
Semester Programs (International)
Additional Programs (International)
REACH Summer
Search your travel location(s) at travel.state.gov.
U.S. Department of State Resources:
See the U.S. Department of State's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, and country information.
Follow the U.S. Department of State on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram.
The Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad. Additional information on OSAC can be found on OSAC.gov or by following OSAC on Twitter.
STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
All Study Away participants registered with APU are required to register your travel with the US Department of State’s Travel Registration website. You will receive an email from the Department of State's website, notifying you when you have been registered. Participants should include as much personal and travel information to your account as possible here, and make any changes/updates you wish (extending travel dates, inputting personalized contact information, etc). Your registration informs the U.S. Department of State of your presence in your designated country. Should an emergency occur, being on that list ensures that the US government would contact you (using only the contact information you add to your log-in account) with evacuation or other pertinent information in conjunction with the US embassy of the country you are in.
While registration is designed for U.S. citizens, participants should enroll you with the program information if you are not a U.S. citizen. We also advise non-U.S. passport holders to investigate if your country of origin has a similar program that you can enroll in during your program.