Staff are available 24/7 to respond to an emergency involving a student abroad.
If you are aware of an emergency, please call 215-572-2123 to speak with a member of the Health & Safety team. We are available 24/7. Your student will receive a local phone number to call in an emergency. We ask that you not call the local phone number as that number is reserved for students.
Students may be tempted to contact you or text a member of staff in an emergency, so please encourage them to place a phone call to local staff if there is a true emergency.
If you wish to report a non-urgent concern to our team, please contact the Health & Safety team during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST). We can be reached via email at arcadiaabroadfamily@arcadia.edu and via phone at 215-572-2901.
In addition to your name and contact information, be sure to include your student's name, program, and your relationship to the student in your email or voicemail to help us expedite the response.
Our staff engage in training activities on a vareity of topics related to emergency support. Examples include first aid training, mental health first aid training, and how to respond in an emergency.
If your student wishes to establish a medical power of attorney for their time abroad, we advise that they work directly with the US Embassy in their host country or that they hire a private attorney for advice.
If your student has a medical emergency that results in hospitalization for a minimum of 72 hours or if your student is the victim of a felonious assault, Arcadia Abroad's insurance has a benefit that may provide coverage for travel expenses, accommodation, and meals for a family member to visit the student. Should we become aware of an emergency that would qualify for this coverage, we will notify the student's desired emergency contact to provide more information.
While not required, we do recommend that at least one person in the student's support network have a passport in the event that the student have an emergency.
Emergency response may be different from what is experienced in the US. If students are experiencing a life threatening issue and need emergency services (ambulance, fire, and police), they should call the 911-equivalent for their country.
US Citizens should register for the Department of State's STEP Program. Registering will make it easier for the Department of State to provide support in the event of an emergency.
Once enrolled, your student will begin to receive security updates. Arcadia Abroad staff montiors this information and will communicate concerns with students.
The US Department of State occasionally issues travel alerts or travel warnings based on current events around the world.
Travel alerts are issued when traelers should be aware of a short-term event or circumstance and travel warnings are issued for locations where there are longer-term circumstances requiring review.
We understand that travel alerts and travel warnings can evoke a range of emotions. These advisories are designed to inform travelers of potential risks, so they can take smart precautions. Often alerts are broad and apply to specific regions or situations, such as avoiding demonstrations or safeguarding against petty theft, much like you would in any large city.
We closely monitor these updates, work with local experts, and support students with safety resources and guidance in their host country and city. We will communicate directly with your student if there is a specific concern or guidance that they need to be aware of. With preparation, ongoing communication and local support, students can have a safe and enriching experience abroad.
Visit the Department of State's website to view current alerts around the world.