leader training & preparation

Emergency Preparedness Workshop (EPW)

Per Penn State’s International Travel Requirements, any employee traveling abroad with students must attend a Predeparture Orientation for Leaders (POL) session (formerly known as the Emergency Preparedness Workshop) within two calendar years prior to the departure date of the program. However, due to the ever-changing nature of leading programs abroad, Penn State Global strongly recommends completing this training once a year. Please note that the workshop attendance requirement can change based on health and safety considerations affecting host destinations.  Any change to the workshop or training requirement will be communicated in writing to all program leaders.  The virtual emergency preparedness workshop will cover various risk management policies as well as crisis response practices and emergency contact procedures.  There is a network of support for crisis response, with the locus of that network located in the Penn State Global Safety Office.

Penn State Global is working to develop a subsequent health and safety workshop for program leaders who have already completed the EPW but who wish to further develop their understanding of the risks and mitigation practices that are specific to their destination and program activities. Information about this new session will be disseminated to program leaders by email.

Throughout the academic year, Education Abroad offers a variety of opportunities for training and development of its program leaders. Since the offerings may change from year to year, the most up-to-date information concerning these sessions is conveyed to program leaders via email at least one month in advance of the event.

 Examples of workshop and roundtable topics include:

• Managing student conduct abroad

• Mental health concerns

• Marketing and recruitment of students

• Utilizing international health insurance resources

• Maintaining Best Practices

• Diversity and inclusion in an international context

• Advancing sustainability initiatives through education abroad programs