Our first and foremost priority
The safety and welfare of our students abroad is our first and foremost priority. Country-specific information about health and safety is provided to students throughout the advising process and pre-departure orientation, and additional resources are available in the Study Abroad Handbook. Students are encouraged to contact their OIP advisors with any questions or concerns prior to departure or while abroad.
In an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, political crisis, or natural disaster in a city or country in which the OIP currently has a program in session, OIP staff will be in close contact with our on-site colleagues, students, and emergency contacts as necessary. Our staff will also be in contact with our international exchange students regarding events that occur in their home countries.
The Emergency Response Preparedness Guidelines were designed to help students manage and respond to emergency incidents that occur overseas. If you encounter an emergency abroad such as a natural disaster, severe illness or injury, physical or sexual assault, or political disturbance, you should:
- Contact on-site staff immediately
- Contact the OIP at +1 617-552-3827 during business hours (Monday-Friday 9 am - 5 pm EST) or the Boston College Police Department (BCPD) if outside of business hours at +1 617-552-4444. BCPD is available 24 hours/day and will contact the appropriate university personnel to assist you.
- Contact your family in the US/abroad
Sexual Assault
Boston College takes all reports of sexual misconduct and discrimination very seriously, regardless of where such incidents occur. Cultural norms may mean that actions are interpreted differently in other countries. Regardless of these norms, you are encouraged to utilize BC support resources and report any incident of harassment or sexual violence.
The OIP works closely with BC’s Title IX Coordinator to ensure survivors receive the privacy and support they need both overseas and upon their return to campus. In the case of an incident of sexual assault, get to a safe place, seek medical care if necessary, and take time to decide how you wish to proceed, i.e. reporting the incident to the local authorities, reaching out to BC, or speaking with someone you trust. Your resident director and faculty program leader are always available as a resource, and you should not hesitate to contact the OIP directly as needed.
Any student who is a victim of sexual assault is strongly encouraged to utilize the services of the Sexual Assault Network at Boston College, a 24-hour/7-days-a-week private and anonymous resource that is staffed by advocates who are trained to listen, provide options, and support the survivor. SANet resources are available to you while overseas and when you return to campus. Call +1(617) 552-BC11 (2211) for assistance.
Travel Advisories
We care deeply about events that occur throughout the world, including those that may impact our students abroad, international exchange students currently studying at BC, and our extended university community. In the event of an emergency, political crisis, or natural disaster in a city or country in which the OIP currently has a program in session, OIP staff will be in close contact with our on-site colleagues, students, and emergency contacts as necessary. Our staff will also be in contact with our international exchange students regarding events that occur in their home countries.
The OIP monitors a variety of sources on international safety and security on a daily basis, including the U.S. Department of State travel advisories, OSAC, local media, and on-site staff around the world. We recommend that students and their parents also stay informed. As of Janurary 2018, the U.S. Department of State has announced changes to the way information is shared with U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Under the new system, every country has a travel advisory providing levels of advice from 1-4. Travel advisories replace warnings and alerts used in the past.
In the rare event of a severe natural or political disaster abroad, BC has an evacuation plan in place.
The OIP operates programs in countries with an active Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) advisory on a case-by-case basis; if we do have a program in a country with an active Level 3 advisory, students will be informed and asked to sign an agreement prior to confirming their participation.
Boston College undergraduate students are not permitted to travel to Level 4 countries (Do Not Travel). Students should also be aware of countries with varying levels of advice that apply to specific locations or areas within a country. Higher-risk areas designated within Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 countries (as seen on the map) are to be strictly avoided. Conditions in any country may change rapidly and at any time. The Department of State Travel Advisories also provide clear reasons for assigned levels, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there, such as Crime, Terrorism, Civil Unrest, Health, Natural Disaster, Time-Limited Event and Other.
Please be sure to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the advisory for the country you plan to study in, as well as any other countries you plan to visit. Note that non-program related travel is only encouraged before or after official program dates and that Boston College does not take responsibility for students who chose to travel independently outside their designated program dates.
Boston College partners with GeoBlue to provide health and emergency services to Boston College students while traveling and living outside the United States.
Please note that GeoBlue does not replace required medical insurance within the United States. Rather, it will provide you with medical services and assistance overseas. General policy exclusions apply. Program coverage dates vary by program.
OIP will enroll you in the GeoBlue plan by your program's start date. Students participating in external programs with a waiver (see below) will not be enrolled in GeoBlue. Enrolled students will receive an email message from GeoBlue that includes a certificate number and details on completing the online registration process. After you receive that message, you need to register online at geobluestudents.com. The GeoBlue website will give you access to a list of medical care providers and facilities abroad that work directly with GeoBlue. In case of illness, you need to call GeoBlue at either +1-800-257-4823 or collect at +1-610-254-8771 to make an appointment with a provider. In case of an emergency, you should go directly to the nearest physician or hospital without delay and then contact GeoBlue.
We recommend that students download and use the GeoBlue App on a smart phone.
The Boston College GeoBlue policy is in effect for all students studying abroad on BC semester and summer programs, as well as on most approved external programs. Please note that only students attending external programs who have their own GeoBlue policy comparable to BC will be able to waive the BC coverage. These programs are currently eligible for a waiver: Sarah Lawrence College British American Drama Academy, Boston University Geneva Internship Program. Check with your advisor for details.
Students traveling abroad before the start of their program, or those who wish to remain abroad after the program ends are not eligible for extended GeoBlue coverage through BC. You have the option of extending your coverage with GeoBlue by making a credit card payment online.