The safety and security of IU students abroad is of the utmost importance to Indiana University. Due to this, the IU Office of Overseas Study regularly monitors information relevant to the safety of all IU students abroad. Additionally, primary consideration is given to travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State, which has four levels, one being the safest and four the most dangerous.
All O’Neill programs are held in countries at levels 1 (exercise normal precautions) and 2 (exercise increased caution). Level 2 countries include places such as Germany, France, and the U.K. whereas countries with a level 1 advisory include Barbados, Poland, and New Zealand. You can see exactly which level the country your student is going to is at by checking on the U.S. Department of State Website
Despite the safety level of a country, it is important to understand that there are risks involved with everything, including study abroad. From road accidents to natural disasters, incidents happen no matter where you are. IU and O’Neill have detailed plans to keep your student safe while abroad, despite these possibilities. These plans include pre-departure health and safety training online, protocols detailed in handbooks physically given to all students, prepared staff on every program, and a group specific emergency action plan.
More specifically, O’Neill is looking out for your student’s health and safety with the following: