Safety

Understanding and mitigating the risks of international student mobility is paramount to what we do.

Our staff have years of experience inspecting, evaluating and monitoring projects to ensure the safety of participants is at the forefront of our agenda.

Pre-departure preparations include:

  • Preparation program and workshops specific to the placement and group, including detailed itinerary, host organisation, specifics of the clinical placement, accommodation and transport detail including visas, vaccinations and insurance, preparation task list, managing health and safety, communication, emergency contact details, fundraising and cultural competency guidelines

  • Phrase Book and language lessons

  • Online modules covering health and safety, cross-cultural communication, being a responsible traveller

  • Online meet and greet with the host organisation and in country support

  • Final details pack including participants’ medical, dietary, passport and next of kin information; a detailed risk assessment of the placement; emergency contact details in country and in Australia.

we regularly:

  • Review our Crisis Incident Response Policy and Plan to ensure it reflects industry best practice and is consistent with university requirements

  • Develop strict risk assessments for every placement and exercise mitigations at every stage

  • Include these mitigations in the pre-departure preparation of students and staff through detailed handbooks, presentations, online modules and interactive exercises

  • Have on-the-ground expert support staff accompanying every group on placement

  • Provide regular training to all on the ground staff on emergency action plans and crisis management procedures

  • Provide 24/7 support on the ground in every destination and in Australia to staff, students and their families for every eventuality

  • Have strong links with travel insurance providers and major airlines to ensure first class response in the event of an emergency

  • Provide you with all the necessary documentation regarding transport, accommodation, support and final details of all participants to compliment the detailed itinerary and risk assessment created for your placement.

FAQs

Do you provide support for my family/next of kin whilst I am away?

Yes, we are on call 24/7 via phone, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger should family or next of kin need to contact you or need emergency support.

What happens if I get sick?

We prepare all of our groups prior to travel to help avoid sickness upon arrival but if you do get sick, we have processes in place to help you get well again. We ask that all travellers carry their own comprehensive travellers medical kit.

What is your process for handling emergencies?

We provide 24-hour support in country and in Australia. We have emergency plans in place regarding communication and provide training to students on managing risk and emergency situations.

What relationships do you have on the ground with emergency responders and/or medical providers?

We provide lists of recommended healthcare providers to all groups. Often ISOS or the universities emergency assistance provider will also do this.

What type of security is in place overnight?

We work with audited and reputable destination management companies in all destinations. Each group has a Project facilitator and 2-3 interpreters/support personnel with them at all times. Each placement is risk assessed to ensure the group’s safety is paramount.

Have you ever had to evacuate from a location?

We have never needed to evacuate a group however itineraries have needed to change due to weather or conditions out of our control. We have had incidents of staff and student illness where we have needed to accompany them to hospitals; lost passports; thefts and so have needed to manage communication with authorities in country and in Australia.