Learning Abroad Center

In an Emergency

24 Hour Contact: 612.626.9000

Purpose

To ensure that in urgent or serious situations, University of Minnesota education abroad participants receive prompt, appropriate and thorough care, intervention, or referral from both program staff and University of Minnesota officers.

Situations

Any situation or condition that jeopardizes the University of Minnesota student(s)' physical or mental health, safety, well-being, or program participation and/or requires the intervention of program staff. Such events or occurrences may include, but are not limited to: civil disturbance, natural disaster, severe or prolonged illness or injury requiring hospitalization, disciplinary action, emotional or behavioral disorders, illegal actions (i.e. drug use), absence from program site, academic probation, etc.

Notification Procedures

In the case of an emergency, students are instructed to contact the appropriate on-site staff immediately. The on-site staff in turn contacts the Learning Abroad Center. The Learning Abroad Center staff may contact the person the student has listed as their emergency contact, depending on the situation.

If a family member or friend is contacted by the student about an emergency and it is unclear whether or not the on-site staff are aware of the situation, they should call the Learning Abroad Center at 612.626.9000. This number is answered during business hours. After business hours a message will prompt callers to call the emergency cell phone which is monitored 24 hours, 7 days a week.

If it is necessary to contact the Learning Abroad Center, provide as much of the following information as possible:

  • Your name
  • Country & program of study
  • Student(s) names
  • Date & time of occurrence/condition
  • Description of occurrence/condition
  • Action taken thus far
  • Action requested of Officer (if appropriate)
  • Return contact information

Emergencies

In the event of a political, social, or natural emergency, the Learning Abroad Center will be in close contact with the on-site staff and/or US program contact for any study abroad program offered through the Learning Abroad Center. The on-site staff will in turn seek advice from the local authorities and the US Consulate or Embassy nearest to the program location. Assistance will be managed in coordination with our medical and security insurance provider.

Parents, friends, and family are asked to communicate with the Learning Abroad Center staff to allow on-site staff to focus on working with students and local officials.

Health and Security Insurance

The University of Minnesota will coordinate with our travel medical and security insurance provider to respond to individual and group emergencies. In rare cases where students are covered by an approved alternative plan, the University will monitor progress through our partners. The Learning Abroad Center will assist students and their families in understanding coverage

US Consulates and Embassies

The US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. aids Americans needing emergency assistance. The US State Department’s Crisis Emergency Center telephone number in Washington, D.C. is 202.501.4444. Updated recordings on State Department travel advisories are also available at this number.