IU focuses on student safety abroad

If an IU student were in a minor accident in Bloomington, they would know exactly what to do. But if the same incident occurred in Freiburg, Germany, they might not have any idea where to go for help.\nThe health and safety of each student is important to IU when allowing students to discover another culture, so the Office of Overseas Study, located in Franklin Hall, does its best to prepare them for any unexpected mishaps.\nThe Office of Overseas Study offers more than 80 study-abroad programs, earning recognition in the top 20 research schools with the greatest number of students with academic credit overseas, according to the Office of Overseas Study Web site.\n“We have a very good track record of safety in our program, and I think it is in the way we approach it,” said Kathleen Sideli, associate vice president of Overseas Study.\nIn approaching health and safety, the Office of Overseas Study monitors and evaluates each program site, creates handbooks for each specific program, conducts informational meetings and gives students a preparation checklist. \nSenior Mike Doyle, Office of Overseas Study peer counselor and German study returnee, felt at ease throughout his stay in Germany because of IU’s persistent efforts.\n“If I needed anything, they would have been right there to help me,” Doyle said.\nIU monitors the program sites through visits, director debriefings and student evaluations. If a concern arises, then the program will be altered and noted boldly in the handbook.\n“I think that the student handbook did an adequate job in explaining everything,” said Doyle, who read the handbook prior to takeoff.\nJennifer Bartold, an IU senior who studied in Argentina, went to the Office of Overseas Study to get help in picking the program best for her. Even though she eventually chose cultural Experiences Abroad, IU gave her superior help when preparing for her travels.\n“I read so many brochures and handbooks provided by IU,” Bartold said. “I wanted to make sure that I selected the program that was best for me.”\nThe handbook is designed for each destination with topics that include finances, academic credit information, cultural differences, personal health suggestions and safety tips.\nSideli and Doyle agreed that problems only occur when students fail to practice common sense. \n“A lot of times what happens to students are standard city safety issues,” Sideli said. These issues typically come about “when students indulge in some way.” \nThese safety issues include incidents such as pickpocketing, car accidents and alcohol-related robberies. Indulging, Sideli said, involves alcohol consumption, drug abuse and use of bad judgment in general.\nBartold said that if the safety or the health of a student was jeopardized, hospitals and other institutions were available.\n“I had too many resources to ever feel in danger,” Bartold said. \nSideli expressed the importance in disclosing all information necessary before traveling abroad so the directors know how to help the student in a time of need.\nBartold and Doyle said they had phenomenal experiences overseas without negative interruptions because of the thorough preparation provided by IU. \n“Without a doubt, it was the best choice I’ve made as an undergraduate,” Doyle said. \nSideli said that preparing can enhance and protect a student’s well-being. \n“We cannot guarantee anyone’s safety,” she said, “but we can prepare them as best we can so they can navigate in the world they are going.”