Health + Safety

Take whatever actions necessary to assure your immediate safety.

Call the Local Emergency Number. Know the local equivalent of 911 so that you can get emergency assistance. Remember to follow the advice from faculty or other on-site staff on the best manner to contact police and emergency services in your host country.

Notify On-Site Staff. Be sure you have your faculty member’s cell, or the number for your local contact person for your program. Contacting your on-site program staff should be a top priority. As they are nearest to you and know the local resources, on-site staff are best equipped to assist you in a timely manner.

When Needed, Contact Insurance. For international faculty-led and exchange, contact CISI at 1.855.951.2326 (within the US) or +1.443.470.3043 (collect outside the U.S.) Email: medservices@assistamerica.com.

Contact ArtCenter. During regular business hours (Monday - Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm PST), you can reach Global Programs at +1.626.396.4215. After hours, call ArtCenter Campus Security (available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) at +1.626.396.2211.

Contact the Nearest U.S. Embassy. Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies abroad are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached at +1.202.501.4444. This Office can put you in touch with the necessary local consular personnel for assistance. International students should reach out to their own embassies for assistance.

When traveling abroad, there are a number of situations that may arise, some that you can control and avoid, others that are out of your control. Plan ahead to ensure your safety throughout your trip.

Check the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Your Host Country and Other Countries You Plan to Visit

U.S. Department of State travel safety website. has important information about required documents for traveling, crime and security information, health conditions, local laws, drug penalties, traffic conditions, and more. This website will give you a good overview of what to expect and living conditions/lifestyle in the area. You may also wish to visit the U.S. Department of State websites for study abroad participants: studentsabroad.state.gov studyabroad.state.gov

Be Aware of Travel Warnings or Alerts

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for current travel advisories. Travel advisories are issued when countries, or regions of a country, are experiencing short-term or long-term instability or dangerous conditions. Understand that under such situations, the U.S. government's ability to assist you is greatly limited and cannot be guaranteed. Research the dangers traveling to that country ensues and understand how to be avoid danger or trouble. Note that ArtCenter students are not allowed to travel to areas with a Level 4 alert and that travel may be limited to areas with Level 3 alert.

Safety Away

Although you should by no means let paranoia ruin your travels, a reasonable amount of precaution is important. While you are abroad take the same precautions you would take in any large U.S. city you are not familiar with. Always pay attention to your surroundings and do not be foolish with your belongings. It is a good idea to learn as much as you can about the history, culture, politics and customs of your host country prior to your arrival. For instance, various countries and cultures respect certain manners and dress codes. You should abide by these manners and be equally respectful. Watching the local residents and their habits is your best guide to safe behavior. The less you stand out the safer you will be.

Basic Safety Tips

Never leave your bags unattended or ask a stranger to “just watch your stuff for a minute” while you go to the bathroom or purchase a ticket.

Do not carry your passport with you on a daily basis—keep it safely in your room or ask for it to be locked in a safe or security box at your accommodations.

Beware of pickpockets and con artists. The most common site for purse or camera snatchings are central train stations or crowded shopping areas.

Avoid areas where demonstrations are in progress. It may be illegal for you to participate in local demonstrations and you could be ordered to return to the United States.

Do not walk in unfamiliar areas of the city at night or accept rides from strangers.

Remember that drinking alcohol or using any drugs may put you in a vulnerable position, as your judgment will be impaired. Avoid going out late at night and drinking alcohol or using drugs, especially with people you do not know well. Staying sober at all times enables you to make better decisions.

Check current travel advisories. For current information and advisories, consult the U.S. State Department website.

Stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Register your trip with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Programand stay informed on the latest travel updates and information. This will also enable the State Department to better assist you in the case of an emergency.

Proof of STEP enrollment is required of all ArtCenter students who are U.S. citizens participating on a study away program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you cannot register for STEP. However, you can still register for the U.S. Department of State Travel Alerts and Warnings email subscription service. We also recommend international students register with their own Embassy in case of emergency.

Lost or Stolen Items

If you have anything stolen, file a report with your faculty leader or local campus exchange program administrator and local police authorities. Sometimes items can be retrieved if proper steps for reporting have been taken. Also, a police report is often required by insurance companies before they will process a claim.

Lost or Stolen Passport

Contact the U.S. Department of State to replace a lost or stolen U.S. passport. For non-U.S. citizens, contact your country’s local embassy. For a list of local country embassies, you can contact CISI or visit: http://embassy.goabroad.com. If you need to replace your U.S. student visa, contact ArtCenter’s International Student Advisor for assistance, including the issuance of a new I-20 if necessary. Also make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy for a replacement visa.

Local Laws and Legal Matters

Students abroad are subject to the laws of the country in which they study and the policies of the institution in which they are enrolled, as well as those of ArtCenter. Students who violate the law may have to face legal proceedings in the local judicial system, which may not provide the same safeguards for those accused of crime in the U.S. system. If convicted of a crime, a student will face punishment according to local practices. Many countries have laws regarding sexuality, dress, political assembly, and the use and distribution of illegal drugs, which are more severe than in the U.S. For their own protection, all students are cautioned to obey the laws of the country in which they study. In particular, any student who expects to use illegal drugs should seriously reconsider the decision to study abroad.

Exchange program students are subject to the disciplinary regulations of their host university and bear responsibility, as well, to ArtCenter’s Code of Conduct. In general, disciplinary action under the campus Code of Conduct may be taken for one year after the alleged misconduct occurs. Records of any disciplinary actions abroad become a part of a student’s file at ArtCenter.

All students are expected to respect national and local ordinances, even though these may sometimes be very different from those in the U.S. The program does not tolerate abuse of alcohol, use of illegal drugs, or other behaviors disruptive to the wellbeing of others. Students who do not adhere to appropriate standards of conduct are subject to dismissal from the program. No fees will be refunded under such circumstances.

Students studying abroad are guests of a foreign government. They can be (and some have been) expelled from the country as undesirable, even when no legal proof exists that they have broken a law. Students who are jailed will receive the following assistance from the program leader and the United States government:

1. Your family will be advised of your situation.

2. You will be assisted in getting a lawyer at your own or your family’s expense.

We cannot get you out of jail or provide you with bail money.

Avoid illegal activity at all times.

Living and learning in a different physical and social environment places additional demands on one’s mind and body. The emotional effects of confronting a new lifestyle can arouse anxiousness, bewilderment, and discouragement. As a result, you may experience stress while traveling abroad. If you take proper care of yourself through rest, relaxation, and activities such as reading and exercise, you will be more capable of making a healthy adjustment to your surroundings.

As soon as you have been accepted into a study away program, make appointments for medical examinations to ensure that you are in good health before you leave and to complete all necessary immunizations.

As an ArtCenter study away program participant, you will be automatically enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Insurance which can be used for pre-departure check-ups as well as any medical needs should you return to the U.S. prior to the end of the term. The health insurance policy begins the first day of the term and ends on the last day of the break each term. In addition, students on an international faculty-led program or exchange will be enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).

Health Information Form

For your safety, you are required to complete a confidential Health Information form to inform the Center for the Student Experience and the study away or onsite faculty leader(s) of your health history and any special medical needs you may have. This information will only be used to enable us to serve you promptly and correctly, should you require medical or counseling services during your time off-campus. It is important to be clear and forthright about your health status when participating in a study abroad program.

Research Recommended Vaccinations and General Health Information for your Host Country

Check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s website for information on health issues in the country in which you'll be studying, including the most up to date details about COVID-19. Enter the name of your host country to access detailed information on the current health issues in the area, security alerts and vaccine recommendations.

Immunizations

Be aware, it may take a minimum of two months to complete all immunizations and a physical for your travel. So plan ahead! First make an appointment to see a doctor for a medical exam and for a record of what vaccinations you may have already received. You may be able to receive some of your immunizations through your doctor’s office; however, often you have to go to a travel clinic for additional vaccinations. Local clinics in Pasadena include:

Healthy Traveler Clinic 1250 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91106 T: 626.584.1200

Travel and Health Immunization Clinic, Pasadena Public Health Department 1845 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91103 T: 626.744.6121

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the proper vaccinations! For current health conditions and recommended vaccinations, visit the Center for Disease Control's website.

Mental Health

Study abroad is both enormously fulfilling and often challenging for all students and can present some additional challenges for students with mental health conditions. The challenges of adjusting to a new environment coupled with the absence of a familiar support system may exacerbate existent conditions. Going to another country will not solve personal problems and may make them more severe. Work with a professional before you leave to discuss your condition. If you would like to talk to a counselor about concerns you might have, make an appointment through the Center for the Student Experience to meet with our on-site licensed therapists/counselors prior to departure. As a registered student, you are entitled to up to five free counseling sessions per term.

Do NOT make changes to your medications prior to or during your travel!

If you think you are in trouble, let your family, friends, faculty leader, ArtCenter therapist, or our office know so that someone can help you. Should you need professional services abroad, you should contact CISI for a referral to a counselor, clinic, or hospital where you will be staying. ArtCenter is unable to offer phone counseling or videoconferencing to students abroad except in the case of natural disasters or other international emergencies.

Prescriptions, Non-prescription Medications, Vitamins, Herbs, and Health Supplements

Plan to take enough of these items in original bottles for your full program. Loose pills or unmarked bottles may be confiscated by the host country’s Customs Services. Take copies of your prescriptions with you in case you need to refill or replace them if lost. In most cases, it is not legal or feasible to mail prescriptions from the U.S. overseas.

Some drugs available by prescription in the U.S. are illegal in other countries. Check the U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheets for the country(s) you intend to visit. If your medication is legal but simply not available in the country you will be visiting, ask your healthcare provider to write a letter on official stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you. For additional information, review the Overseas Security Advisory Council’s Traveling with Medication article. Carefully read the case studies and pre-departure and in-country guidance.

Students with Disabilities

Many of the disability accommodations or services that are provided at U.S. universities may be different or unavailable overseas. Being in a new environment can also be stressful, and accommodations that you may not have needed at home may become necessary in an unfamiliar setting. Participants with a documented disability, whether learning, physical or psychological should contact the Center for the Student Experience (see Section X: Resources and ArtCenter Contacts) upon acceptance into a program to discuss their needs while studying away. A good resource for students with disabilities is Mobility International USA (MIUSA).

MIUSA is a nonprofit organization serving study abroad students with cognitive, hearing, learning, mental health, physical, systemic, vision and other disabilities. For more information and resources on this topic, please visit the Identity Away section of the website.

ArtCenter Health and Travel Insurance Policy: Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)

As a participant in an international ArtCenter faculty-led or exchange program abroad for credit, you will be enrolled in a student health and travel insurance plan through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) for the duration of your program abroad. This insurance is in addition to the ArtCenter student health insurance plan that you are automatically covered under each term you are registered for classes.

Once you have confirmed your participation in the study abroad program, ArtCenter will enroll you for coverage in CISI. You will receive an email to login to your account at www.mycisi.com. Sign into the site to print your insurance card and access comprehensive information and services related to your plan. You can track claims, search for a doctor, view plan information, download claim forms and read health and security information through their website. Please be sure you can login to CISI and print your insurance card before you leave.

Some of the key benefits and services included in your plan are:

Physician office visits

Referrals for legal assistance

Medical, political/security, and natural disaster evacuation

Lost luggage reimbursement

The On Call’s Nurse Helpline is also available 24/7. This service is for those who aren’t sure if they are sick enough for a doctor, but would like to seek medical advice. Not every illness or injury warrants a trip to the ER or a doctor’s office – this free service will help participants determine how best to treat whatever condition they may have.

For more information on your CISI insurance policy, including an overview of benefits, limitations, and exclusions, please visit www.mycisi.com. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact enrollments@mycisi.com or call 203.399.5509 or 800.303.8120 ext. 5509 (toll-free from within the U.S.)

In case of medical or security related emergency, contact the 24/7 emergency assistance provider at 1.855.951.2326 (within the US) or +1.443.470.3043 (collect outside the U.S.) Email: medassist-usa@axa-assistance.us.

If you plan to arrive early or remain abroad after the program ends (i.e., extend your stay beyond the official start and end dates of the program), it is your responsibility to enroll and pay for additional coverage dates if desired. To extend your coverage, please contact CISI at 203.399.5509 or 800.303.8120 ext. 5509 (toll-free from within the U.S.) or login to your online portal.

If you are participating in an Exchange Program, your CISI coverage will begin one week prior to the date you are expected to be at school (e.g., first day of Orientation) and end one week after the last date of instruction or your departure date, whichever comes first.

Students participating on an Individualized Study Away program are required to submit proof of insurance to ArtCenter. If your Individualized Program does not provide you with insurance during your time abroad, it is your duty to purchase coverage. Global Programs recommends looking into Cultural Insurance Services International (www.culturalinsurance.com).

If you are participating in an International Internship and insurance is not provided by your employer, you will need to purchase your own. Global Programs again recommends looking into purchasing Cultural Insurance Services International (www.culturalinsurance.com).

Optional Trip Cancellation Insurance Plans

ArtCenter students have the option of purchasing additional trip cancellation or interruption insurance. This is at an additional cost and is NOT a program inclusion. This policy includes options to cancel for any reason (CFAR) and interrupt for any reason (IFAR). ArtCenter’s study abroad insurance policy through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) is primarily for accidents/illnesses abroad. The CISI policy also contains some coverage for cancellations, interruptions, and delay. This coverage is very limited, however, and will not cover all situations. Travelers can purchase additional "Cancel/Interrupt For Any Reason" (CFAR/IFAR) coverage through CISI’s partner, Travel Insured International, to supplement the existing CISI coverage through ACCD. This coverage will help protect your financial investment should you need to cancel the program. Get a quote and purchase an individual “Cancel/Interrupt For Any Reason” (CFAR/IFAR) plan here.

Here is a summary of the plan options:

There is one main plan that will come up for individual travelers called the Worldwide Trip Protector (WTP) plan. This base plan has over 20 triggers for trip interruption and cancellation (as well as additional coverage for things like trip delay and baggage). If the traveler’s reason for cancelling/interruption a trip fits within one of these triggers (like unforeseen quarantine!), they may be eligible for reimbursement of up to 100% (cancellation) or $150% (interruption) of the insured’s non-refundable trip cost.

In addition to the base plan, there are several optional plan upgrades, including optional Cancellation for Any Reason (CFAR) and Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR). Residents of New York are only able to purchase CFAR but not IFAR. Travelers must enroll in the plan within 21 days of making their first non-refundable trip payment in order to qualify for CFAR or IFAR. These benefits will cover up to 75% of non-refundable trip costs.

If your trip is less than 30 days with insured costs of less than $10,000, a more affordable and scaled down option called Worldwide Trip Protector Lite (WTPL) is available. This option has more limited benefits and does not allow for CFAR or IFAR.

Aetna Student Health Insurance

ArtCenter provides health insurance for all students enrolled in degree programs, whether full-time or ArtCenter Lite, through Aenta Student Health. This includes all students on faculty-led or exchange programs. For students on a domestic study away program, this will remain your primary insurance coverage.

Please visit ArtCenter Student Health Insurance to purchase additional coverage or for information on using your insurance. For additional questions regarding the student health insurance plan, email cse@artcenter.edu or call 626 396-2323.

The student health insurance plan is a benefit of the College and may not be waived. If you have an existing insurance policy, the student health insurance plan becomes secondary. Students with a dependent (spouse, child, or domestic partner) may apply for dependent coverage at www.4studenthealth.com. Dental and vision coverage is not included but may be added for an additional cost.

Equipment Insurance

If you choose to bring your laptop, computer accessories, and/or personal production gear (photo, film, video, etc.) with you, please refer to ArtCenter’s Equipment Insurance FAQ sheet, also available from the Equipment Room. All students involved in a credit-bearing program will be covered under this insurance plan. Be sure that your laptop has tracking software installed to be eligible for theft coverage. For more information, contact the Equipment Room Manager.

Personal Property Insurance

Personal property including cell phones and wallets are not covered under the equipment insurance policy or travel/medical insurance policy. We recommend you consider buying personal property insurance to protect personal belongings. Personal property insurance can be purchased from www.collegestudentinsurance.com or another insurer. Be sure to indicate that you are an ArtCenter student for the best rate.