Health and Safety Information
Health and Safety are top priorities on all Amizade Global
Service-Learning Programs. Please read over our health
and safety standards and policies below for more information.
Amizade staff members are pleased to answer any further
questions or concerns you have. Please feel free to contact
us at servicelearning@amizade.org or 304-293-6049.
Health and Safety are Top Priorities
Staff Members Regularly Consult with Global
and Local Experts
Amizade has Strong Relationships with
Partner Communities
Safety Procedures - Before and During Each Course
Emergency Procedures - Host Country
Emergency Procedures - US Office
Health and Safety are Top Priorities
- Amizade
adheres to safety recommendations set forth by the Interorganizational
Task Force on Safety and Responsibility in Study Abroad.
- Throughout
global service-learning programs, Amizade staff members
cooperate with students, government agencies, community
partners, and international education and nonprofit professionals
to monitor the international situation.
- If
ever a consensus among global educators, governmental
and security experts, and other professionals indicates
that a course should be postponed, staff will work with
students on appropriate rescheduling procedures.
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Amizade Staff Members Regularly
Consult with Global and Local Experts
- Staff members receive daily updates from the US
State Department.
- Staff
members monitor information provided through the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Staff
members correspond with US
Embassy representatives before
and during service-learning programs.
- Through
working with international education professionals in
Study Abroad, staff members may keep assessing circumstances
through corresponding with professionals and students
who are currently abroad or who have considerable experience
abroad.
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Amizade has Strong Relationships
with Partner Communities
Amizade site directors monitor health and safety in each
partner community and are in regular contact with the Amizade
office.
- In
each community, Amizade cooperates with local leadership
and well-established philanthropic organizations (i.e.,
Rotary and Lions Clubs, religious organizations, community
service groups, civic clubs, etc.)
- In
the US and in the host country, Amizade staff members have
complete updated contact information for local emergency
service and medical providers, as well as community partners.
- Each
Amizade service-learning program is lead by at least two
education or community professionals, which typically includes
a university instructor, a university service-learning facilitator,
and a community site director.
- A
staff member is with the students each day as they travel
on-site and is available to address student concerns and
emergencies.
Safety Procedures - Before, During,
and After Each Course
- Amizade maintains a 24-hour
Contact Phone Number and
other emergency numbers prior to the start of all programs.
- Amizade
office staff members have regular contact with site staff
for the length of all programs.
- Prior
to the start of all international programs, the US Embassy
receives an itinerary, participant information, and
contact information.
- Participants
are encouraged to obtain a doctor's approval prior
to travel abroad so they have the opportunity to discuss
their personal medical concerns.
- Participants
must complete medical forms so Amizade staff members
are aware of reported allergies, illnesses, and immunizations
in the event of a medical emergency.
- Amizade
requires students to purchase travel insurance with
emergency evacuation coverage.
- Site
and participant-specific emergency medical and procedural
manuals are maintained in the office and onsite
during each program.
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Emergency Procedures - Host Country
- In
any emergency situation, Amizade site staff members will
first and foremost concern themselves with the safety and
security of course participants.
- Measures
taken to enhance safety and security of course participants
will be based upon the totality of the circumstances
with regard to available information and the international
education professionals' assessment of the emergency
at hand.
- A
site staff member will contact the Amizade office and
the appropriate authorities as soon as the students'
safety and security is addressed.
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Emergency Procedures - US Office
- Staff
members will immediately be in consultation with appropriate
authorities, community partners, and international education
providers.
- Throughout
the consultation period, US staff will continuously work
with the site staff and community partners.
- To
the extent it is possible, US staff members will provide
logistical, financial, and informational support to
site staff members' efforts to increase the safety and
security of course participants.
- All
efforts will focus on securing a safe and secure setting
for participants based on the totality of the circumstances.
- Staff
members will contact individuals that students have
listed as emergency contacts at the first opportunity
available.
- Staff members will contact individuals that students
have listed as emergency contacts at the first opportunity
available.
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