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About Analyzing Risk and Capabilities
Policy Information:Analyzing risks includes those types of emergencies that are possible in all experiences abroad along with the hazards that are specific to each program. It may help to start with the most serious and most likely crises that may affect each study abroad program. This could mean consulting with other study abroad administrators who have sent students on similar programs as well as personally reviewing the country’s recent history. Program evaluations, both verbal and written, that solicit student feedback about incidents where their health and safety were threatened or violated are an important guide to developing effective policies and support systems. NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad for Advisors and Administrators suggests the following as the five issues that are “probably among the most frequently cited” with regard to study abroad. (p.213)
- Natural Disasters (floods, earthquakes, mudslides)
- Strikes
- Political Turmoil (street demonstrations, riots)
- Health (epidemics, nuclear hazards, pollution, water and air contaminants)
- Crime (petty theft) *
*Along with students being a victim of crime, program administrators should prepare for the possibly of a student being arrested for violating local laws.
The Crisis Management Handbook of the Peace Corps Volunteer Safety Council (p.6) includes the following other common emergencies:
- medical emergencies which may require evacuation or repatriation of remains
- family emergencies
- country evacuations
- emergency travel and allowances
- insurance and reimbursement for property damage or loss
Other emergencies that program administrators should prepare for include:
- kidnapping or terrorism
- sexual harassment or assault
Once potential risks have been analyzed, institutions could bring together a Crisis Management Team to assess the capabilities of the administration to deal with those risks including contingencies in the assessment. Temporary facilities may need to be designated or back-up communication systems established. United Educators Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc. Managing Liability series (p.17) It is likely that the resources necessary to being prepared will vary widely from program to program. Some general subject areas to consider include:
- Equipment (radios, fire protection, power supply, medical, etc.)
- Transportation (vehicles, drivers, fuel, trucks)
- Facilities (meeting places, safe havens, shelters, storage areas for food and water)
- Contacts with local and U.S. groups (Police and Fire Departments, embassies and consulates, Hospitals and clinics, airport authorities, etc.)
Crisis Management Handbook of the Peace Corps Volunteer Safety Council (p.7)
