We promote this type of learning by collaborating with colleges, universities and other organizations around the world.
About Privacy Rights
Policy Information:Students have a right to privacy regarding their personal information. As an administrator, it is part of your duty to see that students’ rights are protected. However, there are some areas where institutions may want to implement special policies and procedures specifically for study abroad that deal with access to information in a different way. Such areas where access to student information related to study abroad may vary from the norm, include:
Having students waive access to student conduct records for student screening.
Having students waive access to information about the student while abroad, so that if something happens, the institution abroad is open to inform the U.S. home campus.
Obtaining clearance to inform parents, guardians, and/or significant others in special cases (accident or illness of student, conduct or legal violations by student, need for medical care abroad, etc.)
Communication with parents, guardians, and/or significant others about a student’s study abroad program, including the risks and realities of a program.
Providing campus health professionals to report on relevant student medical and counseling background information.
A student’s right to privacy is a particularly sensitive area with legal ramifications. It is important to include legal counsel and student affairs professionals in developing policy in this area.
Notifying Parents
Institutions should consider developing clear guidelines on what information should be available to parents of students taking part in study abroad programs. Guidelines may include:
Financial information
Contact information abroad
Ability to contact appropriate parent or guardian in the case of an emergency
Program dates and address abroad
Conduct issues with students
Unapproved absence of student from program
Disseminate information on health and safety risks to parents
U.S. Center Notification by Foreign Institution
Having students waive access to information about themselves while abroad so that if something happens, the institution abroad is open to inform the U.S. home campus.
