Health & Safety
It is our top priority to keep our students safe while abroad. Read on for more details about our health, safety and emergency protocols and procedures.
Overview
You can trust that Global Players and affiliates will be vigilant in responding to the needs or our students. All staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about safety procedures and protocols.
All programs have plans for evacuating students to safety during emergencies. Staff on the ground discuss their extensive and thorough student safety guidelines with students during their arrival orientation, and again later, should the need arise.
Every location has enforced security systems, and local staff have developed close relationships with local police. The Centers receive regular updates from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate regarding U.S. citizen safety and in the event of an emergency, there are 24/7 hotlines to further support both staff and students on the ground.
Download Global Players Emergency Procedures. Additionally, program-specific protocol varies in accordance with our partners abroad.
Please Note: All Programs, as well as the individual participant, will be registered with the State Department in case of emergency.
Injury Prevention
Injuries and accidents happen, whether you are walking down the street on a rainy day or playing pick-up with some friends. The difference is not location, it is prevention. Global Players’ first priority is safety and we take the necessary precautions to do so. We don't want anyone to sustain an injury on our program as much as you do. Therefore, our “play” curriculum is developed in part for injury prevention and our staff has a specific protocol in the event of an injury.
If any of our participants are injured, after the emergency is tended to, we will then open a dialogue with the parents, coaches and athletic training staff at their respective institution to take the next action steps necessary. That said, most injuries are not a cause to end their experience abroad. Coursework or internships in most cases can still be completed so our next goal after maintaining the student-athlete’s safety is program completion. We as GP staff are seasoned, battered, and bruised ourselves. Your student-athletes are in good hands.
Concussions
Injury is unfortunately a common part of sport participation and head trauma or concussions are no different. It is necessary to know that when you are in a different country the handling of injuries and most specifically concussions may differ. The majority are behind the US in efforts to participate in active action plans when an athlete is hit in the head. However, DON’T FRET.
All Athletic Director’s and on-site staff assist the athlete in standardized concussion analysis and procedure as determined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Heads Up initiative. Our concussion protocol relies on a combination of on-site coaches and trainers, hospital and local care provider analysis and student-athlete self-reporting. All student-athletes also must provide an incident report to their university Athletic Trainers to keep them informed.
Medications
Some medication that are quite common in the United States could be illegal in some countries. For example, Adderall that is used to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and narcolepsy is prohibited in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. In some countries, even over-the-counter medications are prohibited. Japan for example, does not permit the importation of products that contain pseudo ephedrine such as Sudafed, Actifed, and certain other cold-relief products.
While enforcement may be inconsistent, you certainly do not want to take the risk that your medication is confiscated at customs. Contact a travel clinic or the consulate of the country or countries where you will be traveling to determine which meds are permissible.
If you are taking some powerful prescription medication for a chronic ailment or condition, you should bring an ample supply of the medication in its original packing or container for the duration of your program. You should also carry a copy of the written prescription or a letter from the physician noting what the prescription is for, the dosage, and its active ingredient or generic name in case the authorities are not familiar with the brand name.
Insurance
When traveling far from home, you must protect yourself and your stuff.
You will have packed your MP3 player, new clothes, and even extra socks, but believe it or not, those aren't the most important things that should be on the list. Did you pack INSURANCE?
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Visiting the doctor's office while abroad is probably not in your plans, but what if you get sick? Or hurt? Did you know that a medical evacuation back to the U.S. could cost $50,000 or more if you aren't insured?
Fortunately, Global Players includes mandatory international Health insurance coverage for your program duration including athletic participation and emergency evacuation.
TRIP INSURANCE
You have been looking forward to your time abroad for a long time. Imagine the exciting cultures! And all the new people! Now, imagine your horror when you learn your trip has been cancelled due to a natural disaster. Or, what if your new set of luggage--with all your clothes--gets lost along the way? A number of unexpected things could put a damper on your travels. Safeguard your trip and your belongings with travel insurance! Other provisions of travel insurance usually include lost baggage coverage, missed flight connections and cancellation charges imposed by airlines. You have invested a lot of time and money into this once-in-a-lifetime experience--don't leave anything to chance! In addition, for basic insurance to cover sickness, accident and other emergencies while traveling outside the United States' students and teachers can purchase international student or teacher identity cards. There are additional benefits to having a student card, including discounts on admissions, transportation, and accommodations. You can find more information about student identity cards online.
Emergency Contact
ON-SITE CONTACT(S)
Relevant on-site contact information provided during pre-departure. All students and families will be given contact information for both Athletic and Academic Directors as well as Emergency 24/7 hotline in case of immediate assistance. Homestay contacts also provided where applicable.
OFFICE OF OVERSEAS CITIZEN SERVICES
studentsabroad@state.gov
From within the U.S. and Canada (Toll Free): 1-888-407-4747
From outside of the U.S. and Canada: +1-202-501-4444