CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- IES Abroad's Model Assessment Practice (MAP) for Student Health, Safety and Crisis Management provides practical health and safety standards that parents and students should consider when selecting a study abroad program.

The IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management offers a set of best practices developed after more than 60 years of experience sending more than 90,000 students to dozens of countries to study abroad.

"Student safety is critically important to IES Abroad, and the IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management reflects our interest in the health and safety of students," said Bill Hoye, Chief Operating Officer of IES Abroad and author of the MAP.  "Studying abroad is truly a life-changing experience, and we believe these guidelines will only further the quality of each student's experience."

Parents and students should consider the following when selecting a study abroad program:

1. Choose a study abroad program with an established health, safety, and crisis management plan.  The plan should include regularly-conducted training and drills to ensure a fast and efficient response in the event of an incident.
2. Make sure students receive a thorough orientation upon arrival at their study abroad location.   The orientation should introduce students to their new home and provide insight into the local environment and appropriate responses to various types of incidents. Registration with the local Embassy and the provision of emergency contacts are also essential.
3. Confirm that the study abroad program includes a process to communicate with parents and students in the event of an incident.  
4. Ensure that on-site student affairs representatives will be available 24/7. Always available, these are trained, local employees who speak the language, know the community, and can assist students at any time. 
5. Make sure student insurance is comprehensive and required, including medical assistance, travel coverage for parents, mental health benefits, and pre-existing condition coverage.
6. Confirm that outside experts are available. Global security firms, psychological and other medical consultants are essential partners for any program provider.
7. Find out how closely the local housing meets U.S. standards.  Items such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors should be in place, even if not required by local standards or regulations.

"These tips are just a small part of the entireMAP for Student Health, Safety and Crisis Management," said Dr. Mary M. Dwyer, President and CEO of IES Abroad. "At IES Abroad, we believe in going above and beyond to support our students' health and safety during the study abroad experience, and this MAP illustrates that mission. Our hope is that students, parents, and schools will adapt the MAP as a best practices guide for the study abroad field."

Download the full version of the MAP for Student Health, Safety and Crisis Management at http://www.IESabroad.org/study-abroad/advisors-faculty/ies-abroad-map/map-for-health. 

About IES AbroadIES Abroad is a global, not-for-profit academic consortium of more than 200 top-tier American colleges and universities that has been a leader in study abroad programs for over 60 years.  IES Abroad offers more than 100 study abroad programs in 36 cities worldwide.  More than 5,600 students enroll in IES Abroad programs annually.  Learn more at www.IESabroad.org.

Media Contact: Amy McMillan, IES Abroad, 8009952300, aruhter@IESabroad.org

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SOURCE IES Abroad

RELATED LINKShttp://www.IESabroad.org