EducatorsAbroad Ltd. (EA) program administrators and personnel care about the welfare of all individuals involved in their programs. We recognize that all participants are adults personally responsible for their own welfare and decisions they make. But, we also know that events can occur at any point in life when the support and assistance of others is needed.

While it is not possible to predict all problems that may arise as we participate in EA programs, all participants (students, faculty, colleagues) need to be ready to respond to the unexpected as professionals and as individuals concerned about the welfare of others.

Whether it is a concern of the host school or country, teachers or administrators, student/participant, or EA faculty and staff, our goal is to assure that the best possible decisions are made and that action is taken in response to the needs of participants and colleagues under the circumstances that prevail.

In preparation for such circumstances the following guidelines are presented.

Decisions, in Case of Emergency

The first response to an emergency situation or concern is in the hands of the individuals closest to the situation - usually the student/participant, teachers, and administrators in the host school - recognizing that decisions are best made by the individuals closest to the situation where circumstances and options are best known.

Initial steps involve identifying the seriousness of the situation, determining decisions to be made and who is responsible for those decisions, and taking appropriate action given existing circumstances. Where necessary, services of the appropriate non-governmental or governmental agency should be sought.

Decisions are made by individuals in this order with each assisting the other in seeking to make the best possible decisions under the circumstances:

• Participant directly involved in the emergency situation.
• Host school (administration and/or cooperating teacher).
• Faculty member assigned to supervise student/participant work.
• Faculty member serving as host country coordinator and/or placement director.
• Program Associate Director/Manager/Coordinator – Jennifer McCleery/Erica Swenson/Paula Richardson.
• Program Director – Craig Kissock.

Sharing of Information

Sharing of information is on a 'need and right to know' basis. It is important that only those who need and have the right to know are informed in a timely and regular manner as circumstances allow.

• At no time will individuals associated with the program communicate with the media about cases of concern or emergency.
• Being informed does not presume the need to take action.

At the same time, it is important that EA faculty and staff be made aware of emergency situations. The Host Country Coordinator, Placement Director, and/or EA faculty supervisor should be contacted immediately – or as soon as feasible – so they are informed and can offer assistance. These individuals will report to faculty and staff in the EA office, and together we will assist as best we can to assure the well being of all participants.

If the Host Country Coordinator and/or EA faculty supervisor are unavailable, do not hesitate to contact the Associate Director/Program Manager/Coordinator or Director at any time in case of an emergency.

Issues That May Arise

Issues that may arise at the time and given the situation (that may or may not be decided by the participant) include among others:

• Need to involve police and/or immigration authorities.
• Participant privacy such as whether to notify parents or relatives.

Contacts in Case of Concern or Emergency

Information for contacting faculty assigned to the participant (placement director, EA faculty supervisor, host country coordinator) and the host school is available on each participant's www personal site. Click here to sign in. Use the participant's assigned username and password to access contact details.

Click here for EducatorsAbroad contact information.