Safety and Health The safety and health of West Texas A&M students participating in study abroad programs is of utmost importance to the Office of Study Abroad and West Texas A&M University. It is the goal of West Texas A&M University and the Office of Study Abroad to help locate safe and secure study abroad opportunities for students. Although every effort will be taken to ensure students' safety while abroad, WTAMU cannot plan or take responsibility for circumstances beyond its control. Ultimately, it is the student's responsibility to ensure their own personal safety and make choices that will not put themselves in danger while they are abroad. WTAMU and the OSA offer safety preparation to students. Pre-Departure Orientation All students participating in an OSA approved study abroad program (faculty-led, reciprocal, affiliated, individual study) must attend a pre-departure orientation prior to their departure. The OSA will inform students of the date and time of these pre-departure orientations. If for any reason the student does not attend a pre-departure orientation, they will not be eligible to participate in the study abroad program. - Topics covered (although not exclusive):
- Academic requirements at WTAMU and abroad
- Financial aid and scholarship information
- Packing tips
- Accessing funds while abroad
- Health issues
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Embassy assistance
- Emergency action plans and safety information
- Culture shock and adjustment
- Country specific information
- Returning home
If you would like to look into safety and health information on your own, please refer to the websites listed below: Department of State Trave: www.travel.state.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov World Health Organization: www.who.int
Emergency and Liability Forms All students participating in an OSA approved study abroad program must review the Terms of Participation which outlines students responsibility while participating in a study abroad program, and includes an acceptance form, FERPA Waiver, Waiver of Liability Form (with listed witness), Medical Consent & Emergency Contact Form, and Verification of Insurance. This is completed prior to studying abroad. Students will not be eligible to study abroad if these forms have not been completed and returned to the OSA prior to departure. To access emergency and liability forms, please go to the Pre-Departure page. Insurance All students studying abroad are required to have health and medical insurance for the duration of their time abroad. Most Affiliated program providers will provide health insurance in their program fees, so please review the coverage of all these plans if you are joining an affiliate provider. All WTAMU students on faculty-led study abroad programs are required to have Health and Travel Insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This insurance will be purchased through your program fees. For information on coverage please see the brochure at CISI. Please be aware that the OSA and WTAMU prohibit students to participate in study abroad programs in which the country of destination is under a travel advisory by the Department of State. Emergency Situations Students and faculty should contact the OSA with emergencies at +1 806-651-5309 during office hours. The OSA will work with students, whether it be an evacuation, medical assistance, or any other type of emergency. If it's after hours, contact the University Police Department at +1 806-651-2300. | 
