This page contains answers to frequently asked questions regarding health and safety abroad. You will find more specific information about your program location in the KEI program-specific Pre-departure Guide. Please do not hesitate to call or email if you would like to speak with an advisor about safety, health and emergency policies and procedures.

Is it safe to study abroad?
Safety is of utmost importance to us. KEI monitors current world events closely, especially news that can affect our program locations. If a situation does become dangerous KEI will act in such a way as to increase safety for our participants, and, if deemed necessary, suspend the program and make arrangements for students to return home. For more specific information about your program location, please read your Program Pre-departure Guide.

How does KEI monitor student safety abroad?
KEI relies on continued information and communication with several reliable sources, including our on-site staff, local authorities, U.S. Embassies, U.S. Department of State, NAFSA, SAFETI, WHO, and CDC. Students are informed of any known dangers by our program advisors and through the KEI literature. KEI registers students with the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate in the host country.

The on-site staff addresses health and safety issues during on-site orientation and holds meetings with students throughout the program. If travelling away from the site, students are required to notify the KEI on-site staff about the intended travel and to leave their contact information.

All students receive a mobile telephone from KEI for the duration of the program, which allows students to make calls at their convenience and make it easier for our on-site staff to contact students. Refer to the KEI policies for more information about mobile telephones.

Is there anti-American sentiment abroad?
In general, Americans are well liked by the local people on an individual basis. Most of our students find that people in the host country are eager to make friends and share their culture. While locals may demonstrate against U.S. policy and question U.S. politics, these protests and discussions are usually aimed at the U.S. government rather than the people. We believe that political discussions about international policy are a beneficial part of studying abroad, allowing our students to view the USA from an outsider’s perspective and better understand the role of the USA, and themselves, in the global community. Of course, every country, including the USA, has people who express strong anti-American views. Students are advised to avoid such people and refrain from participating in public demonstrations.

What happens if there is an emergency?
KEI developed an emergency response plan to deal with high-risk situations. The emergency response plan is utilized if the U.S. Department of State issues a Travel Warning for the program location, or if KEI determines that the program location is not safe for students. A public outline of the plan is described in the Emergency Response section of this web site.

What is a Travel Warning?
The U.S. Department of State issues a Travel Warning to recommend that U.S. citizens avoid travel to a certain country. The Warning is the highest of the three levels of advisories issued by the State Department. The U.S. Department of State also issues Public Announcements to inform the public about significant risks or disruptions to U.S. citizens. KEI continually monitors U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Visit the Department of State website, www.travel.state.gov, for more information.

Do I receive a refund if KEI suspends the program?
KEI’s refund policy is in line with the industry standard. Please refer to KEI policies for information about refunds.

What happens if I become sick or injured abroad?
Students are asked to inform the On-Site Staff in the event of illness or injury. Whenever possible, our staff will assist students in obtaining medical care and prescription medication. In the event of serious illness or injury KEI will assist the student and his/her family in making arrangements to return home. KEI programs include medical and travel insurance. Students enrolled in multiple term programs are also covered during scheduled school breaks between consecutive terms.