HEALTH & SAFETY
AN Abroad experience where
Health & Safety come first
We understand that safety will always be your family’s top concern when planning your experience abroad. That’s why Verto uses best practices to create robust systems that help safeguard participants.
Student Support
Our Care Team of experienced, well-trained staff will support your social, emotional, and physical well-being throughout your Verto experience.
During pre-departure, our Student Onboarding team will help you plan for any medical needs or accommodations, and answer any questions before you travel.
While on-site, you will participate in program safety orientations sessions and wellness workshops to learn about your surroundings and make informed decisions. You will regularly check-in with your Care Team throughout the semester to resolve any issues together.
Risk Management
Our comprehensive approach focuses on minimizing risk and preparing participants for their time abroad. We follow nationally recognized safety guidelines set forth by U.S. governmental agencies such as the U.S. Department of State and Overseas Safety Advisory Council (OSAC), The Standards of Good Practice as outlined by The Forum on Education Abroad, as well as safety requirements set forth by the local governments in our host countries.
All host cities, housing, and homestay providers are extensively vetted through trusted agency networks. We only work with reputable organizations and conduct regular evaluations to ensure their services meet our stringent standards.
Our on-site staff are trained in emergency response and student affairs best practices, and are up-to-date on regional trends and local conditions. As an additional resource, all students are enrolled in international travel medical insurance (included in their program fee) and have access to travel assist emergency services via the provider.
We also encourage all participants to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP Program.
Emergency Response
If you find yourself in an unexpected situation, be assured that your onsite staff will be available to help no matter the incident. Our teams are trained in emergency response protocols and are well-connected to local resources in each program location.
Participants will receive an Emergency Card detailing who to contact in an emergency, Verto’s 24-hour emergency phone number, and insurance coverage information (including travel assist emergency services).
Families will have access to the 24/7 U.S.-based emergency phone number as well.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Verto will provide you with information and guidelines regarding safety in your program location.
Pro Tip
It’s important that you do your own research and make informed choices, as you are ultimately responsible for your personal safety and well-being while abroad.
Participant Expectations
- Plan ahead with your current medical provider(s)
- To ensure you have enough medication or access to medication for the duration of your program
- That you’ve established a plan of care for any pre-existing conditions
- Fill out your pre-departure Health & Medical History form and Emergency Contact form in MyVerto
- Attend all mandatory pre-departure and onsite orientations
- Before traveling abroad, confirm with your cell phone carrier that your plan supports international calls and text messages. Alternatively, ensure your phone is unlocked, which allows you to buy a local phone plan when you arrive. This option is often more cost-effective.
- Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s STEP program
- Download the CISI app
- Follow the safety advice provided by your Onsite Team
- Respect local rules & laws
- Notify staff of any independent travel plans
Need support now?
If you need to report something that concerns you, an unsafe situation, or an experience that has impacted yourself or others, please reach out to your onsite staff or contact Verto via email at deanofstudents@vertoeducation.org.
If you are experiencing an emergency abroad right now, please contact the local emergency phone and/or local authorities immediately.
Have more questions?
Check out our Health & Safety FAQ section.
Chances are, you’re not the only one with that question!
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