The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University takes all reasonable steps to promote student safety and security on our programs. Our Centers maintain robust emergency plans that are reviewed and practiced regularly. Additionally, we conduct ongoing risk assessments to ensure our policies and protocols are relevant and revised when necessary.
All students receive a comprehensive on-site orientation during which Arcadia staff discuss health and safety as it relates to the local environment and review emergency protocols with students.
We encourage students to be informed travelers and to develop a personal emergency plan, as an individual's own preparedness and actions are key to ensuring their safety and security.
The U.S. Department of State Travel website provides information on crime and security as well as the location of the U.S. embassy and any consular offices through Country-Specific Information sheets.
Each Arcadia Center maintains a 24/7 emergency contact number that is shared with students on arrival. Staff on-site and in Glenside are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for emergencies and crises.
Arcadia strongly encourages all students to enroll in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens to receive security messages and other important information from the Embassy or Consulate in their destination country, and aids the Embassy in contacting citizens in the event of an emergency.
The College's health and safety team monitors worldwide events and security updates on a daily basis from a variety of reputable sources. Our staff on-site are in regular communication with students about relevant local alerts and warnings.
In the event of a large-scale emergency, Arcadia will reach out to students who may be affected to confirm their safety and offer assistance. To aid in those efforts, we strongly recommend all students obtain a functioning mobile phone while abroad and provide the phone number to Arcadia staff. Additionally, we ask students to share independent travel plans with Arcadia so we can locate and contact them in emergency situations.