Goucher College is committed to supporting safe and secure study abroad experiences. This page provides essential guidance and resources to help students and families prepare for a safe and successful time abroad.

Monitoring global health & safety

The Office of Global Education (OGE) monitors global health and safety using guidance from the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and internal resources such as AXA and AlertTraveler. OGE also collaborates with host institutions, resident directors, and faculty program directors to stay informed about local conditions and potential risks, sharing important updates promptly with participants.

Students should also actively monitor conditions in their host country by using Goucher-provided resources such as AXA and Alert Traveler, and by following guidance from their program and local authorities. U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and alerts from the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Travel to destinations with elevated risk levels is restricted under Goucher's Travel Advisory Policy (PDF).

Personal safety & awareness

Students are responsible for understanding local laws and customs, remaining aware of their surroundings, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Safety strategies include avoiding late-night travel alone, steering clear of unsafe areas, and exercising caution with high-risk activities. Situational awareness and preparation help reduce personal risk and support effective responses to unexpected situations.

Students should also consider how their personal identity may shape their experiences abroad, especially in relation to safety. Guidance is available on the Student Identities in Study Abroad page.

Communication

Effective communication is essential for safety. Students must carry a working mobile phone with cellular coverage and notify OGE and their families if they switch to a local SIM card. Goucher email should be checked daily, as it remains the primary tool for non-urgent communication.

Students should know local emergency numbers (911 Abroad (PDF)), as well as the contact information for their program and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Keep this information readily accessible before departure and while abroad.

All emergencies, accidents, or serious health issues should be reported promptly to both OGE and family or emergency contacts. Students should use social media cautiously while abroad to avoid creating unnecessary concern or complicating emergency responses.

Support

Students receive support from both their study abroad program and Goucher College before departure, throughout their time abroad, and upon return.

Before departure, students participate in individualized advising with the Office of Global Education (OGE) and attend both Goucher’s pre-departure orientation and their program-specific orientation to prepare for a successful experience abroad.

While abroad, students can reach out to program staff or OGE for guidance related to safe practices, personal security, and cultural adjustment. OGE is also available 24/7 through Campus Safety for any urgent matters.

Title IX

Goucher’s Title IX protections and resources remain accessible to students while abroad. U.S. citizens who experience interpersonal or gender-based violence abroad may also wish to consult Pathways to Safety International.

Emergencies

If a serious incident occurs, students should seek local assistance immediately, including on-site program leaders or emergency services. Once safe, they should notify OGE (available 24/7 via Campus Safety at +1-410-337-6111) and their emergency contacts.

Insurance

Goucher provides international health and emergency travel assistance coverage through Gallagher Global Assistance, which includes safety monitoring, medical support, and security evacuation if needed via AXA and Chubb. Students are encouraged to review the details of this coverage before departure. For more information, see Goucher Travel Insurance (PDF).