Safety and Security Program

CIEE Safety and Security Program

Study Abroad is widely considered to be a life transforming experience that has tremendous impact on each participant’s worldview and capacities to excel in our globally interconnected world.  CIEE operates in over 20 countries spanning the globe each of which have their own unique exposures to risks and can be susceptible to natural disasters, transportation accidents, and civil and political unrest. The CIEE provides training and support to both staff and students to minimize these risks but they cannot be eliminated completely.

CIEE staff conduct annual detailed assessments of hazards, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts on student' well-being and operational continuity. These assessments can result in adjustments to study location decisions, policies, training, and emergency plans.

Each Study Center is carefully selected to fulfill health, safety, and programmatic criteria, and changing circumstances are closely monitored by both in-country and headquarters staff. In each host country, CIEE maintains a collaborative relationship with the U.S. embassy and government officials to respond to student safety and security concerns.

The CIEE’s overall safety and security program is overseen by the Department of Risk Management at headquarters in Portland, Maine. This office monitors security issues, advises country programs, develops training programs, provides crisis management support, coordinates with other security service providers, and disseminates best practices.