- Contact appropriate local authorities (ambulance, police, etc.)
- Contact your international insurance provider in the case of a medical emergency. They may be able to assist with other non-medical travel emergencies in accordance with the policy.
- Contact your on-site program coordinator
- Contact your family and personal emergency contact so they know you are safe
- Contact your UMD Study Abroad program coordinator or UMD International Programs & Services staff
Contact your on-site program coordinator immediately so on-site staff can contact the UMD Study Abroad office. We'll inform the person you have listed as your emergency contact, depending on the situation.
If you contact a family member or friend about an emergency and it's unclear whether or not the on-site staff is aware of the situation, they should call the Study Abroad office at 218-726-8764. This number is answered during business hours (8 AM – 4:30 PM). After business hours, a message will prompt callers to dial the emergency phone line at +1 978-651-9224 which is monitored 24/7.
Emergency Situations
An emergency situation or condition is one that jeopardizes your
- physical health
- mental health
- safety
- well-being
- program participation, and/or
- requires the intervention of program staff
requires the intervention of program staff.
Such events or occurrences may include but are not limited to: assault, civil disturbance, natural disaster, severe or prolonged illness or injury requiring medical attention, disciplinary action, emotional or behavioral disorders, illegal behavior (i.e. drug use), absence from the program site, and academic probation.
Because the reliability of emergency services varies by country and region, we suggest you follow the emergency procedure listed above. We must emphasize that all situations are different and you must use your best judgment when handling an emergency.
If you contact UMD International Programs & Services, provide as much information as possible:
- Names of people involved
- Country and program of study
- Date and time of occurrence/condition
- Description of occurrence / condition
- Action taken thus far
- Action requested by local authorities
- Return contact information
Large-Scale Emergencies
In the event of a political, social, or natural emergency, Study Abroad/International Programs & Services will be in close contact with the on-site staff and/or U.S. program contact for any study abroad program offered by UMD. The on-site staff will, in turn, seek advice from the local authorities and the U.S. Consulate or Embassy nearest the program location. Assistance will be managed in coordination with our medical and security insurance provider. We ask that parents, friends, and family communicate with UMD staff to allow on-site staff to focus on working with students and local officials.
U.S. Consulates and Embassies
In the event of an emergency, travelers may want to seek assistance from the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.
In addition, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. aids Americans needing emergency assistance. Contact them at:
- +1 (888) 407-4747 (from the U.S. & Canada) or
- +1 (202) 501-4444 (from overseas).
View further details on getting help in an emergency on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Learn about the University of Minnesota's policies, processes, and best practices to ensure student education abroad opportunities are as safe as possible at the GO SAFE website.
