“CEPA is there to prevent the problems. There is no reaction but a very proactive approach from CEPA. I would not go with any other organization.”
Eddie Smith, Director of Internships and Study Abroad, Clemson University
Safety doesn’t happen by accident
Studying abroad means coming into contact with different ways of life and surroundings. The health and safety of our students and faculty leaders is our number one priority. Being informed and prepared as best as we can to handle unexpected situations, no matter how small or large, are key factors that can help ensure the well-being of CEPA program participants.
We have put together a set of questions that may arise but please feel free to contact us directly with any additional questions or concerns.
How well is CEPA prepared in case of an emergency?
With over 20 years of experience, CEPA has the expertise to handle daily safety and security needs as well as emergency situations.
Additionally, CEPA has a comprehensive crisis management plan containing protocols to be implemented in the event of a crisis. It shows the steps CEPA will follow in the event of a crisis and outlines what CEPA expects its on-site coordinators as well as its employees to do in a given emergency. It helps also to ensure that they cope effectively by specifying who must be contacted, who has decision-making authority, and who will perform certain tasks.
CEPA staff is trained and the plan is reviewed and updated on a regular basis so that effective emergency assistance support can be provided.
How are service providers, such as hotels or bus companies selected?
Accommodation is carefully selected on the basis of reputation, location, surroundings, and accessibility.
Transportation companies hired for our programs are reputable and licensed to operate. Every type of transportation option is carefully evaluated and the most efficient, safe, and convenient means of transportation are arranged.
How does CEPA monitor travel warnings and alerts?
Travel warnings and alerts are continually monitored from multiple sources, such as embassies.
A wide network of local coordinators helps as our “eyes and ears“ to personally assess on-site situations.
Additionally, we strongly recommend that students and faculty leaders enroll in their own country’s overseas travel programs before they leave home.
Students from the USA:
- US State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Students from the CANADA:
- Registration of Canadians Abroad service: http://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/roca-faq
- Please also remember to check DFATD Travel Report for your host country and any country/countries that you may be planning to visit in the near future: http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories
How does CEPA guarantee smooth communication?
Emergency contact details of faculty leaders and participants, as well as the protocols and procedures of our partner institutions, are requested prior to departure.
Clear communication channels are established before, during, and after the program with our staff, partner university contacts, faculty leaders, students, and on-site coordinators.
The crisis management plan specifies who must be contacted, who has decision-making authority, and who will perform certain tasks.
The CEPA emergency phone number is provided to all parties involved in a program.
What are other precautions taken by CEPA?
Upon arrival, students and faculty leaders attend an orientation session by their on-site coordinator, in which they learn what to do in an emergency and receive the contact information for emergency assistance.
Furthermore, we instruct all students to:
- provide emergency contact information
- keep their on-site coordinator informed of their travel plans
- keep their cell phones turned on and with them at all times
- carry their passport with them all the time and leave copies with family and staff
Safety & Security Announcements
Latest announcements will be posted here.
CEPA Emergency Support Number
CEPA has an emergency phone number available while groups are traveling.
Emergency support number: +49 (0) 176 61 39 06 13
Useful websites for traveling outside the country
CEPA is committed to positively impacting climate and social sustainability and strives to be a leader in environmental sustainability within international education.
As part of this commitment, we offset the carbon footprint of our company’s operations and the footprint created on-site by our study abroad programs in Europe. Additionally, we go the extra mile by funding environmental projects that plant native trees for each program participant.
CEPA values its memberships in professional associations, such as:
