Health and Safety

Participant health and safety is the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program's highest priority. Drawing on two decades of experience, the CLS Program combines rigorous pre-departure preparation, experienced on-site staff at every program location, and 24/7 emergency support from both in-country and U.S.-based teams. This page outlines our approach and provides trusted resources for safe international study.

Before You Go: Pre-Departure Preparation

Safety starts with preparation. We require all participants to complete these essential steps and encourage families to engage in this process.

Essential Steps:

1. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
   STEP connects travelers with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, enabling the Department of State to provide assistance during emergencies. All CLS participants are required to complete STEP registration before departure.
2. Review Country-Specific Safety Information
   The U.S. Department of State provides regularly updated country-specific safety and security information.
3. Understand Local Laws and Customs
   U.S. citizens abroad are subject to local laws. Understanding legal and cultural expectations prevents problems and demonstrates respect.

For comprehensive guidance on these and other preparation steps, see the Resources for International Travel and Study section.

Crisis and Emergency Response

Despite careful preparation, emergencies can occur. The CLS Program maintains robust crisis response protocols and 24/7 support systems. Participants have immediate access to experienced professionals at the program site, at the host institution, at American Councils headquarters in Washington, D.C., and through U.S. embassies and consulates.

Emergency Support Team

All CLS staff receive training on emergency response protocols before the program begins to ensure coordinated, effective responses. These protocols are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and changing conditions.

The CLS Program provides participants with professional support at multiple levels, available around the clock:

• On-Site Institute Directors: Each program site is led by an Institute Director who oversees all site operations, maintains relationships with local medical facilities and authorities, and coordinates crisis response. Institute Directors are available 24/7 for emergencies.
• On-Site Resident Directors: Each site has a dedicated, qualified Resident Director available 24/7 on site. Resident Directors serve as participants' primary day-to-day contact, monitor participant safety through regular check-ins, and work with Institute Directors to coordinate emergency responses.
• American Councils Program Staff in Washington, D.C.: Experienced program officers and senior staff provide 24/7 remote support, coordinating with the U.S. Department of State on major program decisions. The Washington team manages pre-program medical reviews, facilitates medical evacuations when necessary, communicates with emergency contacts as needed, and maintains regularly updated emergency protocols.
• U.S. Department of State: The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs oversees all CLS institutes. U.S. embassies and consulates provide country-specific safety assessments, issue safety alerts, and deliver security briefings to participants.

Maintaining Your Health Abroad

Maintaining your health abroad requires advance planning and awareness of destination-specific considerations.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Guidance
The CDC provides destination-specific health recommendations, disease prevention strategies, and health alerts.

Health Insurance: Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE)

All CLS participants are strongly encouraged to maintain primary health insurance coverage. The program provides supplemental emergency and accident medical coverage through the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), offered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participants may seek medical assistance of their choice abroad and submit claims to ASPE for reimbursement. When medically necessary, the ASPE Provider coordinates and arranges medical evacuations. On-site program staff and American Councils Program staff in Washington, D.C. work closely with the ASPE Provider and the U.S. Department of State throughout any medical evacuation process. CLS staff provide detailed ASPE information, including how to file claims and access coverage, during pre-departure orientation.

Medical Preparation Checklist

• Consult your healthcare provider at least eight weeks before departure about health preparations for your destination, including any recommended immunizations.
• Bring a complete supply of all prescription medications in original containers with a doctor's note and copies of prescriptions.
• Review your host country’s Travel Advisory to verify your medications are legal there before departure.
• Visit your dentist before departure (dental care is not covered by program health benefits).
• Understand your primary health insurance coverage abroad.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Cultural adjustment, intensive academic work, and distance from familiar support systems can affect mental health. Prioritizing your well-being is essential to success. The CLS Program supports your well-being by training all staff on emergency mental health response protocols and providing multiple resources to help you throughout the program.

Resources for Participants:

• 24/7 access to your Resident Director and on-site staff for urgent concerns
• 24/7 remote mental health counseling through ASPE Assist
• Mental health crisis response protocols
• Strategies for managing stress and cultural adjustment
• Clear guidance on how to seek professional support

Personal Safety Abroad

Personal safety abroad combines situational awareness, good judgment, and knowledge of available resources. The CLS Program provides comprehensive pre-departure and in-country orientations covering emergency procedures, local laws, and safety guidelines as well as emergency wallet cards with all relevant contact information specific to each site. Participants also receive city tours highlighting the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, medical facilities, and emergency meeting points. 

Best Practices:

• Know Before You Go – Research your host city. Know emergency contact numbers and procedures.
• Protect your documents and money – Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Keep copies of important documents in multiple locations.
• Respect local customs and laws – Understand and follow local cultural norms and legal requirements. What is acceptable at home may not be acceptable or legal in your host country.
• Stay connected – Carry the emergency wallet card provided to you at all times. Maintain regular communication with program staff, family, and other support networks. 
• Travel Smart – Travel in pairs or groups when possible. Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid unnecessary risks and high-risk areas.

Additional Resources for International TRAVEL AND Study

Use these trusted resources to prepare for safe international study: