Emergency Support

Comprehensive support, from the application stage through preparation and the duration of the program itself, is unequivocally important. While staff take great care preparing for all program contingencies, occasionally issues arise that are outside of our control. To mitigate risk and respond when emergencies arise, we:

• Maintain a 24/7 emergency phone for all program participants and family members
• Register Americans traveling overseas with embassies
• Closely monitor State Department travel advisories and local resources to assess safety risks
• Prepare students to diminish local risks that are inherent in the host country environment
• Maintain knowledgeable overseas staff who support and guide participants
• Adhere to internal protocols for decision-making and information sharing to deal with program and individual participant emergencies

Given the nature of the countries that we serve, unforeseeable emergencies are unavoidable. American Councils has on several occasions sheltered in place or evacuated groups, depending on the nature of the emergency. We work closely with US embassies, US State Department, local partners, agencies, and institutions, travel experts, and insurance companies to move students safely away from unstable situations.

Safety is no less important for international participants in American Councils programs. We maintain a 24/7 emergency phone so that participants can be in touch with staff, regardless of day or time in case of a health or safety emergency.

Business hours for our Washington, DC headquarters are 9AM to 5PM ET. During those hours, call +1 202.833.7522. For urgent situations outside business hours, call +1 800.621.9559. Our email is info@americancouncils.org.