Assisting students in staying safe while abroad is a top priority for our staff. The UAH Study Abroad Office has emergency policies and procedures that are continuously reviewed and updated for all approved programs. We work proactively to provide students with access to information about health and safety prior to departure and while they are abroad. 

 

We monitor world events daily through available channels: 

International Insurance

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) students who participate in a university-recognized study, internship, service learning, research, or travel abroad program are required to enroll in the designated UAH International Insurance policy. Enrollment in the policy is processed by the Office of Study Abroad. International SOS is the travel assistance program administering the current international insurance policy. International SOS has been vetted and approved by the UA System Risk Management office.
 

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a service offered to U.S. citizens by the U.S. Department of State. It is required that students enroll in the STEP program as part of their post-acceptance responsibilities. Participants will get up-to-date information regarding emergencies in the area, as well as information for nearby consulates and embassies. Please make sure that you are familiar with the Step App prior to leaving.

If the student is not a U.S. citizen, they are encouraged to register for the equivalent program for their country of citizenship. 

Emergency Contact Information

To reach someone at UAH in an emergency, please call one of the following numbers. If your emergency is time sensitive, begin calling people in the order listed below during normal work hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F). Outside of normal work hours, please consult the emergency contact information given to you by the Office of Study Abroad or call the University Police. 

International SOS

215.942.8478

UAH Police Department

256.824.6911

Gracie Lester

Director of Study Abroad

sgl0001@uah.edu

256.824.5802

Dr. Ronnie Hebert

Dean of Students 256.824.5599

dos@uah.edu

Dr. Jon Hakkila

Associate Provost for International Services & Academic Integrity 256.824.6339
jon.hakkila@uah.edu

Please use the following contacts only in an extreme emergency:

U.S. Department of State Overseas Citizens Services: In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call 888.407.4747 (from U.S. and Canada) or +1 202.501.4444 (from Overseas).

The Department of State will relay any message to the Embassy in the country in which program participants are traveling. Embassy personnel will try to locate your student, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Privacy Act, report back.

Note: Students may not be reachable during the daytime, and there may be a time difference. Check local time in a study abroad location. Be prepared to leave a message at the hotel, with the host family, with the language institute, or even at the U.S. Consulate.

Additional Safety Resources

The Office of Study Abroad encourages students to complete their own research about their host country and to be informed prior to and during travel. Other resource websites to explore before leaving on a study abroad program include: