Health & Safety
Student Health & Safety
Your experience matters — and so does your peace of mind.
At Stanley Abroad, the safety, wellbeing, and support of our students are top priorities. While no international program can guarantee a completely risk-free environment, we take proactive steps to create a secure and caring study abroad experience for every participant.
Our Korea-based team works closely with host institutions to ensure all essential systems are in place — from safe and reliable housing and vetted transportation to accessible medical care, communication tools, and 24/7 emergency support.
We believe in empowering students to explore confidently, while also being mindful of their personal responsibility. That’s why we provide comprehensive guidance before departure, during on-site orientation, and throughout the program. Students are encouraged to practice the same common-sense safety habits they would follow at home: staying aware of their surroundings, respecting local customs, and avoiding risky behavior — especially regarding alcohol and substance use.
Studying abroad should be enriching and safe. With Stanley Abroad, you’ll always have a team looking out for you — while helping you take ownership of your experience in Korea and beyond.
Staff Assistance
Real people. Real care. Right where you are.
At Stanley Abroad, support is never far away. Our Korea-based team is made up of local experts — many of whom were born and raised in the very cities where you’ll study.
They’re not only fluent in the language and culture, but deeply familiar with student needs and the surrounding community.
We maintain a strong staff-to-student ratio (typically 1:20), ensuring personalized attention throughout your experience. Our team is available 24/7 to assist with everything from academic concerns and health appointments to day-to-day questions and emergencies.
Each Resident Director is equipped with mobile and landline access, and students can always reach someone on-call for immediate assistance. Meanwhile, our U.S.-based Stanley Abroad support team is also just a phone call or email away — with extended office hours and a 24/7 emergency line for parents, faculty, and students alike.
If you need medical care during your time in Korea, our staff will help schedule appointments, accompany you to clinics or hospitals, and walk you through any paperwork needed for insurance claims.
At Stanley Abroad, you’ll never have to navigate challenges alone — because wherever you are, we’re right there with you.
Safety Orientation
Safety starts before you fly.
At Stanley Abroad, student safety is built into every step of your experience. As soon as you’re accepted into one of our programs, you’ll begin receiving important safety information, including access to our detailed Online Pre-Departure Orientation. This includes practical tips on health and safety abroad, cultural awareness, emergency contacts, and what to expect in Korea.
Before departure, you’ll receive photos and names of the Stanley Abroad staff or designated drivers who will greet you at the airport (if pickup is provided), along with specific instructions about your arrival process. We encourage students to only accept rides from confirmed Stanley Abroad representatives and provide guidance on what to do if travel plans change.
Upon arrival in Korea, our local team hosts a comprehensive on-site orientation that covers:
Local safety protocols and crisis response plans
How to stay healthy and safe in Korea
Key cultural norms to help you acclimate
Emergency communication procedures
You’ll also receive a personalized Stanley Abroad Contact Card with:
Names and mobile numbers of local Stanley Abroad staff
Contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
Recommended hospitals with English-speaking staff
Korea’s emergency hotline (119) and additional local services
Students are advised to carry this card at all times and familiarize themselves with emergency procedures, just as they would at home. We also introduce you to trusted medical clinics and hospitals chosen for their accessibility, English-language support, and history of quality care for international students.
Because at Stanley Abroad, your peace of mind — and your parents’ — matters just as much as your academic success.
Insurance Coverage
Built-in protection — because your health matters.
All Stanley Abroad participants are automatically covered by n accident and sickness insurance plan for the entire duration of their official on-site program. This plan is included in your program fee and is not optional — your safety is our standard.
This coverage ensures that, in the event of an illness or injury during your time in Korea, you’ll have access to quality care for necessary treatment. A summary of coverage, including benefits and claims procedures, will be provided before departure.
We strongly recommend that all students maintain their personal health insurance while abroad, especially if you:
Have a pre-existing condition
May require follow-up care upon returning to your home country
Want continued access to mental health or specialist services outside the scope of the included plan
Having dual coverage ensures you’re protected both in Korea and at home — giving you and your family peace of mind while you focus on learning, growing, and exploring.
If you have any questions about what’s covered or need help coordinating care, our team is here to assist every step of the way.
Student Housing
Safe, convenient, and thoughtfully selected.
At Stanley Abroad, your housing experience is a key part of your time in Korea. All students are placed in modern, on-campus dormitories located in neighborhoods considered safe and accessible — close to your classrooms, campus amenities, and local transportation.
We take extra care to ensure your accommodations meet high standards of safety, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re staying for a summer session or a full semester, your housing is:
Located in secure, lower-risk areas
Staffed with on-site personnel and 24/7 security
Close to academic buildings, student services, and transit options
For overnight excursions and optional weekend trips, we apply the same standards — selecting lodging based on both safety and proximity to key destinations.
Before departure, students receive a full housing overview, including:
Dorm details and what to bring
Roommate request process
Emergency contact information for use by family back home
Stanley Abroad housing isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a built-in community where you’ll meet fellow students, build lasting friendships, and feel supported every step of the way.
Safe, reliable travel — from arrival to every adventure.
Stanley Abroad prioritizes your safety and comfort not only in the classroom and on campus — but on the road, too. For all Stanley Abroad–coordinated travel, including airport pickup, cultural excursions, and inter-city trips, we carefully select transportation providers with proven safety records and dependable service.
We only partner with licensed, insured, and reputable bus and airline operators — chosen based on:
Verified safety history
Consistent on-time performance
Proper insurance and regulatory compliance
Positive past partnerships and expert recommendations
Whether you’re arriving at Incheon Airport, traveling between cities for an excursion, or exploring Korea with your cohort, you can trust that Stanley Abroad uses professional, vetted transportation options at every step.
Our goal: giving you the freedom to explore with peace of mind.
Security Levels & Travel Advisories
Your safety comes first — we stay informed so you can study abroad with confidence.
At Stanley Abroad, student safety is a top priority. Our team actively monitors global safety conditions by reviewing alerts from the U.S. Department of State (DOS), Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other trusted sources. This allows us to make informed decisions and respond proactively when needed.
The U.S. Department of State uses a four-tier advisory system to help travelers understand current safety conditions in each country:
Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
Level 4 – Do Not Travel
We strongly encourage all students and their families to review the travel advisory level for South Korea — as well as any countries students may plan to visit during breaks — before departure. You can find the latest updates at travel.state.gov.
All Stanley Abroad participants are required to enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides real-time safety alerts and ensures students can be contacted quickly in case of an emergency.
| Afghanistan | Egypt* | Libya | Saudi Arabia* |
| Algeria* | El Salvador | Mali | Somalia |
| Armenia* | Ethiopia | Mauritania | South Sudan |
| Azerbaijan* | Eritrea | Mexico* | Sudan |
| Bangladesh* | Guatemala | Moldova | Syria |
| Belarus | Guinea | Mozambique* | The Gaza Strip and West Bank |
| Benin* | Guinea-Bissau | Myanmar (Burma) | Tunisia* |
| Burkina Faso | Guyana* | Nicaragua | Turkey* |
| Burundi | Haiti | Niger | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Cameroon* | Honduras | Nigeria | Turkmenistan |
| Central African Republic | India* | North Korea | Uganda |
| Chad | Iran | Pakistan | Ukraine |
| Colombia* | Iraq | Panama* | United Arab Emirates* |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Israel* | Papua New Guinea | Venezuela |
| Cuba | Jamaica* | Philippines* | Yemen |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | Kenya* | Republic of the Congo | |
| Ecuador* | Lebanon | Russia |
To decide whether or not to limit travel to a certain area, Stanley Abroad considers a wide range of factors. The restriction may be based on an ongoing issue that poses a direct risk to participants in Stanley Abroad, unsafe areas of the nation for participants in Stanley Abroad, the dearth of services for US residents, or other considerations.
This list of prohibited areas is updated regularly based on Stanley Abroad’s own observations, recommendations from the US Department of State, reports from the Overseas Security Advisory Council, the World Health Organization, and expert input. Without prior notice, Stanley Abroad retains the right to add nations or locations to this list.
When participants sign our Code of Conduct, which specifies that they will comply by any travel limits imposed by Stanley Abroad, all Stanley Abroad students are informed of the locations that have travel restrictions. The Stanley Abroad student is responsible for being aware of the most recent travel limitations, which are always available on this page of the Stanley Abroad website. Any participant who violates a Stanley Abroad travel restriction will be promptly dismissed from the program and must return to the United States.
Before making any final travel arrangements for trips inside or to these regions, students must provide their Resident Director at least two weeks’ notice of their anticipated travel dates. Further information can be requested from the students. Travel to or within these nations/regions may be restricted at Stanley Abroad’s discretion. If you are considering traveling outside of your host country while taking part in a Stanley Abroad program, please get in touch with us for additional details.
Program Adjustments in Case of Security Alerts
If an official evacuation order is issued by the U.S. State Department for a Stanley Abroad program location, we will follow all guidance and may suspend or cancel the program. If the alert is issued before the program begins, Stanley Abroad will assess the location-specific risks before making a final decision. In all cases, student safety comes first.
Independent Travel Restrictions
To help protect participants, Stanley Abroad places restrictions on independent travel to countries or regions considered high-risk during a student’s time abroad. These limitations are based on multiple factors, including travel advisories, availability of emergency services, and security conditions in specific areas.
A current list of restricted travel locations is maintained and updated regularly. Students are informed of these restrictions during pre-departure orientation and in their student portal. All participants must agree to follow these guidelines as part of their Code of Conduct. Unauthorized travel to restricted regions may result in dismissal from the program.
Students planning to travel independently during the program must notify their Resident Director at least two weeks in advance and may be asked to submit additional travel details for approval.
Emergency Evacuation Planning
Prepared for the Unexpected — Because Your Safety Is Our Priority
In the unlikely event that a program site becomes unsafe, Stanley Abroad is prepared to act swiftly and responsibly. We continuously monitor advisories from the U.S. State Department, OSAC, local governments, and trusted in-country partners to assess any potential threats to student safety.
If the U.S. State Department issues an official advisory recommending evacuation of U.S. citizens from a Stanley Abroad location, we will initiate emergency protocols. Here’s how we respond:
Coordinated Student Support
Flight Changes: On-site staff will assist students in changing their return flights. While students are responsible for airline fees, Stanley Abroad can temporarily cover costs if needed and issue a reimbursement invoice later.
Communication Access: Students will have access to Stanley Abroad offices, phones, and internet to contact airlines and family. Our local offices act as communication hubs throughout the evacuation process.
Insurance Assistance: Through our partner insurance provider, emergency coordination support may be activated if evacuation becomes necessary.
Host University Partnership
Stanley Abroad’s host universities are prepared to assist in times of crisis. They offer secure meeting spaces, communication systems, and temporary safe locations to support students during evacuation planning.
Ground Transportation
We will arrange and cover transportation to the nearest operational airport. If necessary, this may include ground evacuation to nearby cities or countries due to closures or flight disruptions. Our long-standing transportation partners ensure safety and reliability.
Delayed Departure Contingencies
If students are unable to depart immediately, Stanley Abroad will arrange safe lodging. Students are responsible for any additional accommodation costs, though temporary financial assistance may be available.
Academic Continuity
Stanley Abroad will work with host institutions to explore ways for students to complete their coursework. While we cannot guarantee all credits will transfer, options like remote completion or placement in an alternate Stanley Abroad program site will be considered.
Keeping Families Informed
Throughout the process, Stanley Abroad will keep your home institution, family, and emergency contacts informed of your status and location — with timely, transparent updates.
Refunds
If academic completion is not feasible, Stanley Abroad will seek to recover and refund tuition and any other program-related costs that can be reclaimed.
