Spring Break
SAPO explains their role in the dangers of studying abroad
By: Ryan, Megan
Issue date: 6/23/09 Section: News
Texas A&M University and the Division of Student Affairs have developed a Critical Incident Response team (CIRT). This team has been trained as qualified to react to episodes regarding the students.
"CIRT offers counseling, guidance and appropriate support to members of the University community, their families and caregivers," Flaherty said. "CIRT can be activated through a call to their offices directly, through the University Police department or through a call to the offices of the International Programs for Students."
The study abroad office coordinates the provision of medical insurance with HTH Worldwide, a travel insurance provider. HTH has a direct billing system with various forms of payment to make it easier for students.
"Every student who goes overseas, if they are on a specific A&M-sponsored program, has international health insurance built into their program," Flaherty said.
The members of SAPO have also hired Bill Frederick, a nationally recognized expert in risk management, to give seminars for the faculty and staff who accompany students abroad.
"I feel very comfortable and confident that if something were to happen to one of our students while they were traveling that we have a system in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in case something happens," Bost said. "Someone called once because they lost their ticket, and they called at 4 o'clock in the morning, and it was dealt with."
However, the members of the program said the number of incidents is very small. The most serious incident this year was a student who was bitten by a snake in Brazil. The staff reported that the situation was dealt with appropriately and the student fully recovered.
"The vast majority of problems with young people, whether they are here or abroad, are directly related to drinking," Bost said. "We can't protect people from themselves."
Robert Rathvon, a former Aggie who studied abroad with an independent program, said he felt safe and protected by that program, despite having heard many unusual stories.
"CIRT offers counseling, guidance and appropriate support to members of the University community, their families and caregivers," Flaherty said. "CIRT can be activated through a call to their offices directly, through the University Police department or through a call to the offices of the International Programs for Students."
The study abroad office coordinates the provision of medical insurance with HTH Worldwide, a travel insurance provider. HTH has a direct billing system with various forms of payment to make it easier for students.
"Every student who goes overseas, if they are on a specific A&M-sponsored program, has international health insurance built into their program," Flaherty said.
The members of SAPO have also hired Bill Frederick, a nationally recognized expert in risk management, to give seminars for the faculty and staff who accompany students abroad.
"I feel very comfortable and confident that if something were to happen to one of our students while they were traveling that we have a system in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in case something happens," Bost said. "Someone called once because they lost their ticket, and they called at 4 o'clock in the morning, and it was dealt with."
However, the members of the program said the number of incidents is very small. The most serious incident this year was a student who was bitten by a snake in Brazil. The staff reported that the situation was dealt with appropriately and the student fully recovered.
"The vast majority of problems with young people, whether they are here or abroad, are directly related to drinking," Bost said. "We can't protect people from themselves."
Robert Rathvon, a former Aggie who studied abroad with an independent program, said he felt safe and protected by that program, despite having heard many unusual stories.
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