Transcript Security - Columbia SIPA Capstone - home

School of International and Public Affairs,
Columbia University
Pre-Departure Orientation
December 2014
Today’s discussion
• Introduction
• Health issues for study abroad
• Safety
• Security
• Travel and Logistics
• International team work
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SIPA and the Office of Risk Management staff are available
to support you
2
SIPA, Office of
Student Affairs
Authorized Person
(Assistant Dean)
Stefan Brown
Columbia University,
Office of Risk
Management
Director, Office of
Risk Management
Laura Schon
SIPA resources to support your research trip
CU on the Road Travel Medicine and On-Call
Travel Assistance and Insurance – travel
medicine. Vaccinations and immunizations:
http://www.health.columbia.edu/travelmedicine
International SOS (ISOS) – travel partner
SIPA International Travel Policies:
https://sipa.columbia.edu/students/policies/inte
rnational-travel-policies
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) –
pre-departure assistance
3
Today’s discussion
• Introduction
• Health issues for study abroad
• Safety
• Security
• Travel and Logistics
4
What are the most important health issues
while studying abroad?
• Upper respiratory
Basic infections
• Flu & Allergies
• Gastrointestinal
Behavioral
health issues
• Sexual health
• Alcohol use
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Injury, negligent behavior
while intoxicated
• Culture shock
Emotional and
mental health
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• Anxiety/Depression
Seek medical
attention!
All are potentially
serious if left
untreated
Health issues – before you go
• Student Health or family physician
–Get a physical and review additional immunization
requirements – CDC, I-SOS
• Check your health insurance for global coverage
• Disclose pre-existing or medical issues requiring
continuing care to your health care provider prior to
the trip to receive clearance
• Learn about the symptoms that require immediate
medical follow up
• Learn about self care options for travelers’ diarrhea,
jet lag and motion sickness
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Health – while abroad
• If you take prescription medications, vitamins, over-
the-counter medications
–Can you travel across country borders?
–Carry with you a written prescription
–Take what you will need for your entire trip –
including possibility of delayed return
• If you get sick – consult your program directors
–ISOS also can help coordinate care and medical
evacuation
–Local consulate can also provide guidance
• Country specific information is available through the
CDC, World Health Organization and the State
Department
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Alcohol, drugs and sexual health
• Stay sober and stay with others
–Don’t abandon intoxicated friends
–Know what you are drinking
–Respect local culture – different alcohol laws may
allow for ease of access but observe local customs
• Penalties abroad more stringent for possession of illicit
drugs and narcotics
–Small amounts may be enough to trigger strict
penalties and immediate incarceration
–Ivy league students recently arrested and jailed for
drug possession
• Sexually transmitted diseases can cause a lifetime of
problems
–Be responsible and careful
–Seek medical attention immediately for any concerns
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Emotional and mental health
Culture shock
Usual worries
can intrude
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• Adjustment can be difficult – it is normal
• Symptoms can be physiological and psychological
• Pay attention if you feel “overwhelmed” and need some “down
time”
• Watch out for others who frequently say they are “overwhelmed”
and seem to need too much “down time”
• Emotional/relationship/family/academic concerns travel with you
• Seek guidance of CPS counselor if you need some support
before the trip
Today’s discussion
• Introduction
• Academic Issues
• Health issues for study abroad
• Safety
• Security
• Travel and Logistics
10
What are the greatest safety dangers/risks
while studying abroad?
• 3,000 killed daily worldwide in traffic accidents
Traffic accidents
• Leading cause of death or injury abroad
• 13% involve motorcycles
Physical injuries
• Drowning -13% of deaths abroad
• Death of pedestrians 7% of accidents
• Water and therefore ice may be unsafe
Food & Water
• Avoid food from street vendors
• 115 people per 1,000 return early from a trip as a result
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Today’s discussion
• Introduction
• Academic Issues
• Health issues for study abroad
• Safety
• Security
• Travel and Logistics
12
What are the greatest security risks while abroad?
Petty crime
Targeted crime/
robbery
• Crowded cities and unfamiliar locations
• Thefts of personal property from residences and bags
• Use ATMS located within buildings and beware of people
around you
• Beware of crime rings focusing on tourists and/or students
Sexual
harassment/
assault
• Unwanted attention due to personal appearances
Civil unrest/
terrorist actions
• Strikes
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• Friendship “boundaries” are different
• Riots, anti US sentiment, regional conflicts
Security
Personal security issues – BE ALERT!
Do your research: know about the country, city and neighborhood where you will be
residing
• Do not travel alone- especially at night
• Register with the U.S. Consulate or U.S. Embassy – or your own embassy
• Research the country you will be visiting - US State Department, Australian
Department of Foreign Affairs, UK Foreign Commonwealth, International SOS
• Talk to returning students about their experiences
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Personal documents and finances
• Back up your computer – (need Web sites)
• Keep copies of U.S. Passport, credit cards and travel
document
–Secure original passport and travel documents
–Don’t carry them with you all the time
–Check the expiration date on your passport
–Make sure there is a copy with the program office
• Keep some emergency funds in cash
–Beware of local scams
• Personal finances
–Make sure credit cards are current and will not expire
–Confirm with your banks and credit card companies
that you are traveling overseas
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Personal safety
• Be discrete and conservative in your actions and
conversations
• Be aware of local issues and the worldwide political
environment
– Anti-U.S. sentiment
– Local ethnic, religious and racial profiling
– Local elections may be a time of increased protests
– Avoid demonstrations
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What if ….
There is an earthquake or natural disaster in your host country?
•
If you are affected - Seek a safe environment immediately
• Once it is safe – contact your program directors, family and/or SIPA
• Follow the directions provided by program directors
• Advise the local consulate that you are in the region
• Contact International SOS if you are in need of assistance
• If you are not affected but it has happened in close proximity or the region
•
•
•
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Contact your family immediately – they will worry
Check in with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) – as we will worry
If you receive an email from OSA – please respond
Today’s discussion
• Introduction
• Academic Issues
• Health issues for study abroad
• Safety
• Security
• Travel and Logistics
18
Who is International SOS (ISOS)?
Not Health Insurance!
International SOS is the world’s leading international healthcare, medical
assistance, and security services company.
• Worldwide network of 27 Assistance centers and 31 clinics as well as a
fleet of air ambulances
• Over 10,000 employees and more than 1,000 medical professionals,
operating in more than 70 countries
• Established global network of over 68,000 credentialed medical, legal,
security and aviation providers
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CU Travelers Stay Healthy, Safe and Secure
CU Traveler can use our membership when they are outside their home
country if they have:
Medical Question or Concern
 “I’m ill, should I see a doctor? Where should I go?
Medical Emergency
 “I have pain on my right side, I think it’s appendicitis!”
Safety Concern
 “Is it safe to venture outside my hotel for coffee?”
Security Emergency
 “There are rioters outside my hotel!”
Travel Assistance
 “I’ve been pick-pocketed.”
When you need help, International SOS is there for you.
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Medical Assistance
24-Hour Worldwide Medical Information & Assistance
Medical & Dental Referrals
Dispatch of Medication & Medical Supplies*
Medical Monitoring
Emergency Evacuation
Medically Supervised Repatriation
Repatriation of Mortal Remains
Medical Expense Guarantee*
Emergency Translation & Interpreter Services
Access to International SOS Clinics
* Additional fees for services rendered
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Personal & Travel Assistance
Legal referrals
Emergency message transmission
Lost document advice and assistance
Assistance with documentation for insurance claims
Compassionate visit or family travel assistance
Emergency personal cash*
Return of minors
* Additional fees for services rendered
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Security Services
International SOS offers:
•
24-hour Security Information and Analysis
•
24-hour Security Assistance
•
Traveler Awareness and Tracking
•
Security Evacuations
•
Travel Security Consulting
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Emergency Protocol
Who should you call when you receive an emergency call from a student
abroad?
Medical Emergency
Security Situation
Legal or Other
ISOS
ISOS
OGC
Advisor/ Program Lead/
Advisor/ Program Lead/
Advisor/ Program Lead
Office of Global Programs
Office of Global Programs
Family
Family
Student Health
Public Safety
Risk Management
Office of Global Programs
Family
Risk Management
Risk Management
ISOS
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Share your itinerary
• International SOS will require flight information
• Share in country cell phone numbers with program directors and
OSA staff
• Travel during your program should be shared with program
directors
• Have a communication plan with your family
•
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Let your family know if you are not going to be available in
advance
Columbia University – ISOS Portal
https://www.internationalsos.com/MasterPortal/default.aspx?membnum=11BSGC000064
1 Global
Risk
Ratings and
Security
Headlines
2 MyTrips
3 Emergency Record
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MyTrips Create Profile Page
https://mytrips.travelsecurity.com/Login.aspx?ci=7uQTCJZptEU%3d
Traveler needs
to identify
her/himself with
school or
center/institute
for
TravelTracker
reports to filter
to the right
administrators
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MyTrips Create Profile Page
https://mytrips.travelsecurity.com/Login.aspx?ci=7uQTCJZptEU%3d
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MyTrips Trip Page
https://mytrips.travelsecurity.com/Login.aspx?ci=7uQTCJZptEU%3d
Trip Details:
• flights (each leg has to
be entered),
• trains
• accommodations
• local transportation
If traveling with a
different University,
school/department
traveler can enter it
here
Trip Information:
• contact information
(while traveling)
• 2 emergency contacts
for this trip
• program/institution (in
country)
• trip approver
• Institute/Center/Office
coordinating trip
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Enter your data in the ISOS MyTrips registry (cont.)
Step 3: Enter Trip Information (cont.)
When entering the address for an accommodation, you should click on ‘Find Address’ button. It will open
a pop-up box where you can enter the address. Once you click Find Address button on this pop up, the
system perform a search and provide you a list of matching addresses. Select the closest address and
click Ok. The address will then be prepopulated into the address fields.
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Source: Columbia University; ISOS MyTrips User Guide
International SOS Membership App
Android
2.1 and higher
BlackBerry
OS 4.5 and higher
iPhone
iOS 4 and higher
Create a communications plan
Communications – stay in touch
•Consider purchasing an in-country
cell phone – share the number
• Skype – free and easy
•Non-SIPA e-mail addresses – share
with SIPA and family, friends
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Working in collaborative teams abroad
• Communicate
• Be alert
• Be patient
• Embrace change and new challenges
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Some simple guidelines to follow
Establish group norms
• Set basic expectations on time,
work products, communication,
meals, etc.
• Share responsibility for logistics,
other support equally
Take time to review
accomplishments and
adjust your plans
• Things may get off to a slow start,
recalibrate when needed
• Invest in time to build rapport and
professional relationships – it works
Ensure you have time for
fun amidst the hard work
• Take time to celebrate your successes
• Allow for “scheduled down-time” -everyone needs to refresh once in awhile
Cultural cues and miscues (1 of 3)
Be alert to your own emotions
• Emotional thresholds and
acceptable emotional displays vary
widely by culture and within cultures
by age, gender, and class
• Empathy is extremely powerful if
you practice it yourself
But I’m a graduate
student, I don’t have
to be concerned about
emotions—this is a
required internship.
Cultural cues and miscues (2 of 3)
Behold the righteously
indignant!
How dare you restrict
my access to
necessary supplies!
Don’t you understand,
I’m here on an
approved project?
• Some concepts are tightly bound
to one’s sense of self and basic rights
and responsibilities. These concepts
are hard to translate and can get you
into trouble if misapplied
• Rather that assert how your rights
are being violated, ask for guidance.
“I’m a guest in your country, how can
I get assistance in this matter? Who
has the authority to help me?”
Cultural cues and miscues (3 of 3)
Humor is a universal
“It is truly a great
honor to meet your
*&^%$@ family on
this holy day.”
• Humor can ease great strains or
can lead to multiple
misunderstandings
• Laugh at yourself, learn the polite
local words for “Clearly, I know very
little about how things work here”
• Observe first, be invited to
participate, and then share your
sense of fun with others
Cultural cues and miscues
Be alert to your own
emotions
• Emotional thresholds and
acceptable emotional displays vary
widely
Behold the righteously
indignant!
• Some concepts are tightly
bound to one’s sense of self and
these concepts are hard to
translate
Humor is a universal
• Humor can ease great strains
or can lead to multiple
misunderstandings
Watch out for problems
Burn-out
Physical exhaustion
Illness
•
•
•
•
Simple conflicts escalate
Language and communication problems
Frustration with basic logistics
General irritability
• Not able to catch up on rest
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of engagement in common interests
•
•
•
•
Physical and/or emotional symptoms
Withdrawal from the group
Changes in weight (loss or gain)
Reactions to medications
Open discussion: Q & A
Are there additional topics that we need to address?
What kinds of additional materials will be useful for you?