Global LEAD’s Health & Safety Strategy
Hiking in Cape Town
Global LEAD’s number one priority is to ensure that every individual on our program is safe and healthy at all times. We adopt a proactive and preventative approach from on the ground research as we plan itineraries to pre-departure education and security measures during our time abroad.
Assessment: Our team spends months on the ground researching locations, interviewing partners and deciding on the best and safest itinerary. Whether partnering with reliable, industry-leading vendors or choosing housing in secure locations, we do our homework.
Education: Global LEAD staff make it a priority to be informed and educated about safety. Each member is CPR and First Aid certified and constantly monitoring current events around the world. We also educate our students to ensure they are well prepared before they travel abroad. Students will receive a thorough pre-departure guide, including extensive information about our health and safety policies and local customs and laws in the host country.
Security Measures: While abroad, our students are required to follow certain security precautions, which are designed to minimize potentially dangerous situations. First, every individual is registered with the US embassy. In Greece, we also strictly enforce a buddy policy so that no student ventures alone. In Cape Town, South Africa and Ecuador, this policy becomes the Rule of 3. We also have a sign-in, sign-out policy which lists where each student is going, who they are going with, mode of transportation and a phone number so that the Global LEAD staff knows where each student is at all times.
Ongoing Monitoring: The Global LEAD staff members on the ground in the host country and back at home are constantly monitoring current events and the US State Department’s travel advisory. Global LEAD staff are available 24-hours a day in country.
Emergency Response Protocol: We are prepared in the case of an emergency with a detailed action plan. We understand the typical chain of events and who to contact in any situation, and each student will receive an Emergency Information Card to keep with them at all times.
Follow-up Communication: Clear, open communication is a key component of our philosophy. We will also be appropriately transparent and forthcoming regarding any issue, whether we are communicating with students, parents, faculty or insurance providers.
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