Santa Clara University

Health & Safety at the Casa

Some parents and students have expressed concern regarding the impact on the Casa de la Solidaridad with the recent conflict between the US and Iraq. In most parts of the world, we do not have any reason to believe that American students will be at any greater risk than they would be in the United States. With the exception of the Middle East, where there have been a few isolated incidents involving Americans, there has not been any organized or systematic aggression against US Citizens in places where we have students studying abroad, nor have there been any threats against American Students. In fact, to the contrary, our students continue to be received around the world by warm and welcoming families and local citizens. This describes the environment our students are finding in El Salvador.

It is not the intention of the Casa de la Solidaridad to cancel or close our program because of the hostilities around the world unless there develops a clear and present danger to the students on-site, or a specific warning from the U.S. State Department for Americans traveling to El Salvador. At Santa Clara we rely on a variety of sources of information in making our decisions about how to proceed in situations such as these. These include: US State Dept advisories (available at http://travel.state.gov), information from our on-site program directors, information from our own on-site faculty experts, community contacts and new sources. In many cases, our on-site faculty & staff in El Salvador have the best information about safety issues. We are always mindful of any special arrangements that could be made on-site in El Salvador depending on what local conditions may arise. The safety of our students is our highest priority.

No institution or individual can provide a total guarantee that studying abroad or at home is totally risk free. It is important to remember that Santa Clara does not "send" students overseas, nor does it "order" them home. Our role is to provide advice and information so that students may decide whether or not an international educational experience is right for them. Obviously, SCU International Programs would not recommend sites where extraordinary health or safety threats have been identified. Students, in discussion with family and friends, ultimately must assess the risks and assume responsibility for their well-being. Should students decide to study abroad, all of the health and safety resources listed above will be available, along with academic and personal advising to insure a worthwhile academic and personal experience.

Given present world conditions, our programs have taken a number of steps to assure we are ready for whatever comes. These are steps that are part of any good study abroad program, regardless of the current world climate:

1. The Resident Co-Directors and official contacts of the Casa de la Solidaridad are available and in contact with our home offices via various means of communication. They in turn have regular contact systems with all students to assure we can find them whenever required.

2. The Casa de la Solidaridad has a comprehensive emergency plan at all sites to assure preparedness. This is available to you upon request by contacting the Casa Program Co-Directors (Trena Yonkers-Talz or Kevin Yonkers-Talz).

3. Students are being reminded in a variety of ways to not bring attention to themselves as Americans either through congregating in large groups or by dress, loud use of English language and/or other attention attracting behavior.

4. On-site program staff attempt to track all students at all times, particularly in places where travel poses special risks. However, some students do travel on the weekends and while programs ask for information as to their plans, they do not always report them. Many of our programs have reiterated that they will continue to be diligent in this regard re-emphasizing to students the special conditions of the world situation at this time and the need to be in contact.

Santa Clara University also purchases a supplemental travel insurance policy for all students on the Casa de la Solidaridad program each semester. For more information about what is covered, please see this .pdf of the coverage brochure.

We at the Casa de la Solidariad take security and safety for students studying abroad very seriously. We continue to be committed to operating a safe, secure, study experience.