Student Safety

Communication is one of SYA’s critical priorities. We maintain open communication with families on a regular basis. School directors send frequent communications to update families on life at school, any challenges that have arisen, and to inform parents about grades and their student’s performance. All SYA students must have a phone with a local number. It is required that they are always reachable and can communicate in an emergency. With a local number, students frequently communicate with their host families via Whatsapp. SYA will support students during their first week abroad in obtaining a local number.

In the event of an emergency, we will reach out to parents through email or phone call. It is imperative that parents ensure that we know how to reach them at all times. In addition, as part of the enrollment process, SYA collects emergency contact information in case parents cannot be located. The school director will act in loco parentis if parents or emergency contacts cannot be reached, but we make every effort to contact parents and emergency contacts first. In addition, parents can call the school director at any hour on their cell phone in the case of an emergency.

SYA creates and maintains school-specific Emergency Action Plans that are informed by emerging safety concerns and best practices. Each school site uses these plans to conduct drills and exercises for emergency preparedness. In the event of an emergency, SYA’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) rapidly assesses the situation, implements appropriate responses and communicates with students (and parents) as necessary via email or phone. The ERT comprises the SYA President, CFO, School Operations Administrator and the appropriate school directors. The ERT meets proactively throughout the year to discuss, update, and revise any action plans.

In the event of a student medical emergency, the school director will notify parents as soon as possible. 

We also prioritize educating our students to make responsible decisions while abroad, something that can greatly reduce their risk of ending up in an emergency situation. Throughout the school year, staff provides students with information and tools that promote safe practices while living and traveling abroad. This guidance includes physical and emotional health, the importance of following rules, and being mindful of their surroundings.

Upon arrival in the host country, all SYA students are registered with the U.S. State Department through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will facilitate direct communication provided by the U.S. Embassy in the event of a crisis. We are in regular contact with the U.S. Consul in the local area and we receive updates from the U.S. Embassy in the host country. As a parent you may sign up via step.state.gov/step to monitor safety conditions for specific destination(s) overseas and receive the latest email alerts as they are posted on travel.state.gov. This is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

In addition, parents are strongly encouraged to discuss with their child the importance of following the policies and rules established in the Student-Parent Handbook. They are meant to provide a safe, rigorous, culturally-rich, joyful and healthy experience for all students.

SYA purchases health insurance for all students that covers most medical expenses incurred outside the United States, during the school year. It also includes coverage for emergency evacuation. This insurance is only in effect when the student is overseas and enrolled in SYA.

Medical assistance is readily available in all SYA host cities. The school director, or an assistant, will arrange medical appointments as needed. They will implement established protocols to respond to any medical emergencies that may arise, including those requiring evacuation. Each SYA campus keeps on file all the medical information provided by each student’s family and physician.

SYA partners with The Truman Group to provide individual counseling for students via video conferencing. These services include communication with parents and doctors back home. The Truman Group also provides school-wide support and training as determined by the school director. If a student wishes to access other options, we will help arrange appointments with local mental health professionals (if available). Please note that access to English-speaking mental health professionals is significantly limited and sometimes altogether unavailable.

Another option some students have found effective is to continue counseling via video-conference with their mental health professional from home.