Safety and Security

The safety and security of students are always of utmost priority for Colby and all study abroad program providers, particularly given international developments over the past few years.  These concerns have been intensified by recent changes in real and perceived threats to US citizens, both at home and abroad. Events since September 2001 have affected many aspects of all overseas programs. National and international security issues necessitate that you respect safety recommendations and security policies established by your sponsoring organization and the U.S. Embassy in the country of your destination.
 
While there is no reason to assume that going abroad will compromise your safety, you must be sure to follow safety guidelines provided by your program at all times. Your program/university will likely go over security policies and advice in depth during their orientation and we advise you to follow these carefully.  Remain attentive to information provided to you and stay in contact with your program, Colby College, and your family throughout the duration of your study abroad program. Always inform your program’s resident director or contact person at the university of any incidents that may arise. You must also take personal responsibility for informing yourself of risks in locations in which you might study or travel; a good source of basic information is the U.S. Department of State Web site.

Colby College discourages travel to countries and participation in a program in a country for which there is a U.S. State Department Travel Warning in effect at the time of departure. Students wishing to travel to a country currently under U.S. State Department Travel Warning are required to submit a petition to the Travel Warning Review Committee providing a complete description of and justification for their study/travel at a Travel Warning site. If approved, the student and his/her parents will then be required to sign a second waiver as part of the application for approval process.

In the event that a country goes under U.S. State Department Travel Warning after a student has been approved, the student will be required to submit a petition, and sign a second waiver, in order to proceed as planned.

Students on programs already in session when the Travel Warning is issued will not be required to return as long as the program provider they are with indicates it is safe to remain, but will be advised of the Travel Warning by the OCS office.

For a listing of countries currently under U.S. State Department Travel Warning consult the website.
 
Note: The US State Department has advised Americans traveling anywhere to remain inconspicuous for their own safety, and we strongly support this advice. You are advised to keep a “low profile” wherever you may travel. Pay attention to culturally appropriate dress and behavior. Keep your voice down and avoid congregating in large, noisy groups, and avoid US entities considered symbols of US capitalism. Use restraint in situations that could get out of hand; your personal safety is far more important than your “honor” or your need to express yourself.
 
The Office of Off-Campus Study is in contact with program directors or program representatives from Non-Colby programs regarding safety and security. Links below provide the most current information on travel advisories, Colby's contingency plans, and the status of Colby's programs abroad.

Security Updates

U.S. State Department Worldwide Caution

 

Country-Specific Security Information
Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets

Colby Emergency Plan
Emergency Plan for Off-Campus Programs in Times of Emergency

Program Policies
Colby College: Policy Regarding Off-Campus Programs and Cancellations

 

Most programs, including Colby’s, have a zero tolerance policy concerning drugs. If a student is caught using illegal drugs, either by the police or by the resident director, that student may be sent home immediately, without prior notice, and with no credit or refund of fees. Students caught selling illegal drugs may be dismissed from the program and from Colby College.
 
If you choose to drink alcoholic beverages where it is legal to do so, be aware that you must know your limits and be moderate in your use of alcohol. Not only will you heap embarrassment on yourself and your country if you consume excessively, but you will also jeopardize your health and physical safety.  Most student incidents that occur are usually alcohol-related. The director of your program will usually have the authority to dismiss
students from the program for violation of the alcohol and drug policy. If a student is expelled from the program, the student may be sent home with no credit and no refund of fees.