Study Abroad

Health & Safety

The safety and well-being of all our students and staff is our highest priority on every Round River Conservation Studies program. While we engage in conservation work in remote areas, the welfare of our participants always comes first. While absolute safety cannot be guaranteed anywhere, our programs are designed to offer extraordinary opportunities for personal and professional growth while diligently minimizing risks.

Risk Management

At Round River Conservation Studies, the safety and security of our students and staff are paramount. We have implemented comprehensive risk management plans tailored for each program, which include:

Risk Assessments: Thorough evaluations of potential risks specific to each program location.
Health and Safety Protocols: Established guidelines to promote student and staff well-being throughout the program duration.
Crisis Management Plans: Preparedness strategies to address unforeseen emergencies effectively.
Emergency Medical Treatment and Evacuation Plans: Protocols ensuring swift and appropriate medical care and evacuation if needed.
Communication Protocols: Established procedures to maintain clear and effective communication among staff and with participants.

These plans undergo regular review and refinement. Remote Medical International, an industry leader in risk management, has reviewed our plans and has developed medical guidelines for our staff. Global Rescue has also reviewed our safety and communication protocols.

Pre-departure Safety & Participant Policies

At Round River Conservation Studies, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. Before participating in our study abroad programs, students must:

Read and Sign Risk Waivers: Each student is required to thoroughly read and sign a risk waiver. This document outlines the potential risks associated with the program and serves as an acknowledgment of these risks by the student.
Understand Participant Responsibilities: It is crucial for students to understand their responsibilities as participants. This includes adhering to safety guidelines, following instructions from program leaders, and actively engaging in practices that promote personal and group safety.
Undergo Health Screenings: Our thorough medical screening process, while not meant to exclude individuals, helps us understand potential challenges and prepare appropriate support measures. Honest disclosure during these screenings is crucial for your safety and the success of our programs. Any dishonesty or misrepresentation during these screenings could disqualify students from participating in Round River Conservation Studies programs.
Individualized Support: We recognize that each student may have unique needs. Therefore, private conversations between Round River staff and each student are conducted to address individual concerns and ensure necessary accommodations are in place.

During Program Safety & Support

At Round River Conservation Studies, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students continues throughout the program. Here’s how we maintain safety and support:

Thorough Safety Orientation: Upon arriving on-site, students receive a comprehensive safety orientation and training led by program instructors. This orientation covers:
- Environmental conditions
- Wildlife concerns
- Social and cultural considerations
- Emergency protocols
Ongoing Support and Communication: Our small group sizes and low instructor-student ratio enable us to attend to the evolving needs of our students. We conduct periodic private check-ins to address individual concerns and ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
Regular Revisits to Safety Procedures: Throughout the program, we regularly revisit safety issues and procedures to reinforce knowledge and readiness.

By providing thorough orientation, ongoing support, and regular communication, we ensure that each student feels prepared and safe during their experience with Round River Conservation Studies.

Staff Training & Qualifications

At Round River Conservation Studies, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants through rigorous staff training and qualifications:

Health and Safety Training: Our staff are extensively trained on our protocols for handling emergencies and ensuring participant safety.
Certifications: All staff hold first aid certifications, with most also certified in Wilderness First Aid (WFA). Each program location includes at least one staff member with Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
First Aid Preparedness: Program instructors carry comprehensive first aid kits for immediate response to medical situations.

Communications

Our staff are equipped with internet service, mobile devices, satellite communication devices (inReaches), and satellite phones, ensuring 24-hour access to headquarters. Staff at headquarters are available to respond quickly and efficiently to any issues that may arise, either at our field sites or to communicate emergencies from home.

Students have limited access to internet and phone communications, with access to email approximately every two to five weeks, depending on the program location.

In the event that loved ones need to communicate about emergencies from home, please contact us at studyabroad@roundriver.org

Global Rescue Enrollment

All students and instructors are enrolled with Global Rescue for medical advisory and evacuation services during the program. This enrollment provides:

24-hour access to a medical advisory team.
Emergency evacuation services coordinated by Global Rescue in collaboration with local healthcare facilities and transportation providers, ensuring prompt and efficient response to medical emergencies.

Through these measures, Round River Conservation Studies ensures a proactive approach to risk management, maintaining a safe and secure environment for all participants.

Travel

Travel Health Requirements

To ensure the health and safety of our participants, Round River Conservation Studies requires the following travel preparations:

Vaccinations. We recommend that students follow CDC guidelines or consult with their physician or a travel clinic for vaccinations and other preventative measures specific to the program location.
Medical Insurance. While Round River will enroll each student in Global Rescue evacuation services, students may not attend a Round River program without adequate health insurance. All participants must have medical insurance that covers sickness and accidents. Students are required to carry proof of insurance coverage with you on RRCS activities. Additional travel medical insurance is optional.
Medications. Students should bring any prescribed medications and corrective eye wear they need for the duration of the program. It’s important to carry these medications in their original packaging, along with a copy of the prescription. Additionally, we will have first aid kits with us at all times, but we advise students to bring over-the-counter medications for common ailments, such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness remedies (see the packing list for a detailed list).

Travel Updates

At Round River Conservation Studies, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our participants by staying informed about potential risks and health concerns. We regularly monitor:

CDC health notices
WHO updates
US Department of State travel advisories
Local government updates
Internal intelligence from our international staff

Updates and important information will be communicated promptly to ensure that all participants are aware of any changes that may affect their safety and travel plans.

Dietary Requirements

Round River Conservation Studies is committed to accommodating the dietary needs of our participants to ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience. However, due to the nature of our remote work, some accommodations may not be available. To help us provide the best support, please take the following steps:

Location-Specific Information: Check the webpage for your specific program location to review available dietary options and considerations.
Early Communication: Contact Round River soon after your application to discuss your dietary needs. This early communication helps us determine if we can accommodate your requirements and make any necessary arrangements.

We will have further conversations with each student to better understand their dietary needs and to figure out the best possible solutions. While we strive to be accommodating, we want to be transparent about the limitations we may face in remote locations. It is not always possible to accommodate every dietary restriction, but we can discuss available options or alternatives.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us at studyabroad@roundriver.org.

Mental Health and Wellness

At Round River Conservation Studies, we prioritize the mental well-being of our participants and strive to provide comprehensive support, recognizing that access to communication can vary in remote areas. To ensure a successful and enriching experience, we encourage you to consider the following steps:

Consultation with Mental Health Providers: We encourage students with emotional health concerns to discuss these with their physician or mental health provider before departure. This ensures that you receive appropriate guidance and support tailored to your needs, considering potential communication limitations.
Support Plan: We recommend creating a robust support plan that accounts for limited communication access during the semester. This may involve setting up alternative means of contact or support networks, maintaining communication with family and friends during accessible times, and utilizing available program resources effectively.
Instructor Support: Our dedicated instructors conduct regular check-ins with the group and individuals throughout the semester. They are available to provide guidance, facilitate contact with networks back home, and ensure your well-being during your experience with Round River Conservation Studies.
Embracing the Experience: We understand that traveling abroad, spending more time outdoors, engaging in meaningful work, and immersing yourself in our student community can be both thrilling and challenging. We encourage students to fully embrace these experiences while also making space for mental health care and support throughout the semester.

In Their Own Words

In-depth, personal stories from our Student Programs.