Participation in a UCSC Global Learning Program (“the Program”) requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad or away. UCSC Global Learning endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible. However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Santa Cruz. Participation in the Program and assumption of these risks is entirely voluntary and is not required in order for students to graduate or fulfill requirements at UC Santa Cruz.
General Travel Risk
Travel to any part of the world, including within the United States, includes risk of natural disaster, terrorism, severe weather, criminal activity, disease, accident, and injury. However, travel to/residency in a location abroad, even as part of a study abroad program, may include additional risk of distress, property damage, injury, or death that some travelers may not anticipate. While UCSC Global Learning will orient students to these situations and mitigate risk where possible, it is impossible to anticipate, warn, or protect against every scenario abroad. Examples of these risks include but are not limited to:
- Third-party air, marine and/or surface travel to and within a location abroad
- Different or lower standards for construction, maintenance, and safety of buildings, public transportation, conveyance, and public spaces than found in the U.S. In particular, this may include significantly lower standards for fire or earthquake safety, limited or no access for certain disabilities or body size, different or lower standards for privacy, no alternatives to foot travel
- Different or lower standards for safe food handling and clean drinking water, and/or heightened risk for illness related to consumption of food and beverage
- Different standards, practices, training and/or access to medical care than found in the U.S.
- Different regulations governing hotels/accommodations and unusual living conditions (e.g. shared accommodations, non-traditional restroom facilities, no air conditioning or heating, frequent moves, tents, hostels, limited privacy, etc.)
- Different teaching environments (e.g. public and/or outdoor spaces, rural/wilderness environments, personal homes, offices of a business, clinics, art spaces, etc.)
- Use of non-traditional forms of public transportation that may have minimal or no regulation (e.g. mopeds/motorcycles, bicycles, private vehicles-for-hire, boats, horses/mules)
- Different regulations governing environmental health and urban environments which may lead to increased exposure to pollution or communicable diseases
- Political, economic, or social movements that may cause distress or injury
- Religious observances, beliefs, social norms, and gender/sexual/racial discrimination that may cause offense or injury
- Increased risk of petty theft, crime, and sexual harassment/assault
- Increased risk of exposure to dangerous, poisonous, or disease-carrying insects or animals
- Elective and unsupervised activities outside of program hours that may not be covered by medical insurance such as tours, nightlife, independent travel, and sports/watersports/adventure sports (rafting, climbing, snorkeling, etc.)
Program participants are responsible for determining their own willingness to accept the risks involved with study abroad. Participants are responsible for reviewing risk assessments issued by the U.S. Department of States and the Centers for Disease Control in order to make an informed decision about participation in the Program.
Third-party Agreements
In some cases, UCSC Global Learning will contract with one or more vendors at the program site to secure accommodation, transportation, host families, passes for cultural events/activities, or other services on behalf of students in advance. This is done as a convenience to Program participants. The legal and regulatory environment within which these vendors operate may be substantially different from the United States, and all services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. UCSC Global Learning has exercised reasonable efforts to reduce or mitigate the inherent risk to participants, but UCSC Global Learning in no way represents, acts as an agent for, and cannot control the acts or omissions of, any host institution, host family, transportation carrier, tour organizer, or other vendor contracted to provide goods or services for the Program.
Independent Activities
Participants are advised that they will not be supervised at all times. While on a Program, participants will have the opportunity to travel independently, participate in elective tours, purchase services, and engage in physical activities (boat tours, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, biking, climbing, etc.). These activities may pose substantially more risk than any formal part of the Program and participants may not be advised of these risks before engaging in elective activities. The availability of these activities does not imply affiliation with formal UCSC Global Learning Program, nor that they have been deemed “safe.” During any kind of independent activity, participants will be responsible for their own safety and cannot hold UCSC Global Learning liable for any injury or loss of property.
Alcohol & Drugs
The overwhelming majority of accidents and injuries that occur on study abroad programs are related to the legal or illegal use of alcohol or drugs, or the decisions made while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drug use impairs judgment and coordination, and substantially increases the risk of injury or death for many activities, even when proper safety precautions are in place. It is therefore impossible for UCSC Global Learning to mitigate the heightened risks associated with students’ consumption of alcohol and/or drugs abroad.
The legal drinking age may be lower abroad and/or not as heavily enforced as in the U.S. Participants are responsible for their own safety if they choose to consume alcohol abroad, regardless of whether alcohol was obtained legally or illegally, and are strongly discouraged from drinking to intoxication, even when legal. UC and UCSC Global Learning strictly prohibit the use of illicit drugs, and misuse of legal drugs while on the Program. Drug use and/or alcohol abuse are grounds for immediate dismissal from the Program.
Sexual Harassment & Discrimination
Cultural norms in other countries may be significantly different in the U.S. In particular, some behavior that is offensive or even illegal in the U.S. may be condoned or socially acceptable abroad. Moreover, there may be little or no recourse for students who are exposed to such behavior (legal remedies, support programs, etc.). Students who travel abroad are at an increased risk of harassment or discrimination related to: race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation/expression, language, age, political affiliation, artistic or verbal expression, clothing, etc.
With respect to sexual harassment, many cultures around the world view unwanted comments or advances as acceptable; those who object may even find themselves subject to further harassment. Unfortunately, female travelers may also encounter a greater risk of assault abroad. Because of this, female travelers should exercise increased caution, avoid traveling alone whenever possible, and consult Department of State resources for female travelers.
Some countries abroad have a strong and accepted intolerance for both sexual expression (of any orientation) and sexual identity (LGBTIQ travelers). Travelers who have or express these identities may be subject to harassment or threats; in some locations, the risk of assault can be great and/or these identities may be criminalized and subject to local punishment. Travelers are highly encouraged to consult the Department of State resources.
Insect/Wildlife-transmitted Diseases
International travel may expose students to insect/wildlife-transmitted diseases found and/or not commonly found in the US. Spending time outdoors elevates the risk of catching insects/wildlife-transmitted diseases. Before students travel abroad they should make sure to visit the U.S. Department of State website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for country-specific travel information regarding their destination and any specific travel advisories recently issued. When appropriate, students should follow recommendations on treating clothing and gear with recommended insect repellents/avoiding areas where wildlife-transmitted diseases are prevalent. Upon their return, if a student is feeling ill, they should discuss any post-return symptoms with their doctor, including stating travel/exposure from study abroad.
Acknowledgment of Understanding
By participating in a UCSC Global Learning Program, participants voluntarily assume these additional risks—both known and unknown—and give up substantial rights, including the right to sue in some cases. Participants who have questions or concerns about any of these risks are highly encouraged to speak with UCSC Global Learning prior to departure.