Emergencies Abroad
Emergencies happen, even while traveling. We have compiled information on emergency situations and how to handle them, so you can be better prepared wherever you are. If this is an emergency, please contact the Florida Atlantic Police Department at (561) 297-3500, and your call will be routed to the appropriate department as needed.
Be prepared:
All University travelers are expected to obey all the laws of the countries they visit. Those who break these laws may face severe penalties, including jail sentences.
Tips to Avoid Arrest Overseas:
- Understand that you are subject to the local laws and regulations while visiting in the country – follow them.
- Learn which laws might be different from the laws in the United States. The U.S. Department of State provides some information for each country on their Country Information pages. For more information on a specific country’s laws, contact that country’s nearest embassy or consulate in the United States before you travel.
First steps:
If you get into legal trouble, you (or a companion) should immediately contact your program director, trip leader, or on-site staff (if applicable).
Reach out to the closest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad should also be notified.
- From the U.S. & Canada: (888) 407-4747
- From Abroad: (202) 501-4444
A U.S. Consular Officer can:
- Visit you in jail.
- Give you a list of local attorneys.
- Notify your family or friends and relay requests for money or other aid with your authorization.
- Intercede with the local authorities to ensure that you are treated humanely and ensure that your rights under local law are fully observed.
A U.S. Consular Officer cannot:
- Get you out of jail.
- Represent you at trial or give you legal counsel.
- Pay fees or fines with U.S. government funds.
U.S. embassy personnel can:
- Provide routine citizenship services and emergency assistance for American citizens abroad.
- Assist Americans abroad and their families in cases of death, serious medical emergencies, and legal difficulties.
Read more about Arrest or Detention Abroad on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Medical Emergencies
In the case of a medical emergency:
- The traveler should go to the nearest clinic or hospital.
- Call medical insurance/assistance provider, at their 24/7 emergency assistance line.
- Provide insurance/assistance provider with the traveler’s name, policy number (if available), and the address and phone number of the hospital or medical facility.
- Students studying abroad should notify their program/resident director as soon as possible.
Safety Emergencies
If a traveler has been a victim of crime, harassment, discrimination, terrorism, or a natural disaster, assistance may be available. American citizens should contact the U.S. Department of State’s American Citizen Services, which is prepared to assist with emergencies abroad.
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or visit the U.S. DOS emergency abroad website to locate the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and to read more emergency information.
- From overseas, call +1 (202) 501-4444
- From the U.S. and Canada, call +1 (888) 407-4747
Sexual Misconduct Abroad
Florida Atlantic University’s Title IX Policy Statement prohibits sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, whether on-campus or off-campus. Students studying abroad are covered under this policy and the procedures it provides. The University has resources and advocacy services available to students abroad. As the accessibility of resources and applicable local laws and policies vary abroad, Florida Atlantic University will work closely with the student to create a safe environment and prioritize supportive measures.
Florida Atlantic University is concerned about the safety and well-being of its students and about incidents of sexual misconduct, whether on- or off-campus. If you experience any type of sexual misconduct, please know that you have rights and support is available to you. If you are a survivor of sexual misconduct that occurred abroad, what happened was not your fault. We want you to know that you have options for how to respond and how to begin the healing process.
Experiencing and processing sexual misconduct is difficult. It can be even more confusing and complicated if it occurs in another country or culture. Survivors often experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, anger, confusion, and embarrassment. There is no one way to respond. Whatever you feel is the right response is normal. Determining what steps to take after a traumatic experience can be challenging, especially when you are far from home. The options listed below are just that: options.
Remember, you should control your own healing process. It should be your choice whether to seek help or share your experience with others (please see Sexual Misconduct Resources). Please read each option carefully and consider reaching to the FAU Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) or Candace Harrinarine, Victim Advocate at FAU at VictimServices@fau.edu. You may also reach out to Florida Atlantic University’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCR9) or call (561) 297-3004.
The resources below are listed for survivors who wish to learn about or utilize them. However, not all survivors of sexual misconduct need or seek immediate medical attention or are interested in reporting. Some survivors choose to conclude their experience abroad, while others feel that returning home is most beneficial to their recovery. The information and resources listed on this page are here to help you learn about all your options. If you have questions, please consider reaching out to discuss them further.
Assessing Safety
If your immediate safety is being threatened, please consider calling 911, your designated local emergency contact, or the Florida Atlantic Police Department at (561) 297-3500. If you do not wish to notify the University Police or other law enforcement agencies, you may contact the Victim Advocate at (561) 297-0500 (24-hour line). You may report any sexual misconduct confidentially to the Victim Advocate and still receive assistance.
A safety plan, particularly in cases of relationship violence and stalking, can also be an important step towards safety. A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. More information is available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Medical Attention
Go for immediate medical attention if you are injured. If you report a sexual assault to emergency medical personnel, they will call law enforcement. If you are the victim of sexual assault and go to the hospital, the local law enforcement agency will be called. A victim advocate should also be called in these circumstances.
Additional medical attention can be made available for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. This attention can be for physical, emotional, and sexual health needs, as well as to complete a forensic exam. Access to a forensic exam will vary depending on local resources.
Support from Florida Atlantic University
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident of sexual misconduct or the individuals involved, FAU has counselors and advocates to help you in the healing process. Support can be provided in a variety of ways, including connecting you to local resources abroad, Florida-based resources, or FAU campus-based resources.
Under FAU’s Title IX Policy Statement, the University does not tolerate sexual misconduct of any form, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Such conduct violates the community values and principles of our institution and disrupts the living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and other community members. The FAU Counseling and Psychological Services Center (CAPS) exists to help students understand this policy and their rights and options. Speaking with the CAPS staff is confidential. CAPS is not obligated to report your assault to FAU. CAPS staff can support you as you navigate the healing process.
Learn more about support resources
The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCR9) supports students, faculty, and staff who are affected by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. Specifically, the OCR9 can help students who experience sexual misconduct:
- Connect with on-campus and off-campus resources, including medical, counseling, immigration, student financial aid, and legal resources;
- Request interim measures such as no-contact directives from the University, or housing, academic, working, or transportation accommodations
- File a report with the University and access the University’s Complaint Resolution Process, if desired.
File a report online using the Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form or call OCR9 at (561) 297-3004.
If the person who may have engaged in sexual misconduct is a member of the Florida Atlantic community, FAU can investigate and impose sanctions for any violations of our Title IX Policy Statement. Regardless of their identity, all survivors have access to CAPS support. However, FAU’s ability to investigate or adjudicate a complaint may be limited by the level of control it has over the learning environment and the person(s) involved. For example, if they are a member of the host university’s student body, enrolled in another school’s study abroad program, or a third-party provider, FAU’s ability to investigate a situation or sanction an individual is limited, although we will work with the program provider or the host university to act. Furthermore, local laws and/or the policies of a host organization may further govern your legal options.
Florida Atlantic University encourages individuals to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the University Police or local law enforcement officials. Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in the successful investigation and prosecution of crimes, including sexual violence crimes, and may lead to the arrest of an offender or aid in the investigation of other incidents. FAU can assist students in reporting sexual misconduct to the University Police, local law enforcement, or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Learn more about resources and reporting options
Victim of Crime Abroad
If you become a victim of a crime while traveling abroad, several resources are available to support you.
In case of emergency, please get in touch with the Florida Atlantic Police Department at (561) 297-3500, and your call will be routed to the appropriate department as needed.
Student Travelers
Students engaged in study abroad: Contact your on-site faculty/program leaders or international office contact at the institution you are attending. Faculty/program leaders are provided with an emergency cell phone number they can call 24/7. A staff member from Education Abroad (EA) will answer the phone.
Students engaged in other university-related approved travel: Contact the Dean of Students during regular business hours (Monday through Thursday 7:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST), or call the Florida Atlantic Police Department directly during non-business hours.
All Travelers
U.S. Government Resources for all travelers abroad:
Office of Overseas Citizens Services: For emergency assistance 24/7 at embassies, consulates, and consular agencies overseas and in Washington, D.C., contact the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (888) 407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas).
Reporting a Lost or Stolen Passport: This website provides guidance on reporting and replacing a lost U.S. travel document.
U.S. Embassies Abroad: Prior to departure, identify the U.S. Embassy/Consulate closest to your travel location(s).
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Enrollment in STEP is recommended for all international travelers prior to departing the U.S.
Arrest and Detention Abroad
All University travelers are expected to obey all the laws of the countries they visit. Those who break these laws may face severe penalties, including jail sentences.
Tips to Avoid Arrest Overseas:
- Understand that you are subject to the local laws and regulations while visiting in the country – follow them.
- Learn which laws might be different from the laws in the United States. The U.S. Department of State provides some information for each country on their Country Information pages. For more information on a specific country’s laws, contact that country’s nearest embassy or consulate in the United States before you travel.
First steps:
If you get into legal trouble, you (or a companion) should immediately contact your program director, trip leader, or on-site staff (if applicable).
Reach out to the closest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad should also be notified.
- From the U.S. & Canada: (888) 407-4747
- From Abroad: (202) 501-4444
A U.S. Consular Officer can:
- Visit you in jail.
- Give you a list of local attorneys.
- Notify your family or friends and relay requests for money or other aid with your authorization.
- Intercede with the local authorities to ensure that you are treated humanely and ensure that your rights under local law are fully observed.
A U.S. Consular Officer cannot:
- Get you out of jail.
- Represent you at trial or give you legal counsel.
- Pay fees or fines with U.S. government funds.
U.S. embassy personnel can:
- Provide routine citizenship services and emergency assistance for American citizens abroad.
- Assist Americans abroad and their families in cases of death, serious medical emergencies, and legal difficulties.
Read more about Arrest or Detention Abroad on the U.S. Department of State’s website.