All program directors must travel with a working cell phone. The Office of Education Abroad will cover costs associated with carrying an international cell phone. This cell phone number should be shared with the Office of Education Abroad and with program participants. We suggest sharing this number with your students during pre-departure orientation and encouraging them to record the number on an "In Case of Emergency" wallet card.

Many students now travel abroad with a cell phone. Program directors should collect these cell phone numbers so that you know how to reach a student in the event of an emergency. You may want to establish a communication tree so that you are able to efficiently reach all students - including those who may not have a cell phone - in the event of an emergency. 

When a major security incident occurs, the Office for Global Health, Safety, and Security will often reach out to education abroad programs in the affected country to conduct an accountability check. You can help us by proactively reporting that your program is okay and unaffected by emailing us at globalsafety(at)msu.edu. If you require immediate assistance, call the MSU 24/7 International Emergency Line +1-517-353-3784. 

If you aren't sure if a local event constitutes a "major security incident" consider if you think it will make international headlines. If you aren't sure, err on the side of caution and get in touch.