Health and Safety

All students must participate in a pre-departure orientation. The orientation covers health, safety, and wellness issues in detail. The OEA staff continuously assesses the safety and accessibility of all locations where Cal Lutheran students, staff, and faculty travel.

Disability Accommodations

Cal Lutheran advocates for appropriate accommodations for any CLU participants' (dis)abilities and learning needs. Please note that not all host organizations may be able to accommodate all needs, as different countries view and support (dis)abilities in varied ways. Participants should first reach out to Cal Lutheran Disability Support Services (DSS) if they need special accommodations. DSS will contact the OEA to arrange next steps where possible.

Health Screening

Participants should seek professional advice from their primary doctors, current health insurance companies, and host organizations regarding special conditions, medications, and drug regulations in specific countries. U.S. program participants can continue to use their existing domestic health insurance.

International Health Insurance

All Cal Lutheran participants traveling abroad (not those on domestic U.S. programs) are eligible for EIIA travel insurance. Please note that this is not the same as primary health insurance in the U.S. but is supplementary coverage for emergency medical and security services abroad.

STEP Enrollment

OEA advises all U.S. citizens on programs abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service of the U.S. Department of State. Once enrolled, students will receive important information from the local U.S. embassy abroad about safety conditions.

Student Conduct Off-Campus

All participants study off-campus as Cal Lutheran students are expected to adhere to Cal Lutheran policies. This includes but is not limited to the Student Handbook, Alcohol & Drugs, Title IX, Academic Honesty, and FERPA.

Supplemental Travel Insurance

OEA strongly recommends that travelers purchase additional supplemental travel insurance for lost luggage, flight cancellation, trip interruption, and other benefits.