health and safety
The San Francisco Art Institute considers the health and safety of students on education abroad opportunities one of its top priorities. While no organization or institution can guarantee the safety of participants, the risks can be significantly reduced if staff, students, parents, and advisers at the host and home institutions all work together.
In response to the concern for the well-being of students, SFAI has developed policies and procedures related to exchange opportunities which require all participating students, as part of their time at the university, to complete an Off-Campus Study Student Contract and Off-Campus Study Waiver and Release Form.
Health Insurance
Students must have health insurance coverage either provided through SFAI student health insurance or a student’s individual insurance plan. For all AICAD programs outside of the U.S., students must take out additional travel insurance that covers them for evacuation and repatriation. Students who are already enrolled in the SFAI Student Health Insurance Plan are automatically covered. Students not enrolled must purchase the additional coverage at a minimal charge.
Before going on exchange, students must complete the Proof of Health Insurance form.
Health and Safety Guidelines
In preparation for exchange, you should:
- Consider your health and other personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a place in a program.
- Make available to your host institution accurate and complete physical and mental health information and any other personal data that is necessary in planning for a safe and healthy exchange experience.
- Assume responsibility for all the elements necessary for your personal preparation for the program and participate fully in orientations.
- Obtain and maintain appropriate insurance coverage and abide by any conditions imposed by the carriers.
- Inform your parents/guardians/family, and any others who may need to know about your participation in the exchange program, provide them with emergency contact information, and keep them informed on an ongoing basis.
- Understand and comply with the terms of participation, codes of conduct, and emergency procedures of your program, and obey host-country laws if outside of the U.S.
- Be aware of local conditions and customs that may present health or safety risks when making daily choices and decisions. Promptly express any health or safety concerns to the on-site staff or other appropriate individuals.
- Behave in a manner that is respectful of the rights and well-being of others and encourage others to behave in a similar manner.
- Accept responsibility for your own decisions and actions.
- Become familiar with the procedures for obtaining emergency health and law enforcement services if outside of the U.S.
Health and Safety Resources for International Travel
If you are participating in an international AICAD Exchange, please see the Study Abroad Health and Safety page for additional information.
