In celebration of International Day of Education, International SOS, a global leader in health and security risk services, emphasizes the critical importance of proactive measures to safeguard the health, security, and well-being of the worldwide education community. This focus is particularly crucial as educational activities resume amidst a complex geopolitical landscape and ongoing global challenges.
Despite persistent obstacles, UNESCO and the Institute of International Education reported a consistent 6.4 million globally mobile international students at the tertiary level in 2023. As students engage in educational excursions and exchange programs, the diverse environments they encounter pose potential risks, ranging from unforeseen illnesses and accidents to security threats and cultural challenges. Institutions must be prepared to mitigate these risks and ensure the well-being of students throughout their journeys.
International SOS’ data highlights a 20.2% increase in security advice and assistance requests and a 29% rise in evacuations and repatriations from scholastic clients, underscoring the growing complexities faced by students and staff. This surge reinforces the crucial role of proactive risk management in ensuring their safety and well-being.
Henning Snyman, Regional Security Director at International SOS, emphasizes the challenge of navigating the interplay between academic freedom and risk management in today’s globalized education landscape. Partnering with overseas providers with local expertise can enhance on-the-ground support for trip participants, but shared responsibilities for support and emergencies must be clarified. International SOS is actively contributing to the development of the new ISO 31030 standard – Risk Management for Youth and School Trips, guiding for managing risk in both domestic and international travel.
Dr. Nikki Mepham, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, emphasizes the need to evaluate prevalent diseases and local healthcare capability at destinations. Comprehensive prevention and management strategies, including vaccinations and mental health resources, can minimize the risk of infectious diseases and address psychosocial factors like cultural adjustment and travel anxieties.
International SOS recommends proactive strategies for educational institutions:
- Conduct thorough pre-travel risk assessments.
- Provide pre-travel health and safety briefings for students and staff.
- Implement comprehensive infection control plans for campuses and travel programs.
- Equip trip leaders with incident management protocols and 24/7 assistance.
- Improve mental health literacy and address stigma through training and support.
By adopting these measures, educational institutions can create a thriving learning environment, allowing students to explore the world confidently while ensuring their safety.
Notes to Editor
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity.
In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation’s reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 9,500 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune Global 500 as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. 13,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand by you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com