Safety policies & procedures
Based on our experience, we have developed the following policies and guidelines to help ensure that students are as safe and secure as possible throughout the tour. Upon arrival, the Tour Director will review safety precautions specific to your tour. However, it’s critical that students understand these rules in advance and behave accordingly while abroad. With cooperation and considerate behavior from each and every traveler, the tour is sure to be a memorable one.
EF’s safety policies
Alcohol
EF does not allow travelers under the age of 18 to consume alcohol on tour. The Group Leader might wish to prohibit alcohol consumption by all travelers, regardless of age, and if so they will ask travelers to sign a Prohibiting Beer & Wine form. Excessive drinking or consumption of hard liquor by anyone in the tour group will result in disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal from the tour at the traveler’s expense.
Hotel safety
Please be aware that every person in a hotel room may not have a room key. When students receive their room assignment, they should designate a key holder or plan to leave their key at the reception desk when they are not in their room. Remember that their hotel door should remain locked at all times, both when they leave the room and when they are inside. Because the type of fire safety systems provided will vary between hotels, travelers should read the fire safety instructions in their hotel room and be sure to know where the nearest fire exits are located. Some hotel rooms may not have phones, so travelers should know where they can find their Group Leader and Tour Director at all times. The Tour Director will review safety policies while on tour, and it’s important that all travelers pay close attention.
Traffic and transportation safety
Travelers should keep in mind that traffic patterns and behaviors can be very different abroad than at home. Cars might drive on the opposite side of the road, so travelers should always look both ways before crossing the street. Don’t forget to look right! Travelers should pay special attention at intersections, use pedestrian crosswalks whenever possible and always wear a seat belt on tour buses if available. In many cities there are hourly bicycle rentals readily available. Travelers should not partake in these rentals since helmets are not provided and they are not part of an organized, guided bike tour.
Swimming
Travelers may have the opportunity to swim in an ocean, a lake, a river or a hotel pool. In most cases, there may not be a lifeguard on duty. Swimming will only be allowed in EF-designated areas and with the permission and knowledge of the Group Leader. If there is any question about the conditions or safety in the area, they should stay out of the water. If students decide to swim at any point during the tour, they should be sure to swim with a group of friends and to follow all swimming area rules.
Free time activities
Some tours may include some free time. However, this does not mean that students are free to do whatever they like without restriction. Travelers should always stay with others and not go anywhere alone. The Group Leader is responsible for supervision of the group at all times. EF only allows travelers to participate in EF-sanctioned optional excursions or other EF-approved activities suggested by the Tour Director.
Illness on Tour
Travelers who become ill on tour are asked to contact their Group Leader or Tour Director before rejoining their group. A traveler diagnosed with a contagious disease may be required to separate from the group based on the local guidance of their destination or that of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The traveler will be responsible for any costs associated with being separated from their group. Those who have purchased the Global Travel Protection plan may contact the claims administrator to seek coverage for any associated costs.