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Zipline

Health & Safety

Your well-being throughout our programs is our #1 priority

Zipline

Our commitment

At Student-Athletes Abroad (SAA) and Beyond Sports, the health, safety, and well-being of our students, coaches, families, and staff are our top priorities. Whether you’re traveling individually or with a group, we are committed to providing robust risk management and comprehensive safety measures at every stage of your journey.

 

Our proactive approach ensures that all participants are fully supported from pre-departure through the duration of the program and upon re-entry. Here’s how we prioritize your safety:

Professional Risk Management Services

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SAA partners with Cornerstone Safety Group, a leading provider of risk management, medical, and mental health services for the travel and experiential education industries. Through Cornerstone’s expert guidance, we’ve developed policies and procedures designed to minimize risk and ensure safe, well-prepared programs.

 

Learn More about Cornerstone Safety Group at https://www.cornerstonesafetygroup.org/. 

International Health Insurance

All SAA participants are automatically covered under CISI Travel Insurance, which provides extensive international health coverage, including sports-related injuries. If you already have pre-existing coverage, you may opt out of this plan. This insurance ensures access to quality care throughout your program.

 

Explore CISI Travel Insurance at https://www.culturalinsurance.com/.​

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Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

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We enroll all U.S. citizens in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure. This free service from the U.S. Department of State connects travelers with U.S. Embassies and Consulates, providing important updates and alerts while helping you stay connected with friends and family during emergencies.

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Learn more about the STEP program at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step. 

On-Site Program Staff & Support

Every SAA program is supported by trained, experienced staff dedicated to ensuring participant safety:
 

  • Full-time local staff are present in Costa Rica, Spain, and South Africa.

  • Domestic staff accompany participants in all other locations from start to finish.

  • Staff are equipped with emergency phones and trained to respond to various situations, providing 24/7 support during pre-planned group excursions.


We work closely with local authorities and health professionals to anticipate and manage any unexpected situations, ensuring comprehensive on-site support.

Emergency Services

SAA maintains a 24/7 emergency hotline available to students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Before departure, all participants receive detailed emergency contact information, including local hospital details and other critical resources.

All local staff are thoroughly trained in emergency response procedures and have established relationships with nearby medical facilities to ensure prompt care when needed.


We are here to support you at every step of your journey, prioritizing your health and safety while ensuring a transformative and enriching study abroad experience. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our team for more information.

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