To promote the safety and well-being of students who travel internationally, Ohio State requires that all program leaders and resident directors who travel with and oversee students abroad complete an annual training in essential health and safety procedures and practices. Our goal is to prepare program leaders and resident directors to provide effective support for students and to respond to a variety of incidents that may arise during their time abroad.
Throughout each semester, the Office of International Affairs’ global health and safety team hosts required health and safety orientations as well as optional workshops. These sessions are designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to support students abroad.
More information about upcoming sessions can be found below.
Health and Safety Orientation
All resident directors and group program leaders must attend one health and safety orientation session annually. The foundational training provides an overview of protocols, processes and tools in place to support Ohio State travelers and to mitigate and manage health and safety concerns on international education, service and other group travel experiences. Topics include incidents and response, insurance and Crisis24 support, student physical and mental health needs and the use of key resources with a focus on using resources such as the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The session also reviews federal compliance related to education abroad including Clery Act and Title IX.
Attending early in the semester prior to departure is recommended as the training supports the development of site-specific pre-departure health and safety orientations for program participants.
2025-26 Health and Safety Orientations
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to noon
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 3-5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7, 9-11 a.m.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2-4 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 3-5 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 27, 9-11 a.m.
Wednesday, March 25, noon to 2 p.m.
Monday, April 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
All sessions are held in 160 Enarson Classroom Building
Health and Safety Workshops 2025-2026
Tips and Tools: Using Crisis24 and Zurich Insurance
The Global Health and Safety team provides an in-depth presentation on the many resources, tools and services available to Ohio State travelers through Crisis24 and the Zurich international accident and sickness insurance. This is an online workshop and is intended for resident directors and other program leaders.
Time commitment: 1 hour.
Delivery: Virtual
Autumn session: Friday, Sept. 26, 10-11 a.m.
Unsafe or Uncomfortable? Navigating Student Feelings Abroad
Drawing on insights from international education, student affairs and risk management, this session will explore evolving communication styles among today’s student population—particularly in how they express discomfort and concerns about safety. As we examine the language students use and the factors influencing these shifts, we’ll consider how faculty and staff can proactively adapt their approaches to better support students and foster safe, enriching experiences abroad.
Time commitment: 2 hours.
Delivery: In-person, 160 Enarson Classroom Building
Upcoming session: Thursday, Oct. 30th, 1-3 p.m
Student Mental Health Abroad
This discussion-based workshop focuses on developing strategies that resident directors and other program leaders can use to assist students who experience mental health concerns while participating in an international experience.
Topics discussed will additionally cover pre-departure resources, student access to the Office of Student Life Disability Services, traveling with prescription medications, the use of the Incident Response Handbook to respond to distressed and disruptive students abroad and the Code of Student Conduct. In addition, the workshop will review the resources available through Crisis24 and the Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service for assisting in emergency response.
Time commitment: 1.5 hours.
Delivery: In-person, 160 Enarson Classroom Building
Fall semester session: Monday, Nov. 17, 2-3:30 p.m.
Managing Participant and Group Dynamics: Responding to Student Concerns and Incidents
Program leaders and resident directors engage closely with students in residential and non-classroom environments. Issues that may require significant intervention and ongoing management routinely arise and may challenge individual students, small cohorts or the entire program. During this workshop, key concepts and strategies will be discussed around conflict management, difficult conversations and useful de-escalation techniques when working with various types of incidents.
Time commitment: 1.5 hours.
Delivery: Virtual
Upcoming sessions: Autumn Semester 2025, TBD
Tips and Tools: Using Crisis24 and Zurich Insurance
The Global Health and Safety team provides an in-depth presentation on the many resources, tools and services available to Ohio State travelers through Crisis24 and the Zurich international accident and sickness insurance. This is an online workshop and is intended for resident directors and other program leaders.
Time commitment: 1 hour.
Delivery: Virtual
Autumn session: Thursday Feb. 5, 9-10 a.m.
De-Escalation Techniques and Managing Difficult Conversations
Studying abroad and traveling internationally on Ohio State-approved programs offers some of the most rewarding experiences for both students and program leaders. At times, travel may also be stressful and challenging. This workshop will provide a framework for managing conflict and having difficult conversations, whether with students, colleagues or onsite providers.
Time commitment: 1.5 hours.
Delivery: In-person, 160 Enarson Classroom Building
Upcoming session: Tuesday March 31, 4-5:30 p.m.
Emergency Response Exercise
This table-top exercise aims to provide resident directors and other program leaders with an opportunity to test emergency and crisis management procedures in a safe environment before a real crisis occurs. Working with a hypothetical scenario, participants discuss and identify roles, responsibilities and responses and identify when to reach out to Crisis24 and the Global Health and Safety team for support.
Time commitment: 1.5 hours.
Delivery: In-person
Upcoming session: Spring 2026 TBD