There should be little doubt in our minds, that after the events of September 11th 2001 our world has changed. Yet, we all agree that study abroad remains an integral part of the globalization process. Why? Study abroad continues to enrich our lives but importantly, it helps us truly engage with the outside world. In this way, we as part of the global community can learn about other communities and cultures with the view that such understanding can better contribute to world peace. This is a good thing.

As part of the AEC mission to promote study abroad to Australian universities, the AEC is mindful of the safety and well being of AEC students whilst in Australia. While Australia/NZ are considered to be some of the safest destinations in the world for study abroad, the AEC believes no one can be complacent. Jointly with Australian university personnel who work in International Offices to strive to bring good services to incoming students, the AEC takes certain steps to ensure the best possible pre-departure, on-arrival and on-going health and safety advice for AEC students.

Students, parents and their advisors should also note that before a student leaves their Home School, the AEC sends to students a copy of the most up-to-date information on 'Managing an Emergency Situation'. The AEC requests students to provide the information to parents and advisors before they leave for Australia/NZ. In this way, parents and advisors have a point of contact for AEC Australia coordinators.

Pre-departure briefings (via email broadcasts but also where necessary, including information specific to your student status) will alert you to some common sense guidelines to follow while in Australia. These briefings will also include information on:

• How to access your health care (insurance) card
• What is and is not included in your health care plan (this is offered to all AEC students)
• Who should you contact in case you get sick – list/referral of doctors or `where to find’ lists, hospitals and AEC Australia contacts of AEC staff
• Keeping a low profile in public places, particularly during US State Department alerts
• Contact details for the American Embassy and Consulates in Australia
• Contact details for local AEC staff in Australia - this will include after hours and 24 hr emergency telephone contacts for AEC in Australia
• Networking opportunities with other study abroad students during orientation and other campus events - so you feel more comfortable (safety in numbers)
• Contact details for university staff in Australia
• Contact details for US Dept of State web site and local in Australia US consular office details

Australian/NZ universities are well prepared for US and other international students. They have been receiving international students for a very long time! There are thousands of international students on Australian campuses. The safety and well being of these students is very important to faculty and administrators at these universities.

Besides the pre-departure information briefings by the AEC, the Australian university will meet students in groups to orient them to the Australian way of life - as part of this process, students will be provided with advice on health and safety.

The Australian universities are accredited by the Australian and conform with certain government regulations which permit them to offer their programs to overseas students. This means that universities invest substantial funding in student support services to ensure the well being of their students.

Despite this, it is clear that accidents and incidents can take place. Therefore, the AEC requests students to have the most up to date information possible before their departure to their overseas destination. In this way students should have access to the US State Department or Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade information, local Embassy/Consulate contact details, information on how to connect to medical facilities, who to talk to at the host school in Australia, etc. The AEC will provide these contact details and will also provide AEC contacts information so that in case of an emergency, information can be disseminated as quickly as possible to family, home school and host schools.