In An Emergency

Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE) prioritizes students going abroad in a healthy and safe way. Below is a list of contact information for students abroad in case of an emergency.

AIG Global Assistance Services

001 715-346-0859  (24/7)

Call AIG Travel Guard Global Assistance Services as soon as possible in an emergency situation. AIG can assist with arranging medical transportation and care, monitoring your condition following a medical issue, initiating a medical or security evacuation if appropriate, and provide advice relating to your health, safety, security, lost documents, or need for legal assistance. 

  • Dial the international access code for the U.S. (usually 001).
  • Then dial 715-346-0859 (call collect if not utilizing Wi-Fi calling).
  • Identify yourself as University of Kansas study abroad student.
  • AIG Travel Guard works closely with Study Abroad & Global Engagement to notify us of any issues requiring the coordination of KU support.

Mantra Health Support Services

KU partners with Mantra Health and Workplace Options (WPO) to connect students to in-the-moment support from masters-level mental health practitioners both on campus and while traveling internationally. Through Mantra Health (students on the Lawrence/Edwards campuses) and WPO (students traveling internationally), students can receive the help they need in their own native language (150+ languages supported), whether they are at home, on campus, or abroad, 24/7, 365 days per year, and 100% free!

Students abroad may schedule a future appointment through the website, or receive immediate support by phone or WhatsApp chat.   

  • International Number (calls): +1 919 827 0381
  • WhatsApp Phone Number (chat only): +1 984 920 6875 

KU Study Abroad 24/7 International Emergency Line

The KU Study Abroad emergency line is staffed by SAGE personnel. 

Evaluating Incidents

If you are experiencing an emergency with immediate threat to your health or safety, take the following steps:

  • Contact local emergency services (.pdf)
  • Contact your on-site coordinator or program director for immediate instructions.
  • Contact AIG for additional assistance and to open a case file:  001 715-346-0859
  • Contact KU Study Abroad to report your situation and receive additional instructions (see contact details above).

Travel delays, lost luggage/passport/wallet, minor illnesses, and other situations that do not immediately impact your health and safety are generally not considered emergencies. If you encounter one of these situations, take the following steps:

  • Contact your on-site contact, host institution, or program director for support.
  • Contact KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement by phone or email during business hours to notify us of your status, request assistance, or discuss next steps.  The KU Study Abroad 24/7 International Emergency Line should not be used to report or seek assistance for non-urgent incidents.

The Study Abroad & Global Engagement office may contact your designated emergency contact person(s) in the event that you:

  • are unable to speak for yourself or are not responding to urgent inquiries.
  • are perceived to be a danger to yourself or to others.
  • are in a location where there has been a significant health, safety, or security incident and we haven't been able to contact you.

Healix Sentinel Travel Oracle

All student travelers are encouraged to download the Healix Sentinel Travel Oracle app during the preparatory process for study abroad.  Travel Oracle is a proactive risk management tool that provides student travelers with:

  • Country and city resources and intelligence information
  • Real-time safety and security alerts
  • Professional advice on travel health and safety issues
  • An emergency assistance feature allowing students to seek help from KU or report their well-being back to KU in the event of an incident
  • Students can also subscribe to receive updates on locations to which they are considering travel outside of their study abroad destination.

Download instructions are available in your JayhawksAbroad online portal.  

Should a significant incident occur while you are studying abroad, KU Study Abroad and Global Engagement will contact you immediately to ascertain your welfare and provide information, instructions, and advice. Contact will be via email, phone/text, and/or social media. We ask that you respond immediately to all safety checks and other forms of communication.

Additional Resources