Risk and Travel Policies
The Center for Global Education and Bates College rely on multiple factors when assessing the risk or safety of travel to approved study abroad locations. Many of these resources are included below and are available for the general public, some are not. It is important for students and families to be aware of the inherent risks related to travel and being a foreigner in another location.
Bates partners a majority of the time with on-site partners and programs, these organizations also provide their own level of assessment, support, and resources. Because of their strong ties to the locations on the ground, we also rely on these partners’ assessments.
U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories are issued for all countries . The advisories range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Bates requires that a Special Waiver and Acknowledgement be signed by the student and a parent/guardian when participating in off-campus study in a country for which a Level 3 has been issued by the U.S. Department of State. Travel to a Level 3 location will be reviewed by the Center for Global Education and Off-Campus Study Committee. Typically Bates does not approve travel and study in specific locations with a Level 4 advisory.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control Travel Notices are issued for all countries. These notices range from Level 1 to Level 4, and as of April 2021 are tied together with the U.S. Department of State. Typically Bates does not approve travel and study in specific locations with a Level 4 notice.
The World Health Organization.