GAV places top priority on student health and safety. Luckily, the vast majority of students who study abroad each year do so without incident. However, accidents do happen, emergency situations develop, and illnesses can occur, even when students are abroad. Amidst any of these circumstances GAV’s committed and experienced team is able to assist students and faculty leaders 24/7.
Understanding that risk mitigation begins with preventative knowledge, GAV provides site-specific, pre-departure health and safety information to all participants. Local information is then re-introduced at orientation soon after arrival. In addition, we maintain a 24/7 Student Support Line at each of our program locations, and the local team is able to advise on healthcare facilities and assist students as needed.
Given the potential need for healthcare and/or other types of emergency assistance while abroad, GAV asks that partner institutions require such coverage for their study abroad students.
With regard to internship placements, GAV conducts rigorous vetting of each host organization and holds them to the highest professional standards. While interns may experience a sharp difference in work culture between their home country and their internship host country, discrimination and harassment are unacceptable everywhere and will not be tolerated. GAV strives to ensure that interns are placed in an environment where they can concentrate fully on their work and thrive while learning about their future career path and expanding their professional network.