Health and Safety

Prior to travel TIE will meet with school leaders, parents, and students to go over all safety concerns and potential risks.  Our experts will guide you through the process ensuring that students will have ample time to consult a healthcare professional and to get recommended immunizations prior to travel.
Here are the steps we’ve taken to ensure that we are in control of all students’ safety and well being:

• All TIE staff are trained in crisis management, and are first aid certified
• All TIE staff are provided with all hospital locations in the areas they are traveling.
• All TIE staff are able to seamlessly translate all medical terminology from Chinese to English to ensure that the correct steps are being taken, and no students with allergies will be given anything that will adversely affect them.

In addition to our meetings, TIE encourages that all participants consult the Center for Disease Control’s website CDC China, at least 1-2 months prior to departure.  Following registration TIE will provide further information concerning the specific area in which you are travelling, as well as all recommendations from the CDC regarding vaccines, and all applicable health concerns for your destination.

Insurance:

Despite all necessary precautions, in the event that a participant falls ill or has an accident while traveling, TIE group leader(s) will be available to assist the traveler in receiving immediate medical attention. TIE provides International travel insurance through Atlas Travel Insurance. The atlas insurance emergency hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

Note: Pre-existing conditions, mental illness and pregnancy are not covered by the TIE policy. TIE therefore recommends that each traveler’s own comprehensive medical insurance be current and include coverage for the destination country.

Safety:

Although emergency situations are rare, TIE tries to prepare for the worst, and has the best interests of all participants as a priority. All TIE programs are led by an in country specialist, so that that any safety concerns can be identified. We work with trusted local specialists and partner schools ensuring that both the local government, as well as the US government are notified in the event that an emergency situation does occur.

During the homestay portion of the program, all families are background checked, and visited by our partner school administrators. We also ensure that all host families are non-smoking inside the house so that all students are in safe environments. Throughout the duration of the homestay the Chinese authorities are also aware of our presence and are sure to keep tabs on our whereabouts at all times.

Emergency Response Plan:

Prior to departure TIE will establish a phone and email chain to ensure that all parents/legal guardians that are not traveling are kept abreast of any situation that may arise. In the event of a life threatening situation and one that immediate medical attention is required, TIE staff are authorized to make a decision based on their expertise in the area of travel. All other decisions which are not emergencies, will be communicated with parents before making a decision.

Disclaimer:

This guide does not constitute legal or medical advice. We encourage you to speak with health care professional for your own advice to find out how safety and health in China applies to you, as it is your responsibility to determine your obligations. Examples in this guide are not exhaustive and are not intended to impose or imply particular rules or requirements.