IFSA | Overseas health and safety

Maintain our high standards

Expert advice

Staying informed and communicating with other experts ensures that we provide the best in health and safety. IFSA adheres to health, safety, security and risk management guidelines and best practices established by BREAK: Association of International Educators and The Education Abroad Forum. Additionally, we regularly consult with government agencies, private sector experts and other safety and security professionals specializing in international education.

welcome to all

The IFSA Participation Agreement and Code of Conduct both prohibit discrimination, bullying and microaggressions. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence – a core principle of IFSA that welcomes all students, no matter where they come from or what they believe – and work to maximize the safe expression of identity. It is important for students to be aware that cultural practices in the countries they visit may not align with this philosophy. If you’re having trouble with cultural norms abroad, we’re always here to help. Please contact us.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

To protect the health and safety of our students and staff and to respect the well-being of the communities where we explore and study, IFSA has put in place a series of COVID-19 risk mitigation measures. These are based on best practices recognized by authorities such as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Vaccination is clearly the most important and effective way to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death from COVID-19, as well as to minimize the spread among students and communities. Beyond protecting the health of students and the community, vaccination is also crucial for the development of students. It allows for a richer overall experience with broader program options and helps prevent quarantine and social restrictions, as well as additional expenses such as quarantine testing and housing.

For these reasons, all IFSA students are required to follow the latest vaccination and booster protocols to protect against COVID-19. Additionally, we strongly recommend that students and host families follow current best practices to mitigate the risk of exposure. For more information, please visit our COVID Resources Page.

Sexual misconduct, relationship violence and harassment

We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for all students. See our full policy here.