Health & Safety

Information on accommodations for students traveling with disabilities can be found on our Accessibility Abroad page.

Health & Safety 

ACM prides itself on having experienced staff who are committed to the health and safety of each and every student. Against this solid background of experience, ACM enthusiastically supports and endorses the recent establishment of the Health and Safety Guidelines for Study Abroad, as published by NAFSA: Association of International Educators. ACM also endeavors to meet the safety and security guidelines set forth by the Forum on Education Abroad in its Standards of Good Practice.  

Health 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Visit the CDC for information on any necessary vaccines and health-related travel issues for France and any other countries you plan to visit during your time abroad.

Information on traveling with medication can also be found on the CDC's website.

Here are some main points to keep in mind:

• All medications should be carried in their original containers with clear labels. Your name and dosing regimen should be on each container.
• Carry copies of all prescriptions, including their generic names and preferably translated into the local language of the destination.
• For controlled substances and injectable medications, travelers should carry a note from the prescribing doctor on letterhead stationery. (Translating the letter into the local language of the destination and attaching this translation to the original document may prove helpful if the document is needed during the trip.)
• Medications and supporting documentation should be packed in your carry-on luggage. 

*Some countries do not permit certain medications. Contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country with any questions pertaining to your medication.

Health Insurance 

Regardless of the coverage they may carry through a personal, family, or school policy, students are required to purchase the insurance coverage provided by ACM, through ACE American Insurance Company. ACM will automatically subscribe you, with the cost included in the program fee.

The policy benefits include the following. All medical-related expenses are paid out-of-pocket and are reimbursed at a later date by check in U.S. dollars.

• Medical Expense & Emergency Medical
• Emergency Medical Evacuation
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Repatriation of Remains
• Emergency Reunion
• Security Evacuation
• Trip Interruption

*For students applying for a long stay student visa, your proof of insurance stating that you are covered for your program in France will be sent to you by e-mail. Important: You will need this document when applying for your student visa.

To receive a copy of the policy, please email admissions@acmfrance.org. For customer service, eligibility verification, plan information or to file a claim, contact ACE directly at 888-293-9229 (from inside the U.S.) or 610-293-9229 (from outside the U.S.).

Health Practices 

ACM is committed to the health of each student, providing the following resources and practices to ensure their well-being while on the program.

• A comprehensive health policy provides students with not only standard coverage but coverage of matters specifically related to study and travel abroad.
• A Physician’s Statement is requested as part of ACM’s initial program application to verify that the student is in good health and not likely to require medical attention while abroad. Any items discussed on the Physician’s Statement are addressed prior to departure to ensure a healthy and enjoyable time on the program.
• A dedicated Wellness and Counseling Center modeled after university counseling centers in the U.S. is available to students on campus. Counseling services are provided in a confidential space, allowing students to talk about any issues or concerns including those related to cultural transition and adjustment.
• A list of Anglophone doctors and dentists is available in the Wellness and Counseling Center.
• A confidential file is maintained by staff with emergency contact information of parents or guardians and/or any special medical conditions of the student.

Sexual Harassment and Discrimination 

ACM is firmly committed to intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect for the dignity of each individual. Acts of discrimination or intimidation are inconsistent with this commitment and will not be tolerated. Prohibited acts include harassment and intimidation motivated by discriminatory intent based on race, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, belief, or genetic information. Any such harassment or intimidation of or by a student or host family should be referred to the dean of student affairs. Similarly, acts of sexual harassment will not be tolerated. ACM students will receive sexual and cultural training as part of their orientation. 

Incident Response 

ACM is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which all members of the ACM community are supported by any and all Institutional resources in responding to any acts of violence and/or assault. ACM has no tolerance for any acts of violence, sexual or otherwise, either within the educational community or as a consequence of altercations involving members of the ACM community, whether linked with ACM programs and activities or not. Swift action and response will follow should the Dean be alerted of ACM community members’ having been victims or assailants in any assault or physical altercation.

• Upon reception of complaints regarding any violence or assault either within ACM facilities, ACM host families or elsewhere in the region, the Dean’s Office will determine, in counsel with the ACM Wellness Director, whether said victim or assailant should be interviewed directly by the Dean.
• Otherwise, the Wellness Director, as a professional counselor, will conduct the interview, writing a report of the information gathered and submitting to the Dean. 
• Simultaneously, if warranted, the Dean’s Office will contact local authorities to report the incident to ensure that altercations are handled within the legal framework of local sanctions.
• Should the incident involve ACM students, the appropriate sending universities will be notified by the Dean’s Office. If the student is a minor, parents will also be notified.
• If the student is 18 years or older, the ACM Dean’s Office will notify the parents only with the student’s consent.

SAFETY 

U.S. Department of State 

ACM highly recommend that all students enroll in the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before they leave for France. By enrolling in this system, the U.S. Embassy is able to keep you updated with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.

Lost or Stolen Passport 

Should your passport be lost or stolen, please visit the following page for information on next steps: Lost or Stolen Passport.

On-Site Safety 

In addition to observing and promoting the Health and Safety Guidelines for Study Abroad mentioned above, regular ACM practices regarding student safety include the following:

National Emergencies & Travel Warnings 

• Each student is registered with the U.S. Consulate in Marseille, depending on their program. Registration at the U.S. Consulate makes the student’s whereabouts known and makes it possible for a consular officer to contact the student in an emergency.
• Students are invited to follow ACM social media channels prior to arrival on-site. News, updates, and travel recommendations made by the U.S. State Department are posted here as well as sent to students via email when appropriate.
• In case of emergency, ACM staff initiate a student check-in using email, phone, social media, and on-site contacts to confirm the safety and location of each ACM student. This information is communicated regularly to both university partners and emergency contacts until each student has been accounted for and/or the emergency has resolved.
• When public announcements concerning American citizens are received from the U.S. Consulate, students are informed by email and/or SMS texting, and the announcement is also posted on bulletin boards throughout ACM buildings.
• ACM is registered with the United States Department of State listserv advisory service which communicates country specific travel advisories as well as information of concern to American citizens abroad. Public announcements are immediately communicated to all On-Site Directors and Deans for communication to students.
• In the event of a local, national, or international emergency, the Institute follows the instructions issued by the U.S. State Department and the French government authorities.

Student Safety On-Site & While Traveling 

• Photocopies of student passports and visas are kept on file at ACM and are accessible to appropriate staff in the U.S. and abroad.
• Each student is expected to keep in their possession a ACM identification card which lists telephone numbers of the College, and the French national numbers for emergency medical help.
• Safety matters are discussed during on-site orientation at the start of each term with particular attention given to any behaviors or areas of town which should be avoided, use of public telephones, and accessing emergency services for police and medical assistance.
• Before departing on any non-ACM travel during weekend or vacation periods, students are required to “sign out” with ACM personnel by submitting an online form with their expected destination, contact numbers if possible, and expected date of return. This information is available to appropriate U.S. and French staff.
• ACM staff maintains up-to-date lists of emergency contact information for both parents/guardians as well as home institution advisor for each student as provided in their initial application to ACM.
• Each On-Site Director and Dean is furnished with a mobile phone that is accessible 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to facilitate communication at any time in emergency situations.
• Faculty and staff who accompany students off-site are also equipped with mobile phones.
• Pre-arrival materials advise students to observe basic common sense and reasonable prudence with respect to personal behavior and preventive medicine while abroad. Students are discouraged from engaging in high-risk leisure activities while abroad. Periodic reminders are issued throughout the semester from Deans and On-Site Directors.
• Pre-arrival materials include a liability release form signed by each student to make them aware of the determinant role which their personal conduct may play in avoiding risk.
• WSA Travel: ACM is part of the WSA network which provides students with safe travel options abroad (perhaps have this both on the Health & Safety page and the current Travel Logistics page)

Contact Information 

Should you need to reach ACM staff or administration in France, please refer to the following links.

ACM Staff Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
ACM Staff Non-Emergency Contact Phone Numbers