Emergency Contacts Card

Safety & Security

Registration to Global Rescue Service and STEP
All participating students are required to register for the Middlebury travel registration, which grants access to the Global Rescue Service. Students are also advised to register for the State Department’s STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It is recommended that non-US citizens register for any equivalent programs offered by their own countries.

Students should report their travel dates and flight information to the program coordinator as soon as they are available, but this does not serve as a substitute for Middlebury travel registration.

Independent Travel
Students will possibly be traveling during free time from class and site visits. Students will be required to let Team France faculty know where they will be travelling to and for how long. Any travel done outside of the program, whether before or after the program or on weekends during the program, is done at students’ own risk and expense. Students should plan to arrive on time for the course start date.

Personal Safety
Petty Theft: Students need to be aware of the risk of petty theft. Pickpockets are common in the metro and surrounding tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and museums. Students are recommended to take precautions against theft such as:

  • Be aware of your belongings and your situation at all times.
  • Walk with confidence.
  • Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a non-local:
  • Consult maps in secluded locations
  • Avoid speaking loudly in English in public
  • Avoid tourist locations during busy hours

If an incident does occur, students should report incidents of theft to the local authorities and inform the on-site coordinator. Do not engage the pickpocket or thief.

Sexual Assault and Harassment:  Sexual crimes are rare, but can happen.  Students may also encounter cat-calling or slurs on the street.  Students are encouraged to explore in groups, particularly at night, and ensure that someone knows when they are leaving and plan to return to housing. If an incident does occur, contact local authorities.  Also note that the Faculty Leader, David Wick, is a mandated reporter.

Terrorism
As students may be aware, France has had several terrorist attacks in the last few years, and as a result the French government has called a state of emergency. The French government has raised the national security alert system, Vigipirate, from ‘Vigilance’ to ‘Attack Alert.’ The ‘Attack Alert’ level is still in effect for the Ile de France region, which includes Paris. The U.S. Department of State warns that terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Europe. The State Department’s travel warnings for France, including terrorism alerts, can be accessed here. In the case of an emergency please familiarize yourself with the Team France Emergency Plan for an evacuation plan and other emergency situation resources such as communication plans.

Additionally, it is important that students be aware of their surroundings and avoid areas where large crowds are gathered, such as political demonstrations.

It is also important to note that a state of emergency grants extra rights to local, national and military forces, who can arrest and detain without evidence. It is important to comply with authorities under this state.

Health & Wellness

Vaccinations

There are no mandated vaccinations to travel to France. However, students are advised to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as:

  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
  • Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Polio
  • Yearly flu shot

Students are encouraged to stay hydrated, eat well and get a full amount of sleep to stay healthy.

Personal Safety

Petty Theft: Students need to be aware of the risk of petty theft. Pickpockets are common in the metro and surrounding tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and museums. Students are recommended to take precautions against theft such as:

  • Be aware of your belongings and your situation at all times.
  • Walk with confidence.
  • Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a non-local.
  • Consult maps in secluded locations.
  • Avoid speaking loudly in English in public.
  • Avoid tourist locations during busy hours.

If an incident does occur, students should report incidents of theft to the local authorities and inform the on-site coordinator. Do not engage the pickpocket or thief.

Sexual Assault and Harassment:  Sexual crimes are rare, but can happen.  Students may also encounter cat-calling or slurs on the street.  Students are encouraged to explore in groups, particularly at night, and ensure that someone knows when they are leaving and plan to return to housing. If an incident does occur, contact local authorities.  Also note that the Faculty Leader, David Wick, is a mandated reporter.


Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drug use is a low risk for students. Marijuana is criminalized in France and will result in jail time. Students are advised to leave any social settings in which marijuana is present. The legal age for alcohol and tobacco is 18. Students are reminded that they are representatives of the Middlebury Institute for the duration of this program and beyond, and should behave in a professional manner that does not endanger their safety or the safety of others.

Wellness

Students are encouraged to continue any self-care practices they currently do at home while abroad. Here is a suggested self-care plan to keep in mind while abroad.

Self-Care Plan Suggestions
Journaling Track emotional responses to events, physical sensations, and reflections on experience.
Continued support If you currently receive support from a professional for your wellness, consider establishing a communication plan while abroad. This can be done via Skype, phone call, email, and/or text.
Exercise Studies show that physical health is reflected in mental and emotional health. If you usually exercise at home, find someone in the program who you can continue this with.
Talk it out Reach out to classmates or faculty leader for support if you find yourself becoming overwhelmed. Consider speaking to a member of your cohort before departure in order to have established support.
Nutrition Make sure you are eating healthy foods along with allowing yourself comfort foods.

Health & Wellness Orientation

Click here to view the orientation.