St Olaf College complies with the best practices in the field of education abroad including those sanctioned by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the Forum on Education Abroad. St Olaf is an active member of NAFSA and the Forum, including participating in conference presentations and leadership roles. St Olaf policy and practice follows and reflects all industry best practices/standards.
Useful Links
The Smith Center strongly recommends COVID vaccination and a recent booster before you study abroad/away. We believe this best protects the health and safety of our participants and the communities you will visit. Some destinations and/or program hosts may require vaccination. You are responsible for reviewing the COVID entry requirements for your country and program of study.
Talk with your physician about COVID and any other travel vaccinations or medications that may be recommended for your destination.
Smith Center 24 Hour Emergency Phone: +1 (507) 321-2100
Smith Center office: +1 (507) 786-3069 *Available during business hours only
State Department of State Overseas Citizens Services:
Inside the US: +1 (888)407-4747
From Overseas: +1 (202) 501-4444
Resources for Getting Help in an Emergency
St. Olaf Counseling Center: +1 (507) 786-3062
(After Hours: St. Olaf Public Safety +1 (507) 786-3666)
The health and safety are our students is our top priority. Insurance will not prevent accidents or illness from happening; however, it can relieve other stressors and provide assistance when you most need it.
All students are required to maintain U.S. based health insurance if they will be returning to the U.S. at any point in the academic year.
To learn more about our insurance requirement, EIIA International Travel Insurance, and other insurance related considerations, visit our Insurance page.
All individuals traveling on behalf of St. Olaf, or as a participant in institution sponsored trips (i.e. study abroad/away programs), outside of the United States or its Territories and Possessions are automatically included in this program’s protection. There is no additional cost or registration required. Services and benefits outside of the United States include but are not limited to: Accidental Death & Dismemberment; Emergency medical care for a serious accident or sickness; Evacuation – Medical, Natural Disaster, and Security (Political Unrest); Lost or Stolen Baggage; Trip Cancellation and Interruption resulting from a serious accident or sickness.
Visit EIIA Travel Insurance with Healix for more information and claims forms.
- Study Abroad Health and Safety Resources for Students and Parents
Provides links country-specific study abroad information and study abroad tips & information - Study Abroad Health and Safety Report
This MN Office of Higher Education report is intended to provide the public with a more accurate understanding of the risks of studying abroad and reports study abroad health and safety incident data along with student participation data for all MN Institutions (including St. Olaf). This information is annually submitted to OHE by Minnesota postsecondary institutions whose students studied abroad in the prior academic year.
- 911-Equivalent Emergency Phone Numbers by Country
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- U.S Department of State
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Purchase medical and allergy alert cards in other languages