General Local Assistance. In the event of an emergency, students abroad should first contact the on-site staff at the host institution or their faculty director. This is usually the best source of information and assistance in a foreign country. You can also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy and Consulate.
Visit Emergencies and Crises and Get Help in a Foreign Country to find out what to do in a variety of circumstances when you need help abroad (i.e., lost/stolen passport, financial assistance, arrest/incarceration, etc.).
Families in the United States whose U.S. citizen relatives abroad are directly affected by the crisis can also communicate with the Department of State through our Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management at (202) 647-5225. If a 24-hour task force or working group is established in the Department of State Operations Center to manage the crisis, you will be directed to the Task Force at (202) 647-0900. Locating U.S. Citizens in the Event of an Emergency.
Medical Assistance/Health Insurance. All students who study abroad through EIU are enrolled in an HTH International Health Insurance and Emergency Assistance Plan. For detailed information about this plan and securing help in the event of a medical emergency, click here. Much more than a typical insurance plan, members have a great number of benefits available to them, including Doctor Search, CityHealth Profiles, Security Profiles, News, Drug Translation Guide, Medical Phrases and Terms Translation, and Travel Health.
Eastern Illinois University. To reach the University in the event of an emergency, please call the EIU Police Department at (217) 581-3212. This information is detailed on the emergency card you received at pre-departure orienation.
