Study Abroad Emergencies
EIU students who are overseas and in crisis need to contact:
1.Your faculty leader's cell phone (check your emergency card or ask another student it you don't have it)
2. On- site staff at host institution
3. EIU William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad (00) 1-217-581-7355 or 217-581-3390
4. Local emergency services in your host country (911 equivalent number)
5. EIU Police 24/7/365: (00) 1-217-581-3212
6. EIU Gallagher Insurance 24/7/365 medical assistance: +1 (866) 693-6873 (toll free from outside the U.S (collect calls accepted) or Direct Dial from inside U.S +1 (312) 935-9242
7. Nearest US Embassy or Consulate (US citizens)
Local Emergency Assistance for Students
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 the US State Department's Getting Help in an Emergency to find out what to do in a variety of circumstances (i.e., lost/stolen passport, financial assistance, arrest/incarceration, etc.)
- U.S. Department of State Switchboard: 1-800-877-8339 (from overseas: 1-202-647-4000)
- Overseas Citizens Services: Call 1-888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444)
- After Hours Duty Officer: 1-202-498-9077
- Life-or-Death Emergencies: 1-202-647-4000
- Lost/Stolen Passports: Call 1-877-487-2778
- Embassies/Consulates (varies by location)
Medical Assistance/Health Insurance
What to do if you get sick while traveling.
All students who study abroad through EIU are enrolled in a Gallagher International Health Insurance and Emergency Assistance Plan. All students are highly encouraged to download the Gallagher app and register as a user.
Gallagher offers 24/7/365 Global Health & Safety phone assistance. Gallagher representatives are available for help managing any issues related to medical care.
To contact Gallagher Global Health & Safety call:
- Inside the US, call toll free (312)-935-9242
- Outside the US, call collect +1 (866)-693-6873
Eastern Illinois University
To reach the University in the event of an emergency, please call the EIU Police Department at (217) 581-3212. A dispatcher is available 24/7/365. This information is detailed on the emergency card you received at pre-departure orientation.
Other important university phone numbers:
- Dean of Graduate Studies, International Programs - (217)-581-2220
- Counseling Center - (217) 581-3413
- Health Service - (217) 581-3013
- Housing Office at EIU - (217) 581-5111
- Office of Registrar- (217) 581- 3511
- Financial Aid - (217) 581- 6405
- Bursar/Student Accounts - (217) 581- 3715