Summer SAGE Program
Safety Information

The Summer SAGE Program takes student safety very seriously. There are inherent risks that exist in life and in travel, whether at home or overseas, but SAGE goes to great lengths to minimize risk. When designing overseas adventures, SAGE takes numerous planning precautions to reduce potential safety risks. We have outlined these preventative steps below:

• Rigorous Selection of Trip Leaders: Our Trip Leaders are seasoned travelers, have extensive experience with teenage youth, and have substantial experience in India or in developing countries. They are certified in CPR and First Aid, and often have Advanced First Aid or Wilderness First Responder Certification. SAGE selects mature Trip Leaders who have sound judgment, who are competent and responsible, and who have a proven track record of managing challenging situations. SAGE runs safety background checks and conducts an in-depth interview with each Trip Leader. We have great confidence in our rigorous selection process and are proud of our exceptional Trip Leaders.
  
  
• Safety Training for Trip Leaders: We provide training to our Trip Leaders before departure so they are well-versed in safety issues, risk mitigation, and safety procedures. During SAGE training, Trip Leaders identify potential safety risks during travel, brainstorm specific strategies for preventing risk, and role play emergency response scenarios. Trip Leaders learn how to minimize risky student behavior, such as drug and alcohol use, in order to maximize group safety. SAGE also trains Trip Leaders to be flexible in planning and requires that they change plans if there is ever a sign of potential risk with an activity or destination.

• Risk Management Training: All SAGE administrative staff members have completed a comprehensive NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) course in risk management. During the training, SAGE staff members identify potential program hazards and create a strategy for mitigating and avoiding safety risks.

• Student Safety Training: SAGE provides training to students when they arrive in the country so that they are sensitized to and learn how to prevent safety risks. For example, the in-country orientation covers topics such as keeping documents and money secure, carrying hotel and emergency contact information, avoiding unwanted attention by dressing in a way that is respectful of local culture, etc. SAGE does not allow students to do any exploration or activities alone; students must always be in groups of three or more.

• Close Collaboration with Local Experts: SAGE has an extensive network of contacts and personal relationships in the countries we work in. We work directly with local experts and counterparts on the ground, so that we always have quick access to information and resources. SAGE carefully screens local organizations to ensure that they have outstanding reputations and trustworthy track records.

• Excellent Medical Insurance: SAGE provides each student with extensive medical insurance while they are abroad so that they have full access to emergency care. The insurance is in effect for the full length of the trip and is effective 24 hours a day worldwide. Some of the insurance plan benefits include: 100% of routine doctor or hospital visits, costs incurred for a medical evacuation, flight costs for a family member to travel for a bedside visit, etc. SAGE sends families a detailed description of the full medical insurance plan prior to departure.

• Open Communication: SAGE communicates regularly with parents and in-country staff during the course of a summer trip to ensure that everyone is informed about the group’s whereabouts and overall status. Students are also able to communicate with friends and family back home periodically via email and public pay phones.

• Students Accompanied During International Travel: All Summer SAGE students are met by a SAGE Trip Leader at a U.S. airport of departure, and then travel on to the country together as a group. Trip Leaders also guide students when they travel back home to the U.S. Upon returning to the U.S., Trip Leaders do not depart from the U.S. airport until all students have arrived safely at their gates and have boarded planes for home.

• Small Group Size and Flexible Planning: A unique aspect of the Summer SAGE Program is our emphasis on maintaining small group sizes and low student-Trip Leader ratios. We do this not only to ensure a high quality experience for students and to make sure that student needs are met, but also to maximize the security and safety of the group. With smaller group sizes, Trip Leaders are able to manage student behavior risks more effectively and to remain flexible in planning. Trip Leaders can also respond more quickly to changes in weather conditions, political circumstances, or student health.

While it is unfeasible to guarantee absolute and complete safety on an overseas travel adventure, SAGE takes numerous steps to mitigate student safety risks and takes a precautionary approach when designing summer trips. SAGE has an outstanding safety track record and has not had one serious student illness or injury since it began sending students to India in 1992.

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