Safety Policies & Procedures

EF’s safety policies

Alcohol

EF does not allow travelers under the age of 18 to consume alcohol on tour. The Group Leader might wish to prohibit alcohol consumption by all travelers, regardless of age, and if so, they will ask travelers to sign a Prohibiting Beer & Wine form. Excessive drinking or consumption of hard liquor by anyone in the tour group will result in disciplinary action, including immediate dismissal from the tour at the traveler’s expense.

Hotel safety

Please be aware that every person in a hotel room may not have a room key. When students receive their room assignment, they should designate a keyholder or plan to leave their key at the reception desk when they are not in their room. Remember that their hotel door should remain locked at all times, both when they leave the room and when they are inside. Because the type of fire safety systems provided will vary between hotels, travelers should read the fire safety instructions in their hotel room and know where the nearest fire exits are located. Some hotel rooms may not have phones, so travelers should know where they can find their Group Leader and Tour Director at all times. The Tour Director will review safety policies while on tour, and it’s important that all travelers pay close attention.

Traffic and transportation safety

Travelers should keep in mind that traffic patterns and behaviors can be very different abroad than at home. Cars might drive on the opposite side of the road, so travelers should always look both ways before crossing the street. Don’t forget to look, right! Travelers should pay special attention at intersections, use pedestrian crosswalks whenever possible, and always wear a seat belt on tour buses if available. In many cities, there are hourly bicycle rentals readily available. Travelers should NOT partake in these rentals since helmets are not provided, and they are not part of an organized, guided bike tour.

Swimming

Travelers may have the opportunity to swim in an ocean, a lake, a river, or a hotel pool. In most cases, there may not be a lifeguard on duty. Swimming will only be allowed in EF-designated areas and with the permission and knowledge of the Group Leader. If there is any question about the conditions or safety in the area, they should stay out of the water. If students decide to swim at any point during the tour, they should be sure to swim with a group of friends and follow all swimming area rules.

Free-time activities

Some tours may include some free time. However, this does not necessarily mean that students are free to do whatever they like without restriction. Travelers should always stay with others and NOT go anywhere alone. The Group Leader is responsible for the supervision of the group at all times. EF only allows travelers to participate in EF-sanctioned optional excursions or other EF-approved activities suggested by the Tour Director. PLEASE NOT that the Global Travel Protection Plan does not cover activities that are not sanctioned by EF.