Health, Safety, and
Security

https://worldstrides.com.au/why-worldstrides/health-safety-security/

Health, Safety, and
Security

Your safety is our top priority

Your safety is our top priority

When you travel with WorldStrides or participate in one of our programs, you can rest assured knowing that we have spent five decades putting a network of support in place to safeguard your group and your experience. The world has thrown us lots of curveballs over our 50 years in business, and we have and will continue to refine our best practices for safety to fit the current environment, and to match the age and stage of life for all of our students. Our resources are deep and our team is prepared. This painstaking work behind the scenes lets educators and students focus on what’s most important—learning and enjoying the experience at hand!

It’s all in the planning

Our protocols for health and safety have evolved many times over 50-plus-years in business, and they are evolving again today to fit the unique situation presented by the new coronavirus. We certainly recognise the uncertainty presented by this disease, and we are working to adapt in ways that can allow young people, now and into the future, to experience the inspiration and transformation that millions of students before them have experienced on our programs. Our Back-to-Travel task force is evaluating changes that are necessary and prudent for traveller safety in this new environment.

The values that underpin our commitment to health and safety are unchanged – a dedication to scenario and contingency planning that relies on a rich network of partners, and a “do-what-it-takes” commitment to respond to whatever the world hands out.

  • Partnerships: We work closely with organisations like Exlog-Global to stay up-to-the-minute on world events, and can utilise their extensive resources to respond in a serious situation. Dr. Sikka, Chief of Innovative Practice at the George Washington University Department of Medicine, is part of our team as Medical Director. Over several decades we have carefully selected and developed strong relationships with airlines and global hotel networks that align with our safety standards. All of our vendors are vetted and typically very experienced in working with our team.
  • Worldwide network: We have more than 70 offices worldwide to further enhance our safety capabilities. Our local staff and local partnerships help to get real-time information that’s key to our planning and response.
  • Insurance: WorldStrides has always invested in best-in-class medical, medical evacuation, and liability insurance that provides an extra layer of coverage for our participants, our Program Leaders, and the schools with which we partner.

An arsenal of emergency support

Ask anyone who’s had an unexpected emergency while travelling with us and they’ll tell you – we have your back every day, every hour…24/7, no matter what! Hear it from our Program Leaders!

  • WorldAssist: Our safety and security command centre! This office is staffed 24/7 by WorldStrides employees who are specially trained to handle any situation—no matter how big or how small.
  • Doctors on Call: Especially at a time in the world where health is of the utmost importance, we are proud of our exclusive partnership with the George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine. In addition to protocols and training, this service provides your group access to doctors who can consult on your situation should the need arise. We also have mental health support for any participant, just a phone call away.
  • Adult Supervision: We’ll provide supervision that’s perfectly tuned to your groups needs. For younger travellers, that’s 24/7 support, including Night Chaperones who’ll watch the hallway at your hotel. For older students, we’ll be there to recommend a coffee shop or spring into action in an emergency – whatever you need, we’re there.
Health and Safety Team

Health and Safety Team

We believe Health and Safety is a full-time job. Not just for one person, but for a team. Ours is led by Vice President Robin Reliford, who is solely focused on the job of keeping our students safe. Backed by the resources of the entire organisation, our health and safety professionals are ready to spring into action with plans for situations large and small.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Emergency Contact Numbers

Our WorldAssist team members around the world are available 24 hours a day to alert us about an emergency or to find out more information about an emergency with a current travelling program. Please call WorldAssist only in regard to an emergency on a program that is currently travelling.

WorldAssist by WorldStrides 24/7/365 Support

+1-703-933-6143

Frequently Asked Questions

Our school has stringent risk regulations for travel. Can you meet them?

We are pros at navigating the sometimes-complex regulations of a specific school district or university system, and are confident we can meet even the most stringent risk regulations for travel. WorldStrides has an unmatched safety record and the largest liability insurance policy in the industry.

What if a student has a medical emergency while the group is traveling?

In the event of an emergency, WorldStrides Tour Central office is available 24 hours a day. This office is the gateway to our Doctors on Call Program. Doctors on Call is an exclusive partnership we have with the George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine. Through this partnership, doctors provide consultation just for our participants, typically avoiding a visit to a local doctor or ER. Doctors on Call is just one of the many steps we take to provide a safe experience for our teachers, students, and parents.